Personal turntable/cartridge evolution

Time I updated mine. Sold the TNT Mk. II with its SDS conditioner/controller. My first re-plinthed Lenco (L78) has been replaced by a two-armed monster Lenco (replinthed L75 by Jean Nantais) with both JMW 10.5 and SME IIIs arms fitted.

The Lencos -- especialy the new one -- totally blew away the TNT/SDS combo.

The JMW arm now has a Decca Super Gold Mk VII cart -- best sound I've ever had.

The SME IIIs arm has three armtubes with vintage Ortofon, Sonus, and ADC cartridges.

Around 1974 on a student's budget: belt driven Pioneer with Shure MM , I can't possibly recall the model designations anymore.
Around 1981 on some of my first earned wages: Technics SL-QL1 linear tracking direct drive with T4P plug-in Ortofon TMC 200 (MC); I wanted something as easy to handle as a cd-player there.
Around 1985: Micro BL 91 with SME 3009 R and Clearaudio Delta Improved (MC)
Mid-nineties: Clearaudio Victory H (MC) to replace the Delta.
2002: Well Tempered Reference with Reference Arm, Clearaudio Victory H remained in place.
2006: Transfiguration Spirit III to replace the Clearaudio.

I now use the Magic Diamond cartridge(purchased from freakyvynil.I guess he is the main man for this cartridge).The best cartridge I ever heard.This cartridge will let you see what the microphone sees.It will tell you if the recording is lean or fat or in the middle.I have listened to a few master tapes during my time working at EAR(UK)and the Magicdiamond reminded me of that.Extremely detailed with superb balance and easy to listen to.You will need a state of the art phonostage and turntable to hear(see)what it can do.

1964 Gerrard Type A
1964 Fairchild 412/Fairchild 500 arm
1967 Acoustic Research XA
1970 Miracord 50 H (bad move)
1972 Phillips semi automatic (worse move)
1976 Acoustic Research
1978 Thorens 125/SME
1981 Ariston R11/SME
1983 thru 2002 CD players
2002 to present Rega P25 and restored A R XA and Fairchild 412

Hi,
since 1996 i restart hearing analog.
1. Thorens 147 with a denon 110 Cart.
2. 2002 Scheu Cello with RB 250 and Scheu Benz High Output MC
3. 2003 Scheu Premier with Cantus tonarm and Scheu Benz Ruby 2
4. 2004 Scheu Premier with Tacco Tonarm and Ruby 3
5. 2005 TW Acustic Raven with Fidelity Research FR66 FX and Shelter 301 MC. later Dynavector XX2
6. 2006 TW Acustic Raven AC with FR 66FX and MSL The Eminent and as second tonearm Feickert DFA 10.5 with Shelter 201 MM.
regards Thomas
www.ravenac.de