2. analog
  3. 122997-1975

"Thriller": A great demo disc!

I know I'm behind on this one. It's just for this reason that I make this post. I purchased a well played copy of "Thriller" over ten years ago. I've cleaned it and until today, played it maybe 3 times. So, what changed?...

My system. I have thousands of $ in vibration control, thousands of $ in equipment... and one meager little Acutex 420 STR that I've just remounted after having Axel re-tip it over one year ago.

This lp sounds absolutely fantastic! Maybe the best sound I've heard through my system ever... yes, ever!

What I find fascinating is just that.... on a good system, a low cost cartridge that gels in one's system, can be magic!
128x128slaw
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
The Acutex 420 STR in the right headshell and tonearm is simply a 'killer' cartridge.
Enjoy....

slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,681 posts
 
halcro, since I had it re-tipped with a shibata diamond, it is so much more quiet than when original and seems to extract more info. Nice, very nice!
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
+1 on Toto 4
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,681 posts
 
Going to pull out my copy of Toto IV after decades, to listen. Thanks.
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,681 posts
 
While I find Toto to be an excellent recording, in my system, I hear these differences: FWIW:

Toto: somewhat warmer overall presentation, doesn't have the "enveloping soundstage of "Thriller", therefore, lacks the expressiveness that captures and holds my attention by comparison.

10cc "Deceptive Bends": Has all of the warmth and adds the enveloping soundstage, but lacks the overall magic of "Thriller".

XTC "Wasp Star... Apple, Venus Vol II": Other than the somewhat muddy bass, this lp is VERY expressive, has a good amount of warmth. Soundstage to die for. Just slightly "in your face".

Just comparing these 4, I'd rank them in this order:

Thriller
XTC
10cc

Toto

While I intended this post to be more about the virtues of the Acutex cartridge, I'm happy to give some impressions on these lps.

Cheers!
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