2. analog
  3. 118945-6829

LONDON Decca, Tzar DST and similar cartridges

I have always been curious about these phono cartridges and the Stereophile review of the Tzar DST has heightened my interest. When I read about the peculiarities of these cartridges, I am put off from trying them. Can anyone offer persuasive reasons to try them and also provide real practical advice on how to make them work reliably?  Tonearm suggestions? Phono preamp suggestions? Damping recommendations? How badly do they grind out record grooves?  Any other words of advice? Thanks. 
128x128kmccarty
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,988 posts
 
@halcro Sounds great. Very clear. Nice recording. Curious. You wrote a few years ago advising against graphite headshells. What changed your mind? 
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Thanks Noromance.....😃
You wrote a few years ago advising against graphite headshells. What changed your mind?
Good question.....
I made the common mistake of audiophiles in 'assuming' that my experiences with carbon-fibre (not graphite) in the playback system (mats, tonearms) would apply to headshells as well....🤗
When I actually tried the Yamamoto HS-4 Carbon Fiber in my system....I realised I had been wrong.....🙃

Are you still having the same issues with your HS-4 headshell....?
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
I use the UNI-protractor for all my cartridge set-ups except with the DV-507/II which comes with its own easy-to-use Overhang Gauge.

I don't think you should have trouble with the Mint.....
Presumably Yip prepared it with the P to S distance of 250mm rather than the 251.5mm recommended by Dietrich Brakemeier....?
And he normally sets it to Baerwald (Löfgren A)...so just ensure your P to S is as accurate as you can get it.
Good luck.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,988 posts
 
@halcro Of course, I meant carbon fibre not graphite. I returned the Yamamoto CF headshell so I can’t experiment further. The bass was better delineated but the upper mids, highs and air were attenuated. That's a no-no for me. If I get a tax rebate, I may try the Arche. It is expensive but it has sterling feedback.
howardalex's avatar
howardalex
64 posts
 
@chakster, re the FR7 series I actually have the basic FR7, the FR7fz (that  you refer to), a “one off “ which is stamped “PW-1” as well as the FR7fc.
In my system the FR7fc and the “PW-1” shade it ahead of the fz (which is itself a big upgrade on the basic FR7).
To my ears the fc is just more musical, like an mc version of the London Reference.
Of course my ears could probably also do with an upgrade, but sadly I’m stuck with them !

More to discover