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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
howardalex's avatar
howardalex
64 posts
 
@noromance - thanks for the tip, I’ll try that on the LDR
howardalex's avatar
howardalex
64 posts
 
@noromance  - love your system ! I have a Radford STA25 just made for those ESL 57s !
it’s not in use but it’s pleasurable just looking at ...
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,988 posts
 
@howardalex Thank you. I had a Radford ST50 long time ago with MO KT88s. Sweet and powerful with 3D imaging. But the big caps dried out and I let it go. My modified EICOs stun me every day with their control, detail, color and lifelike sound on the ESLs.
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
This is for you Bydlo....to keep you going till your LDR arrives 😃
I run mine at the recommended 1.8Gm (2/3 Static Force, 1/3 Dynamic) with a modicum of Antiskate 🤏

This shows the versatility of the LDR to 'rock' despite the often disruptive interference of Phil Spector....

LONDON DECCA REFERENCE
howardalex's avatar
howardalex
64 posts
 
@halcro - hi, I’m just trying my LDR at 1.65gm with minimum bias on FR66s. I tried it last night and it was very nice at that setting , will have another go later...
I asked John Wright what the VTF should be and he said “1.8gm +/- 0.2gm” so I guess the recommended range is 1.6-2.0 gm.
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