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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. 
kmccarty
bydlo
142 posts
 
A question to LDR users: When lowering and rising the cart, it makes a short pronounced "nasal squeal". Do you also experience it? If so is it normal or is it suboptimal setup as some suggest?

Thanks 
bydlo
142 posts
 
Any feedback :) ? @halcro  @noromance  @howardalex 
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
If so is it normal or is it suboptimal setup as some suggest?
Certainly not normal here......
And that's with all types of headshells on four different arms. Is the "nasal squeal" you hear, coming through the speakers or from the tonearm/cartridge?
I can't get a grip on exactly what your hearing....?
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,198 posts
 
Never heard anything like that. It sounds like the armature could be loose or damaged or the tie-back cord is not doing its job. 
bydlo
142 posts
 
Thank you guys :) It's more of a "plum"-type of a sound. Very short. It comes through the speakers when I lower and rise the cart. I doubt the cart has any damage as it tracks the most demanding opera/orchestra tracks like a charm! Even dirty vinyls. It doesn't really bother me but elsewhere got read that it is sort of normal with non-optimal setup, esp. the VTA. I've contacted Brian, let's see what he says. This beauty definitely desires every effort to optimize the setup!

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