Looking for a London (DECCA) Reference phono cartridge

Join the club. I can't believe John can't get a buyer for the business.

Try eBay for sellers who bought John's remaining stock.

He had a dealer/distributor in San Francisco for quite a few years. I don't remember his name, but a Google search may bring it up.

I wish you luck. My Reference, recently rebuilt by John, is not going to be sold, and nor is the Jubilee I have as backup. You could probably find a used Super Gold or Maroon more easily if you are willing to go there. There is a very long and informative threat over at Lenco Heaven with many owners participating.

As for set up advice, the modern London pickups are much less fussy than the older Decca designs. I have never heard any hum or had any tracking problems. I have used them with SME Series V and M10 (like the 309) arms.

One thing I forgot to add. I bought all sorts of other MI designs when the Reference went away for the rebuild. The one that came the closest was the Nagaoka MP-500. Good enough that I bought a second TT and a couple of spare styli for it. If you can't get a Reference, this might be a substitute.