To concur with some of the others’ statements, I also went from an Airtight PC-1s, which was a considerably warm cartridge, but almost equally as magical as the Sig Gold. I found the Sig Gold to be just a little less bloomy and much better in terms of dynamics and detail. It is still slightly on the warm side of neutral, but it’s exactly what is needed given the neutrality of the remainder of my system.
My Sonic Lab Platinum v Gold Signature
Has anyone compared them? I’m tempted by the Platinum but a little concerned it might edge into hyper-detail, which is not my happy place. The Gold reputedly has more body, but I’m wondering whether this comes at the expense of hard-won things like nuance and dynamics.
From what I can tell the main, perhaps only, design differences are cantilever and body material. The Platinum features a boron cantilever and titanium body; the Gold sports Duralumin, a form of aluminum, for both. Myself, I’ve never heard an aluminum cantilever that didn’t color or soften the sound somewhat, but then I’ve never heard one on a top flight cartridge like the MSL. Both have a DCR of 1.4 ohm and an output of 0.5mV.
The tonearm is a Graham Phantom Supreme; the phonostage is an Allnic H3000, probably via its 13x SUT. Based on MSL’s recommendation, the ideal load impedance is around 3-400 ohms (surprising for such low DCR), so this ratio should get me pretty close to what either one needs. Turntable is an Artisan Fidelity SP10R. Music is mostly jazz.
I'm especially interested in direct comparisons, but I also welcome experiences with either cartridge, and thoughts on how they might mesh with my arm and 'table.
Thanks in advance.
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So @blisshifi , if the Gold is slightly on the warm side of neutral, would the Platinum be on the cool side, or right at neutral itself? I’m trying to get an idea of its relative position on this scale as you hear it. |
I am yet to get a demonstration of these Cart's. It is on a Bucket List which also has the Mutech Hayabusa and Ortofon Verismo as well. When investigating the MSL's, I discovered a report from a individual who I have followed for quite a few years and have come to trust. The report shares about MSL Cart's and the Mutech Hayabusa. As a result of using the Cart's, it is making it known the Hayabusa is offering much of everything the MSL Cart's are offering, with its own variance and the Mutech Hayabusa Cart' is usually found at a more affordable price. I have put a Link to this report recently in another Thread. |
Not at all @wrm57. The Signature Platinum is a very easy going cartridge. It is very detailed but never edgy. I do not think there is ever too much detail if the cartridge is neutral. It is easy to give a false sense of detail by jacking the high end but that is not the case here. The Gold is said to be warmer. I would think with all that Mac equipment you are already warm enough! I have not had a Gold in my system so I can not comment directly. I can tell you that the Signature Platinum is an easier going cartridge than either the Lyra Atlas Lambda SL or the Ortofon MC Diamond and it benefits from a much higher output than either. My goal has always been neutrality. I want what is in that groove, no more and no less. |
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