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Decca cartridge experiences

I really don't expect any response to this as the issue of Deccas, and all the controversies they stirred up is now passé, but does anyone out there own and use a Decca, and if so, did you find a tonearm which will accomodate it? I'd appreciate it if anyone shared their experiences with it, good or bad. I've found two tonearms in which it will work well: one a Mayware tonearm in which it works superbly, and one a Maplenoll air-bearing 'table with fluid damping trough, but I'm having a bit of trouble getting this combo to work again (I've only recently re-acquired the Maplenoll)...I'll have to fiddle with viscosity, amount of fluid and so on.

To all those who haven't had a chance to hear this cartridge, and who like to experiment and have fun (and tear their hair out), then a Decca still has the most slam of any cartridge, and retrieves an incredible amount of detail from the groove. Though these days it no longer sells for pocket change (the Super Gold goes for $850, but there are cheaper models), it's still not in the stratosphere like so many others. It is dificlt to find a tonearm which will accomodate it as well.

I'd appreciate as well any experiences with the new versions, as I hear the new stylus profile makes it less difficult. I think the responses will be "0", but any cartridge which stirred up this much controversy (at least a while ago) is Good News, like the Shelter (which is far more accomodating, however)...Thank you for your attention, if any attention there is...
johnnantais
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
Rwd,

Of course it's better if you go for a new Decca: then you can report to this post and let us know all about it! But seriously, Decca claims that the new stypus profile - available only on the Super Gold and Jubilee - makes it much more tonearm-friendly and improves tracking. Also, all new Deccas (they are new) come with the non-bitch four-pin bracket, and can be ordered with factory-installed Decapod mounts (a more rigid metal bracket). Though I have a Decca that works very well in two turntables, I still keep a baker's dozen of other cartridges around for when I want to relax more, a Grado Platinum being my mainstay for now (in a low-mass tonearm, the Grado comes close to the Decca in overall dynamics, but not in slam), until I get a new stylus for my V15 (play and forget). The VPI does have removeable arm-wands, doesn't it? This would be a great - though fairly expensive - set-up, a Decca for that roller-coaster feeling, and another cartridge for a less intense experience. If you can source a used four-pin, then maybe it's wiser to go this route to see how it meshes with your system. I don't want to be held responsible for whatever happens - unless it's good: then praise away! Whichever route you take, let us know how a Decca works out on the VPI. In the meantime, I'm waiting for the Decca International tonearms I've ordered, assuming they come, which I'll mount on my Audiomeca, which I'll report on. Currently, I'm fiddling with the fluid on my Maplenoll.
sjy425
15 posts
 
I started with the London Super Gold and moved up to the Jubilee. It was really quite easy to set up and tracked fine on my Gyrodec with a Stax tonearm. It has incredible detail and slam. It really helps to clean your record and like all the deccas it likes to be cleaned. The two middle pins go to a common ground so polarity cannot be reversed. Hence I think I need to return to my Benz Ruby II. Less detail but nice and allows me to reverse polarity so that TT and CDP (Mephisto IIx) can both be in phase, because of Joule phono and line stage. But there is no denying there is something special in those London Deccas. Oh yes it tracks nicely anywhere around 2 grams give or take..
Steve
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
Thanks very much for your report on the new cartridges, Sjy425, it gives me great anticipation of the future possibilities with a better Decca! And I guess Rwd, you have your answer. I love this forum. Over here I can report that the Decca, in my collection of various tonearms, still works best of all on my fluid-damped unipivot, set for upper-medium mass. I can't wait to get my new Decca International tonearms, assuming the money gets to Europe! I'll be re-wiring them almost immediately. Hmmm, the Jubilee...
rwd
695 posts
 
My memory of the fabulous Decca London Gold just keeps on fluttering in my mind!! I remember listening to it in a word class system. The speakers were Infinity Servo Static 1-A's and the electronics were ARC SP 3A-1 and D 76A & 51.

I was never able to get the Servos (anyone have an idea where I can find a pair??) but I CAN get a Decca!! However, I think I want to stay with the Gold or Super Gold.
I have two arm wands for my VPI 10.5 and I could mount the Decca on one and keep my Helikon on the other. I'm searching e-bay for a deal on a used Decca. If I can't find one then I get a new one for the Dr.
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
Rwd, The Super Gold is a more practical cartridge due to its construction, the flat-bottomed Gold often unable to play the intro grooves because of its flat bottom. Plus, the Super Gold comes with the improved stylus. However, I can vouch for the sound quality of the regular Gold, but if it were me, I'd either get the Maroon (which I suspect is damned good anyway, built like the Gold but cheaper), or jump up the the Super Gold or Jubilee. I look forward to reading of your experience with it. Though I have a Maplenoll with fluid damping trough at the front of the headshell, I have to say the Decca performs better, so far, in the damped unipivot I have. So use the VPI damping! If your experinece works out, I may start saving for a VPI myself, though those Decca Internationals are coming, I hope...
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