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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
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...
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
I've just received the Decca International tonearms, at a total cost of roughly $40 each including shipping and taxes. They look like beauts: watch this space all those of you who have a sense of adventure, nothing touches a Decca for excitement! Ordering from Tjoeb really works! Ken Kessler uses this tonearm for his own Decca.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Can you give us details for ordering?
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Rwd, where did you hear the Decca on ServoStatic 1A's? In Tallahassee? If so, it was mine. I too wonder why I don't have the Deccas anymore. I know why I don't have the SS-1As; I could not keep them running.

I just bought a Jubilee, however. It will go on my new Schroeder.
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