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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
jphii
485 posts
 
John,

Thanks for the tonearm tip. I talked to Herman today. He said I am the last person they will let buy more than 1.

I owe ya!!!

Joe
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
You're welcome, Joe. Out of curiosity, how many did you order? I've been working on mine all night tonight, and while incredibly cheesy, it's also brilliant! I mean the tonearm and unipivot floats on a magnetic cushion ferchrissakes! There's a bubble-level in the headshell! The azimuth is adjustable by micrometer at the back of the tonearm! The antiskating is magnetic! And I've got to say it again: I don't think I've ever heard better Prat! On the other hand all that plastic, all those friction-fits (with little screws) and that crap wiring! But even plain-jane this thing makes MUSIC, so much so, I wonder why I went to all the effort of modding it. And I've never heard my Platinum sound better! I hope I didn't ruin it, as sometimes these things are better left alone. Good thing I ordered two. You'll be hearing a report in both threads!
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Johnnantais and Joe, I got this message. Was yours the same? What is CE, the European Community?

Dear --,

For CE Euro 25 + Euro 10 = Euro 35,- prepaid in cash by registered letter as
all other ways of payment are too expensive. Outside CE 25 + 15 = 40 Euro.

Please send by registered letter Euro 35,- or 40,- to:

DUROB AUDIO BV

Asserlaan 4

5251 XJ Vlijmen

The Netherlands

We send the arm after receipt of money by registered mail to your address.
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
Tbg, yep, that's the European Community, at least in meaning (Communauté Européene?). And yes, that's the message I received. And they duly arrived.
jphii
485 posts
 
Me too on the message. Money sent today.
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