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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Johnnanais, I finally got the Jubilee mounted on the Schroeder. I have gone through two iterations of dialing in the cartridge and spend a long time of VTA. I think I am pretty close to having it right.

Several comments seem justified. The Jubilee like earlier Deccas is very immediate and dynamic with very well defined bass and very metal like symbols. And I have no mistracking problems; none. I have yet to decide whether the Jubilee has the finesse of my J. Allaeret, but it sure causes me fewer problems in getting enough gain.
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
No mistracking from a Decca! That's the best news in decades! Is it because the new stylus profile and quality-control really works, or is it because of the Schroeder? I sense a door opening: I see a new Decca in my future..yes, the image is getting clearer..please let us know when you are ready to give us a full review vs the J. Allaert, myself, anyway, will be looking forward to this with bated breath. Thanks for the info.

Regards,
Jean
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Some further comments on the Jubilee. It is incredibly sensitive to VTA. You can easily cause the image to vanish. At this point I am not certain whether you can find a single best point that will work to all records, and the Schroeder does not allow for easy replication of VTA. Second the Jubilee is very sensitive to antiskating adjustment. Too much can easily result in mistracking on one side.

The recommendation is that the cartridge have no VTA nor any asmuth angle. I used a small bubble level to achieve this. I wish the Schroeder had the included bubble of the Decca International arm.
There is no question that no other cartridge can match the bass on this cartridge. And I should say nor can digital bass.
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
Decca Gold cartridges rave review in this month's HiFi World magazine! He says he got perfect tracking from a modded Rega arm! They must have changed something (stylus profile?). Then again, perhaps it's time I try a similar combo again and see if this particular Decca Super Gold likes the Rega arm. You never know...
patrickamory
193 posts
 
I'm assuming the Decca wouldn't work in a Graham, Johnnantais?

Another question - the L75 - how difficult is it to mount in a new plinth? Also, how difficult is it to drill for a new tonearm?

Thanks
Patrick
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