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Magic Diamond vs Airtight PC1?

In my quest for a new cartridge I seem to be narrowing my choice down to a Magic Diamond vs Airtight PC1. I have not been able to hear either of these so I am looking for any insight anyone can provide. I will be using the cartridge on a VPI TNT IV with an Eminent Technology 2.4 tone arm with the high pressure manifold. I am running dual mono with two Krell KPA Phono preamps. Thank you for any input.
krc
ejaynycrrcom's avatar
ejaynycrrcom
32 posts
 
I just mounted a recently purchased Magic Diamond and am interested to know other MD owners' experience with break-in as mine is sounding a little anemic, especially the bass, at the moment. Also, regarding VTA, do you have preference for a neutral setting, up in the rear or down in the rear? What about VTF? Thanks!
slipknot1
1,428 posts
 
My experience with breakin was just what you are seeing at the moment. it will likely go through several stages before it settles in. A little weak in the bass at first, at some points dark and closed in, then sounding a little tipped up in the HF. Once you get about 100 hrs on it, it will stablize.

with respect to VTA - My MD was installed with my tt by Lloyd Walker. Neutral VTA was set as a baseline using 180g LPs, then reset again for 200g and then again for 140g LPs, so that each LP thickness can be quickly dialed in prior to play.

VTF was set at right around the middle of the manufacturer's guide line: 2.2-2.3g?

My turntable is so stable with respect to settings, it has been pretty much "set it and forget it" except for VTA adjustments where needed.

currently have the cart loaded at 100 ohms.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Give the Magic Diamond about 50 hours of playing time before assessing it. Then be sure to re-do your finetuning for VTF and VTA to account for the suspension loosening up. The bass perfomance does improve with breakin, just be sure to readjust. As a starting point in setting VTA, try angled down very slightly to the rear at first. The best turntable finetuning process I know of is the iterative process described by Lloyd Walker at his web site: www.walkeraudio.com. Also, keep in mind that the Magic Diamond is a very neutral cartridge. It won't be exaggerating any part of the frequency range.
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krc's avatar
krc OP
16 posts
 
Thanks Rushton .. great info.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Krc: I think that you have to look too to the Allaerts MC2 Finish, great performer!!!! and at least in the same level that the other two you asked.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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