Air Tight Supreme compared to PC-1

Hi, Lewm. Thanks for your thoughts. Have you had both carts with the opportunity to compare? Presently in my system, the PC-1 has adequate output; a Koetsu Urushi Tsugaru, purported to have the same 0.6 output requires higher volume setting; and high output ZYX UNIverse performs similarly to the PC-1.

The phono stage is a heavily modified Jadis JP-80 MC with the mc stage I believe at 84 db. The Jadis does not offer variable loading, an unsettling deficiency. I do listen loud. Experience shows over-extending the volume releases much intrinsic sonance.

The good fortune to obtain a Supreme, with all it's decorative praise has left me desirous.

I've auditioned three Air Tight PC-1 and owned two.

I currently own a PC-1 Supreme and a Koetsu Coralstone. None of these are what I would call high output but it's really more about your phono gain as to if these are suitable for your needs.

You ask if there was a drop in gain? Yes, a little.

The PC-1 was the highest and the Koetsu the lowest. All three of these cartridges are superb, but considering the huge price difference, the PC-1 is a bargain.

I'm helping a friend with his Einstein Turntable Choice, (solid state phono step up) and the Einstein Tube MK2 line stage. Both have been in my system for a couple of weeks.

The Turntable Choice is 68 DB gain versus 80 for the Aesthetix. Both are providing more than enough gain, so I'm thinking as low as 60 DB with a really quiet preamp?

Reading that first post from Mikelavigne, I should have bought that Honda Pilot from him, maybe then he wouldn't talk trash about Texas.

I'll bet he's just jealous Blue Bell, Fritos and Dr. Pepper call Texas home, all he has is that Pizza under a bridge by his old school :^).

Albert, regarding what Mike has ... you forgot about "Twin Peaks". ;-)

Regards,

all he has is that Pizza under a bridge by his old school :^).

.....and the blond waitress at the Pizza place.....

Albert, last time i was at the Northlake 'that' blond was asking about you. my wife wondered just what you did to make such an impression. don't worry; your secret is safe with me.

Metralla, i did take Steve and Albert to Snoqualmie Falls during the flood we were having in honor of their visit. The 'Twin Peaks' 'Lodge' is sitting above those falls. Nature put on quite the show.

Steve, have you had a chance to read Jonathan Valin's review of the Supreme in the February 2009 issue of TAS? He gives a nice overview of the differences he's hearing between the original PC-1 and the new Supreme.
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