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London Decca

I just purchased a London Decca Super Gold.
I'm wondering if anyone has compared it the Jubilee and/or the Reference. I'm loving the Super Gold and I'm wondering if it is worth the money to move up the line.
exlibris
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Is yours the Mark VII with line contact stylus and four cartridge pins as opposed to their usual three? Mine is just back from Warren Gregoire in CA (US distributor/dealer) and sounding very good indeed.

I haven't made the comparisons you mention. You'll find that the Decca doesn't do warps very well but is otherwise very "immediate" with great detail and is very involving. Mine is on a VPI JMW 10.5i arm. What are you using?
exlibris OP
438 posts
 
Yes, mine is the newest version and I purchased it from Warren.
You can follow my 'system' link to see my system.
I'm using an Air Tangent linear tracking tonearm.
The cartridge is great and, right now, I just can't imagine going back to a traditional cartridge. That, however, may change -- things often do in this hobby.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Looks like we have the thread to ourselves :-)

To me, the Decca sound is the antithesis of "transparent," which is one of the reasons I like it (components noted mostly for their "transparency" tend to sound threadbare and bleached to me). The Decca is (again, to me) kinda rough-hewn and "real" sounding to a degree not found in my other main cartridges. I like them too, and sometimes the Decca is a little TOO much, but for now I'm sticking with it and leaving the others for a later time. I remarked to Warren that a new phonocable (Furutech Silver Arrows) had emphasized its "Decca-ness" in a very attractive light and he responded that cables are HIGHLY important in getting the most out of these carts.

Dealing with Warren, btw, is one of the really pleasant aspects of Decca ownership. He really believes.
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