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EMT JSD 5 or JSD 6?

I've read great reviews and am considering the EMT JSD 5 and JSD 6 to replace a Lyra Kleos that I bought on Audiogon that arrived with a mechanical problem. Does anyone have either the JSD 5 or 6 or has anyone heard both and can tell me what sonic differences they observed? Basically, the 5 has a Geyger S stylus while the 6 is a Super Fine Line, so I'm wondering the advantages/disadvantages of each. I'm also considering the Miyajima Kansui, but am a bit concerned about the low .23mv output requiring a SUT.
mountainpics
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Acoustic Sounds lists only the Tsd-15, and TWO choices of JSD-6. One is Gold, and runs about $1K more. They do NOT list the JSD-5 at all.
rcprince
3,074 posts
 
I used a JSD5 for several years, and Ninetynine's description of the JSD6 pretty much is what I heard through the JSD5, but I have not compared the two. Not the most resolving cartridge, maybe on the warm side of neutral, but among the best for playing music. My view is that a lot of cartridges these days tend to sound closer to (very good) digital in many respects, but the EMT cartridge sounds like analog at its best. I still own it, in reserve for my Air Tight that replaced it.

I would have to imagine that somewhere on the internet there is something that would explain the theoretical differences between the two types of styli.
ninetynine's avatar
ninetynine
135 posts
 
Yes absolute correct!
2 Weeks ago i tested a VdH on the tonearm where the EMT runs. (Reed 3P) It is a little bit more on the bright side but it sounds rough and grainy compared to the EMT. I think this has to do with the sharp diamond.

EMT tells me, if you have more new vinyl`s go for the JSD5. If you have more older, the JSD6.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Mountainpics, where are you located? There are several US dealers who have the higher end EMT's. I really enjoy the Tsd-15, especially with the A23 Homage SUT. Depending on your tonearm, perhaps certain models may be better than others. I would shoot Tone imports an email. I think JH is the importer pretty much everywhere, and he knows these cartridges well. Ninetynine-Very nice tonearm, I should be hearing one of the Reed arms this weekend. Which turntable do you have your Reed on. Is your JSD-6 the GOLD or Silver body? Cheers -Don
rcprince
3,074 posts
 
By the way, EMT also has a small and (at least at the time) relatively inexpensive SUT made specifically for the JDS cartridges. When I had a Lamm LP 2 Deluxe this step-up was a slight but noticeable improvement over the Lamm's built-in step up transformer for its MC stage (my current phono stage is only set up for MC, so I sold the SUT). If you get the cartridge I'd suggest considering the SUT, depending on your phono stage. It was that good.
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