I recently discovered a Decca London Cartridge in my collection of audio detritus. It was made on Feb. 2, 1973. Does anyone have any experience with this cartridge? Is it worth having it retipped, or re-built? And, if so, where would one send it for revision?
Hi guys - I have been a Deccahead since they first released the Mark I (1958!) Never had any tracking problems (but always used their arms) managed quarter gram tracking on flat non warped test disc once with the SC4E cartridge issued early 1970's (bass tracks from Shure obstacle course I remember?) This latter was high compliance and discontinued. Theory with NO DAMPING in stylus assembly needs only 15 C units for 1.5g VTF. Current models ( 3 are still available) and new design on way I hear, all have around 15 compliance unit armature design but vary in internal damping and stylus profile. Frequency response up to 30kHz and above. Original design started life for a multiplex stereo where the 30KHz carrier was switched for each channel (as for FM stereo) Discontinued when they realised Alan Blumlein (EMI)had patented two groove wall method back in the 1930's and everyone else was going this way.
Is it worth using? I wouldn't use anything else - but it must have a damped arm and unipivots preferred (less reflections back down arm tubing). I believe all "mistracking" comments due to using in undamped arms - a fault of the combination not of the cartridge design which clearly states its need for damping. If you want holographic stereo images and mind blowing music please try this cartridge. I was once told it was "too theatrical" - therefore not to everyone's tastes.
This cartridge arouses deep and violent opinions. I've had friends bring their "lousy mistracking Decca London" round to my rig and plug it straight in and be astounded. Then there was absolutely no mistracking at all. (Both arm and pre amp can screw things up big time). Former must be suitable. A damped unipivot great. Many highly regarded knife edge or ball bearing "classics" are rubbish with this cartridge. (highly regarded for other softer cartridges without the energy output). Also headroom in preamp can cause overload. be brave but remeber it may now require rebuild. Find a friend with a damped unipivot and good preamp.
I fondly remember my many London Decca and even spending hours in a Chicago dealers backroom picking out which I wanted. Never have I had such transparent sound. I do not even know how I ended up with none, but I did.
This may result in my trying one again, but my Schroeder arm may not be appropriate.
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