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Path: utzoo!watmath!watdaisy!wateng!tpchmara
From: tpchmara@wateng.UUCP (Tom Chmara)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: Seeking Advice on Cartridges - (nf)
Message-ID: <617@wateng.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 19-Dec-83 11:15:26 EST
Article-I.D.: wateng.617
Posted: Mon Dec 19 11:15:26 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 20-Dec-83 04:33:57 EST
References: <627@inmet.UUCP>
Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 19

I just purchased a Pickering XSV-4000 cartridge for my (gaak!) JVC turntable --
a QLY-3F.  This cartridge replaces a Signet TK5E which I bought with the
turntable.  My choice was based on the following criteria:
    a)  I needed a non-high-compliance cartridge (not an ultra-low mass arm)
    b)  I like a crisp sound -- wire brushes and violins should SOUND like
                                wire brushes and violins, NOT dying cats.
    c)  My budget was limited (<$200 Cdn) -- eliminating the Grace F9E Ruby,
        etc.
I listened to a $150 Grado ( sorry, no model # ) and a Fidelity Research,
and considered a higher-order Signet.  I decided on the Pickering based on
what I heard in the store and again when I brought it home.  I have been
very favourably impressed ever since.  It is FLAT in response, with no sharp
edges.  A warning--it hides nothing.  Bad pressings sound just plain bad,
whereas the Signet covered a bit of that up.
   I make no claims to be an audiophile, I just know what I like.  You are
free to ignore or use any of this (as you will, anyway). Good luck in your
search.
    From the unbelievably biased desk of
        ---tpc---   @  University of Waterloo