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From: mohler@drune.UUCP (MohlerDS)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: AR, Grado, Hafler, c-j
Message-ID: <66@drune.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 22-Oct-85 16:03:48 EDT
Article-I.D.: drune.66
Posted: Tue Oct 22 16:03:48 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 23-Oct-85 06:21:25 EDT
References: <165@msunix.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 77
Keywords: Tonearm mismatch

In my opinion, the C-J preamp or the Premier MMT won't solve your problem.
Aside from what the underground press says (most notably A. H. Cordesman)
all Grado cartridges have problems! They are 5 db up on the high end, they
suffer from way too much unit to unit variability and are significantly
over-priced (except maybe the 15.00 dollar unit).

There are cartridges from Ortofon and ADC that sound better, measure better
and track better for similar prices to the non-signature Grado's. I suggest
replacing your Grado signature, to get rid of that long SSSSSSSSSS problem.
I would suggest the best cartridge listed below that you can afford, and
the MC preamp of your choice.

A note to those that favor (and those that don't !) MC cartridges. 
Finally, a manufacturer with
over 25 years of combined experience in MC cartridge design, came up
with what I believe to be the finest line of MC cartridges I have seen
or heard! The company is Highphonic, which was formed by the two most
experienced Denon cartridge engineers. The cartridges (5) all have a
machined alloy body, superior construction (including diamond shape
and polish), non-permeable coil cores, very linear frequency response,
and superb tracking ability at 1.2 grams or less (model dependent).

The Highphonic line is as follows:

1) MC D-15 Signature, tracks at .9 grams, high F resonance at 85 KHz, diamond
   cantilever - tapered, 3rd generation line stylus, .2 db channel balance,
   35 db channel sep. at 1 KHz, 32 db at 10 KHz,
   1200.00 list price, japanese audio sells them for 880.00. This is the
   best cartridge in every respect I have ever seen! I however, must
   question the sanity of someone that would pay this much for a
   cartridge.

2) MC A-6 Signature, tracks at 1.0 grams, high F resonance at 65 KHz, 
   tapered alloy
   cantilever (aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and silicon carbide - heat
   treated), 3rd generation line stylus, .4 db channel balance,
   34 db channel sep. at 1 KHz, 30 db at 10 KHz,
   495.00 list price, japanese audio sells them for 325.00. This is overall,
   very close to as good as the MC D-15 at a price that is nearing earth. 
   If you like accurate tonality, and timbre in your music and hate the
   common MC high F peak, this cartridge is a bargain! 

3) MC R-5, tracks at 1.1 grams, high F resonance at 55 KHz, ruby slippers
   -:) (cantilever), 3rd generation line stylus, .6 db channel balance,
   30 db channel sep. at 1 KHz, 30 db at 10 KHz,
   395.00 list price, japanese audio sells them for 245.00.

4) MC A-3, tracks at 1.1 grams, high F resonance at 50 KHz, same alloy
   cantilever as A-6 only not tapered. 3rd generation line stylus,
   .6 db channel balance, 30 db channel sep. at 1 KHz, 27 db at 10 KHz,
   250.00 list price, japanese audio sells them for 155.00. This cartridge
   performs technically with the SHURE V-15 V, but sounds better (except
   S/N ratio), priced about the same too. Take note, you MC dislikers!

5) MC 2E, tracks at 1.2 grams, high F resonance at 38 KHz, aluminum
   cantilever, eliptical stylus, .6 db channel balance, 30 db channel
   sep. at 1 KHz, 25 db at 10 KHz, 195.00 list price, japanese audio
   sells them for 115.00. This is a very good cartridge at it's price.

I own and highly recommend the MC A-6 Signature. I have no affiliation
with Highphonic or Japanese Stereo, I just hate how bad the average
MC and MM cartridges are! If you love the 5 db peak 
on the top end of your Monster
Cable Alpha 1, these cartridges are not for you! If you like accuracy,
good imaging and depth, and have always wanted a catridge that tracks any
record at 1.2 grams or less and are very reliable, these may be 
what you've always wanted.
I found Japanese Stereo (213) 659-8550 to be very prompt and pleasant
to deal with. They are the sister company to Analog Excelence (they
are the Highphonic importer). Japanese Stereo's prices go up and
down, so take my quotes as a relative indicator, you might pay more
or less.

			David S. Mohler
			AT&T - ISL @ Denver
			drune!mohler