Description: Moving magnet phono cartridge system with multiple stylus and cantilever options. Specifications for A3SS version, Shibata stylus on aluminum cantilever. Frequency range: 20Hz–30kHz. Output voltage @ 1kHz: 2.5mV. Channel balance @ 1kHz: <1.0dB. Channel separation @ 1kHz: 23dB. Dynamic compliance (100Hz): 10 × 10–6cm/dyne. Tracking ability at 2.0gm: 70µm. Stylus tip radius: 4.064 × 71.12µm. Recommended tracking force: 2.0gm. Internal impedance @ 1kHz: 670 ohms. Internal inductance: 270mH. Recommended load resistance: 47k ohms. Recommended load…
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Sidebar 2: Specifications
Sidebar 3: Associated Equipment
Vinyl playback: Technics SL-1200mkV with KAB 3-speed mod, fluid damping and tonearm wiring; Ortofon 2M Blue, Audio-Technica AT-VM95E, Hana SL MKII cartridges.
Phono preamplifier: Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2.
Preamplifier: Benchmark LA-4.
Power amplifier: Benchmark AHB2.
Loudspeakers: Bowers & Wilkins 808.
Accessories: Butcherblock Acoustics equipment rack, SME turntable cable, various cables and connectors made by Belden, Canare, Mogami, Switchcraft, ITT Cannon, Neutrik, etc.—Tom Fine
Sidebar 1: Listening To The Vessel (and Some Competitors)
Thanks to engineer/producer René Laflamme, who generously allowed Stereophile the rights to needle-drop a track from 2XHD's Audiophile Analog Collection Vol.3, Marie Saintonge's "Traversia."
I chose this track because it offers percussive textures and both low- and high-frequency details, plus it's well-played music. Saintonge's flute carries the song, with support from acoustic guitar and bass, and various percussion and hand-claps.
For comparison sake, I also made needle-drops of "Traversia" with an Audio…
Lately in this space I've focused on all things (rather, some things) analog. This month I return to digital, specifically to streaming. I love listening to records, but I also listen to a lot of streamed music. I'm a Qobuz devotee, since Qobuz is the most approachable streaming service and the friendliest to audiophiles. When Spotify went lossless, I subscribed, because that service's popularity means that it's easy to trade music and playlists. Most playlists I've seen published online are Spotify.
Streaming is revolutionary, but there's one aspect that bugs me. Whenever new content…