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Perfect sound for never

When going back for my graduate degree, I left my record collection and Thorens TD-1126 II behind,
instead taking a Magnavox FD1040: 
It did not last long, being the first in my experience of electronic devices to fail from cheap electrolytic capacitors. While not anticipating perfect sound from CDs, I did expect (and got)
  • freedom from LP ticks and pops,
  • less sibilance,
  • less fumbling,
  • higher storage density,
  • playback in cars.
With CD sound not completely disappointing, I did forfeit listening to most classical music and jazz,
because violins and saxophones mostly sounded irritating on CDs.
Being frugal, few CD purchases replaced LPs, and 40 years later,
having already ripped most CDs to FLAC, I now intend to do the same for LPs.
In addition to the tedium of LP cleaning, one hurdle was dropping the needle in lead-in grooves.
Being clumsy has not improved with age...

With hindsight, I can appreciate that Technics' straight-line tracking direct drive T4P automatic turntables were superior to belt drive, random cartridges and SME fumbling,
with T4P cartridge engineers able to concentrate on fixed known operating conditions.
At this point, Audio-Technica is the primary source of T4P cartridges, with GRADOs being somewhat heavier than specified 6 grams and wanting more than 1.5g tracking force.  Even if a T4P Ortofon head is sourced, my understanding is that replacement OM-10/20/30 styli are lower compliance than originals designed for T4P.  Meanwhile, Audio-Technica continues to manufacture low mass advanced styli with fresh elastomers that aftermarket firms retrofit for AT3472 family cartridges.
While others pay exhorbitant prices for NOS antique styli, I put more trust in suspension elastomers which have not been stored in unknown conditions for decades.  Re-tipping a worn stylus seems to me like putting new tires on a car with sagging springs, worn bushings and shock absorbers.
An SL-7 is for me good-enough, with decent stability and rumble masked by record noise.
maintained by blekenbleu