Sometimes Old is Good...Or There Can Be Magic In An Old Cartridge...

Posted by Mister Pig (A) on December 26, 2010 at 20:55:51

When I returned to analog I bought an Accuphase AC1 cartridge that had been refurbished by Expert Stylus. The AC1 is certainly a quality piece of analog playback instrumentation. I listened to some other modestly expensive modern moving coil cartridges, but none of them outclassed the AC1 to the point where I thought of replacing it. But I sure did like those other cartridges, and knew what the limitations of my Accuphase was.

But in December I came across a rare beast, something I have been searching for. I found an Accuphase AC3. These were the final cartridge in the Accuphase line up, or so I thought, will get back to this point in a minute. The AC3 has been universally acknowledged as the best of the Accuphase cartridges, and is still in demand by a large group of analog-o-philes. I bought it, and it made the trip to my house without mishap.

I thought about setting it aside, and waiting for my new Pete Riggle String Theory arm to arrive before installing it. But I couldn't resist, and I threw it onto the Jelco arm that is installed on my Galibier Serac table.

Everything they say about this cartridge is true. Very even tonal balance, low level of coloration, expressive dynamic contrasts, and a refined presentation. Anytime I sit down and listen to this cartridge I am amazed, pleased, and content.

Yes content, but I hear that Accuphase has just released the AC5 cartridge this year, and I can't help but wonder what it sounds like. Rumour has it that is is designed by Hisayoshi Nakatsuka, who was the designer behind the earlier Accuphase cartridges. Of course Nakatsuka also owns ZYX cartridges, and I sure wouldn't mind spending some time with one of their products also.

But as I wait for the Riggle wooden tone arm to be completed, I can sit back and enjoy this oldie but goodie cartridge for many an evening.

Regards
Mister Pig

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Topic - Sometimes Old is Good...Or There Can Be Magic In An Old Cartridge... - Mister Pig 20:55:51 12/26/10 (1)

RE: Sometimes Old is Good...Or There Can Be Magic In An Old Cartridge... - jsusky 22:15:10 12/26/10 (0)

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