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Re: IQ3 - a bit rambling

Posted by Frank E (A) on January 9, 2007 at 12:06:00

In Reply to: Audio Note IQ2 Upgrade to IQ3 posted by waters on January 8, 2007 at 22:48:30:

Please tell us some more about your setup:

Which TT and arm are you using?

Are the TT/Arm/Cart properly set up?

Have you taken it to a dealer?

I'm just curious. Maybe your IQ2 stylus assembly is busted. Maybe your cartridge body is busted. Maybe something else.

Also, when thinking of "richer", "fuller" and "lush", those components starting with the letter "K" you've mentioned don't immediately spring to mind.

If the IQ2 doesn't currently give you the "richer" sound you seek, I don't think moving up the AN cartridge line is going to magically fix things.

I tried a sample IQ3 on a TT1 and ARM2. I suppose it could be called "lush" as it tended to emphasize mid-range instruments and voices. It did allow simple passages to flow in a enjoyable way, which is the hallmark of AN gear.

However, it wasn't that good at resolving smaller details in the music. Complex compositions became blurred and congested. It had trouble tracking the higher frequencies making a bit of a mess out of higher pitched female vocals in the midst of energetic instrumental passages.

After listening for several days, in my own mind I had concluded that the stylus was worn out or damaged or that the cartridge was misaligned. The cartridge had been installed by a AN dealer and when I brought my concerns to them, I was assured that the cartridge and alignment were both good. So I was forced to let it drop.

I used a Denon DL-103 and Rega Eos MC phono stage as a reference and overall I much preferred the DL-103. The 103 is an excellent tracker, with good dynamics, reproduces the full spectrum with a great tonal balance, and doesn't choke on complex musical passages.
The sound of the DL-103 is further enhanced by the use of an appropriate step-up tranny.

However, I think the DL-103 will be even less pleasing than the IQ2 with your current gear. And offhand, without knowing more, I don't think you'll solve your tonal issues by just changing a stylus (IQ3).

Just my 2 cents, and I'm sure someone will reinforce that.

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