Your "eureka" analog moment


In the beginning I had a succession of crappy cartridges. Back in the day (1970's) you could buy a turntable and they would "throw in a cartridge " for next to nothing. 

Had ADC, Empires, Stantons, etc. Nothing above $30. Decided to invest big bucks - $65- for a Shure V15 Type 3. Oh my- my records never were so good after that! That was my moment, and then when a friend loaned me Discovered Again (Lab 5 on Sheffield) I was amazed.

Too bad I no longer have the V15 type 3. Over 20 years ago, missing a stylus, I sold it to someone for I think about $30. 
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Definitely hearing my first Decca cartridge (a Blue) in 1972, being used in a full ARC system (Magneplanar Tympani I's bi-amped with D-75 and D-51 amps, and an SP-3 pre) by Bill Johnson. Mounted in a prototype ARC pickup arm that never made it into production. The arm was made of wood, looking like the Grado of the 50's/60's.

Only ONE  "eureka moment? - I've had several...

  • When I first installed a one piece Cardas tonearm harness in my RB250 tonearm.
  • When I installed the Michell Techno-weight
  • When I installed my Acrylic Platter and aluminum sub platter
  • When I installed an Audiomods Series 3 Tonearm - a biggy!
  • When I purchase my Simaudio moon LP5.3 RS phono stage
  • But the clear WINNER - when I installed my Soundsmith modified Denon DL103 Cartridge, and then setting it up using the MINT Best Tractor

Each time I was amazed at the improvements these changes brought to my vinyl listening pleasure.

I've been very fortunate :-)

like others, i have had a few eureka moments
--My first dual table (721)--with a shure v15 type 3
--My first audiophile table--Michell gyro--VDH frog--Sweet sound and a beginning of understanding a soundstage
--Maplenoll tables--Booming bass and such a quiet background. you dont understand how much rumble is in a table till you hear a quiet one
--ZYX UNIverse cartridge-- On my maplenoll araidne signature and my first hi end Phono upgrade--zyx artisan--I started listening to all my albums again hearing them in a different light
--Pass labs xa30.8 and xp10 separates-- i had been an integrated SS with top of the line Marantz but wow, 

Just when you think it cant get better, watch out