Personal turntable/cartridge evolution

Table update

Got a 2nd arm for the Scheu DL2, the Cartridge Man's Conductor linear air-bearing tonearm. Paired this with the Audio Technica AT33PTG mc cart.

The arm is my first foray into linear tracking arms, but knowing their potential and having read the reviews in 6moons and TNT, I had high expections. I am happy to report that so far, I've not been disappointed.

Time I updated mine. Sold the TNT Mk. II with its SDS conditioner/controller. My first re-plinthed Lenco (L78) has been replaced by a two-armed monster Lenco (replinthed L75 by Jean Nantais) with both JMW 10.5 and SME IIIs arms fitted.

The Lencos -- especialy the new one -- totally blew away the TNT/SDS combo.

The JMW arm now has a Decca Super Gold Mk VII cart -- best sound I've ever had.

The SME IIIs arm has three armtubes with vintage Ortofon, Sonus, and ADC cartridges.

Around 1974 on a student's budget: belt driven Pioneer with Shure MM , I can't possibly recall the model designations anymore.
Around 1981 on some of my first earned wages: Technics SL-QL1 linear tracking direct drive with T4P plug-in Ortofon TMC 200 (MC); I wanted something as easy to handle as a cd-player there.
Around 1985: Micro BL 91 with SME 3009 R and Clearaudio Delta Improved (MC)
Mid-nineties: Clearaudio Victory H (MC) to replace the Delta.
2002: Well Tempered Reference with Reference Arm, Clearaudio Victory H remained in place.
2006: Transfiguration Spirit III to replace the Clearaudio.

I now use the Magic Diamond cartridge(purchased from freakyvynil.I guess he is the main man for this cartridge).The best cartridge I ever heard.This cartridge will let you see what the microphone sees.It will tell you if the recording is lean or fat or in the middle.I have listened to a few master tapes during my time working at EAR(UK)and the Magicdiamond reminded me of that.Extremely detailed with superb balance and easy to listen to.You will need a state of the art phonostage and turntable to hear(see)what it can do.

1964 Gerrard Type A
1964 Fairchild 412/Fairchild 500 arm
1967 Acoustic Research XA
1970 Miracord 50 H (bad move)
1972 Phillips semi automatic (worse move)
1976 Acoustic Research
1978 Thorens 125/SME
1981 Ariston R11/SME
1983 thru 2002 CD players
2002 to present Rega P25 and restored A R XA and Fairchild 412