Posts by JohnG

My Most enjoyable Music Experience were more than 40 years ago, using a Method of music replay that would not be in any manner today received with a serious consideration.

I still own Music that was purchased from this era, Vinyl LP's, Single Vinyl and Cassette.

The only real change today is the Vinyl LP is the only Media that is being played from this time.

My musical encounters that are had today do not surpass my earliest music encounters, they are just merely a continuation of the experience.

The Person today is Just One who has a furthering of their experiences of replaying music in the Home, or the Homes of others.

My earliest musical encounters produced a person who has maintained a relationship with the Media Acquired from this era for more than 40 years.

Do my Musical Encounters today produce a person who will maintain a dedication to their Music Collection for another 40+ Years (God Willing and a Good Diet)

Will my Latest 'must have' Album Purchase,

sit at the top of the pile of albums, as those albums did, and still do from the purchases made in the late 70's and early 80's.

I use various devices regularly and take part in comparisons of these these devices and other non-owned devices offer similar functions.

I actively encourage comparisons of devices,

as it is for me a Opportunity to be a Social Participant with other Like Minded Enthusiasts.

The experiences undertaken has nothing to do with how much I enjoy my music collection,

the Corner Stone that is the base for that part of my experience was set many years past, and has been steadily built on since.

In the same way I can't expect others to fully grasp my attachments to my choices of music.

I know I can't enjoy all the recordings put forward to be used by other attendees during a comparison event.

It is not possible to lean to all the attractions that others feel for their choices in music.

I can show a full respect for the recordings and express a tolerance for the duration of the replay, while those that requested the replay are expressing a stimulation created by them.

In a Nutshell for me, a Comparison is going to promote the idea of bringing people together.

A comparison of Devices in a Group with a Broad Genre of Music in the Line Up,

has the capacity to create good conversations and deliberations.

In some cases it might even prompt a want for a particular recording to be used on the device.

What it does not do, is offer an improvement on any memory of a wonderful experience spent enjoying a particular replay.

As a person who has taken the DIGNA out to many Comparisons, and heard it perform in the Company of many similar type devices, as well as loaned the DIGNA to others for periods so that the Comparisons could be continued.

I am only aware of how well received the DIGNA is as an inclusion to an event or another's home system.

I don't see it as a Device that has the capabilities to change a persons outlook on their levels of enjoyment of their owned music, it is the music alone that created and will maintain this capability.

My following of Shakti's HiFi Demonstrations and Reports shows that he will not usually and 'possibly never' uses a Kit or a DIY Product for his reports on Amplification or Speakers used within his system.

Much of the used devices are at the higher end of retail values as a purchase.

With this in mind, Shakti is correct in describing the escalating prices for a product using Boutique Components.

As this is the result of the parts being an increased overhead for a production.

A Purchase Price will reflect this as the Mark Ups are added along the Supply Chains.

Additionally those who have a familiarity with boutique parts usually await patiently for 200 hours of play time to start an assessment of a device.

Oliver makes a very good point that the DIY approach for those Adept and with an Electronics Minded Skill Set.

Can quite easily acquire boutique parts and find ways to integrate them into a circuit.

How successful is the outcome for these modifications is not guaranteed as instant, even though the changes noticed, as a result of a component exchange, can seem immediate.

As the discussion is on Phonostages, my tip is Simple and keeps the Needle Free from Wear and Music is still being produced.

Use a Reverse RIAA to be used between CD Player and Phonostage.

CD's can be played on repeat when not in attendance and music choices can be made when in attendance.

100+ Hours arrives quickly with this method, and CD can become the best CD ever heard on a Vinyl System, Win! Win! Win! 8th)

Quote from Horst_t

Sorry john,

but I can't agree with your statement. If I have detected a difference in audiophile performance it will not disappear the longer I listen to a specific component. It will permanently stick in my memory waiting for improvement.

I accept this as a view as I have experienced it myself, with cartridges, SUT's, phonostages, amp's and speakers

It is a relevant point being made

I failed to get my report of my experiences to reflect, when a compared device are both capable of making a good impression.

Short duration replays will place a focus on noticed differences in a delivery, these short duration listens are encouraging for the analytical mind.

If a Device is given a opportunity to run on with a extended play time the analytical mind recedes and the satisfaction with the attractions for the product can become the experience.

Analysis of Devices during comparisons is a method to detect if a difference can be perceived with the presentations being delivered.

If a device is allowed to run on for an extended play time, usually the satisfaction of listening to music overtakes, and the analytical person recedes.

When this place of satisfaction is found,

a Device can find good favour.

Juergen

I have met Hugo from Ammonite Audio at a Local to my home HiFi Group Meeting.

Hugo has friends and customers within this group.

A Group Member who has Purchased from Annomite Audio a SP10R> Glanz> Miyajima.

This Member is a Friend of mine, and after a search for a New Phonostrage has opted for a Bespoke Built, very similar Build Version of my Audiopills Phonostage.

It is looking like the Phasemation SUT Options will be looked into when this is set up in the owners system.

Wishful thinking is that there will be a SUT Demonstration Day put in place for the Group and Hugo might bring along some of the Devices to be demonstrated.

It would be quite something if a T-2000 was in the line up.

Juergen

Very rarely do I feel the wish to have the disposable monies ready to leap onto a HiFi product.

I have visited so many different systems throughout the years, I am happy with where I have ended up with my system.

Your assessment of the T-2000, has left me with a very inquisitive mind, and wishing that a wild, caution abandoned spend was on the cards.

As I am usually fully trusted in your reports,

and quite happy to refer others to them.

I can't help but feel a T-2000 would be a purchase that offers beyond the usual satisfaction.

Is it possible that the Coating used on the Wood can generate a Static Charge local the the Stylus, as this is a very localised collection of contaminant.

Using a High Powered Macro Lens set up,

I have seen large contamination collections local to a Stylus, this contamination in the wood body case, is visible to the eye.

My question has been after witnessing contaminant is,

At what point does contaminant become a detrimental influence on a Cartridge Designs performance?

My recollections of the DIGNA at the events I took it to are very much in keeping with this report.

It has a Very Vivid Projection of Vocals and Cleanliness in the Bass Notes.

It is not bolstered by a noticeable weight to the High and through to the Low Frequencies.

All that is presented from the DIGNA is very comprehensible and has an honesty that creates a perception that what is being listened to is a accurate reproduction.

Noticeable perceptions of increased weight is very nice and for many will be an attractor.

My SUT's when used on the DIGNA adds an improvement on the weight perception, and is well received for the increased richness.

Noticeable perceptions of increased weight also has a problem with it, when it comes combined with noticeable coloration.

I have heard this type of presentation at Phonostage Comparison Events, and when it is evident, it is for myself, a unwanted distraction and quickly becomes overbearing, as well as dominant in a replay.

When using the 'Link' it will take you to the 2nd Edition which is the latest Revision of the Subject that I now refer to as 'Vinyl Cleaningology' that is a study of the Science behind the Proposed Methods.

I am very impressed with the Manual Cleaning Methods Results.

As a result I am changing my methods and will be using the Ultrasound Tank for the Final Rinse Clean, and attempt to remove any residual particle that the 40Khz Tank might be able to extract from LP Groove.

This in my view appears to be a Win/Win Method.

The Following is the information that has been researched by NASA for USB Cleaning.

The last Section is the Alert to the Risks of Using Alcohol.

These section s are extracted from the 'Link' I has posted recently.

____________________________________________

(NASA) The sum of the parts cross-sectional area should not exceed 75% of the tank cross sectional area. The tank cross-sectional area is associated with the surface where the
transducers are mounted. For bottom mounted transducers, the cross-sectional area is the
tank length x width, and the record shows only its width x thickness (12” x ~0.1”). For side
mounted transducers, the cross-sectional area is the tank height x length and the record
shows its width x height (about 0.67 ft²/record) for a much larger cross-section. This
suggests why stacks of multiple records “can” be cleaned with a UCM with bottom mounted
transducers, but with some loss of efficiency. Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records
Version: Second Edition March 2021
Page 122 of 145

Copyright 2021-Neil Antin, Some Rights Reserved; See Title Page for Use and Disclaimer

XIV.3.d(NASA) For most effective cleaning, total parts weight should not exceed 0.351 kg/Kw of

generator power, even though a slightly higher weigh to Kw ratio can be accommodated. If
an ultrasonic tank has only 200 W power, then by this direction the total weight should not
exceed 70 grams which would be only about 40% of a 180-gram record which is not much
more than one record in an ultrasonic tank. The implication is that when cleaning a stack
of multiple records there is likely some compromise.

XIV.3.e(NASA) Parts positioning, important in most cleaning operations, is doubly important in

ultrasonic cleaning. If possible, critical areas to be cleaned should face the transducer(s). This
is intuitive except consider that Industry often cleans complex shapes with inaccessible
areas; whereas the record in comparison is a relatively simple shape with no inaccessible
surfaces.

XIV.3.f (NASA) Non-rigid plastics absorb ultrasonic energy and can produce a shadowing effect. This

can be an issue when cleaning many records at once such as the stacked capability of the
VinylStack™ Ultra Sonic Spin (Figure 47), and other similar commercially sold units.
Shadowing will depend on where the ultrasonic transducers are located. Vinyl records
whose low-density material is about 22 g/in³ (compared to 127 g/in³ for stainless steel)
will absorb ultrasonic energy. The current record spacing guidance appears based on
various qualitative observations. There are ways to evaluate UCM performance based on
testing for cavitation. There is the qualitative aluminum-foil test for cavitation, but it has
limitations and the reader is directed to https://techblog.ctgclean.com/ search “aluminum
foil” for information. There is the SonoCheck™ Healthmark Industries - Cleaning
Verification - SonoCheck that is used to qualitatively verify cavitation intensity (suitability
for stacked record cleaning unknown). There are quantitative ultrasonic cavitation meters
such as https://sonicmeter.com/. However, the cost of ultrasonic cavitation meters makes
purchase by an individual for one time use impractical.

XIV.3.g UCMs should not be used with any flammable liquids unless explosion proof in accordance
NFPA 70 NEC, and recall from Figure 31 that IPA at about 10% is considered flammable
by the NFPA, and at about 7% can still produce explosive vapors. Any use of IPA in a UCM
should not exceed 2.5% to avoid any fire and explosion hazard noting that some UCM users
are operating as high as 45°C/113°F

There is a calculation that can be found that shows the Maximum Surface Area that can be cleaned with a Six Litre Cleaning Tank ?

I will see if I can find this information and post the link.

I have took part in comparisons of phonostages as a keen pursuit, and in the past few years have done this more intensely.

I have possibly heard more than 35 Phonostages, from different price ranges at a few different Bake Off Events.

With the Top End Price Tag at one event being £10000.

My assessment through these experiences is that Phonostages can be grouped for their Performances in relation to their Purchase Value, and they become noticeable for their limitations, when compared to the Groups with ascending purchase values.

Within a Group some will offer a variation to the Sonic Signature, but the preferential Sonic will be for the individual to select.

I don't recollect one model as vastly improved over the other within a Group being assessed.

The most noticeable Phonostage within a Group are usually re entered to a Higher Purchase Value Group, to be compared.

Through demonstrations of Groups of Phonostages from approximately £ 500 - £ 2000,

In general there will be noticeable changes to the improvements as the value of a

Brand Name Device increases toward £ 2000.

A competently built DIY Model with a Parts Value of £300 - £500 has been known to easily hold its own with a Brand Name Phonostage up to £2000 in value.

What will really stand out is a DIY Phonostage built with a Parts Value of close to a £1000 by a competent Electronics Individual.

I have heard a DIY build hold its own very comfortably within the £2000 - £4000 Group and one particular build performed comfortably within the £ 5000 + group.

The DIGNA I is the model I have put forward for Demonstration at two of these events and the Phonostage has worked its way up to perform comfortably within the £2000 - £4000 Group.

I personally don't think the DIGNA shone above all the Phonostages it was compared to,

I think it sat comfortably within the group, and it was a justified position to be given.

At one event Two Individuals were very inquisitive about it, following the Demonstration, and at another the Event Organiser was offering a advice on improving the Power Supply.

I don't recollect many of the Brand Name Phonostages within the £2000 - £4000 range in my most recent endeavors that absolutely shine above another within this group.

There are usually a reasonable selection to be demonstrated at this value.

There are differences to be detected across the demonstrations, but each difference will be a sound quality that an individual has a preference for.

My experience will allow for me to suggest that after listening to Short Term demonstrations, that they are mainly similar devices in Sound Quality and how they present.

The most noticeable leap in separation noticed between the Groups during my experiences has been when the £5000 + Phonostages are demonstrated.

There are not usually many models with a Brand Name on demonstration in this Group and the odd DIY Design is already placed as being a contender within this Group as a result of how it has performed.

I feel confident in stating there is a marked difference to be noticed and these models usually have a noticeably unique presentation when compared to each other.

I will state that across all the Groups at £2000+ a Home Trial will be a very important undertaking as well, as there can be a emphasis on certain frequencies that could be deal breaker.

My Friend Runs the Vienna and a Bronze, both have the same FG Stylus.

The Vienna has a earlier technology inside that the bronze.

The Vienna is preferred, but this might belong to the Aucurum Coil Windings as well.

The C'black has Aucurum and I have one of these waiting to be rebuilt to compare to the above cartridges and my rebuilt K'b to a Vienna Spec.

Airy Cartridges get my vote.

I have seen a few who have used the Ortofon Cadenza Black, who have began to use a

PP-300 as its replacement.

Hi Oliver

It looks like you have a few Pearls of Wisdom you would like to share,

I would be keen to know the ' how to ' to achieve a better selection of Russian Valve.

I tried out a 6SN7 Russian E equivalent in another device without great success,

even though after inItial warm up, it had my full attention, but shortly after the sound quality diminished fast.

This is a Valve I have seen for sale, and have contacted the Vendor.

I am yet to receive a reply to my request for the Payment Details.

I do not believe these to be the Holy Grail, as They are Usually seen with a high purchase price.

Are the Holy Grail 1973 ?

I will try a Reflektor 6n2p3 XI 1975.

I have seen a very close matched pair for sale.

I've taken part in numerous comparisons of Audio Devices,

Cartridges, Phonostages, Amp's, Valves, Components and Cables.

Some just a couple of items A / B comparisons and others with up to 10+ items in the line up.

I have formed a view that if a difference in a presentation is to be found as the goal,

it will be discovered.

It takes time to assess the value of the difference being noticed.

With a closely performing devices, to separate each for their merits, is not always immediate, so A / B over a few hours will only usually show a difference only.

I also am always willing when the session suits, to allow a device used in the line up of auditions to run on longer when in use.

It is off interest to see how quick a group carrying out assessments, will just relax down and forget their analytical projection, when changes are not being made to a device in use after a short duration.

It is nice to see that a device under scrutiny and that could be offered a critical appraisal is offering a stimulating pleasurable listening experience, when allowed to remain unchanged.

Personally I have got to the point where I do not assess for differences as the basis for the assessment, but what is able to offer the most satisfying sound, this is a very individual experience, each to their own.

When assessing for differences, the assessors will usually agree to the differences being noticed, but struggle to agree on devices offering a satisfying sound, as a result of each assessors individual preferences.

Hello Oliver

I have enjoyed your user report and can see the DIGNA has made a good impression on you.

I am pleased that you have made it known how good the Mains Filter is for improving the performance when used with the Phonostage.

I have a Mains Filter sent to me by a Friend that is to be used.

How close the DIGNA and your Moon 110LP compared will be your experience, and this can not be questioned.

The outcome from your comparison was not enough to remove from your 'go to'

Modified Phonostage.

I am pleased to hear this, and that your carefully selected choices are solid and being kept

for the pleasure/attraction they create.

On my investigations of Phasemation Cartridges, there is a few who have a broad experience of MC's and will define the sound quality as in keeping with the best known Japanese Designed Cartridges.

I would think of those that are produced by the Excel Group for other Brands will be a good pointer.