Another trip to Leicester

[On the vinyl]

Yeah agreed
Always tend to speak to Peter on any purchase's but it’s so difficult with cartridges because you can’t really demo them at home and that for me is the crux, I mean as lovely as a full blown 500 active system is, it ain’t my front room missus.
Anyway it’s good to talk about this stuff, cheers guys.
Any Gong fans aboard?

[Coyote Jim]

Takes me back a long time.

[LD100]

I agree with Jim; you need to take a listen. But the only way you can tell is to go back to Cymbiosis having arranged a cart demo with Peter.

Seems like the idea solution.

I bought a Lyra Argos (entry level, know known as a Delos) around 15 years ago purely on recommendations, later replacing it with a Lyra Kleos SL (also without an audition) after years of faithful service.
I could not be any happier with the choice...when I wear the Kleos SL out, no question that it will be replaced by another Lyra...which model depends on the amount of funds in the piggy bank.

I believe buying phono cartridges without prior listening is known as a major leap of faith, and not recommended unless you're Indiana Jones...





Enjoy all that critical listening while making your choice.

[Wenge1]

Yeah agreed
Always tend to speak to Peter on any purchase's but it’s so difficult with cartridges because you can’t really demo them at home and that for me is the crux, I mean as lovely as a full blown 500 active system is, it ain’t my front room missus.
Anyway it’s good to talk about this stuff, cheers guys.
Any Gong fans aboard?

It is good to talk so to speak. But unless I have misunderstood something, you demo 'ed the Urika and Karousel at Peter's did you not? And if you did it would therefore seem to follow that you could demo carts in the same setting.

[On the vinyl]

Whilst I do agree in principle, the Karousel and Urika is really a given and really is an upgrade that you should hear a difference for the better on any system whereas a cartridge is very much like a pair of speakers and could sound wonderful in one room but awful in another.
Thing is we ain’t talking 50 quid but inevitably I will demo when the time comes and I’m sure the overall quality of the winning cartridge will shine through regardless.
Wonder if that Gong album was from the “cupboard “?
Was actually listening to it yesterday.

[Coyote Jim]

Whilst I do agree in principle, the Karousel and Urika is really a given and really is an upgrade that you should hear a difference for the better on any system whereas a cartridge is very much like a pair of speakers and could sound wonderful in one room but awful in another.
Thing is we ain’t talking 50 quid but inevitably I will demo when the time comes and I’m sure the overall quality of the winning cartridge will shine through regardless.
Wonder if that Gong album was from the “cupboard “?
Was actually listening to it yesterday.

It was indeed next to this and my Hillage Collection.

[evil_C]

Any Gong fans aboard?

+1 here. I particularly like the Radio Gnome Invisible trilogy.

[Wenge1]

Whilst I do agree in principle, the Karousel and Urika is really a given and really is an upgrade that you should hear a difference for the better on any system whereas a cartridge is very much like a pair of speakers and could sound wonderful in one room but awful in another.
Thing is we ain’t talking 50 quid but inevitably I will demo when the time comes and I’m sure the overall quality of the winning cartridge will shine through regardless.
Wonder if that Gong album was from the “cupboard “?
Was actually listening to it yesterday.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree as I think your speaker and cart comparison with respect to any room 'interaction' is not quite right IMHO of course. Speakers and room, absolutely; cart and room not really. The thing that really matters with the cart is the level of LP12 to which it is attached and your LP12 is right up there. And the rest of your system is of a very high level as well. The other thing of course is that any demo at Peter's will always be better than buying blind. After all I'm assuming you want your cart fitted as part of purchase and a trip is required anyway. But most importantly, I'm not trying to change your mind I'm just expressing a point of view. The only thing that matters is that you are happy with whatever way you choose to go ..........

Finally, I have no Gong albums and please don't encourage Jim further about what is in the depths of his many cupboards. We could be here for many days on that one and who knows what might be unearthed .........

[Coyote Jim]

Whilst I do agree in principle, the Karousel and Urika is really a given and really is an upgrade that you should hear a difference for the better on any system whereas a cartridge is very much like a pair of speakers and could sound wonderful in one room but awful in another.

I can see the cart having a signature variation that would change the final result but if that’s the deal breaker then the speakers might need playing with as they’re much more likely to have a boom in the room or some other issue.
Carts are personal and I’m sure Peter has many magic wands to conjure with at his disposal for that hot swap.

[evil_C]

I’m sure Peter has many magic wands to conjure with at his disposal for that hot swap.

Proof indeed that the Aro is a magic wand.

[Coyote Jim]

I’m sure Peter has many magic wands to conjure with at his disposal for that hot swap.

Proof indeed that the Aro is a magic wand.

I asked for that!.

[Wenge1]

I’m sure Peter has many magic wands to conjure with at his disposal for that hot swap.

Proof indeed that the Aro is a magic wand.

I asked for that!.

Oh no! Schoolboy error by Jim. Hopefully that can of worms has been closed as quickly as it was temporarily opened

[FangfossFlyer]

Hi guys and girls
I have been to see the maestro himself, Mr Swain.
This time to have the long awaited Karousel bearing fitted and at the same time a Urika 1 phono stage.

Congrats Mike
The old fruit box has had a heart transplant and is now brand new and raring to go.
I’m delighted that you chose the analogue Urika to keep the consistency of of the Vinyl replay it’s a fine stage.
Too much these days in the digital world people are obsessed by infinite numbers where in the real world technical specs don’t reflect what we hear.
The Urika was designed with a broad tolerance for mostly the Linn range of carts so easily does justice to similar spec cart of different manufacturers.
Peter does a marvellous and meticulous setup so you can be sure it’s at its best.
The Karousel is such a game changer straight away that with the improvements you’ve got then might not notice too much it’s getting better with a run in.
First time I cued up after fitting I thought I had the mute button pressed until……..
Well done and enjoy.

Interesting comment as regards what I assume is the Urika 1 compared to its digital Urika 2 variant. As for me I much preferred the Urika 1 over the Urika 2 but I am probably in a minority on this forum as I much prefer the Superline over them both. Whilst I understand the attraction of the Urika it never did it for me.

Richard