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  1. Brian Walsh

    Ron Resnick Launches Audio Cafe LLC, a New Clarisys Audio Dealer

    Steve, I agree, especially with regards to conflict of interest.
  2. Brian Walsh

    Can digital get to vinyl sound and at what price?

    I acquired a pair a while ago and only need to reinstall the re-foamed woofers to put them into use. The former Hill dealer had stored them for 40 years. Mint condition. Frequency response of the plasma driver is from either 700 or 1000 Hz (selected on the crossover unit) to 180 kHz, no horn...
  3. Brian Walsh

    Capital Audiofest 2023

    I will be there.
  4. Brian Walsh

    The "Like" Button

    How about a "Dislike" button, such as for self promotional and shill posts?
  5. Brian Walsh

    AXPONA 2023

    I'll be doing my part, setting up 'tables in several rooms. Look for my cards.
  6. Brian Walsh

    AXPONA 2023

    Seriously, Ron? Ever been to Vito and Nick's, for example? We can talk/argue about Italian beef, hot dogs, etc. :D
  7. Brian Walsh

    What Cables Are You Using With Atma-Sphere Gear & Why?

    I hope you're using good speaker cables. I can't tell what you have from your system listing. Are your amps set up for 600 ohms balanced loading, which the MP-1 can drive? It is normally not an option on the MA-1s.
  8. Brian Walsh

    Anyone hear the MA-3?

    LOL. That might be the only place you could hear them. I know of another guy who has a pair but is a total a-hole.
  9. Brian Walsh

    The Absolute Sound issues?

    Responsive web design, aka mobile friendly, has been around for years. Good to see TAS adopt that. I find the megamenu with its high contrast against the color slider to be somewhat jarring. Scot Markwell's name is misspelled in the Blog listings.
  10. Brian Walsh

    Anyone hear the MA-3?

    Air cooled. The distributor in Guatemala who has a pair has a vent above them to pull a lot of the heat out of the room, which is a good solution. The amps run in Class A, with three banks of 14 output tubes each which can be turned on or off to suit your needs.
  11. Brian Walsh

    Some recent phono cartridge setups

    Dohmann Helix Two Mk 2 turntable with Schroder CB tonearm and Phasemation PP-2000 cartridge. Nagra electronics, Vimberg speakers, REL subs. The client had contacted me to adjust the armboard properly and dial in the phono cartridge performance. Words fail to convey what this turntable system did...
  12. Brian Walsh

    Some recent phono cartridge setups

    Brinkmann Taurus turntable with 12.1 tonearm and Lyra Etna Lambda cartridge. Audio Research phono preamp, D'Agostino preamp and 250 w/ch stereo amp, dCS digital, Avalon Isis speakers, REL subs (similar to Clearaudio system subs shown above). Jim Smith setup.
  13. Brian Walsh

    Some recent phono cartridge setups

    Visits to clients' homes have included this one. Other posts will follow with other rigs. Clearaudio Innovation turntable, Universal 9" arm, Lyra Kleos cartridge. Temporarily using a Parasound JC3 phono preamp while his Lampizator phono pre which was damaged in shipment is sent for repair...
  14. Brian Walsh

    Constellation Audio - I am dissapointed

    I'd be very surprised. John Curl is well into his 70s.
  15. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    What MPS said. But realize that nothing in this world is completely rigid. That certainly includes coils which can vibrate - and do. When you hold a wooden ruler down on a table and sticking out over the edge and pluck it, it does a "boing" even though it's pretty rigid normally. Metal does...
  16. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    If the stylus is reasonably close to the standard orthogonal orientation to the record surface when viewed from the front, you may be OK. It would be strange and disconcerting for a stylus to be that far off, though.
  17. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    Maybe, maybe not. I'd have to see the angle of the stylus relative to the groove, not the angle of the cantilever. Chances are the stylus is canted, in which case it's not something you want for acceptable record and stylus wear. The electrical performance measured suggesting such adjustment can...
  18. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    Looking at the curves, I'd estimate the optimum azimuth setting will be in the 2.5 to 3.0 degree range, where the phase curves intersect. That's as extreme as it gets and generally not recommended considering record and stylus wear. I would be getting the cartridge rebuilt or replaced.
  19. Brian Walsh

    Music Direct Ultimate Cartridge Setup Service

    Some recent setups: Tweaked Thorens TD124 with Reed 3P and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze: Tweaked Garrard 301 with Reed 3P and van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius in an absolutely stunning Cocobolo plinth: TW-Acustic Raven AC3 with Tri-Planar Mk VII SE and van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius and with...
  20. Brian Walsh

    Harmonic Resolution vs. Critical Mass RACKS? Sonic and Engineering Differences?

    Unlike some posting to this thread, I have no vested interest in any products mentioned. But there are some fundamental physical principles that apply. - The structure, especially the platform, should be as stiff and strong as possible. - The same shall be as light as possible. Added mass is...
  21. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    And to introduce other challenges. ;) Actually tima is correct at least to some extent. Every cartridge, even among the same model, is most often a little different from another sample. Cartridges are made by hand, thus some variations.
  22. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    One benefit of owning this tool is you have the ability to answer your own questions regarding the effects of VTA and anti-skate on phase and crosstalk. True, but there are other parameters to explore such as tracking force and cartridge loading.
  23. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    In your case the phase curves are close together between -0.3 and -1.
  24. Brian Walsh

    Who Will Be Attending T.H.E. Show -Long Beach June 7-9, 2019-Let's Meet

    I'll be there and can be reached by voice or text at 773-809-4434. Brian
  25. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    Yesterday I did a setup but gave up when in my opinion it became obvious the cartridge was defective. It required such an extreme azimuth adjustment that could not be compensated for by SRA and antiskating adjustment that it was not acceptable, and the crosstalk figure from one channel was poor...
  26. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    I disagree with your assertion that "anything exceeding 30dB is a unicorn cartridge." I see a fair number in the 30 to 35 dB range. 25 dB is acceptable. I respect Soundsmith's experience, but remember they are behind their own product, the Cartwright. I use Adjust+ and AnalogMagik.
  27. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    Yes, this is what I alluded to above. I've seen a few cartridges approaching -40 dB crosstalk. As I said, +3 to +3.5 degrees for minimum phase error and lowest crosstalk is unusual to say the least. I would be looking to reduce that by using the other measures if not replacing the cartridge.
  28. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    This is about what i expected, although it's more severe than most. Try adjusting other parameters, even tracking force, to see if you can reduce the angle. Otherwise your options are obvious, and if the cartridge is new I would return it.
  29. Brian Walsh

    Calling Adjust+ experts...

    Yes, try more CCW. There are other things to check and adjust such as antiskating, SRA, and stylus zenith angle.
  30. Brian Walsh

    Azimuth adjustment the easy way...

    I have seen just a few cases where the curves don't look 'normal' even after numerous readings. Relatively flat curves that intersect are the easiest to work with. Steep ones can make fine adjustment tricky. I am extremely patient and determined to get it right every time. I take personal...

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