I opened up a new phono line by using my beloved Exclusive EA-10 tonearm which is Ikeda silver rewired thus transporting the signal via an Ortofon TSW-6000 phono cable to the Manley Cinook.
The tubes of the Manley phono I replaced with NOS Westex ones bringing the Cinook close to the field of superb phono stages. The last meter to the Pre is done by an Audioquest Sky.
I am using this line preferably for MI and MM cartridges, in this way the Manley operates in MM mode. Comparing two wonderful MI carts at the weekend, the Sussurro, the London Reference the winner is the London Reference, at least for Jazz music. The Soundsmith cart is also on the soft & warm side, perfectly sounding with Jazz records too. The Ikeda 9REX Kiwami MC also coming with a cantileverless diamond is another specialist, I prefer for rock and rap music via a SUT. Wow – what kind of dynamics and subtile information these three wonderful designs are able to deliver. They are very nicely balancing instruments and voices in a somehow different way than our other excellent MCs, maybe a bit more harmonical .
Staying only with classic MCs seems to be a bit boring, or? 🙂
Next time I will compare Moving Magnets…
btw. I do prefer exact alignment of tonearm and cartridge rather than “so so alignment”. My problem is I do hear the difference…
I am using the UNI-Din curve
AudioCirc.com 
E.
Very impressive alignment protractor, complete with magnifying glass to set stylus ‘nul’ points. I am wondering how you determine the correct stylus VTA (SRA)? Do you prefer postive VTA (tonearm piviot up) or negative (tonearm piviot down)? For years I just left the tonearm level, until I discovered that proper VTA will eliminate sibilance.
I have been hearing a lot about UNI-Din, I might try this and see if it is better than Baerwald
I really like the big Denon broadcast table.
Norman
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Norman,
In my opinion it is the most accurate alignment protractor. You need changing the curve plates when you are using different arms or curves. With my 24 arms 12 plates are sufficient for me. Confusing? In this case there is a smaller and more user friendly version of the UNIprotractor available as well.
Regarding the correct VTA I am not following specific rules. With all static balanced arms (most except of the FRs) just use the arm parallel to the record and test by ear for modern records and old records separately. In the case of dynamic arms you must use the arm going parallel. Otherwise you are ending up in an tangential error.
SRA I align by the Arche headshell, if necessary.
E.
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Norman,
I added an image showing two records which are excellent checking the perfect height for old records (Julian Bream) and modern records (Opus 3). When you hear the guitar body sounding perfect you are ok. In case of modern records the vocals should not come with a hello, you may be able to hear a kind of contrabass in connection with the voice.
E.
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Eckart,
Thank you, I actually have a Red Seal of Julian Bream (Julian Bream and his friends) from about the same period so I will sample that today. I spent my weekend cleaning, lubing and adjusting my Dual 1229. I purchased a new protractor and am using the UNI-Din curve this time. So far so good! With my Grace 747 tonearm using a Denon 103R I need the tail down just a touch to fully eliminate any sibilance. I will listen more this evening. If all is good I will do the same to the Garrard 301 and SME 3009. I sincerely appreciate your help and suggestions.
Norman
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Wow.
What an interesting blog in general. Funny never came along and are quite into this audio topic, for a lot years.
I find you touch very interesting topics, not often discussed, especially concerning phono playback. We share some products and ideas…. Would like to ask some questions, could I contact you outside this comment section?
regards
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Yes, please do so PG,
You can reach me under contact@audiocirc.com
Best
E.
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