[zettelsm]

Some wise man said, “Life is what happens while you are making plans”. Too true.

But finally, I’ve had some time to mount and align my brand new Grado Aeon cartridge. It’s a little more challenging than the Dynavector XV1-S because the Aeon’s cantilever and stylus is tucked completely underneath the cartridge body, rather than having a long cantilever sticking way out in front in the open, like the Dyna.

However, the cartridge is deliberately constructed with square sides and front edge specifically to aid alignment. Setting up the cart with the VPI alignment protractor was pretty easy. Some backlighting behind the cartridge helps to see the stylus. I set VTF at 1.8 grams (1.5-1.9 grams recommended).

How does it sound?

With not even 3 hours on the new cartridge, it sounds truly special. Voices are already more lifelike and natural with the Aeon compared to the XV1-S. In fact, I’d say the Aeon makes the Dyna sound kind of “hifi”, while the Grado sounds more like real music. I’m already hearing nuances and low-level information that I didn’t know existed on familiar records. And this thing is dynamic as all get out — snare drum rim shots and cymbal crashes are whiplash quick and capture all metallic snap and brassy ring of the real thing.

I am already smiling as I listen to favorite LPs with the Aeon. If it continues to improve as it breaks in, and I’m sure it will, I am going to be absolutely delirious with joy.

Thanks very much Ivan!

More to come,

Steve