Bought a new cart last night...

[PHC1]

I still have an A90 in the box. Someday it will get some play time...

[turntable]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I still have an A90 in the box. Someday it will get some play time...

Now that the A90 is no more, used A90's are well sort after, as the A90 is one of only three cartridges Ortofon will rebuild.

Great integrity of a company who produce a limited edition and stick to it.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by turntable

Now that the A90 is no more, used A90's are well sort after, as the A90 is one of only three cartridges Ortofon will rebuild.

Great integrity of a company who produce a limited edition and stick to it.

That's good to know Shane.

[turntable]

Originally Posted by PHC1

That's good to know Shane.

with no offence to Soundsmith or ESC, I would not want them re-tipping/ re building my A90. factory specs - oh yea

[djwhog]

very nice read great reviews that is a way nice cat enjoy

[rockitman]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

Nice! PLease give us your impressions on set up ease and sound quality. I am wondering if it really is as neutral as made out in the press

howie

It is very neutral, very clear and seemingly devoid of any distortion. This cart is not one that flavors the sound. It seems to get out of the way of the music.... producing deep inner detail, beautifully extended/airy treble, fantastic midrange and very tight bass. It seems to be perfectly balanced thoughout the frequency range. My Shelter Harmony by comparison has a warmer sound with treble that isn't quite as extended and airy.

This cart is not analytical, rather very detailed, dynamic and fast. Most importantly, it delivers musicality in spades. I'm not sure there is a better cart for my tastes. I may keep my eye out for another one as backup.

Set-up was easy, imo. I say this as it was no trouble setting overhang and zenith angle with the Dr. Feikert protractor. The stylus sticks out in front of the cart making it quite easy to check for cantilever parallelity on the null points. My arm has a VTA lift that allows adjustment on the fly. I suppose those with arms that don't have that will have a more difficult time dialing in the optimal VTA/SRA.

[miner]

Groovetracer subplatters are not compatible with a P9 - no bearing in a P9.

[rockitman]

Originally Posted by turntable

Now that the A90 is no more, used A90's are well sort after, as the A90 is one of only three cartridges Ortofon will rebuild.

Great integrity of a company who produce a limited edition and stick to it.

A total rebuild meaning cantilever, tip and suspension is out of the question. They will do a re-tip for the cart however. This is what I found out after contacting Ortofon headquarters in Denmary.

[turntable]

Originally Posted by rockitman

A total rebuild meaning cantilever, tip and suspension is out of the question. They will do a re-tip for the cart however. This is what I found out after contacting Ortofon headquarters in Denmary.

That is what I need. A re-tip. The a90 is sounding a little tired now, especially against my new Lyra Kleos.

One thing, my dyna xv-1 lasts for 3000- 3500 hours, the lyra 2000-2500. The a90 1000 - 1500 hours.
On audiogon, Ortofon apparently told the guy 600 - 900 hours. WTF

I guess that is what the extreme profile of the replicant stylus does, wears out quicker, a lot quicker.

[rockitman]

repost, sorry brain malfunction...