Some things just don't make sense.Yes, I find the AT price structure for the various tip profiles to be somewhat at odds with the industry.
I have seen an explanation, but can’t recall what it was.
Two sides to that coin - on one side the more advanced profiles fit the groove "better", but because of their shape need more accurate alignment. So, a worn record that has groove wear from say worn out spherical styli will in theory have less groove wear deeper in the groove. The more advanced styli cuts can get there and if aligned properly have less distortion and wear on the grooves. On the other hand, spherical are less "picky" about setup and may sound better than a less than optimal alignment of an advanced profile. I have very much enjoyed the spherical stylus on the Denon 103 and also like the Shibata on the Hana SL.Is it true that a shibata stylus would be better for old used records?
Here is a link to an informal listening test done at the Schiit demo site - called the "SchiitR" I think" in Southern California. It is from 4 years ago back when they were still making the Sol turntable. They tested the three nude versions of styli for the VM95 body.Is it true that a shibata stylus would be better for old used records?
Put the Hana SL on the same type AT HS6 headshell the VM95SH is on, aligned it same geometry and played an album side. Now that I have these two cartridges on identical headshells, swapping is super easy. I will get around to that on a different day. I had just listened to this album last night. To be honest, there were no glaring differences in playback. Both had great bass and great holographic imaging. Really no complaints with either cartridge.
Parks Waxwing. The Waxwing has 24 memories. So far I have a Hana, VM95, and Lyra settings for 3 of my cartridges. Swapping cartridges is as follows: swap pre-aligned cartridge on headshell, reset downforce and anti-skate, adjust VTA to re-level arm if needed, and recall memory on Waxwing. Takes less than 5 minutes at a leisurely pace.What preamp are you using with the Hana?
Not all spindles are exactly the same size. It is possible that that it was enlarged to fit more easily on his table.The previous owner must have enlarged it to get some ability to get the record centered.
Possibly, however, my Clearaudio spindle is already a tight fit as they make theirs a tiny bit bigger. This album can move a millimeter or two quite easily. Perhaps I was giving the individual too much credit and it was just a sloppy enlargement.Not all spindles are exactly the same size. It is possible that that it was enlarged to fit more easily on his table.
Next task for me (if I can get the space and energy to work on them now my old workbench is long gone) is to do some more with the GL69mk2 in my current avatar, or bring the ton-up Thorens TD160 down and either refit the Linn Basik Plus or a brand new Rega RB330.
Anyway and going back to AT VM95, I set up a VM95ML a while ago and loved it. I suspect the ML tip can be a little brash or unforgiving for traditional vinyl lovers, but I've heard the SH tips as AT use do seem to quieten down the sparkle and refine it into something more refined. I also believe the current Shibata is different from the ones I used to know in the 70's (re AT, I loved the AT20SLa from that era and would love to try the VM760 which I believe is the latest descendent of this classic model, the metal mount possibly minimising hf energy going bascl into the arm).
Why am I going off on one above? It's 'cos the Thorens spindle is always a tight fit for some records...
Bob, why did you choose SH over ML?I like the AT VM95SH a lot! It's a great cartridge for very little money.
My Duals are ok......I like the AT VM95SH a lot! It's a great cartridge for very little money. One of the reasons I picked it was the lower compliance makes it a better match to my new tonearm. The higher priced models have higher compliance for some reason.
Those tight spindles must be a German thing.
Bob, why did you choose SH over ML?