Transfiguration Co
- Thread starter Uk Paul
- Start date
It is true that he passed away. I believe it also to be true that the company will no longer produce carts. I've thought about buying another Proteus now, and stashing it away, but I'd be concerned about long term storage of carts especially those containing silver. I do believe Bluebird Music (in the US) can facilitate Proteus rebuilds, however.
A few months back, when I was cartridge shopping, I had heard the same thing. As such, unfortunately, it ruled out the option of a Transfiguration cartridge for me.
Pity, as it seems that quite a few great cartridge makes are now unavailable.
Pity, as it seems that quite a few great cartridge makes are now unavailable.
I think it is actually not a very good idea to have a cartridge sit unused in a box for long periods of time. The suspension has a very solid chance of drying up.
Sad.
Transfiguration Temper Supreme followed by Orpheus were my first proper foray into proper analog magic.
Critical part of my musical education.
Transfiguration Temper Supreme followed by Orpheus were my first proper foray into proper analog magic.
Critical part of my musical education.
As far as knowledge passing goes it's a problem in many areas of handicraft . I was recently in Osaka and had the pleasure of acquiring a culinary knife from a well known craftsman. He was in his 80s I believe....and mentioned (in Japanese, to my friend) that he had not had much success with taking an apprentice the 'distance'. (they typically giving up)
That is sad news.
After moving on from a Linn LP12 with a Naim ARO arm and Troika cartridge to a Stratosphere TT and Graham arm with the Transfiguration Temper cartridge I was very happy ,the cartridge survived the earthquakes that destroyed my arm and TT amazingly ,and now lives on in my friends system on a Well Tempered TT. Artisans of fine cartridges are getting thin on the ground these days ,at least the makers of MC's that are affordable .
The storage of cartridges to prevent the suspension from drying out is all about how and where ,My friend who I distributed his products for in my old home country had some of his cartridges from back in the 1980's carefully stored that were still in perfect working order his name was James Bongiorno (R.I.P) a very colourful character and always a gentleman to deal with ,no BS and he respected his distributors area unlike many of today, we never met in the 14 or so years that we worked together but spoke on the phone and emailed regularly, Sorry I digress .I would vacuum seal the cartridge and keep in a cool environment ,that will prolong the life of the cartridge suspension .
After moving on from a Linn LP12 with a Naim ARO arm and Troika cartridge to a Stratosphere TT and Graham arm with the Transfiguration Temper cartridge I was very happy ,the cartridge survived the earthquakes that destroyed my arm and TT amazingly ,and now lives on in my friends system on a Well Tempered TT. Artisans of fine cartridges are getting thin on the ground these days ,at least the makers of MC's that are affordable .
The storage of cartridges to prevent the suspension from drying out is all about how and where ,My friend who I distributed his products for in my old home country had some of his cartridges from back in the 1980's carefully stored that were still in perfect working order his name was James Bongiorno (R.I.P) a very colourful character and always a gentleman to deal with ,no BS and he respected his distributors area unlike many of today, we never met in the 14 or so years that we worked together but spoke on the phone and emailed regularly, Sorry I digress .I would vacuum seal the cartridge and keep in a cool environment ,that will prolong the life of the cartridge suspension .
I'm not sure it's of any more consequence with silver than it is with copper. Silver oxide is very close to silver in conductivity (and silver better than copper or gold if conductivity is of concern). Many recording engineers prefer silver coated switch contacts for this reason....
This depends entirely on the type and quality of rubber used in the suspension. Some will oxidize and stiffen up and some will not.
The other genius behind Transfiguration is still around but he's getting along in age as well. The cart he built upon leaving Transfiguration is also very good. With him left the ability to build the ring magnet of the Orpheus and it is in his own cart. Search for MuTech RM-Kanda to help ease the pain.
The quality of the rubber will only result in a lengthening of the aging process....it will not eliminate it.
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