Initial impressions of my tonearm plus cartridge upgrade

[SoundMann]

Hi again. I recently received a Micro Seiki MA-101mkII tonearm along with a Shelter 201 cartridge that replaced a Grace 707 II and Signet TK7e.

My turntable is a Micro Seiki BL-51 with a gunmetal record weight that allows for better coupling of the record to the hybrid vinyl/rubber mat that it employs. My phonostage is a 3 tube Chinese EAR clone utilizing vintage tubes.

So far, I have been using my headphone rig to listen to it. I use a single-ended OTL triode tube amp with a Numark EQ driving a set of JVC HA-D990 headphones .

My initial impressions have surprised me so far given that the cartridge only has a few hours on it. It has a whole and complete sonic signature that does nothing to draw singular focus or attention to any particular element while providing a uniquely distinct portrayal each recording. It's timbral accuracy is particularly impressive. It is also free of any rising response in the highs.

The tonearm gives one a good insight into the sonic landscape with very clear and concise imaging without emphasizing any part of the frequency range.

I am looking forward to hearing it at the 50-hour mark.

 

[SoundMann]

I am going to be testing different custom alignments to see which sounds and performs the best with this cartridge/tonearm combo.

I am currently using a VTF of 1.8g with a level tonearm.

 

[maxson]

Glad you're liking the 201, even without the SAS stylus. I'll have to give it another listen on its own.

 

[SoundMann]

Glad you're liking the 201, even without the SAS stylus. I'll have to give it another listen on its own.

Four albums on it so far, so it has just begun its break-in cycle. How long would you say that it takes to be free of stridency?