My Little Barn

[Johan K]

Very nice report and very enjoyable to read, thank you @dcc . Your pictures and room looks fantastic. I wish you all the best and a happy 2025.

Kindest Regards

/ Jk

 

[aangen]

2024 ends in style.

The My Sonic Lab Signature Diamond cartridge was delivered and set up by François from Ana Mighty Sound. It is mounted on the CSPort linear tracking arm.

View attachment 142610

View attachment 142611

François took the opportunity to first check the settings of the Etsuro Gold and slightly adjusted them following an intensive burn in of 3 weeks.

He used AnalogMagik throughout the entire setup which lasted the whole morning.

I discussed the tonearm options with François.

When I auditioned the Etsuro Gold, the MSL Signature Diamond, the Phasemation PP-5000, the Etsuro Bordeaux and the Soundsmith Hyperion MKII cartridges, we used the CSPort linear tracking arm as it has a removable headshell allowing quick swaps. The two final contenders were the Etsuro Gold and the MSL Signature Diamond which I eventually ordered.

François was of the opinion that the Etsuro Gold would sound even better on the SAT tonearm whereas the My Sonic Lab Signature Diamond would work very well on the linear tracking arm similarly to its sibling.

When I had the MSL Signature Platinum, it was originally fitted on the SAT tonearm. It was highly analytical and very impressive but sometimes it was too much for me. Transferring it to the CSPort linear tracking arm brought some more balance (we also swapped the phono cables between the SUTs and the phono stage).

The MSL Signature Diamond is fitted on a Phasemation CS-1200 headshell with one off prototype headshell leads from Elpispandora.

View attachment 142612

View attachment 142613

As previously mentioned in my report on the comparative auditioning, the MSL Signature Diamond is in the same lineage as the Signature Platinum. It has all the traits of the Platinum (speed, clarity, details) but better. The gap is not subtle that it was difficult for me going back to the Platinum.

Compared to the Etsuro Gold, the MSL Signature Diamond has a slightly higher gain. Both carts are a perfect match with the Phasemation EA-2000 phono stage and the T-2000 SUT. The MSL is less forgiving with surface noise than the Etsuro Gold. Whereas the Etsuro Gold has a little more body with a very ample soundstage, the Signature Diamond excels in dynamics and details.

View attachment 142614

Both carts are highly compelling and you cannot go wrong in picking one of them.

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2025.

View attachment 142615

Thank you for this report. I love, love, LOVE my Signature Platinum. The Signature Diamond is on its way to replace it.

 

[SOS]

@aangen when does your Sig Diamond arrive? What table/arm will it sing on?

 

[aangen]

@aangen when does your Sig Diamond arrive? What table/arm will it sing on?

It should arrive in January. It will go on my TechDAS AF3 Premium with a Graham Phantom Elite Tonearm.

 

[SOS]

@aangen any updates on your Diamond Sig?

 

[aangen]

@aangen any updates on your Diamond Sig?

No sir.

 

[dcc]

After 3 weeks of intense listening sessions, I believe that the MSL Signature Diamond has gone through a thorough burn-in. The gap between the Etsuro Gold and the MSL Signature Diamond has narrowed to a level that it becomes a matter of personal taste. I had the visit of a vinyl aficionado last Saturday who preferred the MSL to the Etsuro Gold.

 

[SOS]

Thanks @dcc for the update. About how many hours would you say the Sig Diamond took to settle in and really sing? I remember my Sig Gold only took about 20 - 25 hrs but my Sig Platinum took over 75 hrs.

 

[dcc]

I believe that I reached the full potential after about 50 hours.

 

[aangen]

After 3 weeks of intense listening sessions, I believe that the MSL Signature Diamond has gone through a thorough burn-in. The gap between the Etsuro Gold and the MSL Signature Diamond has narrowed to a level that it becomes a matter of personal taste. I had the visit of a vinyl aficionado last Saturday who preferred the MSL to the Etsuro Gold.

I need someone to compare the Diamond to the Platinum. I am going from the Platinum to the Diamond. (If and when it is delivered.)

 

[dcc]

I need someone to compare the Diamond to the Platinum. I am going from the Platinum to the Diamond. (If and when it is delivered.)

The Signature Diamond is replacing the Signature Diamond I used to have. I did a direct comparison. If you like the Platinum, you will love the Diamond.

 

[aangen]

The Signature Diamond is replacing the Signature Diamond I used to have. I did a direct comparison. If you like the Platinum, you will love the Diamond.

But I love the Platinum. Does that mean I will only like the Diamond? (kidding)

 

[Rotatoubib]

After 3 weeks of intense listening sessions, I believe that the MSL Signature Diamond has gone through a thorough burn-in. The gap between the Etsuro Gold and the MSL Signature Diamond has narrowed to a level that it becomes a matter of personal taste. I had the visit of a vinyl aficionado last Saturday who preferred the MSL to the Etsuro Gold.

I prefered the Diamond to the Etsuro Gold, but I have to say that both are top cartridges