I know you guys wait on my every post, I'm so sorry to have left you hanging.
Just had one of those experiences that absolutely proves you're on the insane end of the hobby.
Part of my analog install is dead easy, but the rest can take forever.
So swapping a Straingauge stylus is a simple Allen key out and in operation, a couple of minutes.
But for a variety of reasons, some known some unknown, I've had to fettle the finer points of my air bearing linear tracking tonearm wire loom.
And six weeks later, I think I may be beating this beast.
I'm being rewarded with possibly my best sound ever off LPs, a very different story from my murkier, blander, more homogenised presentation a few years back.
Just played box set of Penderecki Plays Penderecki on EMI, Fonogrammi and Cello Concerto. The dynamics in these LPs are off the scale scary good, and the amount of air and presence is not something I've ever easily achieved in my system before. I really feel I've achieved a hugely positive outcome, because this sound is borne of succeeding at greater resolution, neutrality and transparency.
Now, I've heard some fantastic TT front ends in the last few years, especially Audiophile Bill's Dava based rig, and Montesquieu Tom's modded Thorens 124, and I know my setup lacks the finesse and sophistication of these.
But I've really enjoyed getting the most out of my specific approach to LP playback.
And on the basis of the Penderecki LPs, recent DG re-releases and various Tone Poets impressions, other than one final change to the TT, I'm gonna be happy to settle with this as my ongoing setup.