When I Didn't Think it Could Get Much Better.

[utahusker]

I've posted my review on other sites also.

I finally got around to installing and doing some critical listening to my Madrigal Carnegie 1 cartridge. It was marketed by Mark Levinson and built by Benz Micro in the late 80's. I heard one at that time and was impressed but couldn't afford it.

I installed it on my VPI Scout with with a Cinemag Stepup (150 ohm-1:18 ratio) between my Juicy Music Blueberry preamp and Scout. This cartridge is replacing my Dynavector 10x5 that I've been extremely happy using.

The transparency of this cartridge is unbelievable The opening up of the soundstage made my small man cave feel as though I was in a room much much larger. The sound is almost holographic, being able to place the position of Nils Lofgren slightly left and forward of Neal on "Speakin' Out" (second song, side one on Neil Young's "tonight's The Night). It's extension of the highs and lows are near perfect beating my 10x5.

Setup is key with this cartridge, and I have a final setting of the VTA after almost an hour of experimentation and a VTF of 1.8 gr. I finally found the definite sweet spot with my gear.

The Madrigal's are found in the $300 to $400 range, which to me is a steal at double the price.
Back to utopia!!!

[Fast Forward]

Ya Know for a tape head hang-out ,this site sure has a lot of Vinyl lovers and turntable buffs,, hey Matt maybe we need to steal Hakaplan from that other place

[utahusker]

It's all analog*reelspin**Hi5*

[Rat44]

Tape and vinyl go hand in hand.*Hi5*

[Mr. Lin]

What an odd-looking cartridge, it reminds me of a duck. When did you actually get around buying it? Was it new? Do you know the output? Is that enough questions for you? :)

That's really cool, it's something I've never seen or heard of either. I, too, am a 10X5 owner and fan, btw.

[utahusker]

What an odd-looking cartridge, it reminds me of a duck. When did you actually get around buying it? Was it new? Do you know the output? Is that enough questions for you? :)

That's really cool, it's something I've never seen or heard of either. I, too, am a 10X5 owner and fan, btw.

I bought it about a month ago and it's used but has less than 100 hours on it. Looking at the stylus under a microscope, it looks like new.

The output is .28mv.

I love finding stuff like this.

Here's a link http://www.cartridgedb.com/ratings.asp?manufacturer=Madrigal&model=Carnegie%20One

[Scorpion8]

Better yet, lemme know if you decide to move off the Dynavector now that you've upgraded ....

[utahusker]

Better yet, lemme know if you decide to move off the Dynavector now that you've upgraded ....The way it looks now, I'll probably sell the 10x5. I like the sound of a LOMC better, since I've three loading options. Two with the Cinemag, and one with the K&K (Lundahl) I built. The main reason the Dynavector was being used is my ebony bodied Denon 103r is being retipped at Soundsmith. They're way behind in their work so it's taking much longer than expected.

I first bought the 10x5 with a new Rega P3-24. After selling the Rega and buying my Scout, the 10x5 sounded great with the VPI and I found a new appreciation for it. That said, I haven't heard the 103R on the Scout yet. It was much better than the 10x5 on the Rega. Night and day to me, the same way the Scout compares to the Rega.

[Mr. Lin]

Well, it sure makes for a good avatar.

[utahusker]

The more I listen, the more I like this cartridge. It's like listening to new albums all over again. The more lac luster records I own are now stunning.

Sometimes when switching something in the audio chain, people get "different" sounds confused with "better" sounds. In this case it's definitely better and more defined. It should be, it retailed much more than the 10x5 back in the mid 80's. The Denon 103 and cartridges like this are a testament that new technology hasn't improved cartridges a whole lot.

[Des-Lab]

I would LOVE for Hakaplan to come over here. He was a loyal participant in every one of my "Name Those Tunes" contests over there.