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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: The Softer Side of a Hard-Tracing Cartridge

Post Subject: [how] to get it right from the start...Posted by Axel on: 10/28/2009

Paul,

the Jubilee never had a sagging cantilever but one that had moved out of alignment to the left of the body when viewed from the front (the preferred misalignment...?!).

The "sintered" outer(and inner)-body is baked out of non-magnetic metal powder (austenitic = non ferritic stainless steel).
It then has the inner part (was modified for the Windfeld compared to the other cheaper cart's of same body shape*) pressed between the cheeks of the outer body -- that's where a gap could come about. (The inner body piece contains the cart's 'motor')

*) the Windfeld inner body contains the mounting screw-hole-threads as compared to the outer body's screw threads with the cheaper cart versions (including Jubilee). This was meant to prevent the gapping of the earlier / 'simpler' body design.

It is immediately apparent listening to the Windfeld, that is has a more powerful bass presentation and a more refined treble when compared to the Jubilee (no slouch at it either but...)

Sound character of Windfeld is so 'neutral' it can be mistaken for a very good (the best) CD presentations.
However, it still likes a tube in the system, being an MC, lest it sounds to 'hyper neutral', dry-ish, lacking radiance, giving it a lesser involving presentation with most but the very good recorded (and pressed) vinyl.

Can it still get bettered (A90 -> A1000)? YES! as soon as MCs find a way to have their detail, speed and bass presentation more integrated with a less 'mechanical' (over-detailed?) presentation i.e. more radiance.
Good MMs are somehow doing this better, alas lack the last bit detail and speed compared the top LO-MCs like the Windfeld.

I keep on going back to MMs these days. Since I have not tubes in my system it is the ~better trade off and more musical.

Greetings,
Axel

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