Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 7, 2020 21:12:57 GMT
Sounds like you both had a great time chaps . Shame I'm not near enough to pay you both a visit . Hopefully I will be able to remedy that this year sometime Ha, yes.....it was a really enjoyable morning. Your time will come Brian lol
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Post by electronumpty on Mar 7, 2020 23:23:09 GMT
Curious
Does it come with a stylus guard?
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 7, 2020 23:25:27 GMT
Curious Does it come with a stylus guard? No....its terrifying when you have to get it out of the box, then you have to install it lol
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Post by electronumpty on Mar 7, 2020 23:50:36 GMT
Curious Does it come with a stylus guard? No....its terrifying when you have to get it out of the box, then you have to install it lol eeek! feck that for a game of conkers! That would do my head in.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 8, 2020 0:21:01 GMT
No....its terrifying when you have to get it out of the box, then you have to install it lol eeek! feck that for a game of conkers! That would do my head in. Truth is, I never use one anyway. I think any messing about in the proximity of the stylus is just asking for trouble. Would have been nice to have one just to get it out of the box though
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Post by stevew on Mar 8, 2020 8:10:50 GMT
I was going to write a separate review of Oliver's HA103 SEL LOMC cartridge but it made more sense for me to add my thoughts here. What better way of spending a Saturday morning than listening to music on a great Hifi System. The HA103 SEL LOMC suited Oli's SP10 turntable which sits on a Panzerholz plinth. It looked great on the AT tonearm. I had heard that wood bodied cartridges could sound very good but I was taken aback at just how good this cartridge sounded. I had bought a bag of vinyl with me and as Oli mentioned we started off listening to a magnificent recording of Bach's Cello Suites played by Starker. Every note had so much information going on. The multi layered harmonics coming from the bow being drawn across the string were astounding but it was the resonance of the wooden Cello body that really amazed. The tonal quality was superb with life like natural realism. This new cartridge of Olivers could certainly deliver the goods and more. We played the Rodrigo and Gabriela live album " Live in Manchester and Dublin" again and the delivery was stunning. This cartridge controlled everything going on and separated out every strand of information without collapsing into a sonic mush which many lesser cartridges would have done. The speed and dynamics of this album are truly a test of a cartridges ability and the HA103 did not trip up at all. It delivered a super refined but exciting account of what was on the record and let you know everything that was going on in a detailed and convincing manner. Last time I was round we had listened too Aldous Harding 'Swell does the skull' on vinyl and it had been a tad disappointing but with this new cartridge and the new Bigbottle 3 phono stage it came to life in an uncanny way. Every vocal nuance and articulation of words could be heard in a three dimensional way. Some aspects of the recording like the doubling up of her vocals became apparent which I had not heard before. The recording made you totally believe there was someone in front of you in the room singing. We did switch back to a digital version of the recoding on the Pecan Pi but unfortunately the believable magic disappeared. If I were to sum up the HA103 SEL LOMC cartridge this is what I heard. A super refined sound with great insight and detail. Total control across the whole music spectrum with wonderful tonal quality. Indeed everything I could wish for in a cartridge. Oliver has been very fortunate in that the decision he has made on a cartridge he had not even heard before turned out to be a great one and has even bested his old Kontrapunkt B. Affirmation. It’s a very good thing.
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Post by jimbo on Mar 8, 2020 8:21:06 GMT
I was going to write a separate review of Oliver's HA103 SEL LOMC cartridge but it made more sense for me to add my thoughts here. What better way of spending a Saturday morning than listening to music on a great Hifi System. The HA103 SEL LOMC suited Oli's SP10 turntable which sits on a Panzerholz plinth. It looked great on the AT tonearm. I had heard that wood bodied cartridges could sound very good but I was taken aback at just how good this cartridge sounded. I had bought a bag of vinyl with me and as Oli mentioned we started off listening to a magnificent recording of Bach's Cello Suites played by Starker. Every note had so much information going on. The multi layered harmonics coming from the bow being drawn across the string were astounding but it was the resonance of the wooden Cello body that really amazed. The tonal quality was superb with life like natural realism. This new cartridge of Olivers could certainly deliver the goods and more. We played the Rodrigo and Gabriela live album " Live in Manchester and Dublin" again and the delivery was stunning. This cartridge controlled everything going on and separated out every strand of information without collapsing into a sonic mush which many lesser cartridges would have done. The speed and dynamics of this album are truly a test of a cartridges ability and the HA103 did not trip up at all. It delivered a super refined but exciting account of what was on the record and let you know everything that was going on in a detailed and convincing manner. Last time I was round we had listened too Aldous Harding 'Swell does the skull' on vinyl and it had been a tad disappointing but with this new cartridge and the new Bigbottle 3 phono stage it came to life in an uncanny way. Every vocal nuance and articulation of words could be heard in a three dimensional way. Some aspects of the recording like the doubling up of her vocals became apparent which I had not heard before. The recording made you totally believe there was someone in front of you in the room singing. We did switch back to a digital version of the recoding on the Pecan Pi but unfortunately the believable magic disappeared. If I were to sum up the HA103 SEL LOMC cartridge this is what I heard. A super refined sound with great insight and detail. Total control across the whole music spectrum with wonderful tonal quality. Indeed everything I could wish for in a cartridge. Oliver has been very fortunate in that the decision he has made on a cartridge he had not even heard before turned out to be a great one and has even bested his old Kontrapunkt B. Affirmation. It’s a very good thing. It was a pleasure to listen too Steve and quite an eye/ear opener. I have heard some very high end MC cartridges but not one that delivered everything so completely without fault as this one. A glorious instrument for retrieving analogue information!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 8:27:21 GMT
Affirmation. It’s a very good thing. It was a pleasure to listen too Steve and quite an eye/ear opener. I have heard some very high end MC cartridges but not one that delivered everything so completely without fault as this one. A glorious instrument for retrieving analogue information! So, are you tempted to move away from MM yet James?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 8:29:14 GMT
Curious Does it come with a stylus guard? No....its terrifying when you have to get it out of the box, then you have to install it lol What is the cost to retip it? And what is the expected life? Just trying to work out how much it would cost per LP. It sounds like a great cartridge.
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Post by jimbo on Mar 8, 2020 8:36:38 GMT
It was a pleasure to listen too Steve and quite an eye/ear opener. I have heard some very high end MC cartridges but not one that delivered everything so completely without fault as this one. A glorious instrument for retrieving analogue information! So, are you tempted to move away from MM yet James? Funnily Kev I actually said to Oliver this new cartridge had the best of both MC designs and MM designs. If you know the strengths and weaknesses of both you will know what I mean. It would certainly be an aspiration to move to an MC cartridge like this after hearing it but then I would need to buy a new phono stage... and the expense adds up but who knows? There are plans sometime hopefully in the near future for me to hear what this may do in my own system once I get it out of boxes!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 8:42:37 GMT
Yes, but a BB3 would fit the bill nicely?
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Bigman80
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Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 8, 2020 9:16:52 GMT
No....its terrifying when you have to get it out of the box, then you have to install it lol What is the cost to retire it? And what is the expected life? Just trying to work out how much it would cost per LP. It sounds like a great cartridge. No idea to be honest. Haven't even considered it.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 8, 2020 9:19:17 GMT
Yes, but a BB3 would fit the bill nicely? I think that may be the plan, Kevin. It's a good plan too
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Post by jimbo on Mar 8, 2020 10:04:37 GMT
My future system will by necessity mean a big shake up of equipment and the priority will be speakers then amps. I see very good sense in moving to a BB3 in future for many reasons not least how great it sounds. However it may also mean a change of power amp and on it goes but a BB3 will probably happen some time down the line as it will enable me to advance my system to a higher level.
The BB3 was so quiet with the HA103 SEL LOMC that I thought Oliver had popped a CD on at first!
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 8, 2020 10:17:29 GMT
My future system will by necessity mean a big shake up of equipment and the priority will be speakers then amps. I see very good sense in moving to a BB3 in future for many reasons not least how great it sounds. However it may also mean a change of power amp and on it goes but a BB3 will probably happen some time down the line as it will enable me to advance my system to a higher level. The BB3 was so quiet with the HA103 SEL LOMC that I thought Oliver had popped a CD on at first! Lol, yeah, that was funny The pressing helped though, it was beautifully made. I do wonder how long it will be before someone takes a gamble and buys a BB3..... I've sold a couple of MK1's. One of the owners has bought one of the new PCBs to upgrade the MK1 PCB because he loves it. It must be too cheap to be any good 🤔
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Post by stevew on Mar 8, 2020 11:38:47 GMT
My future system will by necessity mean a big shake up of equipment and the priority will be speakers then amps. I see very good sense in moving to a BB3 in future for many reasons not least how great it sounds. However it may also mean a change of power amp and on it goes but a BB3 will probably happen some time down the line as it will enable me to advance my system to a higher level. The BB3 was so quiet with the HA103 SEL LOMC that I thought Oliver had popped a CD on at first! My future system is about to about take a Great Leap Forward (to quote Chairman Mao).. on Saturday. Off to collect an Angus modified SP10 along with the upgraded Ortofon kB that Oli was planning on. Angus describes it as a cousin of the Vienna. Also going to fit the phonomac AT1010 which has been patiently sat in a box for a month. The power amp (Lyngdorf 2200) and speakers (Harbeth 3PESRs) will have to stay put out of economic necessity- but it hearing what can be done starts the thought processes churning. It’ll be interesting to compare Alan’s Vivant to a BB3. In itself the Vivant was a big improvement over what I had before.
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Post by electronumpty on Mar 8, 2020 12:38:28 GMT
eeek! feck that for a game of conkers! That would do my head in. Truth is, I never use one anyway. I think any messing about in the proximity of the stylus is just asking for trouble. Would have been nice to have one just to get it out of the box though I get you but I knacked my kb because it didn't have a guard so probably wouldn't consider soemthing that didn't have one now. To much money invested to lack such a small detail at low cost in comparison to the overall expense.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 8, 2020 13:21:17 GMT
Truth is, I never use one anyway. I think any messing about in the proximity of the stylus is just asking for trouble. Would have been nice to have one just to get it out of the box though I get you but I knacked my kb because it didn't have a guard so probably wouldn't consider soemthing that didn't have one now. To much money invested to lack such a small detail at low cost in comparison to the overall expense. Wouldnt bebthat cheap for one off hand made carts like this though, but I get your point
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Post by electronumpty on Mar 8, 2020 13:36:03 GMT
Yeah I guess , I know how clumsy I can be though lol!
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Post by jimbo on Mar 8, 2020 19:05:00 GMT
My future system will by necessity mean a big shake up of equipment and the priority will be speakers then amps. I see very good sense in moving to a BB3 in future for many reasons not least how great it sounds. However it may also mean a change of power amp and on it goes but a BB3 will probably happen some time down the line as it will enable me to advance my system to a higher level. The BB3 was so quiet with the HA103 SEL LOMC that I thought Oliver had popped a CD on at first! My future system is about to about take a Great Leap Forward (to quote Chairman Mao).. on Saturday. Off to collect an Angus modified SP10 along with the upgraded Ortofon kB that Oli was planning on. Angus describes it as a cousin of the Vienna. Also going to fit the phonomac AT1010 which has been patiently sat in a box for a month. The power amp (Lyngdorf 2200) and speakers (Harbeth 3PESRs) will have to stay put out of economic necessity- but it hearing what can be done starts the thought processes churning. It’ll be interesting to compare Alan’s Vivant to a BB3. In itself the Vivant was a big improvement over what I had before. Woah Steve that will be an exciting trip, funny I was discussing the possibility of an SP10 with Oli on Saturday. They will be drying up at this rate! The Ortofon Kb is a great cartridge and you are in for a treat if you get to listen to the BB3.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 8, 2020 19:51:36 GMT
My future system will by necessity mean a big shake up of equipment and the priority will be speakers then amps. I see very good sense in moving to a BB3 in future for many reasons not least how great it sounds. However it may also mean a change of power amp and on it goes but a BB3 will probably happen some time down the line as it will enable me to advance my system to a higher level. The BB3 was so quiet with the HA103 SEL LOMC that I thought Oliver had popped a CD on at first! My future system is about to about take a Great Leap Forward (to quote Chairman Mao).. on Saturday. Off to collect an Angus modified SP10 along with the upgraded Ortofon kB that Oli was planning on. Angus describes it as a cousin of the Vienna. Also going to fit the phonomac AT1010 which has been patiently sat in a box for a month. The power amp (Lyngdorf 2200) and speakers (Harbeth 3PESRs) will have to stay put out of economic necessity- but it hearing what can be done starts the thought processes churning. It’ll be interesting to compare Alan’s Vivant to a BB3. In itself the Vivant was a big improvement over what I had before. It's happening for you Steve! This where your vinyl front end starts to shoe you what you have been missing all this time. I said to Jim, IMO there is no better TT, that's available to 90% of us. Of course, those with more money may find differently but from my personal experience, this is a wise investment. Whenever you are ready, i can come to you, or you to me and we can hit the phonostages with a few tracks and see what happens. It''l be fun if nothing else. If you want to hear some speakers, you are welcome hear. These 880s are definitely worth an hour of anyone's time. Not that you'll find a pair out there, but it will give you an idea of what is to like or not, as the case may be.
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Post by stevew on Mar 8, 2020 21:24:17 GMT
Already thought about getting down to you .. be interesting to compare both cartridges in your system. We can sort something out when I have more time available! Loudspeakers are always going to be where my system will get limited with the place we currently live in. That will probably change in the next year or so. For domestic harmony I’m limited in our fairly small sitting room to stand mounts, and I don’t think I’d do much better than the Harbeths anyway. So bass is going to be comprised.. just a law of physics. Contemplated looking at a sub, but in truth think I might struggle to fit one in and even then not certain it’s really the solution.
Anyway.. getting the front end sorted is enough for the wallet for now.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
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Posts: 16,093
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 8, 2020 21:34:59 GMT
Already thought about getting down to you .. be interesting to compare both cartridges in your system. We can sort something out when I have more time available! Loudspeakers are always going to be where my system will get limited with the place we currently live in. That will probably change in the next year or so. For domestic harmony I’m limited in our fairly small sitting room to stand mounts, and I don’t think I’d do much better than the Harbeths anyway. So bass is going to be comprised.. just a law of physics. Contemplated looking at a sub, but in truth think I might struggle to fit one in and even then not certain it’s really the solution. Anyway.. getting the front end sorted is enough for the wallet for now. It's an expensive road matey, 100% agree. When you have a bot of time, let me knnow and we can share a few cups of tea whilst seeing where the land lies between the cartridges.
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Post by da2222 on Mar 9, 2020 17:29:55 GMT
Well, my HA103 SEL arrived today....with a bent cantilever. As such it has to be returned to Killian for realignment. I'm having precious little luck with my MC ladder climbing, wondering if i should have stuck with the AT 33PTG MKII. Scunnered!!
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 9, 2020 17:37:38 GMT
Well, my HA103 SEL arrived today....with a bent cantilever. As such it has to be returned to Killian for realignment. I'm having precious little luck with my MC ladder climbing, wondering if i should have stuck with the AT 33PTG MKII. Scunnered!! What? I cannot believe it...... Is that the one Angus at at his house?
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Post by da2222 on Mar 9, 2020 17:43:40 GMT
Yep, it sure is...Opened the package and there was Mr Squint Eye staring back... Though I should be more specific: the cantilever is off-centre as opposed to bent
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 9, 2020 18:08:53 GMT
Yep, it sure is...Opened the package and there was Mr Squint Eye staring back... Though I should be more specific: the cantilever is off-centre as opposed to bent OMG!!!!! You have had the absolute worst luck so far with this. I just cant believe it. What did Kilian say?
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Post by karma67 on Mar 9, 2020 19:05:33 GMT
Yep, it sure is...Opened the package and there was Mr Squint Eye staring back... Though I should be more specific: the cantilever is off-centre as opposed to bent OMG!!!!! You have had the absolute worst luck so far with this. I just cant believe it. What did Kilian say? thats piss poor if im honest,id expct better from him given his level of workmanship,the piece of wood that fits to the body also looks like a bad fit(wher it meets the caridged body. if this is a 1900 euro's id would send it back for sure.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 9, 2020 19:10:32 GMT
OMG!!!!! You have had the absolute worst luck so far with this. I just cant believe it. What did Kilian say? thats piss poor if im honest,id expct better from him given his level of workmanship That's happened in Transit Jamie, im 100% positive on that. Angus had this at his house and it was perfect. Just took mine off, had a look and its perfect. Mine came from Holland in a box and is fine. It went to Angus first, and it was perfect there. Italy has a notorious reputation for postal items being mistreated or just not delivered. Other than flying to holland and collecting it in person, I dont know how you prevent this from happening again.
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Post by karma67 on Mar 9, 2020 19:17:34 GMT
thats piss poor if im honest,id expct better from him given his level of workmanship That's happened in Transit Jamie, im 100% positive on that. Angus had this at his house and it was perfect. Just took mine off, had a look and its perfect. Mine came from Holland in a box and is fine. It went to Angus first, and it was perfect there. Italy has a notorious reputation for postal items being mistreated or just not delivered. Other than flying to holland and collecting it in person, I dont know how you prevent this from happening again. ah i see,apologies killian, was the box damaged in anyway drew? why are they sent to angus first? goes he set them up?
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