Ortofon A90 or Air Tight PC-1

Gallant_diva, thanks - you are not the only one who told me his opinion (also people who listened to the system). Nevertheless when it comes to listening rooms most reviewers`rooms look a little under-optimized.Of course they have to change equipments all the time. If you have a good ear you are still able to hear differences - somehow...

How wonderful! Here we get to know that even auditors are struggling setting up a cartridge. Do we wonder? Honestly No! They are in such a rush today, they don`t even have the time to test the units for more than 20 days usually - not for the 3 months as it used to be in good old times.
We should not blame anyone, we are all part of the fast modern times.
Magazines change like our habits in looking closely at the advantages of some products facing not a big marketing support by well known brands or authors.

Albert, I agree with you on many topics but not on the Air Tight PC-1. When I had the PC-1 for testing it was not sounding really good despite the good tests it received. I assume they had to bring out a Supreme version very quickly because of that. I heard many complaints of PC-1 users (but not openly) who expressed exactely what I had experienced with this cartridge.
The Ortofon A90 is a far better cartridge than the PC-1, more openly and with a deeper soundstage.
Until today I ask myself how it was possible to sell so many units from a cartridge which was not developed to its full capabilities?

agree with Azjake, don`t expect too much of a SME V. I drive the Ortofon in a FR-66fx - it is a perfect match.

Nolitan, it seems you are riding on the low and middle frequency track. A90 too smooth? which tonearm and TT are you using?

Albert, you may use the straight arm wand cause the A90 has a high compliance. That should match perfectly (don`t use the S version), good luck.

Nolitan, do understand. Maybe you have the chance to hear it at another occasion. The TTs and arms you were listening to are fine. downunder is right.

Peter, I will be at the RMAF all three days. We might exchange on tonearms if you like. The SME V has some good sides, it is a very honest and straight sounding arm in my ears.But also to be very honest maybe you deserve better...

The A 80 is also a very light and small sized cart thus enabeling me to solder it into an EMT j-shell on my RMA 297. perfect match!

best & fun only -eckart