On the Cloney website:
https://www.cloneyaudio.com/events/2018 ... 3-81266797
Ortofon cartridge demo
Ortofon cartridge demo
Do or do not, there is no try
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
Saw that. Could be very interesting but it's also too dangerous.
Vinyl -anything else is data storage.
Thorens TD124 Mk1 + Kuzma Stogi 12"arm, HANA Red, Gold Note PH 10 + PSU. ADI-2 Dac, Lector CDP7, Wyred4Sound pre, Airtight ATM1s, Klipsch Heresy IV, Misc Mains, RCA + XLR ICs, Tellurium Q spkr cable
Thorens TD124 Mk1 + Kuzma Stogi 12"arm, HANA Red, Gold Note PH 10 + PSU. ADI-2 Dac, Lector CDP7, Wyred4Sound pre, Airtight ATM1s, Klipsch Heresy IV, Misc Mains, RCA + XLR ICs, Tellurium Q spkr cable
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
Thought I would post up a few comments about Ortofon demo which I attended on Saturday. Managed to get parked in Blackrock by about 1:45 p.m. and made my way down to Cloney's. First decision was how much food was to be put into the parking meter, settled on 2 hours as it was deemed to be sufficient. How wrong I was!!
The demo was in progress since that morning, Ciaran from Ortofon U.K. was busy putting various cartridges on test. The demo was situated in the downstairs front room with about 20 fold up chairs facing the double doors.
Working backwards, speakers were the new Spendor A7 which were fed by the Jadis I-50 amplifier with KT150 valves. Feeding this was a Project Audio Phono stage Tube Box DS2 (Valve output), which in turn was fed by the excellent Technics SL-1200 (wheels of steel).
Ciaran started off demoing the 2 M line of cartridges, Red, Blue, Bronze, explaining their various differences in design / construction / price points etc. These carts have interchangeable stylus onto a common body, however the cartridge body is common in pairs, Red and Blue share the same body, as does Bronze and Black, yet stylus can is interchangeable between them.
This made short work in testing various carts in the 2 MM range, coupled with the Tube Box DS2 which had easily accessible buttons on the front fascia made for fast set up, almost like a F1 pit stop team.
Music was a collection of vocals / jazz to modern electronica, which were played just enough to show the differences coming through as the progression occurred through the range. It was done very well, the same track was not played time and time again, in fact Ciaran seemed to be working to a certain number / time for certain L.P.s. It was a great touch to the demo as not only were we treated to various cartridges but also to various types of music, some of which was familiar and so of which was not.
During various tracks considerable discussion / opinions / suggestions / advice was shared about a wide range of topics, from design of amplifiers / phono stages to issues with various speakers and also suggestions to various problems. Some "Eastern European" gentlemen seemed to have high knowledge of various speakers and amplifier design which was quite refreshing and informative. The ideas / suggestions were very much both ways, not just from Ciaran to the attendees but also from the attendees to the Ortofon rep. The atmosphere was indeed very relaxed, informative and above all extremely enjoyable.
Up next was the Quintet Bronze MC cartridge, this was the only cart of the Quintet range to be demoed unfortunately, reasons for this escape me but perhaps it was just as well as it allowed us to clearly hear the difference in SQ from the 2M range and yet not spend too much time at this level so that the Cadenza range could be put though it's paces.
Issues discussed were some interesting points about the Reconditioning service provided by Ortofon and the discount trade in benefits when upgrading a existing Ortofon Cart for a new one, with up to 30% discount on a new cart being potentially available. Ciaran explained it was about a number of things, obviously trying to keep a existing Ortofon owner "in the fold" but also an attempt to give something back to loyal followers.
The rubber really started to hit the road when the Cadenza range was fitted, Blue, Bronze and Black, each cart with its own level of detail and signature sound, Black appeared to be more analytical and sharply detailed, the general conscious of the group seemed to weigh more with the Bronze which was really "hitting the spot" in a very very nice manner.
However Ciaran did not stop there, the "coup de grace" to all other carts was delivered by the Ortofon Winfield TI, coming in at a not too extravagant £3100 stg. Whilst many superlatives could be used, perhaps it would just be easier to say that the Winfield Ti was "the Man of the Man" in the room. It was all there in spades, everything you could possibly want from a cart.
The Ortofon ST80 SE step up transformer was also put into use a few times, which was nice to see. Ciaran really started to like the "wheels of Steel" with the interchangeable head shell making things very simple and fast to change out carts. In addition one minor point which I had not noticed before on the Technics deck was the presence of small post which was positioned near the platter. This post held a white LED which illuminated the side of the cartridge and any logo written there on, but also helped to locate / identify the grooves of various tracks which the stylus was located above, very nice touch by Technics, and it only became apparent as the darkness outside came over Blackrock and the head shell / cart became more illuminated.
Whilst better speakers / phono stage / amplifier / cables could have been used in the demo, that was not the point. The system combination was in the order of 15K depending on cart used, however the primary aim was to allow the differences between carts to be heard on this system. The differences would then be replicated across any other Hifi system, whether it be a 3K system or a 100K system.
The afternoon was so engrossing that two trips to the parking meter was undertaken, not just by myself but by a number of others as well!!! Bit of a pain WRT Blackrock, and whilst parking in the Frascati centre was considered it was soon discounted as it was a Saturday in December, and we all know what that means!!!! Parking madness!.
The evening drawing to a close, it was suggested that the Ortofon Demonstration was so good what perhaps the Ciaran should be kept as a hostage, to deliver demonstrations until such time as Ortofon pay up a release fee of 1 Cadenza Bronze Cartridge for "every member in the audience", not too much to ask for was it???? Nobody could possibly think we were being too greedy..... could they??
With the end session in progress Noel Cloney joined the group and a very interesting discourse took place on various cartridges over the years. With 6 p.m. darkness and drizzle outside it was time to go, and go we did into the dark dark night!
In summation, a fantastic day, great company, excellent range of cartridges in different classes at price points for everybody in the audience, with very nice range of music and exceptionally well presented by Ciaran from Ortofon.
The demo was in progress since that morning, Ciaran from Ortofon U.K. was busy putting various cartridges on test. The demo was situated in the downstairs front room with about 20 fold up chairs facing the double doors.
Working backwards, speakers were the new Spendor A7 which were fed by the Jadis I-50 amplifier with KT150 valves. Feeding this was a Project Audio Phono stage Tube Box DS2 (Valve output), which in turn was fed by the excellent Technics SL-1200 (wheels of steel).
Ciaran started off demoing the 2 M line of cartridges, Red, Blue, Bronze, explaining their various differences in design / construction / price points etc. These carts have interchangeable stylus onto a common body, however the cartridge body is common in pairs, Red and Blue share the same body, as does Bronze and Black, yet stylus can is interchangeable between them.
This made short work in testing various carts in the 2 MM range, coupled with the Tube Box DS2 which had easily accessible buttons on the front fascia made for fast set up, almost like a F1 pit stop team.
Music was a collection of vocals / jazz to modern electronica, which were played just enough to show the differences coming through as the progression occurred through the range. It was done very well, the same track was not played time and time again, in fact Ciaran seemed to be working to a certain number / time for certain L.P.s. It was a great touch to the demo as not only were we treated to various cartridges but also to various types of music, some of which was familiar and so of which was not.
During various tracks considerable discussion / opinions / suggestions / advice was shared about a wide range of topics, from design of amplifiers / phono stages to issues with various speakers and also suggestions to various problems. Some "Eastern European" gentlemen seemed to have high knowledge of various speakers and amplifier design which was quite refreshing and informative. The ideas / suggestions were very much both ways, not just from Ciaran to the attendees but also from the attendees to the Ortofon rep. The atmosphere was indeed very relaxed, informative and above all extremely enjoyable.
Up next was the Quintet Bronze MC cartridge, this was the only cart of the Quintet range to be demoed unfortunately, reasons for this escape me but perhaps it was just as well as it allowed us to clearly hear the difference in SQ from the 2M range and yet not spend too much time at this level so that the Cadenza range could be put though it's paces.
Issues discussed were some interesting points about the Reconditioning service provided by Ortofon and the discount trade in benefits when upgrading a existing Ortofon Cart for a new one, with up to 30% discount on a new cart being potentially available. Ciaran explained it was about a number of things, obviously trying to keep a existing Ortofon owner "in the fold" but also an attempt to give something back to loyal followers.
The rubber really started to hit the road when the Cadenza range was fitted, Blue, Bronze and Black, each cart with its own level of detail and signature sound, Black appeared to be more analytical and sharply detailed, the general conscious of the group seemed to weigh more with the Bronze which was really "hitting the spot" in a very very nice manner.
However Ciaran did not stop there, the "coup de grace" to all other carts was delivered by the Ortofon Winfield TI, coming in at a not too extravagant £3100 stg. Whilst many superlatives could be used, perhaps it would just be easier to say that the Winfield Ti was "the Man of the Man" in the room. It was all there in spades, everything you could possibly want from a cart.
The Ortofon ST80 SE step up transformer was also put into use a few times, which was nice to see. Ciaran really started to like the "wheels of Steel" with the interchangeable head shell making things very simple and fast to change out carts. In addition one minor point which I had not noticed before on the Technics deck was the presence of small post which was positioned near the platter. This post held a white LED which illuminated the side of the cartridge and any logo written there on, but also helped to locate / identify the grooves of various tracks which the stylus was located above, very nice touch by Technics, and it only became apparent as the darkness outside came over Blackrock and the head shell / cart became more illuminated.
Whilst better speakers / phono stage / amplifier / cables could have been used in the demo, that was not the point. The system combination was in the order of 15K depending on cart used, however the primary aim was to allow the differences between carts to be heard on this system. The differences would then be replicated across any other Hifi system, whether it be a 3K system or a 100K system.
The afternoon was so engrossing that two trips to the parking meter was undertaken, not just by myself but by a number of others as well!!! Bit of a pain WRT Blackrock, and whilst parking in the Frascati centre was considered it was soon discounted as it was a Saturday in December, and we all know what that means!!!! Parking madness!.
The evening drawing to a close, it was suggested that the Ortofon Demonstration was so good what perhaps the Ciaran should be kept as a hostage, to deliver demonstrations until such time as Ortofon pay up a release fee of 1 Cadenza Bronze Cartridge for "every member in the audience", not too much to ask for was it???? Nobody could possibly think we were being too greedy..... could they??
With the end session in progress Noel Cloney joined the group and a very interesting discourse took place on various cartridges over the years. With 6 p.m. darkness and drizzle outside it was time to go, and go we did into the dark dark night!
In summation, a fantastic day, great company, excellent range of cartridges in different classes at price points for everybody in the audience, with very nice range of music and exceptionally well presented by Ciaran from Ortofon.
Let the Good Times Roll...................
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
A good time had by all so. Great read Adrian.
You just know Christmas is on the way when the big demos come to town.
You just know Christmas is on the way when the big demos come to town.
NigeAmp, NigeSD DAC, Airtight ATM-4, Ruark Accolades, Pink Triangle TT, Roksan Artimiz, Clearaudio Discovery, Tom Evans Microgroove Plus, Fran DAC, Dalkey Audio Interconnects.
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
Thanks for that Adrian, almost like being there!
Vinyl -anything else is data storage.
Thorens TD124 Mk1 + Kuzma Stogi 12"arm, HANA Red, Gold Note PH 10 + PSU. ADI-2 Dac, Lector CDP7, Wyred4Sound pre, Airtight ATM1s, Klipsch Heresy IV, Misc Mains, RCA + XLR ICs, Tellurium Q spkr cable
Thorens TD124 Mk1 + Kuzma Stogi 12"arm, HANA Red, Gold Note PH 10 + PSU. ADI-2 Dac, Lector CDP7, Wyred4Sound pre, Airtight ATM1s, Klipsch Heresy IV, Misc Mains, RCA + XLR ICs, Tellurium Q spkr cable
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
Jadis I 50 Integrated, about 5.3K approx
Project Audio Tube Box DS 2, for a 600 euro component this unit was no slouch and performed exceptionally well. Note the buttons for various settings, no need to open the unit and adjust dip switches, making for a fast and seamless presentation of various cartridges.
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, about £1499 stg, on my wishlist if I am to be sensible, sublime cart pulling rich detail out of the groove. Of the Cadenza range this seemed to be the preferred cart on the day. Cadenza Black just a bit to technical and nitty gritty, however all subjective and entirely down to personal taste.
Winfield Ti (Titanium) cartridge.... this left no doubt in anybody's mind that it "had it in Spades", the sort of cart which makes one stand to attention and whisper... "Maestro"!!! Hard to believe there was any detail still left to be extracted in the groove after the Cadenza Bronze had passed over, yet there was the Winfield revealing more and more in a nicer and nicer presentation, taking your breath away at the same time too!
The "Wheels of Steel", note the little post in the foreground center right, with the white light travelling up the platter side ramp, very nice design touch which only became more obvious as the dark evening set in.
Let the Good Times Roll...................
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
Ah isn't it great to read Adrian's musings again! Brilliant write up. As Ivor says it was almost like being there.
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
I enjoyed that write up. Sounds like s great day!
Nerdcave: ...is no more! 
Sitting Room: Wadia 581SE - Rega Planar 3/AT VM95ML & SH - Bluesound Node II - Copland CSA 100 - Audioplan Kontrast 3
Kitchen: WiiM Pro - Wadia 151 - B&W 685s2
Sitting Room: Wadia 581SE - Rega Planar 3/AT VM95ML & SH - Bluesound Node II - Copland CSA 100 - Audioplan Kontrast 3
Kitchen: WiiM Pro - Wadia 151 - B&W 685s2
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
Great write-ups.
Was there any info on the turntable mentioned by Cloney .. "We may also have a very interesting “levitating” turntable on demo also!"
James
Was there any info on the turntable mentioned by Cloney .. "We may also have a very interesting “levitating” turntable on demo also!"
James
"Change is Possible" [Parking Meter in Dundrum Shopping Centre]
Re: Ortofon cartridge demo
I must be showing my age now.... or else it's reduced brain cell function as I completely forgot to mention this in the posts above... but yes... the Mag Lev Audio TT was there and it did get a test run.
Firstly a couple of points, the Mag Lev was demoed at the end of the evening, probably in the last 40 minutes. As such it was given a run but more for a curiosity factor rather than a serious test run. As the Tonearm has a fixed headshell it was not part of the Ortofon demonstration even though it was fitted with a Ortofon cart. It comes with a Project Audio 9 CC Carbon Tonearm and is fitted with a Ortofon OM 10 cartridge.
When in the off position the platter is "Parked" on 4 vertical posts. On switching on, the platter levitates off the landing posts, then starts to rotate. At this point the 4 "Landing posts" retract vertically into the plinth.
It certainly is true, the platter does float in mid air, in addition the plinth under the platter is lit up with a orange halo, presumably to show the unit is in operation. The tonearm has to be manually lifted onto the platter.
Not sure what was the LP on the platter but only the first track was played and then it was switched off / shut down. Ciaran the Ortofon rep was in charge and was not familiar with the unit, neither was anybody in the audience!! In fact Ciaran had to go outside to Mark in the Hall to get instructions in how to switch it off without crashing the whole thing!! On switching off, the platter stops rotating, the 4 posts extend out of the plinth and the platter descends down to a smooth landing!
There was no time to attempt a proper evaluation of the performance of the Mag Lev Audio, however with a Ortofon OM 10 cart it would have had a very tough job trying to match the pedigree of the carts we had previously being using.
Best video I can see is this one here on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP_Wxx7I-Dg
Firstly a couple of points, the Mag Lev was demoed at the end of the evening, probably in the last 40 minutes. As such it was given a run but more for a curiosity factor rather than a serious test run. As the Tonearm has a fixed headshell it was not part of the Ortofon demonstration even though it was fitted with a Ortofon cart. It comes with a Project Audio 9 CC Carbon Tonearm and is fitted with a Ortofon OM 10 cartridge.
When in the off position the platter is "Parked" on 4 vertical posts. On switching on, the platter levitates off the landing posts, then starts to rotate. At this point the 4 "Landing posts" retract vertically into the plinth.
It certainly is true, the platter does float in mid air, in addition the plinth under the platter is lit up with a orange halo, presumably to show the unit is in operation. The tonearm has to be manually lifted onto the platter.
Not sure what was the LP on the platter but only the first track was played and then it was switched off / shut down. Ciaran the Ortofon rep was in charge and was not familiar with the unit, neither was anybody in the audience!! In fact Ciaran had to go outside to Mark in the Hall to get instructions in how to switch it off without crashing the whole thing!! On switching off, the platter stops rotating, the 4 posts extend out of the plinth and the platter descends down to a smooth landing!
There was no time to attempt a proper evaluation of the performance of the Mag Lev Audio, however with a Ortofon OM 10 cart it would have had a very tough job trying to match the pedigree of the carts we had previously being using.
Best video I can see is this one here on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP_Wxx7I-Dg
Let the Good Times Roll...................