Something new from Well Tempered Lab, a moving magnet cartridge, the TLC MM Phono Cartridge. Made for WTL by Nagaoka of Japan, and based on their legendary MP150 cartridge, this cartridge is a modified version built to WTL standards. After an hour of playing time right out of the box, this new TLC cartridge exhibits warmth, body, and detail that many brands in its price range only hint at. Clearly an alternative to the highly endorsed Dynavector 10x5 high output moving coil, this moving magnet might be even easier to mate with normal moving magnet phono stages than the 10x5, thus giving one a great new choice in the $500 range. The TLC has already proven to be a great match with the Leben RS30, Audio Research LP1, and the Dynavector P75 phono stages. I'll be trying it in a bit with some of the integrated amps with built in phono stages I have around here, and trusty old Marantz and Pioneer receivers in the bedrooms. I get calls and e's from many who are using vintage gear that have built in phono stages, and need solid recommendations for a good match in cartridges above the $50 starting cartridges and below the esoteric moving coils. I think we're going to have a wonderful new contender. It's not a $100 cartridge, folks, it's $550, yet already it's stunning and as one rocker who's heard it will say Worth the Money. One word that kept coming up in yesterday's audition was "likeable". Now don't scoff. There are so many under $500 cartridges out there, the lower priced Ortofons, the Grados, the Sumikos, that you sit and listen and go, yeah yeah, ok, yawn, next!
Not with this new TLC. It's a pull -all- the- stoppers- out go cartridge. An unbelievable value. And with the cartridge shortage we've been having - yes, demand has outstripped the supply- this is a very welcome sight indeed. A highly recommended new cartridge and in supply. If you're ready to move up from your old starter cartridge, if you find yourself not playing records due to a tizzy etched cartridge you bought online, if you're having trouble matching a cartridge to your phono stage, contact me and we'll put some fun back on that tonearm. Guaranteed!
Not with this new TLC. It's a pull -all- the- stoppers- out go cartridge. An unbelievable value. And with the cartridge shortage we've been having - yes, demand has outstripped the supply- this is a very welcome sight indeed. A highly recommended new cartridge and in supply. If you're ready to move up from your old starter cartridge, if you find yourself not playing records due to a tizzy etched cartridge you bought online, if you're having trouble matching a cartridge to your phono stage, contact me and we'll put some fun back on that tonearm. Guaranteed!
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