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!

  Finally, a cartridge cleaner that comes very highly recommended.  From Germany is the new FLUX HIFI Sonic cleaner.
One drop of supplied fluid on the pad, turn the device on, lower your cartridge onto the pad, let it go for 15 seconds, and then listen. You will be amazed, as everyone who's heard it has been, at what a difference this cleaner will do to your cartridge.  I can only equate it to the differences people are hearing with the KL Audio ultrasonic record cleaner. It's on that level. What you'll hear is more detail, more depth, again just more.  And who doesn't want more from your records?
  For years the recommended stylus cleaner has been the MoFi LP #9 liquid cleaner, applied by fine tipped brush. And I'm not suspending that recommendation at all. Yet when you hear what this new sonic cleaner does, you will be grabbing your checkbook as I did.  It is truly that amazing. And for some of you not in the know, the only recommended stylus cleaner up to this point has been the MoFi #9. DO NOT use that bubble glob - leaves residue on your tip- and no one wants that. 
 Ok, you might have heard it here first, yet you'll soon see the recommendations for this one flying in. Mr Dynavector himself has given it an A+. On cartridges that have a thicker shank, like a Dynavector 20, or the EMT's, sometimes when I look down from above it looks like there's something on it, not quite pristine, like a little bit of fluff is staring back at you.
15 seconds on this Flux Sonic and I couldn't believe my eyes. You know it's spotless, you just have that feeling. Mr Dynavector (the importer also known as Mike Pranka) has studied all this under his high powered microscope, and has reported no trace of junk. 
  So order up!  I presently have them in stock. Should be in every stocking this Christmas, will make wonderful Hanukah presents, and whenever you need a gift, even for yourself!  FLUX HIFI Sonic, greatness from Germany, all for $150. 
                                                                                                                                        A Haven recommendation

  Many of you have been making morning or mid-afternoon appointments, but did you know you can also schedule evening appointments at the Haven? For me that's the time for some of the best listening, when you're more relaxed, when you can soak in what the system is conveying, when you're less on a time schedule. Ever since the hifi bug hit me in my teens, I've been a late night listener. I can remember telling all my mid-fi selling associates back in the 80's how the music had less grain and better flow after midnight, due to less use on the power grid. And naturally, most laughed at me. Until I brought in an early Stereophile to debunk them. I wouldn't have used the Absolute Sound, with Enid Lumley, to argue my point. If you remember Enid, you'll know most found her to be on the fringe. I loved her. I'm sure many of her theories on how to get better sound out of your stereo would be championed today if she were still alive. I bet her life story would make for a great documentary. 
  So I'm sure many of you think we go to bed here on the farm at 8 pm, up at 4 am for the milking. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's wonderful late night tunes at any volume you'd like- within reason, my reason, not the neighbor's or cows's- so don't be shy about scheduling evening appointments. The best time of the day to listen is in the evening.