MoFi UltraDeck / StudioDeck Owners and those interested

[Static Shock]

An onzow (I use one, but they are somewhat controversial) or blue tac (a fav around here) may help if it is gunk. People use a magic eraser, but I found that to build static and leave a residue over time.

I also find that at times a dry brush is not enough . Have used the LP stylus cleaner from MOFI when required , which is not very often , and have also used blue tac and magic eraser and all work . From Amazon I got a 40x all metal magnifier with a small light built in and it allows me to see the tip , but a 60x would be better if available . Below is just one example .

KINGMAS 40x 25mm Jeweller Magnifier Pocket Folding Magnifying Jewelry Eye Loupe with LED Light Illuminated (LED Currency Detecting/Jewlers Identifying Type Lupe)​

Visit the KINGMAS Store

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (1.1K)

Amazon'sChoice



400+ bought in past month

 

[renpar61]

The SL MK2 has a threaded body btw which is almost a bigger selling point than any sound improvements would be!

I did not notice that, now I really want it!!

I think the heavier body is a plus as well. I know I should wait until my Mk I gets worn, but I'm afraid I won't be able to. If there was a trade up program...

 

[Angsty]

Thanks for pointing out the Phono Pre limitations of the MP7B.

This is a journey. I’ll learn as I go. I think I’ll go with the SH vs the SL. Now the question is should I go with MKI vs MKIII. I have some credits at TMR and could get $150 off the price of the MKII (or MKI).

Any thoughts on the new Hana S line?

The only thing I can add is that when it comes time to replace my SL stylus (not far off), I will not buy the Mk II - I will retip with VAS. I have re-tipped with them on this cartridge once already and I have been very happy with the result.

 

[kvetcha]

The only thing I can add is that when it comes time to replace my SL stylus (not far off), I will not buy the Mk II - I will retip with VAS. I have re-tipped with them on this cartridge once already and I have been very happy with the result.

I had been planning to go with VAS for my SAE, but have been leaning Groovetickler of late just because I had an enjoyable conversation with the guy on Instagram.

 

[mindhead1]

I also find that at times a dry brush is not enough . Have used the LP stylus cleaner from MOFI when required , which is not very often , and have also used blue tac and magic eraser and all work . From Amazon I got a 40x all metal magnifier with a small light built in and it allows me to see the tip , but a 60x would be better if available . Below is just one example .

KINGMAS 40x 25mm Jeweller Magnifier Pocket Folding Magnifying Jewelry Eye Loupe with LED Light Illuminated (LED Currency Detecting/Jewlers Identifying Type Lupe)​

Visit the KINGMAS Store

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (1.1K)

Amazon'sChoice



400+ bought in past month

Cool. I just ordered one that does 30x and 60x.

 

[Nee Lewman]

Cool. I just ordered one that does 30x and 60x.

Me too and may get one of them there fancier scales in the new year.

 

[Angsty]

I had been planning to go with VAS for my SAE, but have been leaning Groovetickler of late just because I had an enjoyable conversation with the guy on Instagram.

Groovetickler got props from @HiFi Guy . Steve at VAS is not chatty but does move product expertly and quickly.

 

[renpar61]

Groovetickler got props from @HiFi Guy . Steve at VAS is not chatty but does move product expertly and quickly.

I also have good experience with "non chatty" Steve from VAS , he does great work!
Can I ask what kind of diamond and cantilever you went with, when you re-tipped the SL? Any fancy boron or ceramic? Did you hear improvement over stock?

 

[Static Shock]

Cool. I just ordered one that does 30x and 60x.

When you get it let us know how it works . I had looked at ordering the 30x and 60 x originally but was concerned with the ability to see with the 60 x based on some reviews . In the end i got the 40 x as a compromise , while it lets me see if the stylus is clean or dirty extra power would have been nice . The focus depth is very narrow so it takes some getting use to .

 

[Angsty]

I also have good experience with "non chatty" Steve from VAS , he does great work!
Can I ask what kind of diamond and cantilever you went with, when you re-tipped the SL? Any fancy boron or ceramic? Did you hear improvement over stock?

Steve recommended that I replace with a part that was close to the original but readily available to him - aluminum cantilever with a line contact stylus (versus a Shibata). His statement was that the fine line was geometrically and sonically very similar to the Shibata and I also found that to be the case. A replacement with a true Shibata was likely possible but may have been at a higher cost and a longer delivery timeline. I took his advice and I'm happy with the outcome.

 

[HiFi Guy]

I had been planning to go with VAS for my SAE, but have been leaning Groovetickler of late just because I had an enjoyable conversation with the guy on Instagram.

Groovetickler also bought multiple SAEs when they were available, so he knows what it is.

 

[kvetcha]

Groovetickler also bought multiple SAEs when they were available, so he knows what it is.

Yeah, we talked about it for a bit! He's nearly got me talked into a pretty fancy overhaul.

 

[Portland Sheriff]

Yeah, we talked about it for a bit! He's nearly got me talked into a pretty fancy overhaul.

Mind telling what the overhaul is and price? I’m curious

 

[kvetcha]

Mind telling what the overhaul is and price? I’m curious

$425 for retipping the original aluminum cantilever with a new Shibata III.
$475 for a new boron cantilever w/Gyger FG 2 Line Contact
$575 for boron with a Gyger S.

He can also do Ruby with a Gyger S but I didn't ask the price.

 

[Angsty]

$425 for retipping the original aluminum cantilever with a new Shibata III.
$475 for a new boron cantilever w/Gyger FG 2 Line Contact
$575 for boron with a Gyger S.

He can also do Ruby with a Gyger S but I didn't ask the price.

For reference, my Hana SL retip with VAS was $235 in August 2020. It took about two weeks to get it back.

 

[Ghost]

For reference, my Hana SL retip with VAS was $235 in August 2020. It took about two weeks to get it back.

You retipped your Hana? Tell me more! Did it come back sounding the same? Better?

 

[Angsty]

You retipped your Hana? Tell me more! Did it come back sounding the same? Better?

It came back sounding the same, which was a relief since I changed stylus profiles a bit. After 4.5 years, it's about time for a return trip.

 

[kvetcha]

For reference, my Hana SL retip with VAS was $235 in August 2020. It took about two weeks to get it back.

yes, Steve did quote me $275 for an aluminum cantilever with line contact stylus.

 

[Slimwhit33]

I do have experience comparing the SL to the ML. For me, the difference was very much dependent on the table. I used the ML on three different tables and found that it sounded notably better only on one of them. The SL Mk 1 has been my go-to for several years now.

If I were in a replacement situation like yours, I’d probably buy a SH Mk 1 on the clearance sale. The Darlington does have a LOMC setting, but you’d likely get better overall performance with the high output cartridge. I did not seek much advice on choosing a SL versus the SH, but a high-output MC can be a better route unless you want to slide down the phono/SUT/SU upgrade rabbit hole.

Post in thread 'MoFi UltraDeck / StudioDeck Owners and those interested'

Jun 19, 2024

What’s the benefit of using the SU-7 with the MP8B?

Do you have a low-output MC cart? If not, there is no benefit and, as I understand it, the SU-7 would make no sense and be incompatible unless you’re using a LOMC. Darlington’s site has a lot of info in the FAQ and Support sections. Here is a small blurb about your question, but I think there’s a bunch more if you dig around, although I’m not certain of that bc, while I have the MP8B, I use high output MC cart primarily and my spare is MM. Lastly, if you think you want a SU-7 for whatever reasons, they’re about to release a new...

• Portland Sheriff

• 

I think I bought one of your Hana’s? Do t remember which one honestly. Liked it a lot though.

 

[Angsty]

I also find that at times a dry brush is not enough . Have used the LP stylus cleaner from MOFI when required , which is not very often , and have also used blue tac and magic eraser and all work . From Amazon I got a 40x all metal magnifier with a small light built in and it allows me to see the tip , but a 60x would be better if available . Below is just one example .

KINGMAS 40x 25mm Jeweller Magnifier Pocket Folding Magnifying Jewelry Eye Loupe with LED Light Illuminated (LED Currency Detecting/Jewlers Identifying Type Lupe)​

Visit the KINGMAS Store

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (1.1K)

Amazon'sChoice



400+ bought in past month

I’m also considering an upgrade my cheap reading magnifier to a jeweler’s loupe for better viewing of the stylus condition. Here’s the guidance from the International Gemologist Society (IGS):

“For gemologists, the 10X loupe (with ten-power magnification) is the standard for hand-held gem identification. Although you'll find more powerful loupes, the depth of field (the area that's in focus) is so small above 10X that they're hard to use. Instead, use a microscope when you need higher magnification. With lower-powered magnification, you just can't see as much detail.”

They also recommend a triplet lens, but a Coddington is likely the second best for simply inspecting stylus condition. A higher powered LED microscope is probably better for SRA/VTA determination.