It actually makes sense that VPI would try an A/T. Their $2000 Shyla MC is an A/T.
The SAE has actually stopped all cartridge lust for me. It really is that good.
Phono Cartridges - Your favorites and least favorites?
- Thread starter imajindat
- Start date
The SAE has actually stopped all cartridge lust for me. It really is that good.
kvetcha
Chet Hanks' Filmography Buff
The incredible VPI setup I heard at Audiofest used an AT 60th Anniversary cart - single-piece diamond cantilever and stylus.
HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
That makes total sense looking at it now that you’ve pointed that out.
Just pulled the trigger on the SAE. Couldn’t let it get away with these reviews.
I’m approaching 20 hours on the SAE.
Here are my impressions:
Super quiet in the groove. Very low (nearly non existent) groove or surface noise.
Bass fleshes out. It starts out a bit light here. Now it’s perfect. You can easily hear everything in proportion even at very low volume.
It excels at recreating the recorded space, whether a small studio or large stadium.
It doesn’t seem to favor any genre. Classical, jazz, rock, reggae. It easily handles everything thrown at it. It makes you forget you even have a cartridge. This thing makes music.
It seems to pull more tone from instruments, both electric and acoustic.
It specs slightly better than the Soundsmith Zephyr ($1499). At $99 shipped, it’s not a deal. It’s legalized robbery. If you are on the fence, don’t miss out.
Here are my impressions:
Super quiet in the groove. Very low (nearly non existent) groove or surface noise.
Bass fleshes out. It starts out a bit light here. Now it’s perfect. You can easily hear everything in proportion even at very low volume.
It excels at recreating the recorded space, whether a small studio or large stadium.
It doesn’t seem to favor any genre. Classical, jazz, rock, reggae. It easily handles everything thrown at it. It makes you forget you even have a cartridge. This thing makes music.
It seems to pull more tone from instruments, both electric and acoustic.
It specs slightly better than the Soundsmith Zephyr ($1499). At $99 shipped, it’s not a deal. It’s legalized robbery. If you are on the fence, don’t miss out.
OMC
Well-Known Member
Sounds like the perfect cartridge.
AnthonyI
Well-Known Member
I was here with the Otello, the SAE just solidified it
kvetcha
Chet Hanks' Filmography Buff
It is a very attractive cart.
What kind of turntable? Not all models will align with a Geo Disc. That said, I’ve used one for over 3 decades with great results.
The SAE is a bit more difficult than some to mount. You’ll need mounting hardware (bolts and nuts) to mount it to the arm. These can be a bit fiddly, but nothing to be afraid of. Being a moving coil cartridge, the stylus isn’t removable. Go slow and gentle, never force anything, and you’ll be fine.
Numerous people here can help you and I’ve walked dozens through it by phone and can do the same for you if needed.
Ultradeck like most others. Thanks for the tips. I assume the geo disc will work, but if not any others you might suggest?
The Geodisc is the way to go.
kvetcha
Chet Hanks' Filmography Buff
Just finished mounting both of my SAEs to test them. Both sound great, though the second cart seems to have much better imaging. Don’t know if that’s down to my alignment or an issue with the first cart. Had to adjust tonearm height a touch - Shibatas are notoriously sensitive to VTA, and the cart sounded a little veiled until I raised the tail a bit. Gonna stick with the second cart because I don’t feel like doing it all a third time.
No phono changes coming from the MasterTracker.
A trick for getting the cart in place on an Ultradeck: loosely install the screws, washers and nuts in the headshell, then slide one screw to the rear and one to the front. This provides enough space to slide the cartridge between them at a diagonal, then you can slide the screws back toward the middle of the headshell and rotate the cart along with them to ‘trap’ the cartridge in the correct position.
No phono changes coming from the MasterTracker.
A trick for getting the cart in place on an Ultradeck: loosely install the screws, washers and nuts in the headshell, then slide one screw to the rear and one to the front. This provides enough space to slide the cartridge between them at a diagonal, then you can slide the screws back toward the middle of the headshell and rotate the cart along with them to ‘trap’ the cartridge in the correct position.
Joe Mac
Well-Known Member
Well now I’m looking forward to hearing it seeing as I’m running the SL, which I love, and this cost me 1/4 of the price (when you add on the international shipping and the VAT).
I’m thinking they aren’t the exact same as the SAE was made by Coral who was Excel’s direct competitor. They are very similar though.
dansomeone
Well-Known Member
Regarding cartridge mounting screws, the same seller on Ebay offers both aluminum and stainless steel sets. Are there any advantages/disadvantages to either?
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