sligoriverblues Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 I was wondering has anybody heard this cartridge? What is your opinion? What was the tone arm and the phono stage? How does it stand next to the Delos or Kleos...? The reason I'm asking is because I can get one new for some dirt cheap money, but still there's not much on the net about this model compared to some newer models. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Jan
tuyen Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 Have heard one with a 9-10" arm (SEAC brand I think?) on an Technics SP10 MK2 table. Really nice dynamics. Very open, full/rich and detailed and very refined sound. Compared it to a Supex Super 900 (overly smooth and thin/light in bass. also not as open), Denon 103S (nice dynamics and quite full/rich sound, but lacks serious refinement) and some AT cartridge (big rich/colourful sound but also lacks refinement). Listening to the Argo-I helped me decide to go ahead with a current model Delos. 1
sligoriverblues Posted August 29, 2012 Author Posted August 29, 2012 Listening to the Argo-I helped me decide to go ahead with a current model Delos. Thanks tuyen! Delos should be a better cart according to J. Carr and some other people who have heard both... What did you think of your Delos when you heard it after the Argo? Was it on the same table?
tuyen Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 Totally different systems and tables/arms so can't really say! But definitely still experiencing pretty much same traits between the Delos over a few other carts I have tried on my system
djb Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 If its dirt cheap buy it Can always on sell at your cost You know lots of potential buyers
sligoriverblues Posted August 29, 2012 Author Posted August 29, 2012 I just got it... An offer too good to refuse, I thought. I'll see how I go, it should be here in about ten or so days... 1
Sir Triode Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 How much did you pay for it? If it is not rude to ask...
sligoriverblues Posted August 29, 2012 Author Posted August 29, 2012 It was low enough price to not make me feel guilty that I own five MC cartridges now
djb Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 Eeeer that either means very cheap or that you r without a conscious! This may or may joy be a good thing for a person in your trade?
tuyen Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 (edited) I'll buy the Argo I off you if for some reason you don't dig it. Be nice to have it as a backup cart incase something happens to the Delos, plus I really like the bluey colour of the cart! Edited August 30, 2012 by tuyen
Steve M Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 (edited) Getting greedy there Tuyen (getting as bad as me!). Keep your mitts off it as I have already said to sligo/Jan that I need it 'cause the Argo that I have is only borrowed temporarily. By the way you've got pretty good ears, your quick assessment of those cartridges you heard here are pretty spot on, except I reckon the Soundsmith tipped Supex 900 Mk IV almost keeps up with the Argo in most areas other than the midrange is quite pronounced on the Argo, noticeably different on voices, some might find this aspect a bit artificial in the Argo preferring the Supex's even-handed nature? Steve. Edited August 30, 2012 by Steve M
tuyen Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 he he he! OK, 1 cart at a time... Tis true it boils down to how the cart sounds with the rest of the system and most importantly, personal preferences. As usual!
Guest JohnA Posted August 31, 2012 Posted August 31, 2012 dont be silly peoples...i am in vic and only a stones throw away from Jan if anyone gets it, it will be me
maxspl Posted August 31, 2012 Posted August 31, 2012 The Argo i is a very good cartridge.....currently have one on my Hyperspace/ ace space arm , but it sounds excellent in pretty much any arm , even a technics SL1200 with KAB fluid damper and zupreme headshell produced great sounds.
tuyen Posted August 31, 2012 Posted August 31, 2012 Cheers, mate! Thanks! I would like to take back what I said about the cart. The truth is that it is very bright, harsh/grainy, plasticy, unnatural sounding unit. Please sell it to me. Thanks. 1
sligoriverblues Posted August 31, 2012 Author Posted August 31, 2012 Guys, something tells me this will be a keeper
sligoriverblues Posted September 17, 2012 Author Posted September 17, 2012 I got my Argo-i today, and mounted on the Tri-Planar, it is many things except thin and harsh... It is a splendid cartridge straight out of the box, a bit fuller in the midrange than I expected it to be, but I mean that as a compliment, as I was expecting it to be quite the opposite. I'm looking forward to see how it evolves... Played a few sides so far and I can say that I'm enjoying one beautifully smooth ride! Thanks for all your help, guys!
Guest JohnA Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Great to read mate. I love my Lyra and will replace it with another when the time comes.
Guest Muon Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Glad you are liking it, for a while there I thought we would be seeing a few grown men brawling on the footpath outside ya' house
Guest JohnA Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Glad you are liking it, for a while there I thought we would be seeing a few grown men brawling on the footpath outside ya' house i'll go visit him this Saturday and tell him how bad it is, then offer to buy it off him
sligoriverblues Posted September 18, 2012 Author Posted September 18, 2012 Great to read mate. I love my Lyra and will replace it with another when the time comes. It looks like I'll be doing exactly the same thing... I've found a great synergy with the Tri-Planar, I'd almost say that it prefers Lyra more than the Orpheus. With a few hours on it, it gets evened out across the frequency range. Glad you are liking it, for a while there I thought we would be seeing a few grown men brawling on the footpath outside ya' house They will only take it from my cold, dead hands (is that what Moshe Heston said in the Bowling For Columbine? :lol: )
tuyen Posted September 18, 2012 Posted September 18, 2012 Nice result buddy! Still digging my lyra too and will just get mine rebuilt when time comes. Have had no interest in trying other carts... which is odd for me & hifi!
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