The asaka has recently been checked out by a specialist cartridge company - which one i don't know. So i assume it is in very good condition.Classicrock wrote: ↑Sat Dec 09, 2017 10:41 am The problem with PT is build quality. If I was going for one I would look for an Anniversary. They do fetch a fair bit of money however. The Alphason arm is very sought after so that is the main attraction. Assume the cartridge is knackered and don't factor that into the price.
Although i know Les quite well having been a customer of his for 10 years (where did they go !) and visit from time to time he didn't offer it exclusively to me. I saw it on his facebook page and phoned him. I have bought it however and had to get in quickDr Bunsen Honeydew wrote: ↑Sat Dec 09, 2017 10:44 am If its Les's it must be good, you are lucky he offered it to you - go for it.
Well Dave, i assume you mean Naim amps were optimised for the lp12 ? Didn't Les have something to do with Voyd ? I will give the asaka a go seeing as though it has already been checked over by a specialist cartridge company_D_S_J_R_ wrote: ↑Sat Dec 09, 2017 11:11 am PT's CAN sound excellent, but build spoiled it for me at the time and they DID get better as they went along I remember. No reason why a well cared for example shouldn't be as good or better than when new though and I trust Les W. The arm is one of the very best of its type although it doesn't *look* it although I'm not keen on the Asaka, which could probably be flogged for a few hundred, but in such a good arm on a deck lacking bass-bloat it may be absolutely fine
P.S. A good PT was always better than a 1980's LP12 as long as the system wasn't set up and optimised specifically for the Linn (you older ones will know what I mean), but for me, it was the Voyd decks which perfected the materials and techniques I thought and the PT (Vector?) interpretation of the concept was possibly similar although I have little experience of this.
And it just so happens i have a 1990 LP12 with Avondale Taps2, Rubikon subchasis, Aro and lyra argo to compare it to. I have some of Alfi's insole spring replacements and he is going to move the motor to 7 O'clock and supply me with one of his mats.
I also intend to get a 1970's japaneese direct drive of some sort and give all 3 of them a right good baking off (spanking) through my phono1, diy Avondale amps and diy 3 way isobaric semi omni's (that's a mouthful).
It seems i'm a splurgin'. Well you only live once. Will see what other goodies Les has for sale when i visit him , his workshop is like a little toy shop full of all sorts of interesting things for us diyers. Last time i went over i ended up being there all day
He has a new fully complimentary power amp board out that i would like to see. Non of that quasi complimentary business
All happening here.....