The Acutex bar

[slabadabada]

Dear friends,

well there was recently a frenzy for the Acutex 420 on ebay, I hope I'm not the only one to have benefited from that now gone wonderful deal and I take it some of them have landed here already. I'm wondering what you think of it. I must confess it just blew every cart away at my place and the Acutex is the first cart ever to pass my test of the arias of the Pergolesi Stabat Mater.



Mounted on a Mayware Formula 4 MKiii it now delivers highs that have made my ears bleed on so many other combos, it just sounds so right this time as does Janacek's piano every time I throw it at it.

Of course you might righteously challenge my listening habits. Well my record collection is scarce, but this combo has brought back the pleasure of listening to stuff like pink floyd or Lou Reed too, the bass is huge and that makes it definitely a keeper cart for me even though with a compliance of 42 it won't be for any arm, but in the right combo it can work miracles for pennies.

Now tell us about yours and how you use it

[Dynastax]

I got 2 of them as they are so cheap for the performance being reported by yourself and others. It will be interesting to test them when they arrive. Theoretically not the best match for my rega rb300 but the theory is not always right from what I have read. I have a few tweaks in mind to help the rega work with this cart so I will see.

[glady86]

I should receive mine soon, and the seller has more so I ordered two more. 

[rfgumby]

I should receive mine soon, and the seller has more so I ordered two more. 

HI Guys-   This thread has piqued my interest.

I couldn't figure out who the seller was, and only saw one "regular" type auction for an Acutex 420 on eBay.  I started digging further, but the many different model numbers got me confused.  You're looking specifically at 420's?  And how much are they costing?

[nic]

HI Guys-   This thread has piqued my interest.

I couldn't figure out who the seller was, and only saw one "regular" type auction for an Acutex 420 on eBay.  I started digging further, but the many different model numbers got me confused.  You're looking specifically at 420's?  And how much are they costing?

you have pm... 

[jawaligt]

I'm curious as well. Currently there is only one for sale on the 'bay, but at $250 it's far too steep for my budget..

[slabadabada]

some started speculating already eg. on Audiogon 299$ p*sses me off so I won't post the link anywhere but you got pm Jasper

[jawaligt]

Darn it's gone, just when I was about to get it. Weird because according to Ebay the seller has 6 left..

[Dynastax]

I have just mounted my acutex 420 and listened to 1 side of DS Love over Gold. Very impressive cart, particularly for the price. Despite the published high cu there doesn't seem to be any problems with it in my rega rb300. I turned the vtf to 0 and moved the counterweight close to the pivot. I am looking forward to getting acquainted to this little gem. I also just checked the seller and they still have some 412's for sale which should be a very good buy as well http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PUNTINA-ACUTEX-412-STR-PER-GIRADISCHI-INTROVABILE-NUOVA-/260891804469?pt=Piatti_e_Lettori_CD&hash=item3cbe5d0335#ht_3644wt_689

[glady86]

 I had mine for a week now, but too busy to try it yet. I have two more on the way and might sell one eventually.

[Dynastax]

The seller now has 415's available. Only difference from the 420 seems to be slightly lower cu http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250929877428?redirect=mobile

[glady86]

 First record with Acutex 420. Sounds fine right away, great soundstaging. I think it will be as good as any of my favorites, just a little different. I am still using a passive preamp though since Symphonic Line is taking their flipen time to send me my preamp power supply board. So I am not hearing the full potential of my analog rig right now.

[glady86]

 The 420 has a better cut and polished Shibata diamond, nude mounted and better specs than the 415. Very flat frequency response. I am happy as a pig in slop to have had the opportunity to purchase these Acutex 420 cartridges, a rare bargain. I might even rank it higher than my Technics P100MKIV. Time will tell. Of course someone might disagree with me, oh well.

[krenzler]

I wish I tried the 420 when still available - for that price. Might jump on one of the others - just for the fun of it.

[slabadabada]

we had it at the minimeet on an ultralight Mayware formula IV and well I did notice some smiling faces around me when it was playing