A question of sKale?

[Gaius]

Afternoon All.

Let me take you back to the first post on page 1.

We took it to see Peter Swain and it was tested with Akiva.

Regards, Mark

[Tony Tune-age]

Greetings Mark, was there a sonic difference between the Linn counter-weight and Tiger-Paw counter-weight, using an Akiva?

(2012-04-20 15:44)Gaius: Trade tiger paw Wrote:  Afternoon All.

Let me take you back to the first post on page 1.

We took it to see Peter Swain and it was tested with Arkiva.

[DerekDunlop]

(2012-04-20 15:44)Gaius: Trade tiger paw Wrote:  tested with Arkiva.

Regards, Mark

Still confused.

Or are you adding an 'r' where there shouldn't be one ?

[Gaius]

I have indeed added an R, very sorry. I have amended the typo

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(2012-04-20 15:47)Tony Tune-age Wrote:  Greetings Mark, was there a sonic difference between the Linn counter-weight and Tiger-Paw counter-weight, using an Akiva?

(2012-04-20 15:44)Gaius: Trade tiger paw Wrote:  Afternoon All.

Let me take you back to the first post on page 1.

We took it to see Peter Swain and it was tested with Akiva.

Greetings Tony, yes there was.

Regards, Mark

[Tony Tune-age]

Thanks for the prompt answer Mark! Will there be any information regarding the sonic differences, or were they too small to really matter?

[Gaius]

(2012-04-20 16:18)Tony Tune-age Wrote:  Thanks for the prompt answer Mark! Will there be any information regarding the sonic differences, or were they too small to really matter?

This I think is something for each to judge for himself. It is true to say though that Peter felt sKale raised the bar in the context in which it was used, ie. with Akiva.

I am about to post a piece giving some background of the evolution of sKale I hope will clarify some of the questions raised.

Regards, Mark

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Originally the idea came about when we were using a Koetsu Rosewood cartridge; this necessitated positioning the counterweight a long way from the fulcrum of the arm. Making up a temporary heavier weight gave a worthwhile improvement and we recognised that this may also be of interest to other customers in a similar position. However, once the decision had been made to fully develop the product we took the opportunity to explore all the options and try and learn more about the function of the counterweight in this application.

As part of this process we explored a number of different options and felt that it may indeed be possible to provide mass adjustment, providing a more flexible product to cover a broader range of cartridges. At the same time a lot of work was carried out evaluating the effects of different materials to mount the counterweight to the arm. The eventual design is the culmination of considerable thought and an enormous amount of evaluation. To put this in to context, we probably have around 30 different prototype versions, each incorporating different elements of the eventual design in varying materials, shapes and weights. If there's one thing we have learned, it is that theory is all good and well and a necessary foundation to work from, but there is little substitute for evaluation - ears are still the best measuring device that we have access to. As for the finishing process, well that's another whole world of pain, but at least you're on the home straight by then:-)

We wanted to make the best product that we could, and whilst it may have emerged from an original solution to a heavy cartridge situation the final product actually offers a great deal of practical benefit to a broad range of users. However, as with all things, we would strongly urge customers to discuss it, and evaluate it at one of our dealers. With regard to pricing, I think Colin's comments may have been misinterpreted to some extent; I don't think he was expecting quite such a complete product in terms of design and finish. I won't comment on performance because that is something better discussed by those who listen to it. Suffice to say, the fact that it is less than he (and other dealers) expected is exactly as we would like it.

[Tony Tune-age]

Thank you for the reply Mark, it's really appreciated. I figured there was a great deal more involved, than might be thought initially. I can say this for sure, my Khan sounds fantastic! Good job to all those involved!

[shoot6x7]

Hopefully the black version will be ready for 12 months time when my 'next' big upgrade is planned. Of course it has to make sense in the context of an Ekos2 with a DV20Xl.

(6 days to Khan, Woodsong install/rebuild)

[Tony Tune-age]

Keep us posted on your progress, hope all goes well .

(2012-04-20 16:56)shoot6x7 Wrote:  Hopefully the black version will be ready for 12 months time when my 'next' big upgrade is planned. Of course it has to make sense in the context of an Ekos2 with a DV20Xl.

(6 days to Khan, Woodsong install/rebuild)

[Elbow]

Thanks Mark. Can you send a few over to Chris H so he can send one to David and Alma at Accent on Music? I'm looking forward to hearing it (I think the Khan is one of the best value for money upgrades ever for the LP12)