AnalogMagik V2 Cartridge Setup Software Review |
Вставка
- Опубліковано 3 кві 2024
- Adrian is joined by pro audio engineer and Randy's Records employee Sam Franey to discuss and review their experience with the AnalogMagik V2 Cartridge Setup Software.
Newsletter: www.theabsolutesound.com/news...
Facebook: / theabsolutesound
Substack: www.theabsolutesound.substack...
Adrian's Reference Equipment:
Mclntosh MC 462 Quad Balance Power Amplifier
Mclntosh C2600 Tube Pre-Amp
Eminent Technology LFT 8 Speakers
Gustrad R26 Dac / Streamer
SW-10 Audio File Ethernet Switch
PS Audio Power Plant 15
VPI Scout Turn Table
Audio Technica Turn Table
Hana Blue Umami Blue MC Cartridge
PS Audio Stellar Phono Pre Amp
Kirmuss Audio Record Clearer
Morrow Speaker Cables
Morrow XLR/ RCA Cables
2-REL Ti Sub Woofers
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, UA-cam and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound - Розваги
I really love Analog Majik. I don’t use it for initial setup. For that, I use a range of Wally Tools to set alignment, VTA and anti-skating. I use AM to check my work and troubleshoot problems
Hi Adrian
I have been following TAS for the last 45 years. You are a new to me reviewer and you are a wonderful addition. I am looking forward to seeing more of your reviews and blogs going forward.
Thank you!!
I’ve owned one of these since 2018 and I have not upgraded mine to the newest version yet. While I find the tool invaluable, I had to make my own printouts to capture the values at each step by writing them down in a table . Setting up an arm, cartridge will always be interactive attempt: you optimize one parameter, go to the next knowing that you may well have to go back to the first parameter to tweak it. This is where the user experience is plain terrible! Unless one captures those previous values at each step by hand, there is no way of going back to see what you set it at.
I would have loved a thorough review and showcase of the different functionality. Plus a showcase of the measurable benefits one can gain for different levels of tonearms as well as cartridges and styli profiles.
Let us know when it’s available for Macs.
I used a Mac you just have to download parallels a windows base program. It works fine.
@@adrianalexander2651 I tried and that did not work (Parallels, Windows 11, M1 macbook pro).
@@adrianalexander2651 Interesting. I tried on my M1 macbook pro using Parallels (v17?) and Windows 11. Did not work. Good to know you made it work. What mac/Parallels/Win versions?
AnalogMagik is indispensable for proper setup. Period. However, I will say that you have to assess this in light of how much you’ve invested in your setup. If your cartridge and arm are not top notch, then the precision awarded by this tool will have limited impact.
But not if you have an ultra-high end setup. If you want to get the most of such as setup, their is no substitute for listening and your ears. The issue with AnalogMagik is the cheap A to D conversion.
@@Fluterra I beg to disagree. Especially when you're adjusting azimuth and zenith for a sharp stylus. Yes, listening is important, but over and over again you will find that the setup that minimizes IMD (Inter Modulation Distortion) is the one that sounds the best. I have an SME 20/3, SME V arm, and when I installed the IO Gold, this tool was a game changer. This is not ultra-high end if you want to be critical about it, but an example. Also, to address your comment on A-D comment, this is not the case. The level of IMD produced by any turntable is way higher than the basic redbook A-D conversion, so this A-D is way more than enough. It seems to me you have not tried it, you should. The verdict from some experts that set up the most expensive turntable systems in the world (I know a few of them) is unanimous.
@@miguelbarrio For Azimuth, I agree with you, but there are better tools for this. My phono stage has built-in L/R meters, so it’s easy to check Azimuth with a test record. The Fozometer(sp?) is also good for this. I am not convinced that your comments about the A to D conversion are correct. Even the slightest noise with digital tracks affects the sound quality. That’s why vinyl sounds better than digital.
@@Fluterra I have used a fozgometer. It is not a better tool, on the contrary. Not to mention zenith adjustment, I am not aware of another tool to do this. As for IMD, the lowest you can get a phono cartridge is around 0.5% IMD, which is much higher than this A-D can do. You really should try this.
What do you think of Wally's stylus and cantilever analysis? Wally (J. R. Boisclair) says that if the stylus and/or cantilever aren't perfectly aligned beforehand, there can be no correct setup.
How do you get the rca output to usb into a laptop?
Part of the AnalogMagik setup is a A-to-D converter you need to buy, and they suggest one that has been tested with the software (it’s only $99). It is a fairly basic A-D but plenty good for the task.
Really nice, if you own a very high end setup but its above my pay grade. Good information if i ever achieve my second million, gave up on the first! js lol.
Actually, no, it’s not great for a very high end system. See my post above.
That's just too much for the ordinary audiophiles
I don’t think this makes sense for someone who’s spent $5k or less on vinyl gear to be honest. I am not sure such a system would necessarily benefit from the precision that this tool achieves
@miguelbarrio I'd like to try it on my £5k GBP Turntable, but I think I am staying with my nanual method, and I think i could put the money elsewhere for better bang for the buck
@@Gez492 I would say this tool will help you optimize all setups, but it will have a bigger impact if your arm is precise enough and more importantly if the shape of your stylus is sharp - ie a microridge or very sharp line contact. For example, I found it indispensable to get an Audio Note IO Gold to sound great, but with other cartridges, not so much.
Also, if you have switchable headshells, I think it might be very helpful, as every time you switch headshells, the azimuth is likely to be a little off (there’s always a very small play in the bayonet mount) so with this tool you can make sure you’re spot on.
I've used it since it first came out (now using V2) and while there's a steep learning curve it's definitely worth the $, time and effort involved. It'll also last you a lifetime. One thing to keep in mind is that it works best installed on a computer with just a basic Windows install on it. Some software programs are not compatible with it. I tried installing it on a newer HQ general use laptop with lots of different programs on it and I couldn't get it to function properly. I reinstalled it on a laptop that is only used to surf the web - no other installed software on it except Windows and Firefox - and it works w/o issue.
Prices in the "high end world" were crazy back in the 70's and 80's, but I have a feeling it's getting worse. And honestly - I think in this case the developer is doing themselves a disservice. 1k less, and thousands upon thousands of Hi-Fi enthusiasts would buy this tool to tune their turntable (including me). As it is, it will probably only be of interest to retailers and a few end consumers.
Don't agree. Most turntable users will be perfectly happy just with a traditional simple alignment tool and will never go to the extent of using software to calibrate, no matter what the price is.
This software is really only targeted towards users who are ocd perfectionists, who would be happy paying 1k anyway, just to feed their ocd paranoia.
@@meesmo4m
Lot of money for a one time set up. I definitely can see it as a paid service provided by a record store or audio dealer
I switch cartridges every few months. It is useful when you do that. I have a Dynavector XV-1s, an Audio Note IO Gold, and should receive a Tedeska Tielke in a few months.
@@miguelbarrio wanna trade bank accounts:)
@@winstonmcgill6667
@@miguelbarrio I use it as well and also own an XV-1s. To me it's worth the price to get it right even if you have a $500 cartridge. It might not be worth the investment unless you have an arm that allows for adj of azimuth and vta.
@@playbackamusicloversjourne8620 My SME V arm is supposedly not able to adjust azimuth or zenith, but there are ways around that. For azimuth you can use aluminum folds on either side of the cartridge (which is way more precise and repeatable than most other methods) and for zenith you can use special M2.5 screws that have a thinner shaft (allowing you to adjust zenith within +/- 3 degrees which should be enough for most cases).
A software for cartrige setup needs to be on mobile devices. Have someone make an iphone and android version, and it‘s an awesome product.
The software is one thing. You need the accessory A to D interface along with the necessary tools such as protactor, stylus force gauge, cabling, wrenches and screwdrivers, and so on. I also carry a portable phono preamp in case of any issues with the client's unit. In fact it came in handy for that purpose today. So I have my laptop bag with test records and a few tools as well as a rugged carry-on case full of everything else. A version for a phone or tablet wouldn't reduce the load much, even if you don't carry quite as much as I do.
For $1100 I can well afford to have imperfect sound from records.
If you really want me to buy this product, reduce the price to $125 or less.
That's what sweet daddy talking about!! LOL
And...... for that type of money, they do not want to speak with you if you have problems. Email only.
This might make sense for folks who have a $15,000 phono stage...but beyond that???
Well, you had me and Sam seems to be a really nice person, but you lost me at $1100.00. Two things; the Audioquest commercial in the middle of the interview by your own head honcho? I would not have done that. Also, where's Wally? I noticed no mention of him.
The WallyTools are excellent. They use a different approach which can work very well. A complete WallyTools setup is about $2300, though we find the WallyTractor indispensable, so the incremental price is perhaps $1900 to roughly do what AnalogMagik does. If those prices are manageable, the choice probably comes down to philosophy (parametric measurement vs distortion measurement) and ease of use.
@@thomasmartin2219 Oh, I didn't mean to suggest the Wally tools are a better or more affordable alternative. I like the concept of the V2 Cartridge Setup Software, and thought, okay something out there easy to use and affordable? At least it seemed so until I heard the price. But Sam's suggestion that the channel balance seemed to be the key to really better performance looked like something that could be made in a much more affordable product and be designed to address that than a $1100.00 software package. It just seems way overpriced and I think that is a Wally Tools issue and why Boisclair wants to sell his product directly to make any real profit(I think). I mean as an end user, how often do I need to setup a turntable?
@@thomasmartin2219 I was not suggesting using Wally Tools it's just that Absolute Sound covered them quite a bit. Personally I think they're over priced and yes work in a perfect world, but cartridges vary even within the same model so looking for exacting angles; rake, azimuth, or orientation of the stylus vary and Sam did address this in the video so most of what Wally Tools are supposed to do really are just approximations. The AnalogMagik gets past a lot of this and simplifies the process(I think?), it's just way too expensive for what it is. Because something is effective doesn't mean you come up with some arbitrary number and frankly a lot of specialty products are just that, over priced. If a toilet paper roll filled with cut up rubber erasers was found to be great as an isolation device, someone out there would be marketing sets of three painted nicely for $500.00 doesn't make them worth$500.00. Oh and I agree with most of the other responses about the quality of this video. Sam deserved better.
@@thomasmartin2219 Wally Tools are also overpriced and I think that there are a lot of issues with using them, the main thing is that they attempt to adjust the cartridge/tonearm to a specific set of parameters that work if cartridges/arms were perfect. Getting the rake angle set to a specific angle at a specific downforce still may not be best or ideal. Getting the tip(stylus) geometrically correct still might not give the best performance. Getting alignment in the ballpark and doing simple adjustments like setting the downforce in the middle of the cartridges range, then adjusting tenths or twentieths of a gram up or down and listening still works. What's nice about the AnalogMagik V2 is that looks simple to use and dispenses with all the fidgety-ness of other methods. It's just too expensive. Because something works doesn't mean you charge a lot for what is some software on a fifty cent jump drive. And the tacky commercial for Audioquest in the middle of the video?
Wally Tools are also overpriced and I think that there are a lot of issues with using them, the main thing is that they attempt to adjust the cartridge/tonearm to a specific set of parameters that work if cartridges/arms were perfect. Getting the rake angle set to a specific angle at a specific downforce still may not be the best or ideal. Getting the tip(stylus) geometrically correct still might not give the best performance. Getting alignment in the ballpark and doing simple adjustments like setting the downforce in the middle of the cartridges range, then adjusting tenths or twentieths of a gram up or down and listening still works. What's nice about the AnalogMagik V2 is that looks simple to use and dispenses without all the fidgety-ness of other methods. It's just too expensive. Because something works doesn't mean you charge a lot for what is some software on a fifty cent jump drive. And the tacky commercial for Audioquest in the middle of the video? Bad taste.
For $1100 i can buy more than 500 albums, and i only need another 10. Then of course i only need another 10.
Hmmm...I just bought 18 albums and spent around $1100. I don't know what kind of records you get for $2?
Beating a dead horse
How did vinyl listeners in previous decades ever enjoy the music without knowing about azimuth and VTA? How could they possibly derive any pleasure when the azimuth was off by one or two degrees and the VTA not exactly precise? I understand the desire to get the best sound possible, but trying to be so precise in these parameters, trying to make things so perfect is frankly not only off-putting for the majority of turntable owners but, IMO, needlessly obsessive and even discouraging for new converts.
I’ve set up many cartridges by hand just following the manufacturer’s instructions and have been uniformly happy with the results.
My dad had a console in the basement in the 1950s and 60s and knew nothing about azimuth, VTA, etc. And yet he experienced great pleasure from his system, maybe even more than the excessively anal attempts to achieve perfection. And who could blame him?
There’s truth in what you’re saying.
However, this product is not aimed at new converts, nor is it aimed at anyone running gear from the 50s, 60s or 70s.
This is obviously a high end product designed to squeeze the most performance out of your analog rig as possible, through the best means possible - accurate and repeatable setup.
@@blubberlips “This product is not aimed at new convert.” Yes, but how do THEY know that?How do those who have been playing vinyl for years know that? They may believe that this product is the bee’s knees, that it will magically propel them to great audiophile heights, that without it, they will always wonder what they’re missing. Ok, I exaggerate slightly. But the truth is, like was previously noted, unless you have a very high-end system and cartridge in particular, most likely you will not hear much of a difference. And for those with more affordable gear, I highly doubt any improvement would be consequential to most ears.
I can say personally as someone who listens to vinyl exclusively, that some of Michael Fremer’s detailed videos about the importance of these parameters had discouraged me from even mounting cartridges myself. It all seemed overly complicated. When I finally took the leap, I was surprised that it wasn’t nearly as difficult as portrayed if one isn’t overly obsessive about it.
@@blubberlips This is a high end product, yes...
but it is Primarily designed to squeeze a lot of money out of perfectionists.
🎯
You absolutely lost me at 'vinyl listeners' lol
IT'S ALBUMS or LP's.
(put your ear to the floor and listen to vinyl) 😁😛
For everybody else there's the Michael Fremer method with a voltmeter.
You lost me as soon as you said it’s PC based. I have a dual boot with windows on my desktop but not my laptop.
The problem is Error induced by the A to D converter, which is pure garbage when it comes to quality. You have noise coming from the computer PSU and a ton of jitter being added to the signal. Remember that AnalogMagik is using Distortion to evaluate and make measurements. Distortion comes from jitter and noise, in addition to your setup. So you don’t know what is coming from the system vs the AnalogMagik and it’s A to D converter.
This is fine for mid-range systems, but when you have a 6-figure plus system, you run the risk of doing more damage than good.
Nothing beats trial and error and listening!
This is a misunderstanding on distortion analyzer as a whole, as well as making statements base on assumptions, without actual testing of the equipment. This issue is addressed in the FAQ. AMV2 measures incremental distortions, and for analog setup purposes, only incremental distortions matter, not absolute numbers.
I absolutely disagree.
The amount of jitter and distortion introduced by an interface of any quality is completely and absolutely negligible.
On a system of any quality, I believe that AudioMagik is an extremely useful tool.
I am assuming you have never used the product.
@@blubberlips digital noise is absolutely Not negligible! This is why digital often does not sound as good as analog. You can 100% hear the jitter and noise. Look at the Taiko Extreme to understand the lengths that companies go to reduce it. Or the WADAX or Nagra DACs. When you put a cheap DAC on the output of the TT, you are adding a lot of noise and distortion. If your TT has more distortion, you are fine. If you have a high end world class TT, you are making matters worse by using this product.
The amount of distortion being introduced by a DAC of any quality, in comparison to the amount of distortion produced by a turntable and cartridge, of any quality, is so near to zero as to not be a concern.
There is inherent distortion in any analog medium, to the extent that using a digital tool will provide no measurable effects in terms of added distortion.
In the best case scenario, the dynamic range of an LP is 70 dB, whereas the noise floor for the Art Phono preamp is greater than -90 dB. That is a tenfold increase in terms of volume, or lack thereof.
@@blubberlips but volume/dynamic range is not the noise I am referring to. I am referring to jitter and other digital noise, phase shift and timing errors. Go and listen to digital through a cheap streamer and DAC and then a better one and you will hear the difference.
The lack of professionalism in this video has to be addressed. Adrian's effort to disclaim ends up being offensive. Like "pro audio,we're not making fun of you" , "propeller head" and "get a grandchild to help you". These did not need to be talked about at all. Also, balance the mic levels and compress them so I we don't have to turn up the volume to hear Randy. Do your add at the beginning like all other channels. I am surprised that a high end audio publication would let this one out. Great product though!
It is outright ridiculous in 2024 to present a "Windose" only software. Get grown up guys , and work on a Mac version , before we can take your serious.