For nearly thirty years, I wasn't a spectator but an active participant in the hifi industry and have a lot of sympathy with Arthur's feelings on what he was up against in the early days. Things aren't like that now, as the press are almost completely irrelevant and one or two brands don't have an almost comical level of control of a lot of the dealers. Anyone can get a message out there and market a product without recourse to the old channels, both sales and marketing. There's plenty of brands, including the one I already mentioned that simply get on with things, and don't allow those obstacles to get in their way. After all, there are plenty of other genuine obstacles to being a successful hifi company! As for what you're currently running into, I'm not sure, as you say, because I'm not behind the scenes. What I do know though, is that Funk have the ability via this forum and plenty others to publicise this product whereas in the past they didn't. It could be done pre the online era, too: Russ Andrews was very disillusioned back in the day with audio dealers and, so he changed his model and his business flew.
The Houdini looks like a decent product to me, and I hope Funk do well with it but this is a forum, not an advertising platform. Anyway, that's me done.
It has a bigger effect on your wallet!Isn't this the same as the Cartridge Man's 'Isolator' in effect?
Firstly thanks to BigJohn and Nobeone for their links. Having been away for a few days I did make the time to read and re read these and research further.
To me this is clearly not new, a reapraisal with a slightly different approach to mounting ?
I have asked twice for some test measurements proving the performance claims, nothing , other than the intended production of a super video, has surfaced.
After reading all the aformentioned links I think I can see why.
For myself I have concluded this is a hit or miss tweak with the possibility of the results going either way dependant on so many issues its impossible to prove consistency supported by measurable results.
Verbal descriptions of sound don't cut much ice with me, all our ears are different, but seeing a before and after waveform is believing.
Its also worth noting that technical points raised by others have gone unanswered
From the descriptions and data provided in the aformentioned links, with a little more research, its an easy job to experiment DIY for a few pounds. Is it worth the effort with so many variables?
I wont buy one, or indeed after the way Ive seen this being "marketed", any product from the same source.
Why would the supplier of a high quality arm want to undermine his own product?
answers on the back of a cheque please.
If you ask nicely they'll do you one at a heavy discount...
Isn't this the same as the Cartridge Man's 'Isolator' in effect?
Ive already heard Mark's view on how it sounds on his HRS100 equipped PT1. He was up late into night trying it out.
I dont think its snake oil at all. There's no way introducing compliance between cart and headshell won't change the sound by both altering the carts ability to track and rejecting vibrations at certain frequencies from the arm tube.
Its the one size fits all, always a benefit claims that I have issue with.
Adding any weight at the headshell reduces the resonant frequency of the arm/cart combo. If you're up at 15-16hz, the added weight is a benefit, if you're already down around 8-9hz then not so much. If you're up around 18-19hz then its a godsend for your mismatched arm/cart choice.
Well, one things for sure. If it works out, this thingymajig won't be sold on the back of a balls-out charm-offensive.
As a long time PT owner and fan, still have my PT1 from the 80’s, this thread and the whole tone of the manufacturers postings has actually put me off the thingymajig