Description
Very Rare NOS Argent MC-110 LOMC Cartridge - #4158 – In Retail Box This listing is for one NOS Argent MC-110 LOMC cartridge. The serial number is 4158. The cartridge was “checked” with an mufti-meter & the results are posted in two of the photos. The readings are close & have a difference of 4.0%. The specifications & features are listed below. It is the forerunner to the Excel Sound Etsuro Urushi line of moving coil cartridges - including the Cobalt Blue, Bordeaux, & Gold. The MC-110 is very similar to the AudioQuest 404, 808, & the Excel Pro81MC cartridges. Included is the original “retail” packaging, acrylic cartridge container (previously used), original “sealed” packet of mounting hardware (w/ screwdriver & stylus brush), & the Bruel & Kjaer frequency graph printout. Please watch Oswaldo Martinez’s, from “Let There Be Sound”, two professional presentations posted on his YouTube page: Argent MC-110 Moving Coil Presentation: Live – “Lightning Crashes” (25th Anniversary Edition) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GXAgnx3-T0 & Argent MC-110 Moving Coil Presentation: “Psycho Killer” - Talking Heads (40th Anniversary) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff5jbVJT9D8 These two presentations were produced 10/02/23 with the MC-110 I recently sold him. He just put in a new order for two more cartridges. Then there is my very amateur YouTube demo video of this cartridge here: https://youtu.be/tpkR6x4sF0U Here are some of the comments buyers of the MC-110 have sent me: megaladoink: “I gotta say. This cartridge is just as good as my ETSURO Gold. Holy cra*. I’m gonna get a few more.” Also please read the feedback he left. rauliruegas: “The Argent MC-110 goes from 10hz to 50khz where only the Etsuro Gold even (Can match) it. Probably the MC-110 could perform near the Gold Diamond due that’s internal impedance is lower than in the Etsuro as is its output level: less wire in the MC-110 coils. I did not listen in my system the Etsuro but I listened (to) the Umami Red made it by Excel and the vintage (meaning the MC-110) outperformed, one of those vintage is the Fidelity Research MC X-5. As I said, it’s time to “discover” a vintage gem.” sylvainv: “… I cant tell if this is the deal of the year …. but I can tell that after buying both MC-110 and MC-500H, listened to both on two different excellent turntables, I’ve been glued to my listening chair for the past two weeks! I sold both my Hana SL and Ortofon Quintet Bronze with very low hours as these Argent cartridges are way better.” jerryj0: (1st message) “Time will tell after a few hours, but initial impressions are it is best cartridge I own. I think it exceeds the Adcom MR II which so far I have never found anything to beat.” (2nd message) “So after a few hours and different types of music, yes this is an impressive cartridge (meaning the Argent MC-110). Voices sound great. Sandy Denny on The North Star Grassman and The Ravens sounds even more sublime than usual. So yes, Adcom is close second…. The MC-110 is a bargain for those that are thinking of spending $5k+…. Has the dynamic snap of live music that many cartridges lack. I spent many ill advised hours in live rock concerts and the bass slam you get live is mostly lacking in recorded, but this cartridge packs a punch. No miss tracking or distortion even on old discs.” Analogsurviver: “Micro Line stylus on otherwise essentially same Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux upgrade cost is like $8000 US ... - no brainer what is (MC-110) the best bang for the buck.” Specifications: Type – Moving coil Frequency response – 10 ~ 50 kHz Output voltage – 0.2 mV (1 kHz @ 50 mm/s) Channel balance – within 1 dB (1 kHz) Separation – 27 dB (1 kHz) Impedance – 3 ohms Vertical tracking angle – 20 degrees Compliance – 8 x 10?? cm/dyne Tracking force – optimum 2 grams ± 0.2 grams Stylus tip – Line Contact Nude diamond Cantilever – Tapered Titanium Weight – 9.5 grams Features: · Sapphire mounting base effectively couples sympathetic vibrations of the cartridge body to tone arm, thereby dramatically reducing potential for intermodulation with signal. · Low mass line contact nude diamond stylus and tapered titanium cantilever provide excellent tracking capability. · One-point suspension system with a two-shoulder damper yield exceptional transient response. · Each cartridge is individually calibrated and bears a serial number. · Individual frequency response graph is included. The $173.00 “dealer” price back in 1985 adjusted for inflation, is the 2023 equivalent of $493.64. The “retail” price back in 1985 adjusted for inflation, is the 2023 equivalent of $1098.56, using the inflation calculator here: officialdata.org/us/inflation/1985?amount=385 Let me give you some background: About 4 months ago I saw an Argent cartridge posted here on eBay. I had never seen or heard of that particular make, as possibly you have not either. I contacted the seller (tod8880) about specs & any other info he might have available. After some discussion, Todd asked I could give him some help trying to sell what turned out to be the LAST remaining inventory of the Argent cartridges. Todd’s wife is a cousin to the widow of Mr. Takayama, who worked for Direct Sound/Excel until his recent passing. From what we understand Mr. Takayama was the designer, importer, & distributor for the Argent line of MC cartridges. Mrs. Takayama asked Todd if he could sell the remaining inventory. To make a very long story short, I am helping Todd do this. The majority of the sales will go to her. We did come across the “Mysterious Cartridges: forgotten Argent MC” forum posting on the Audiogon website. Todd & I found it to be very informative, have been in contact with many of posters on that discussion & have sold some Argent cartridges to them. If you interested in or just curious about the Argent cartridges, you should read it. I will be posting some of the inventory here on eBay. Todd sent me all of the Argent items that were in Mr. Takayamas’ office in Boston. I have inspected every one, which did not have “sealed” containers, as best as I could. I took photos of every cartridge showing the cantilevers, stylus tips, serial numbers, Br?el & Kjaer test strips, packaging, & accessories - if there were any. As I do for all of my eBay cartridge listings, I checked the cantilevers for alignment & suspension. I am “play” testing each cartridge before I post them. (I have sold over 1130 MM cartridges here.) We still have the following models: MC-110, MC-300, MC-310, (1) MC-500HR, MC-500H, (1- demo) MC-500HS, & (1) ES-1CE. There are also 4 Direct Sound/Excel ES-1CE cartridges. The complete inventory is posted on the previously mention Audiogon audio forum. Even though this cartridge was “checked” with an Ohmmeter, has been physically & visually checked, & has been “play” tested, Todd will accept returns if found to be defective – photo &/or video proof required. This item will require an adults’ signature for delivery. The shown mailing cost includes full insurance & a delivery signature. I do not ship outside of the United States or accept PayPal payments from non-U.S. registered accounts, even if your eBay or PayPal “confirmed” shipping address is inside the U.S. Contact Todd if you are outside of the U.S.. I am not the original owner of most of the items I sell & I cannot guarantee THIS item is from a PET, CHILD, or SMOKE FREE environment. If you receive an item & there is an issue, PLEASE contact me BEFORE you leave feedback. Please check my other current listings. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO READ MY AUCTION TERMS. By BIDDING ON or using the BIN “Buy It Now” feature (If available) You ARE agreeing to My Auction Terms which are posted below. MY AUCTION TERMS: ALL ITEMS ARE SHIPPED BY USPS Ground Advantage OR Priority Mail TO YOUR “confirmed” eBay ACCOUNT ADDRESS. Bidding: U.S. registered eBay & PayPal accounts ONLY. Any unpaid item cases or cancelled winning bids/BINs will result in the buyer being permanently blocked from bidding on or buying any of my items. Warranty: This item is returnable if found to be not in working condition. If you have ANY questions, need more information, or would like to see additional photos of the item that I have listed, ask me BEFORE you bid. I do not list any item that I know does not work as working. I do not accept returns; provide refunds (full or partial) or exchanges, with the exception of SNAD claims. If you win a SNAD claim, you will need to return the item to me packaged in the same way as your received it & in the same physical & functional condition as you claim you received the item. I will make a video of the unpacking & testing of ALL returned items to verify the condition of the item. ANY discrepancies will be reported to eBay. Payment: My PayPal account is set up to BLOCK payments from all non-U.S. registered PayPal accounts. I will only accept payment by a eBay or PayPal account that is REGISTERED within the U.S. States & has a “confirmed” address. Shipping: I will only ship your item to your eBay “confirmed” address & the item will be shipped by either USPS Ground Advantage OR Priority Mail. Any item OR combination of items that sells for more than $74.99 will require an adults’ signature. I will not ship outside the United States. I do not charge for packaging, nor do I charge a handling fee. Everything I have posted on eBay is in my possession. I will usually ship your item within 3 “business days” (NOT including Saturday, Sunday, or Holidays) after I have received your payment.
Live search