 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
 |
HOME | |
||
 |
|
||||
       |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
Cartridge
Man Digital Level - Or ...The Leveller - Part 2 Issue 6 - April 2000 |
 |
||
|
In the last issue I wrote about the Cartridge Man Digital Level, welcoming its performance if not the price tag. Well, since then, two things have happened. No it hasn't got any cheaper! But I have received a production version, rather than the final prototype that I reviewed, and I've been using it - lots. But first things first. The final production unit is actually quite a bit shorter than my original sample, and more importantly it's lighter. Under 200g in fact, which makes it only a little heavier than an audiophile pressing. (If Len could shave it down to 180g that would be absolutely perfect, although I understand that this is extremely unlikely so don't hold your breath). With its shorter stature it actually feels more solid, and now represents a reassuring fist full. And whilst I still couldn't recommend its use on the likes of Pink Triangles, it's certainly now much more compatible with suspended decks than I originally suggested. The finish is a bit nicer too, but that's beside the point. |
 |
||
|
The real revelation has been the rapidity with which this apparent luxury has become an indispensable part of my tool kit. The magazine production cycle means that every two months it's a case of all change in the Gregory listening room. The system is ripped down, the racks pulled out, the corners hoovered and the cables cleaned. And if I'm feeling especially virtuous then the mains plugs get a once over too. Then the whole lot needs to be put back together, incorporating whatever new bits and pieces the new issue demands. With racks, speakers, turntables and sub-shelves all requiring precise levelling, the Digital Level is a Godsend. Whilst it initially takes a little getting used to, you soon get the hang of it. The problem lies in the fact that the arrows that indicate the "high-side" are positioned around the periphery of the display area, rather than next to the digital readouts. The front-to-back slope readout is nearest the user, but the arrow indicating that the far side of the object is raised is on the far side of the display with the left-right read-out between it and the relevant numbers. It's surprising how confusing this can be at first, although as I said, you get used to it pretty quickly. Once you get the hang of it, it is simple, repeatable and totally failsafe. As I said in the first piece I wrote, I think the Digital Level is the ideal tool for a dealer. Now I'd go further and say that for anyone who takes the job seriously then it's essential equipment. Anyone selling and installing expensive equipment should definitely have one, and that's not just turntables. Loudspeakers and CD players would be obvious beneficiaries, but I actually like to get everything level. Likewise, anyone who does their own set-up should consider it too. And I haven't even started on all the other uses such a compact and easily read level can be put to. This thing is a DIYers delight! Expensive? Yes, but then the best normally is. |
|||
|
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Price: £200 Supplied
by: Back to Last Page | Forward to Next Page | Technical Review index
|
|||