Ask Mikey

Ortofon cutting system #320 at UMG's Berliner facility in Hanover, Germany.

Recently UMG reissued the Mercury Living Presence Box Set, which consists of 6 LPs. Many websites including elusivedisc.com stated the LPs were pressed in Germany by Optimal. I have pre-order one set at Amazon.com before its release in the US market, the doubt part is the box set I received is pasted with small sticker indicating that it was “Made in Czech Republic”. Another doubt issue, since UMG have a ultimate pressing facility in Hanover, why they pressed this set title at Optimal ?

What is the name of the USB microscope you use? Brand and resolution?

Dear Michael,

I grew up in the golden age of high-fi and began my hardware journey with a Fisher X202B amplifier, AR2a speakers, and an Empire 398 turntable followed by the addition of a McIntosh MR-67 tuner. Of course, I've been a subscriber to High Fidelity, Stereo Review, their successors, The Absolute Sound and Stereophile going back to the 60's.

Love the website. I can't stay off of it! I have an "Ask Mikey' question:

"What do you use to control static pops and clicks on your records?"

The reason I a contacting you today is because of the recent article on using a USB microscope to set SRA.... I am using a Soundsmith Boheme cartridge that has a contact line stylus. When using the lupe, I can get a clear view of my stylus. I have tried to adjust my arm to get the 92 degree angle but the rear of the tonearm is raised up quite a bit.