AVID HIFI HFC_519 AVID Boron Cartridge Instruction Manual

AVID HIFI HFC_519 AVID Boron Cartridge

Product Information

Specifications:

• Product: AVID HIFI Boron
• Origin: UK
• Type: Moving-coil cartridge
• Weight: 9.1g
• Distributor: AVID HIFI
• Website: avidhifi.com

Product Usage Instructions

Installation:

1. Ensure your turntable is turned off and unplugged.
2. Carefully remove any existing cartridge from the tonearm.
3. Align the Boron cartridge with the tonearm pins and gently secure it in place.
4. Connect the cartridge leads to the designated terminals on your turntable.

Setup and Calibration:

1. Adjust the tracking force according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the Boron cartridge.
2. Set the anti-skate adjustment to match the tracking force for optimal performance.
3. Check the alignment of the cartridge using a protractor tool to ensure accurate stylus placement.

Maintenance:

1. Use a stylus brush to clean the diamond Micro Ridge stylus regularly to prevent dust buildup.
2. Keep the cartridge body and cantilever area free from dust and debris using a soft brush or cloth.
3. Store the cartridge in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage to the delicate components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: What tonearms are compatible with the AVID HIFI Boron cartridge?
  A: The Boron cartridge is suitable for tonearms with high effective mass (greater than 25g) due to its low-compliance design.

• Q: How should I adjust the tracking force for optimal performance?
  A: Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended tracking force setting, typically between 1.8-2.2 grams, to achieve the best sound quality and stylus longevity.

• Q: Is it necessary to use a stylus guard when not using the cartridge?
  A: It is recommended to use the clip-on stylus guard provided with the Boron cartridge to protect the delicate stylus from damage when not in use.

Product Introduction

• Located in the middle of the range of AVID HIFI’s three high-end MC cartridges, the Boron has many of the design features of the top-of-therange Reference Ruby, such as the generator assembly and magnet design.
• The magnet assembly is housed inside the black main body and the front gold section with the boron cantilever protruding from the lower part offers a degree of protection for the coils.
• Another gold section at the rear also provides protection for the fine wires from the coils as they make their journey to the four cartridge pins at the back.
• I particularly like the clip-on stylus guard, which slides on to the body from the front to protect the stylus when not in use.
• In common with AVID’s Reference Ruby cartridge, the body of the Boron is a 5-axis precision-milled aerospace grade aluminium body.
• This is designed to remove unwanted vibrations away from the critical record-stylus interface, thereby reducing what is commonly called ‘needle-talk’.
• The same cross-shaped Alnico magnet assembly and coils are used as found in the Reference Ruby to provide a reasonable output level of 0.32mV.
• The Boron’s dynamic compliance of 8.5cu just nudges it into the low-compliance category, making it likely to suit high effective mass tonearms (greater than 25g).
• The “extra-long” boron cantilever is fitted with a solid diamond Micro Ridge stylus to offer excellent tracking ability coupled with great information retrieval from the groove.
• After connecting the output of my record deck to my valve phono stage, my first task is to fit and set up the Boron in my tonearm with the recommended 2g tracking force.
• I then use an Image Hi-Fi Vinyl Essentials test record to check the cartridge/tonearm resonance and tracking ability.
• The resonance peak is around 10Hz and there is no hint of any resonance with the 6Hz or 14Hz tracks – perfect! The tracking ability test demonstrates that the Boron can track up to an impressive 80 microns.

Sound quality

• I kick off with Lyn Stanley’s Little Drummer Boy, which is a mash up of the traditional Christmas song and Dave Brubeck’s Take 5.
• The instrument focus with the Boron is well defined, with a punchy and tight bass. All of the instruments and vocals are situated within a very believable soundstage.
• Next up Tony Mottola and his group playing some classic Latin music. Summer Samba is reproduced clearly and effortlessly, with the percussion fresh and open while the flute solo is bright.
• The perfectly balanced interplay between guitar and wind instruments, and the tonal detail of each instrument is very impressive.
• Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 In F Minor by the Cleveland Orchestra has a very deep bass drum that’s beautifully reproduced and very well extended.

DETAILS

• PRODUCT
  AVID HIFI Boron

• Origin
  UK

• Type
  Moving-coil
  cartridge

• Weight
  9.1g

• FEATURES

  • Cantilever : boron
  • Stylus : elliptical solid diamond
  • Magnet : crossshape Alnico
  • Recommended
  • Tracking Force: 2.0g ±0.2g

• Distributor
  AVID HIFI

• WEBSITE
  avidhifi.com

Instrument focus

Instrument focus with the Boron is well defined with a punchy, tight bass:
The exuberant presentation of the full orchestra is really well rendered and the strident trumpet blasts during the opening Andante Sostenuto are clear and bright without sounding harsh. Chasing The Dragon’s Interpreti Veneziani performance of Vivaldi’s Concerto For Violin, Strings And Harpsichord RV386 delivers superb clarity, together with excellent realism and refinement. The instrument placement within the soundstage in my room is also very well defined. I conclude with Rodrigo’s Concierto De Aranjuez with the English Chamber Orchestra and John Williams on guitar. Williams’ playing is intimate and detailed, and the well-known second movement is both enchanting and delicate throughout.

Conclusion
At home across a wide range of musical genres, the beautifully made Boron delivers an elegant and high-end sound quality to your system. The cartridge will be an excellent choice for pairing with a good-quality phono stage and fitting in a top-quality tonearm.

Our verdict

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