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18/9/2010

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44 Comments

Steve in Lancaster

20/9/2010 11:37:29 am

I recently sent my SME to Northwest Analogue for a complete rewire. The service was excellent and the arm came back in perfect condition and sounds superb with the copper wire used. Very impressed with the overall service and price.

Kev Singer from Edinburgh..

25/9/2010 08:03:43 am

I sent my Hadcock GH220 down to Dominic..It is the one pictured in his Gallery..It sounds brilliant and the service was fast and more than reasonably priced..He is very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to deal with..

Here it is in action now..On TD160 mk11 with V15 III/Jico SAS..

[IMG]http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac256/goatbreath68/guitars%20and%20related/td160/007.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac256/goatbreath68/guitars%20and%20related/td160/009.jpg[/IMG]

Simon

22/10/2010 09:32:36 am

Just had the pleasure of meeting Dominic, as he kindly picked up a Kuzma TT and arm from me (saved me the journey). I was bowled over by his knowledge and put at ease by his freindly nature. Having instructed him to give the deck and arm the once over (cartridge connectors need replacing and bearing needs polishing). I know it's in good hands and i'll up-date these comments upon recieving it back (now im really looking forward to that ; ).

Gary

28/10/2010 08:07:17 am

I had let my Project turntable get into a poor state , Dominic collected it and delivered back a " new " turntable , it sounds excellent . He took my Saturn turntable to service it and I look forward to a wonderful listening experience .

David Brook link

12/11/2010 01:18:43 am

Finally packed up a Lenco GL78 that has seen better days, hoping Dominic can work his magic on it as I have been told that a properly set up Lenco is rather special and as I own over 2000 pieces of vinyl I am quite excited.

matt

12/11/2010 10:43:43 am

hi, some fantastic work in the gallery section, keep up the rather fine work,
best regards,
matt

Gary

13/11/2010 06:17:18 am

I've had the Transcriptors Saturn turntable back for 3 weeks now , put in a new stylus and it sounds great ,it puts much more expensive decks to shame . Cannot believe what magic Dominic worked on it , you really are a genius .

stuartjpc

30/11/2010 03:16:06 am

My Thorens td160 is currently with Dominic awaiting a new tonearm (it's in the gallery). I have to say the service offered by him is second to none. He has shown his skill, knowledge, and patience throughout or conversations. I can't wait to hear my turntable sing again!!!!

Marc

17/1/2011 10:58:08 am

WOW!I've just receivd my garrard 401 that I sent to Dom for a full service. This guy is amazing an he knows his stuff. He gave me advice on how to get the best from my turntable and even offered to come round and set it up for me as I live fairly local. My garrard looks stunning after Dom has worked his magic and sounds so much better. I'm really glad I found out about this guy. If you need any work doing for your turntable, he is the guy to go to, he his knowledgable, patient and more importantly good value for money. Thanks for the work you did Dom much appreciated

Mike Pringle

7/2/2011 05:43:22 am

Dominic has just rewired the arm and set up the cartridge on my Pro-ject 6 Turntable. I'm sitting here enjoying the results! It's a pleasure to know that your pride and joy is in the hands of someone who really cares about what they do. Thank you Dominic, you have a customer for life.

john Wynne link

10/4/2011 07:30:59 am

Thanks Dominic for the work and advice on my Leak Stereo 20. The service was speedy, effective and very fairly priced. The changing of the GZ 34 for a GZ37 has lifted the performance amazingly.
I feel as though I've got a complete new CD library. The Shostakovich Eighth with Previn and the LSO on DG is breathtaking!

Michael D link

7/6/2011 01:45:11 pm

Dominic

Many thanks for the fantastic - and fast - service on my deck. The sound is brilliant again!

Michael O

21/6/2011 05:08:38 am

Praise to God for what this guy can do. About 2 years ago on ebay I bought a Garrard SP25 MKIII turntable that was in near pristine condition. After it was restored and lubricated, I was experiencing problems with a loud mains hum. When I discovered Northwest Analogue I thought I send it to this HiFi professional. In terms of compatibility these type of decks in such were not designed for high performance equipment like my Marantz PM94 and Sony TA700ES Integrated Amplifiers. The SP25 models were probably made on a low budget scale in comparison with turntables like the Goldring Lenco GL75/78s and Michell Engineering – Hydraulic/Transcriptor/Focus One/Gyrodecs - made on a higher scale with their very heavy platters for full size LPs, which in theory are renowned to be the best for HiFi sound, judging by their output qualities. With the Goldring Lenco or Michell turntables, as an option you could upgrade by switching the tonearms to a Rega or SME in order obtain your choice of sound quality PLUS with the type of cartridges i.e. a Moving Magnet or a Moving Coil - which is supposed to produce similar sounds to a Compact Disc? However, the problem with the Garrard SP25 was that there were too many earths causing the hum i.e. earths joined onto the same wiring for the input connection and a mains earth connected, which was not needed. When the wires to the input were disabled and reconnected by soldering, a separate earth wire was supplied to be attached to the tonearm. Due to the design of the deck the mains hum was reduced considerably and was left with only a small buzzing sound that does not affect the output, as Dominic pointed out, which in fact is hardly noticeable. Dom also inspected the cartridge (SHURE M75EJ TYPE II) and noticed it was loose and that the wiring was connected incorrectly. With his expertise he put some washers onto the screws under the head to stop it moving and rewired the connections. With a cartridge like that I can also simply change it by sliding the stylus’s from LP to 78, as it is good for playing 78 records. He also cleaned it up and gave it a good polish. I say to everybody and those who are enthusiastic about old turntables like me, if you have got any unwanted ones (Garrards, Goldring Lenco’s, Thorens or Michells) that maybe in your attics or lofts send them to this expert in the HiFi business for customising and reconditioning thus so that they can be made like new again! God bless you Dom with Many Thanks and Kindest Regards. The sound is a lot better than what it was before. PS – If any of you web surfers would like to view the turntable, please go to http://garrardmatters.freeforums.org/index.php

kwmason

9/10/2011 03:14:08 am

Many thanks are due to Dominic after I was careless with my Dynavector catridge and was left with a floppy cantilever with no suspension.
Not only was Dominic able to repair it perfectly but it was all done swiftly and for a price that didn't break the bank.
Thank you - now I must be more careful

gary britland

19/10/2011 04:56:03 pm

I had a garrard deck similar to the sb125 and was in need of repair, actually dead. I took it round to Domonics and he said leave it with me and i'll check it over. After a couple of days the deck was restord, cleaned and sounded superb. I would like to thank Domonic for a very good service and kindness aswell as knowledge he gave me on record players. Now my vinly collection is alive !!

Geoff Old

31/12/2011 01:24:48 am

My Goldring G99 is the one in the gallery and since Dom brought it back to cosmetic and mechanical life it has provided me with 2 years of flawless performance. It is still completely silent mechanically, baffling for a near 50 year old deck and testimony to the work that he did.

I was so happy with Dominics work on the G99 that when I bought a 401 I didn't hesitate to take it to him. Dom told me that it didn't need a lot of work atall which was refreshing and he created a wonderful slate plinth for me which left the 401 sounding like dream.

I have also since had a retip done on a 33PTG. A Fritz Geiger II was my choice, perhaps unusual on a mid price cartridge but the retail price on a replacement has soared and I thought it a worthwhile investment.

Dominic deserves to do very well. He cares for his customers and their products and provides both great knowledge and honesty. Dominic and his wife Natalie are always hospitable and you can always be sure of a quick spin of some fabulous...............and dreadful records!

Reg Charlery

11/1/2012 02:42:35 am

Hi Dominic thanks for all the work you did on my garrard,ittok arm
The sliver rewire and cable are magic it's transformed the arm
The unit is singing wonderfully.thanks again Reg.

Gary

2/4/2012 11:44:31 am

The Tempest tone arm cable is no doubt one of the very best available at any price.If your into analogue make this cable top
of your shopping list. Many thanks Gary

James & Louise

6/4/2012 12:11:27 pm

Hi Dominic and Natalie, Louise and I (James) just wanted to say how chuffed, amazed and pleased we are about out Rotel turntable that you guys repaired for us in March this year. It had been in horrendous state of repair since the early 80's and was what we thought finished! That is until you guys got hold of it and brought it back to its former beauty. It is flaming amazing and I have not stopped buying vinyl since. The sound, the look, the action, they are all amazing. Thank you so, so much. We recommend you to everyone whoever has the sense to UPGRADE to vinyl and a turntable.

Thankyou James and Louise

Many, many thanks

Pete Clarke

29/4/2012 04:07:28 am

I cannot praise Dom's work highly enough! I decided to return to vinyl a few months ago, after a break of nigh on eighteen years. Like many others, I fell for the marketing spin associated with CD's and I turned to, 'The Digital Darkside!' I subsequently purchased a Goldring Lenco GL75 from eBay. Having grown up with one of these, I appreciate how good they are straight out of the box. I did some research via the net and I discovered NW Analogue. I contacted Dom via email, and received a very prompt reply from Nat, his ultra efficient PA and wife! I duly drove up to Longton since I am fortunate enough to live no more than 15 miles away. I met Dom & Nat who were both very welcoming & friendly- the cup of tea was much appreciated! I then spent more than two hours chatting to Dom about the various options available. I was hugely impressed with his depth of technical knowledge and sheer enthusiasm for his work. Dom can do just about any work or modification you can think of. Dom recommended that I leave the deck pretty much standard, due to it's immaculate original condition. He recommended a strip down and full service. He also readily agreed to fit a set of 'Desmo' V block bushes to the tone arm. I requested that the platter be polished & that phono plugs be fitted. Three or fours weeks later, I returned to collect my deck. Dom set the tone arm up with the G800 cartridge & new stylus I provided to replace the 'Shure' cartridge it came with. Dom then connected the deck to his superb stereo system. We then spent two & half hours listening to a variety of music. Dom also demonstrated one of his upgraded G800 cartridges, fitted with a Fitz Gyger cantilever and upgraded diamond tip. I was stunned by how these mods raised the performance of the relatively humble standard G800 to a completely new level. This aspect of Dom's work received considerable praise in, 'Hi-Fi News,' magazine. I will most certainly be acquiring one of Dom's superb upgraded G800 cartridges in the not too distant future. Since I received my deck back from Dom, I have barely listened to a CD, I have also bought a considerable quantity of vinyl.
Dom offers a friendly five star service. He clearly takes a great deal of pride in his work, you name it, he can do it! Many, many thanks Dom!

David Brook link

1/7/2012 02:54:36 pm

Well after Dominic fitted his new bearing to my Garrard 401 I have spent the last 4 weeks in analogue ecstacy. The 401 does bass better than any turntable I have ever heard and I have heard a "lot" over the last 30+ years in hi-fi, the new bearing makes the bass even more cavernous but not loose or muddled, the rest of the soundstage has moved a few metres wider and Jennifer Warnes could almost be in the room, all this from a bearing up-grade, I cannot recommend Dominic highly enough, he is for me the best turntable engineer in the country.

Chris Turner

13/7/2012 01:08:23 pm

Just spent 2 hours at Doms having him set up my Rega P5, RB700 Turntable with Audio Technica AT120e Cartridge. He worked with it until he got the very best out of the thing. Thanks Dom, sounds brilliant, haven't stopped playing my LP's since. Just wish I could find my Record Brush. Cheers Chris....

Chris Way

25/7/2012 11:31:37 pm

I recently decided to take the plunge and get my beloved Lyra Clavis cartridge back to something like its original glory. After considering various options I spoke to Dom and his experience and advice convinced me he was the man for the job.
All the way through the process Dom kept me informed of what was going on and exactly how much it would cost. My cartridge was returned to me within the month which was far quicker than I expected.
However, the proof of the pudding is in the listening! On hearing the first track my thought was "wow!" - I was reminded of how the cartridge originally sounded all those years ago when I first bought it. The improvement has been astonishing and it is all down to the expertise and care than Dom has put in. I am now discovering my record collection all over agian. I cannot thank him enough and would highly recommend him to others considering refurbishing their cartridge.

James B

3/8/2012 12:42:09 am

I can't rate the result of the silver rewire of my SME 3009 high enough, the result sounds like I've spent much more than the cost actually was. Fast and efficient. Thanks a million.

Stuart M

26/9/2012 02:45:03 am

Just a note to say thanks to Dom and Natalie for the work they did on my Garrard 301. I know next to nothing about turntables, and was gifted this Garrard from an elderly family member. It hadn’t run for 20 yrs, so I knew I had to get it checked over before I could try it, but I was very tentative as a novice approaching an expert with a high value item. Immediately though, after explaining my situation, Dom and Natalie were very accomodating, and seemed to understand when I was coming from.
Dom obviously has some pretty special kit on his website, but at no point did I feel like I was being pushed down any sort of route and Dom was quite happy to work with my equipment and budget. My remit was to get a setup together to allow me to play music and learn about the equipment. We agreed that a strip down / rebuild of the Garrard was required due to the lack of recent use and to preserve its value, and it now runs quiet and smooth as silk. He also took the components I had and advised me on the best use and combination and together with a cheap (beginner!) plinth I bought, set everything up simply and neatly without my having to buy any hardware at all.
Spot on what I wanted. And it all works and sounds great.
Overall, a very pleasant experience, thanks guys!

Andy Le Maitre

2/10/2012 09:32:42 pm

Went to fetch my Garrard 401 from Dom and Natalie on Monday and in spite of the fact that he's a busy man Dom made time to show me how my turntable sounded after a complete service and answered all my questions knowledgeably and with patience. I was knocked out by the sound of my 401 and since I've had it home I'm even more pleased at how it sounds through my mediocre system. If you have any hifi questions don't hesitate, both Dom and Natalie are happy to share their wisdom and advice! Andy

Roger Selby

5/12/2012 08:29:11 am

Just thought I would add a few words of praise to those already written by many of Dominic & Natalie's customers. Dominic recently re-tipped a Benz Micro Ace cartridge for me. I have had it for around 10 years and the stylus was well worn. This cartridge with the new tip is absolutely fabulous and a big improvement on the one fitted to it originally. It is able to find much more detail and the sound stage is larger, more natural and cohesive. I am fortunate in living very close to them so was able to pop around, have a chat and listen to Dominic's system with some of his own cartridges as well as my Benz. It really was very interesting as you don't often get the opportunity to listen to other cartridges. So many thanks to both Dominic and Natalie: a first class job, couldn't ask for more.

Pete Clarke

27/6/2013 07:02:28 am

Dom has recently worked his magic on my Goldring G800 cartridge by fitting a Ruby cantilever & Fritz Geiger diamond tip. The results are absolutely stunning to say the least! The cartridge now delivers truly blistering performance. Every performance aspect of the original (unfairly maligned) G800/stylus has been massively improved upon. The sound is warmer and more detailed, sound separation is enhanced, as is the bass. The sound stage is also improved. This is a tremendous modification and arguably the best way of spending £475 on a Lenco GL75. I could not be more pleased with the results of Dom's endeavours! I believe my deck now punches well above it's weight, it sounds superb. As usual, collecting my deck culminated in a 2-3 hour session in Dom's listening room and several cups of tea! I cannot recommend Dom highly enough. Many, many thanks! :)

Karl Schellemans

19/9/2013 02:53:56 pm

I had one of my 103R's retipped by Dominic. Not knowing how good the result would be. This particular cartridge had the suspension reworked and fitted with a boron cantilever and en microridge tip.
Dom said that: "the cartridge sounds like a mid priced Lyra or a Koetsu Black", and I consider that an understatement.
I've got a few other cartridges that need retipping, expect an email in the next few days!
Thank you all VERY MUCH!!!

Eoin McDonnell

7/10/2013 10:29:22 am

I brought Dom a very battered Roksan Shiraz, I'd managed to bend he cantilever and loosen the tip. He replaced the cantilever with a ruby one with a new tip, and fitted new dampers. The cartridge is mounted in a Roksan TMS witn Artemiz, he also set up the turntable. The service was fantastic from start to finish, from sitting in the listening room with Dom and Natalie listening to record after record on his system, to the way the options were explained and made clear, to the great quality of the work, and the listening session when an collected the turntable, listening to records on my deck and theirs. The sound quality is amazing, the Roksan setup has always been wonderful to listen to, Dom's upgrade has managed to get even more detail from the vinyl, great clarity and detail at the toned without being harsh or over bright, and amazing extension at the bass end. It just makes me want to play more and more records, Everything from Messiaen to Motörhead, Emmylou Harris to Hawkwind, Bach to the Beach Boys, Hendrix to Handel, all sound great. Thanks Dom and Natalie, it was great to meet you and the work you did for me was superb, I'd recommend your work to anyone for b quality and value!

Andrew Miller

1/2/2014 12:47:59 pm

I paid a visit to Dom and Nat with my Ortofon Rondo.
Dom gave it a thorough inspection and informed me that it still had plenty of life.
Not only that, I left with a wealth of good and practical advice! Well worth the 130 mile trip.
I was made very welcome and I was afraid I may have overstayed due to Dom's gobsmackingly awesome 401/arm and system.
I know what I'll be doing when the ortofon does wear out, I am totally impressed with the service I received and Northwest Analogue deserves to succeed.
Andy.

Chris P

16/1/2015 12:05:22 pm

Words do not quite justify what Dominic has achieved with my SAEC C3 after a recent service and clean. It has never sounded better since ownership and it has changed a reasonably good performer in to a true high end contender.

As I said, words are insufficient, but what is there in the listening says everything.

'I will be back' to quote a well known line from a film

Andrew Miller

13/7/2015 08:12:31 am

Ortofon Quintet Black, retip and adjust.

Dom inspected and readjusted and retipped my quintet Black after I ham-fistedly managed to knock the stylus tip off, probably caused when I used a slightly overlength mounting screw which "popped" the ABS housing off the alloy "Chassis".
with a Fritz Gyger tip and a full realign, the cost was about the same as if I had gone and bought a new 2M Black, so it was cost effective.
I have had it back in my Incognito wired Rega RB600 on Gyro SE around a week now and to say I am pleased would be an understatement!
I have a feeling that it is actually performing better than in new original condition, surface noise seems much reduced and mistracking distortion is absent. I think this must be due to Doms painstaking efforts in sorting out internal cantilever alignments as well as the Gyger stylus tip. The sound quality in general is superb, all of the Smoothness I originally chose the ortofon for, plus a hint of extra detail and an unforced relaxing sound. Just jolly nice to listen to, at times i wonder if i am listening to an LP, as all i get is the music!
Fully recommended, not cheap but I'd say i have saved money long term.

Andy.

Stephen Worrall link

29/8/2015 05:30:10 am

Simply superb professional, helpful and knowledgable service.

Dom rebuilt my DL 103 with coil rewind, new cantilever and FG stylus and mounted it in a malachite body. To say I'm pleased is the understatement of the year - It's simply the best sounding cartridge I have ever heard or owned.

Just wish I could post a few photos here to show how it looks.

Natalie is a true star with stellar customer service, pre and post sales support. Nothing is too much trouble and all emails are responded to efficiently and effectively.

NWA offer a truly bespoke service that is very rare nowadays even in the rarefied atmosphere of "hi end" HiFi.

Highly recommended

David (Dorset)

10/1/2016 07:52:04 pm

Having found Northwest Analogue on the web after an unfortunate accident with my Lyra cartridge cantilever, I decided to go for one of Dom's hand built DH2 cartridges. Dom and Natalie even drove down to the south coast to fit the cartridge and set up the arm for me, which is more than kind given their busy schedule.
Having this upgrade is the best decision I've made in the past 37 years of my hifi experience. With a silver rewire of my SeriesV arm and sliver wiring from the arm base on my Michell Orbe to the Michi/Rotel phono stage, done by Dom, the sound is truly impressive.
The clarity is superb, smooth, dynamic with a coherence allowing for hours of tireless listening. My budget couldn't extend to the DH1 which I'm told is even more sublime. Here's hoping!
Cheers both of you; Dom for your outstanding engineering and Natalie for all your advice and infectious enthusiasm.

Rob (Sussex)

10/2/2016 05:02:17 pm

After my Ortofon Rohmann cartridge had an altercation with a birthday card from a higher shelf Dom had to replace the cantilever. Although not cheap I was told this would be an upgrade to my existing one. Boy was he correct! There is more air around instruments and better stereo seperation. Some previous records that had sounded a bit muffled and shut in now bloomed and filled the room.
Thanks Dom for your hard work and Natalie for keeping in touch.

Regards,
Rob

Stephen Sargent

5/7/2016 11:43:11 am

Natalie and Dominic were extremely helpful and have an obvious passion for what they do. They retipped my Dynavector Karat 23RS for a price that was affordable for me and it now sounds superb again. A wonderful, friendly service and highly recommended!

Michael (Devon)

20/8/2017 04:23:45 pm

Just had my cherished Koetsu Blue Lace back after a work-over from Dominic. I was a little anxious about sending it away and had forgotten how good it sounded when new as it was well worn before the service; now it is beautiful again! Detail, delicacy, depth and dimension have returned in full to remind me why I fell in love with it in the first place.
The service and advice were excellent, quick and very good value; Natalie's communications are friendly and helpful (including advice about shipping).
I would certainly look no further than Northwest Analogue for my next cartridge service.

Thank you Dominic and Natalie!

Laurence Howell

28/2/2020 08:30:03 am

After sending a Kontrupunct C cartridge for refurbishment I was contacted by Dom who informed me of impressive results on final testing before returning the cartridge. What he failed to mention was the noticeable reduction of surface noise. To say I am delighted with results is an understatement. The cartridge sounds wonderful!

As a customer - for first time - Northwest Audio are a joy, with excellent communications, but most of all Natalie and Dominic are nice people.

143 Records link

17/1/2021 06:00:13 pm

Awesome blog you haave here

Derek Pringle

26/6/2021 02:56:56 pm

My treasured Van den Hul Grasshopper cartridge needed some TLC (new tip and coils plus straightened cantilever) and Dom supplied it and then some. While it was out of commission I'd been using a Koetsu Red signature which is no slouch. But having my repaired vdh back has been ear opening. It may not bathe you in a warm analogue bath but the detail retrieved, especially the percussive strikes, is a wonder. Dom warned me that I might not get the full output stated but if anything I've had to turn the volume down. It's like welcoming back an old mate with a new hip and them then running the London marathon - in record time. Thank you to all at Northwest Analogue.

Gareth Jones

14/1/2022 05:06:49 pm

Thank you NW Analogue for the service-repair/clean/set up of my SME20/Series5, and new FG11tip for the Cadenza Blue.
As I live close enough, I was able to collect my gear in person, and was treated by Dominic to a demo of my deck in his fabulous system.
As if this isn't enough, Dominic showed just how far vinyl reproduction can go using his own DH cartridges on Garrard 301 and 401 turntables. Sublime sounds indeed!
Thank you Dominic and Natalie for your friendly advice and help.

Jim Semple

25/1/2022 05:36:56 pm

Just like to say how pleased I am with your repair and retipping of my Dynavector cartridge. I could mention hi-fi terms to describe the results but that would be pointless. It is just amazing how it draws you into the music and is easily as good as new.
Thank you Dominic you have a skill to be admired. Natalie thank you for keeping me up to date as the work progressed.

Robert Newbould

14/7/2022 01:16:39 pm

Did a great fantastic job of re-tipping my stylus and repairing my tonearm

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