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Aiwa crystals

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Sat, 04/24/2010 - 04:50
Jon V
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Joined: 02/02/2010

Hi Fritz,

I'm intersted to hear if you have any thoughts / experiences on Aiwa crystals, the type pictured here: http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/W30-Aiwa-element.jpg

I've seen a couple of claims that they rival the Shure R7 crystals.

Opinions on consistency between elements and the durability of them would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Jon

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Sat, 04/24/2010 - 07:06
#1
David Barrett
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Joined: 12/20/2009
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When strong these can be amazing. They are crystals though, so they'll be all over the map in output... buy three and you may get one real good one.

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Mon, 04/26/2010 - 12:08
#2
Mic Expert Frit...
Mic Expert Fritz Hasenpusch's picture
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Joined: 01/16/2010
AIWA CRYSTALS

Hello Jon V,
By and large the crystal elements imported from Asia exhibited a startlingly nasal response. Not so with the healthy AIWA crystals. David's experience mirrors mine in that when you come across a good AIWA you've hit the jackpot. The old problem of variability does come into play as with any production of crystal elements. However, in the examples I've tested I've found the "healthy" AIWAs DO compare favorably with the best American crystals. They typically exhibit more horsepower in their lower frequency response than other Asian piezo-electrics such as Primo. Again the crystal cautionary: Delicate fleeting beauty not meant to last...

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