New Arrival: Concorde Music Black – First Impressions

Something new and exciting has landed in the Burning the Ground setup – my brand-new Concorde Music Black cartridge has arrived!

I’m currently in the early stages of breaking it in, which means I’ve been spinning record after record (not exactly a hardship). I’m giving it a proper workout across a variety of pressings and genres to let it really settle into its groove.

Let me tell you—it’s not often I swap out a cartridge and immediately hear such a dramatic difference. But this time? Night and day. The clarity, the depth, the punch… it’s all there. Everything feels more alive, more present, more musical. It’s one of those rare upgrades that makes you want to go back and rediscover your entire vinyl collection.

Needless to say, I’m already looking forward to transferring some vinyl with this beauty. Can’t wait to hear how it handles some of my favorite 12″ mixes and rare cuts.

More updates to come once the break-in period is complete, but for now—I’m impressed.

Stay tuned,
Paul

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Kalypso
Kalypso
May 10, 2025 7:23 pm

i like vinyl!

Jeremy
Jeremy
May 8, 2025 11:15 am

That’s great news, congratulations on the upgrade! xoxo <3

Pete
Pete
April 30, 2025 8:47 am

Congrats on the upgrade! I wouldn’t mind if you revisited Stevie Nicks’ Edge Of Seventeen promo. Just a thought.

Frank
Frank
April 28, 2025 11:20 am

Nice one! Though i have to say i’m still missing your ortofon bronze. But curious how this one will sound for sure (ps madam butterfly – malcolm mclaren in collection? One of the best eighties songs imo but sonically it might be the worst of what i tracked over the years)

Grant
Grant
April 27, 2025 10:29 am

Love this post! I’m so glad it sounds so great!!

George Price
George Price
April 26, 2025 2:30 pm

How long does a burn in for a new cartridge/stylus take? I have one (different brand than yours) on order, and need a few tips.

George Price
George Price
Reply to  DjPaulT
April 28, 2025 11:34 am

Great! Thanks.

Raymond
Raymond
April 26, 2025 9:05 am

Bravo!

rilopes64
rilopes64
April 26, 2025 6:33 am

That’s the same reaction I had when started using the Ortofon 2M Black: couldn’t stop re-listening tons of records! What an experience, huh?!?

Compjan
Compjan
April 26, 2025 3:22 am

Hey Paul, I have quite a few of your original mp3 rips from when they were your newest rips. That’s how long I have been downloading from you.
My 59 y/o tail would LOVE a New Order Confusion re-rip.

Mark
Mark
April 26, 2025 3:05 am

I’m glad the Concorde arrived. I have the previous version of the cartridge that you used.

This looks like an upgrade that might be worth investing in.

Mark
Mark
April 25, 2025 8:02 pm

WoW!! Paul Christmas In April! I Bet This New Sound Will Be Banging Off The Walls!! Out Standing!!!

peter.rollerdisco@gmail.com
April 25, 2025 6:51 pm

Very good congratularon Paul

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
April 25, 2025 6:41 pm

The Concorde has taken flight! It’s a thing of beauty. Can’t wait to hear the results. Meanwhile, enjoy your new toy! You sound giddy like a kid in a candy store, and it’s rubbing off on me (and I’m sure everyone else here). Have a great weekend all!

Ingmar
Ingmar
April 25, 2025 4:15 pm

I’m literally rooting for your enthusiasm. It makes me jealous. Not just because of the hardware, but also because of all the knowledge. I have hundreds of records in my closet, but not even a suitable player for them. There’s some really interesting stuff there, some of which could certainly find a place on your platform. But it will be a few months or years before I can listen to them again. Until then, I’ll enjoy your work for us.

zzzed
zzzed
April 25, 2025 3:07 pm

exciting 🙂

Daniel
Daniel
April 25, 2025 2:24 pm

Go Paul!!!

Mike
Mike
April 25, 2025 12:59 pm

Can’t wait to hear it! I hope you introduce your new cartridge to the Timex Social Club’s Rumors! *another hint hint*

Mikey-D
Mikey-D
April 25, 2025 11:25 am

How To Be A Zillionaire (Wall St. Mix)
*hint* *hint*

mike
mike
April 25, 2025 11:16 am

That’s a good point, it would be interesting to know what your favourite mixes are? Have fun!