paul cbc

...and the drummer is silent.

I'd go with Marks suggestion and not spend big bucks on 12AX7's. For vintage tubes, you can get used but testing good Mullard and Telefunken 12AX7's from reputable sellers for reasonable dough-$20-40 per tube. These will last a long time and sound good. For new production I like the Sovtek 12AX7LPS-it is a very quiet tube! Not right for all applications, but it works great in some. Also, the Groove tubes Mullard reproduction GT-12AX7M is a pretty nice tube! I'd put the little Ei "silver bullets" (12AX7) a distant third. I've had very good experiences buying tubes from Jim McSahne: http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/tubes.htm Good luck! Paul

http://www.garage-a-records.com/index.php

I'd say this puts it in the "slam dunk" category. Nice deal for someone.[] Paul

This one looks unmolested. Good tubes, nice chrome: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1146091217 No affiliation, etc... Paul

A few years back, Allan Songer posted an Excellent description of his record cleaning regimen. (Sorry, can't figure out the search engine to post a link[A].) Anyhow, I use a Nitty Gritty 1.0 and put a lot of his recomendations to use. If someone could find/post it I think it's quite useful info. I know folks differ a lot on machines/fluids/methods, but I think we all can agree that a clean record sounds much better than a dirty one! Just find a method that fits your budget, and get to cleaning. If you're into records, and especially into picking up some used titles-a record cleaning setup of some sort is essential. Paul

Chris, Congrats on your Cornwalls! In regards to finish, the factory used Boiled Linseed Oil. Available at most any hardware store. I've used Watco Danish oil on lots of wood and it is super too. Your choice. Enjoy!! Paul

Larry-appreciate the good word. I am still in the hunt, as I got outbid on the tonearm. Maybe should have gone for it, but I'll see what turns up used. Paul

Ooops-bad form. Fellow forum members: I am going to bid on this tonearm, but don't want to bid against another forum member. If you've been watching this/plan to bid, please let me know and I'll back off. Plenty of tonearms out there. Paul

Rick, Thanks for the heads up.[] Just saw that earlier today-snipe is set. Paul

Jazman, Thanks for getting back to me. I'll keep watching Audiogon to see what turns up. Hopefully I can find one with a counterweight, etc. Paul[]

Jazman, Thanks for the info. There seems to be a TON of modification options for this arm. I was looking at the JA Michell counterweights. Any experience with these? Appreciate the link to the audiogon listing. If it's yours let's talk. Like I said before, I'd rather put my money towards the counterweight and VTA. Probably do a rewire down the line with a single run of good wire, ie: Cardas. Paul

Larry, That's the same upgrade progression I anticipate-VTA, counterweight, then rewire. (Unless I can find the whole shebang used.) From doing some reading the conterweight seems to make the greatest difference, followed by the rewire. Thanks! Paul

Steve, The 500 does indeed have the faux marble-Corian looking plinth. It is the same table as the 550, just sold without an arm. There were enough of the 125's paired with SME arms that there must have been something right about the combination. I hope you bump into a nice one someday. I will for sure post a pic, and some thoughts on the table when I get it together.[] Paul

argh...not happy with the software[:@] Steve, I am picking up (fingers crossed) a Kenwood KD 500 turntable to mate with this arm. My existing turntable-Thorens TD 125 w/ Grace 707 arm and Shure cartridges is a completely different type setup: Suspended table, low mass tonearm, high compliance carts. Should be a fun project and yield a table better suited to medium (+) cartridges. Paul

Thanks Larry. Have you done any other mods to your arm-rewire, counterweight? Some sort of VTA adjusting ability seems critical (Duh), seems silly these arms don't have something better than spacers included in their design. I'll keep lookin'. Paul

Bump!

Hey folks, Looking for a RB 250 tonearm for a turntable I am putting together. Generic (ie: Moth) equivalents are fine. My thanks, Paul[]

Alan, You bet. I never really "got" the EL 84 sound till I heard the Fisher. You're right-the one on Craig's site was a good deal. If you need some more measurements, or would like me to send my bottom cover out for you to have one cut, just let me know. Regarding cases, what's the best way to contact you? I'm not sure the PM system here works. Paul

Alan, I come up with 14.5" total: 14.25" from side to side Allow 1/8" for each side screw Let me know if you need any other measurements. Paul

I'll measure it tomorow and send you a PM. Paul

arfz28, Do you make a case for a Fisher X-100(a)? Paul

Gary, Try this:http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1279700&cp&kw=stove+cleaning+brush Followed by wiping the pins w/DeOxit. Paul