Charles Turner

I received the following note from Craig after he received the C22.... Just had a chance to opened the C22 and all I can say is WOW! This C22 is like out of a time capsule. Other then a bit of oxidization on the RCA I/O jacks which should clean up pretty good this thing as about a pristine as I have seen. The tubes are all original Telefunken and usually will test just fine the Telefunken 12AX7’s last for an unbelievable amount of usage like 2 lifetimes for a normal users.

Alan, Many thanks for your opinion...I had not yet decided on the type of caps. I have, however, followed your advice in the past (TD124-SPU) and been pleased with the outcome. Craig, We will obviously be talking before you start the rebuild but Alan's suggestion sounds like a good path to go. thanks...charles

Again, thanks to everyone for their help on this decision. I purchased a very nice looking c22 last night on ebay and it will soon be on it's way to NOS for a full treatment. charles

Thanks to all that have responded. The comparison link on Klipsch was also useful. I have not thought about the effort involved in the rebuild and I just spoke to Craig to understand that better. At this point it's a toss up between the c11 and the c22. The mx110 has dropped out...if I continue to listen to fm I'll just get the MR71 tuned up. The problem becomes if I chose the less expensive c11 will always covet the c22?

I have researched all these units and plan to choose one and have it gone thru by someone else. I "like" the Mcintosh sound with my 76 Cornwalls and ALK crossovers and I listen exclusively to vinyl. My preference is jazz, rock, and classical. I have a couple of decent fm channels in Dallas I listen to occasionally and use a McIntosh MR71 but I may just skip fm entirely. If you have any personal experience with these units or opinions I would sincerely appreciate your input. The system stream is: (Thorens TD124 - SME12 - Ortofon SPU)---(Juicy Music Tercel with Cream, Auricaps, and Telefunken ECC83s)---Mcintosh C15 solid state preamp) - MC225 Tube amp - 76 Cornwalls ecc83

I have researched all these units and plan to choose one and have it gone thru by someone else. I "like" the Mcintosh sound with my 76 Cornwalls and ALK crossovers and I listen exclusively to vinyl. My preference is jazz, rock, and classical. I have a couple of decent fm channels in Dallas I listen to occasionally and use a McIntosh MR71 but I may just skip fm entirely. If you have any personal experience with these units or opinions I would sincerely appreciate your input. The system stream is: (Thorens TD124 - SME12 - Ortofon SPU)---(Juicy Music Tercel with Cream, Auricaps, and Telefunken ECC83s)---Mcintosh C15 solid state preamp) - MC225 Tube amp - 76 Cornwalls ecc83

I was where you are about two years ago...and my story also involves Alan to a lesser degree..or at least Alan's turntable postings. I searched and found a beautiful TD124 in Europe and a beautiful 3012 in Japan. I researched and collected all the parts imaginable to rebuild both. Bought a beautiful Roswood plinth, had a block of limestone cut for a platform...and stared at them. A friend told me the limestone base looked like a tombstone. Started my subscription to Music Matters Blue Note reissues so I could justify the time and expense...but continued to worry I would screw up the rebuild...and continued to listen to my Rega P25 - Micro Benz combo...and continued to collect unopened Music Matters 45s. I finally decided I would screw it up so I sent the 3012 off for a custom rebuild and rewire...and it arrived back bent frrom shipping. More missery and indecision. Then, in to deep to back away, bought a new SME M2-12R and a new SPU GME classic. Opened the Music Matters, and I've thoroughly enjoying my Alan look-a-like combo ever since. Is the SME M2-12R better or worse than the 3012? Who knows...it sounds as good as it looks...so who cares. Oh, I left out the story of building my Juicy Music Tercel and the upgrade to Telefunken ECC801s. The Telefunkens were worth every penny to me. Moral of this long story. Just do it and start listening to the music. I've still got about 30 Music Matters I've not opened and I no longer even bother to open the new shipments. I just hide them away and wonder if I will ever have time to get caught up.

About 5 years ago I got the speaker cable/interconnect bug and decided to build some DIY speaker cables and interconnects using Belden 89259 coax cable. I replaced home depot 12 guage speaker wire and some $10 RS interconnects. I did notice a difference, which I considered an improvement, especially with the speaker cables. It could have resulted from the new cables or it could have resulted from simply cleaning the connections in the process. I enjoyed building the cables and perceived I got a high end product for a reasonable cost. I would recommend this process for anyone who can do simple soldering and is curious about "upgrading" these components.

Yes...searching out records...old, new, and used...is a heck of a lot of fun. My best advice would be to invest in a vacuum cleaning system . You don't need much. You can easily scrub them yourself...and there are any number of good solutions. DIY if you want...just get them as clean as possible before you sit down to listen. If you take care of them after that and put them in good sleeves, you never have to clean them again. It really makes a huge difference and brings out the best in the worse looking records you find...and more important, you will quickly learn what is a cosmetic mark on the vinyl and what is real damage...and that knowledge will serve you well as you "invest" in the next record.

This is the time of year I place my orders for new vinyl to listen to during the Christmas break...if I wait much later the good ones are gone. So far, I only have the two below on my list. I thought it might be fun to find out what others are putting on their list so we can all share from each others picks. BTW I have the Music Matters 45s subsciption and would highly recommend any of those. thanks Clapton - Clapton Cowboy Junkies - Renmin Park

I meant to add I've used a Nitty Gritty for years but blew off the fluid application side of it years ago in favor of hand scubbing

For many years now I've used a piece of glass about 16 x 16 laid flat on a table...two mofi type velvet brushes...and cleaning fluids (one a deep cleaner and one a wash). Scrub the record good (about three rotations) by hand...first with the super cleaner...then vacuum...then repeat process with the wash. Label one brush cleaner and one wash.

I would recommend using neither. I have been given both over the years and chosen not to use them. I have also passed over records in the used record bin that have the Last sticker indicating they have been treated with the product. In general, I only use a minimal amount of very mild cleaning product on my records and only use products I believe can easily be removed with a high quality water product.

I am in the process of setting up my TD124 and I can tell you the short list I have...actually all of these are currently in the box waiting for me to set up the rig. I have a SME3012 arm and have a Ortofon SPU cartridge and a DL103r with wood body. I also, by mistake, bought a SME3009 improved arm but decided to use it with a Ortofon 2M black cartridge. While I can't tell you which will be the best choice I can tell you I think any of these three would be a good possibiity.

G-Man, I would be very interested in what 12AT7 you believe would be the best in my Tercel 1 with cream that currently runs the RCA Black Plates. My budget would allow any of the ones you mentioned. I have been using a Rega P25 with a Benz Micro H2 wood body cartridge but I am in the process of bringing up a Thorens TD124 / SME 3012 combination (3012 rewired with one continuous string of Cardas 33) with either an Ortofon SPU or a wood body Denon 103r. The rest of the system is a McIntosh C15 SS pre, McIntosh MC225, Klipsch 1984 Cornwalls with ALK built crossovers. thanks....charles

I have the Tercel "1" with cream and I asked Mark back in 2007 which tubes would make a difference...he told me to get a couple of RCA Black Plate 12AT7s from Brent Jesse. I got two matched ones for about $50 and was very pleased. They were a slight bit noiser than the EHs it came with but, after you hear a good female vocal or a good jazz saxaphone, you won't care. You will not notice a big difference but when you do notice a difference, it will "bring shivers to your spine". Mark's words but I couldn't agree more.

Although this is not new information, maybe someone here will find it useful. If so, it will repay the many favors this board has provided me. I recently bought the set of 10 mono reissues and I have been enjoying them for the past several weekends. I've always been a Dylan fan but found most of his early recordings a bit hard to listen to. I've always enjoyed the lyrics and stories, but his voice is definately an acquired taste. For years I searched for listenable copies of his early records...most are in pitiful shape...then purchased the Columbia stereo reissues. I listened to them once then they were entered into the database and filed away. The mono reissues are in a different class. They sound very lifelike with a wide soundstage. And with a quiet pressing, his voice is much more pleasing and the music incredibly enjoyable. So, if you are like me and have been focused on the 45rpm Bluenote reissues for the past year, do yourself a favor and pick up some of the Dylan monos. They are relatively inexpensive by comparison and in many, many ways, equally enjoyable.

For what it's worth several years ago I built some DIY speaker cables using Belden 89259 coax cable...you can read numerous threads about them on the audioasylum board. I am currently building some interconnects using the same cable but a different configuration. It saves some money and its kinda fun...adds a new dimension to the hobby. I use them on a Cornwall - Mac tubes configuration and have been vey pleased.

I can simply tell you my experience. I bought Cornwalls back in 1978s. I have replaced every single other component since then...its been fun researching and replacing them thanks to advice in this forum. Of the many times I listened to the Heritage series at Hillcrest Hi Fi in Dallas...I always chose the Cornwall...because it sounded most like the music I listened to...rock, blues, and jazz. The Heresy just did not make it sound real to me. The Cornwalls do not necessarily need a large room...in my house they sound best in a 12 x 13 x 8 bedroom. Yes, they are bigger...but again, yes they are bigger.

I've had the 555 and the preamp, tuner, and cd player of that series for many years. The preamp has an especially nice phono section. It's currently driving some nice KEF speakers that were built into the ceilings of my home. It's been on 24/7 for several years now and I've never had a problem. Unfortunately it's on 24/7 because the on/off rocker switch is broken and I've never taken the time to order a replacement and repair it. I've heard of others having problems with the rocker switch so if you open it up check that out too.

I have it and have listened to it several times recently...and I seldom listen to a record more than once before it gets logged in my Access database and filed. I think the sound quality is only average but what sets it apart is Neil's conversations between the songs...it gives you a glimpse into what he was like when he was young and amazed by how much money he was making. Keep in mind I have collected all of Neil's lps...probably 20+...and would buy anything he puts out.

A bit of good news if you are on the fence about signing up for this subscription. I did so last night and Music Matters will be able to supply me with copies of all the reissues, even the ones that show as out of print on their website. No need to search thru the auction sites for the earlier issues.

Thanks very much for the responses...I'm going to sign up for the MM series and seek out the ones that have already been releases

bump...thanks in advance for any opinions

I need opinions from jazz enthusiasts who listen primarily to vinyl...are the Music Matters 45rpm Blue Note reissues the way to go? About a year ago I purchased a Thorens TD124, Ortofon SPU GME cartridge, and associated parts with the goal of improving my vinyl experience. Part of the motivation also was the release of the Music Matters reissues because my current rig does not easily allow for 45rpm playback. My job took precedent for a while but now I have time to return to this project and I am starting to set up the TD124. Should I go down the road of collecting the Music Matters reissues, look for Japanese reissues, or some other vendors products? The easy answer is to just buy one, listen, and decide but I tend to "collect" then evaluate. So I'm hoping to get an informed opinion from someone who has already been down this path. The rest of the system in the music path is a Tercel with Cream, a McIntosh C15 solid state preamp, a McIntosh MC225 tube amp, and Cornwalls with ALK crossovers. Many thanks for your advice.