Jump to content

jazman

Regulars
  • Posts

    1700
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by jazman

  1. I moved my Scout TT to a cheap audio rack a few months ago and the change in sound was surprising and somewhat counter-intuitive. I previously had my TT on a very heavy brass and glass table on a carpeted slab floor. On the table I layered foam computer mouse pads, a 30 lb garden tile, mouse pads, and then a two-layered maple cutting board with TT on top. When I got the audio rack, I noticed it was primarily wood with a steel tube inner frame and glass shelves sitting on rubber posts. I expected the sound would be horrible as is (glass shelves and all) - BUT, it seemed as if the sound opened up with added detail not present with the other set up. It wasn't a slight difference, it was a big difference even my wife noticed without my comment. It shouldn't sound that good without all the dampening, etc, but it does and I'm not going to mess with it.

    Merely adding "more" dampening does not insure better sonic results.

    Klipsch out.

  2. SET12, I am not trying to be a wise guy or a pain in the ***, but I am not most people our age, I'm ME..............I am trying to pin down which way to go with a power unit.............I need this type of comparision to gain knowledge so that I will make the right decision, when that time comes.............All I've ever owned is SS......intergrated amps a few, receivers mainly, so the Tube world is uncharted ground for me...........now I found out there's different tubes................SET........VRD's..........Mono Blocks..........So, this is why I have to ask things, because I don't know about tubes...............I'm trying to gain some knowledge....................You asked why play with 100 watts when all you need is a few good ones...................HEADROOM..............because I want to...........after all it is SS.....I would love to hear that 140 watts per Marantz..........Killer I bet..........My mistake for thinking this would be easy.........SOOOOOO Many choices...............I've never heard a SET set, nor a VRD..........have heard intergrated Tube Scott unit......very nice.......and a Mc Intosh 50 watt per,..........very nice.........real nice................

    oldbuckster,

    There's a wonderful information tool called a "search engine" (Google, Yahoo) that many use too gather greater insight on tube topologies, equipment reviews, etc. There is also no substitue for getting out to hear the equipment in systems. You can find local forums and listening groups for your geographic area listed in audio magazines and on the internet. It's important that you form opinions and base your buying decisions on what your ears hear, not what you read in this forum. Just seeing your assumption of "140 watts per Marantz.......Killer I bet..." is mind curdling in itself. You will be rewarded by more independent research.

    Klipsch out.

  3. I'm a lot like Mike Lindsay in the respect that I am a big fan of push-pull, and that my listening tastes match up better with that topology - but still have curiosities about SET. I have auditioned several SET setups over my time on the forum (Welbourne Moondogs and JFL Horus most notably), and yes, they do have an allure - certainly in the midrange. If you have not auditioned SET, it's worth an audition, if for no other reason than to satisfy a curiosity. There IS some good stuff there, to be sure.

    I have ideas on using the SET curiosity for a purpose later: to build them from kits as a learning experience. It will give me "something to do" in the future once my main systems are settled. Speaking of............

    My main system amplifiers (MC30s) are now rebuilt, and I will say this: They are as SET-like as any push-pull amps I've ever experienced (especially with the RCA blackplate 6L6GC's). While I have always felt that the MC30s had SET like qualities in the mids, these new builds have me willing to wait indefinitely for the SET project to take shape. With amps like this, I am in no hurry! But SET is always "out there" if I ever get to a point of wanting to experiment with "something different".....but the MC30s will always be my "main amplifiers" in the 2 channel rig.

    Who's set of Moondogs and JFL's did you audition? What preamp was used? What was the tube compliment? What was the parts compliment of the Moondogs? Ultimate upgrade or not?

    Klipsch out.

    w

  4. "In my experience, my friends who are not "in the hobby" (uhh...all of them!), listen for two things - thumping bass and volume. "

    That statement pretty much describes the expectations of many of the members of this forum when evaluating an amp. Does not say much for the so-called experienced listener.

    Klipsch out.

  5. Can anyone here give me some reccommendations between the Goldring 1042 (MM), the Erotica LX (MC) and Elite (MC)?

    Thanks,

    Chris

    "the Erotica LX (MC)" sure sounds sexy, but I think you mean the "Eroica". [;)] MMF-7 owners are fed the high output version of that cartridge.

    Klipsch out.

  6. I'm afraid that the 3D Sinks are no longer in production, to be replaced by suspension platforms that do not use air (but that are not yet in production).

    Dan Meinwald

    So that is the official word from Dan. What a shame, I will take a look at those others you mentioned to see what they say. I also sent a email direclty to Townsend to see if they had any laying around the shop.

    Travis

    Travis,

    I think Townsend, more that likely, believes it's current direction to component stand design superceeds it's former approach.

    Klipsch out.

  7. If wall mount is out, which it should be since you are on a slab which is so nice, then I would go with the Billy Bags Turntable Stand. Fill that sucker with lead, or if you are rich and environmentaly friendly, Bismuth. The other stand that I was always interested in was the one sound on Acoustic Sounds that floats on magnets. It is designed for VPI but I am sure you don't have to use the extra shelf that is designed for the motor unit.

    Travis

    The Gran Prix site was provided because it presents some of the issues of isolation and their approach to resolution. I also suggest the Symposium site. http://www.symposiumusa.com/main.shtml Both recognize isolation as more than an issue of footfalls, but also resonances of all components in the chain. For myself, it made sense to address as many issues as possible at one time. As stated about the sound of high end TT's, they should sound more alike than not alike. Why? Because they all generally have to address the same or similar issues that would detract from their sound in a superior manner.

    It should be no different when it comes to audio component isolation. That two of the industry acknowledged leaders recognize similar issues, and to some extent deal with them in similar manner, though different final design and materials, should provide food for thought, if not some action. Three point isolation of shelves, controlled free movement, energy or resonance drainage, and decoupling were common issues. That neither endorsed air bladders, wood, nor marble, or masonary, as shelves was significant for me at least. Based on a university course "Physics and Sound and Music" I know and understand that all materials have a resonance frequency, therefore I stayed away from those materials commonly used in the past. DIY approaches provide positive steps and improvement, but should be approached with the most current knowledge. Each person will have their own interpretation of what is optimum for them. I've tried DIY approaches and ultimately decided on products with some R&D, and manufacturing practices which produce a high level of product quality. Your approach should fit "your" philosphy, and "your" belief in what is important to improving "your" system.

    IsisandUltra.jpg

    Klipsch out.

  8. My Moondogs are usually on 24/7. In 5 yrs of ownership, I've replaced one vintage 2A3 RCA blackplate that became noisy, and one GZ33. Since that time I use GZ34's almost exclusively. My line preamp goes to standby sometimes, and my phono preamp is also usually on 24/7. "All" of my tubes are high cost to purchase or replace NOS brands like Mullard/Amperex/RCA/Brimar etc. Road trips and vacations are usually the reason for the amps being turned off. Maybe it pays dividends to use premium tubes? Maybe I'm lucky? (NOT!!) I've never worried about tube burnout. Instead, I accept it as part of the cost of ownership for the higher quality audio that is returned.

    Then again, I live in the same county where the 100 yr old light bulb is still burning.

    Klipsch out.

  9. For some reason, Nat King Cole records, even originals, are plentiful and cheap. I could go to my local thrift shop today and leave with 5 or more originals in NM condition. I have a couple at home but usually pass at the thrift shops. One that will always stay in my collection is his Christmas album. He had some voice!

    Gary,

    I bought the Capitol 4 CD set (100 songs) a few years back because, unlike you, I find so few of his LPs in good condition. I started into the set while working late last night, and posted in "Right this minute" thread. It's easy to forget how many songs he recorded.

    Klipsch out.

  10. The Bell-O rack is 6' tall overall and holds all my components remarkably well. The shelves are very sturdy as is the welded steel frame. Whole thing is probably 200 pounds empty!

    Having further problems with the Thorens so everything is on hold. I'm playing CD's right now.

    M

    Michael,

    Unfortunately, the Bello tower racks are designed toward components operated with face mounted controls (cd or dvd players, receivers, etc), and not designed with a turntable in mind.

    Klipsch out.

  11. Allan,

    As I know you do, I have a "frequent play" stack of LP's, and there is always something by Rahsaan in it. The man had such awesome talent. I never seen anyone come close. Most folks can't play one instrument as well, let alone play multiple instruments, and different harmonies with different hands, at the same time. All of this is even more incredible because of his lack of sight. Thanks, and.........................

    BRIGHT MOMEMTS!!!!!!!!!!

    Klipsch out.

  12. It's DARK in here!

    I have the Thorens situated about chest high on my Bello rack. It has glass shelves fixed at about 12.5", and with the turntable taking up 3-4 of that, with the handball/granite sandwich taking another 3" or so, doens't leave room for a dust cover.

    Never mind that, but how on earth do you guys light the area so you can see the grooves, where to set the stylus?

    I'm thinking one of those little gooseneck lamps like I used to use on mixing consoles would be great if I could find one which would gently clamp mount to the glass shelf above or something similar.

    Or are there any other ideas from the house?

    M

    Michael,

    You did not state the height of the Bello rack. Generally speaking, the TT would be located on the top shelf of a rack of reasonable height. If that's not possible, consider some other location that provides better "all around" access. You may want to consider stepping back a bit to get more perspective and then develop a "plan" on how to better incorporate the turntable into your system. A plan would address not only availability of light, but also easy unencumbered access to the turntable and it's operation. Cramped/close quarters is a recipe for a future disaster.

    Klipsch out.

  13. I have asked this in the past, no one seemed to know of one, but, here goes again:

    Is there a tube preamp with a remote (with at least a volume control), prephono for my TT, and a home theater bypass avail?

    It seems like the Peach has the HT bypass, but nothing for the phone, and the BlueBerry is set up for phone, but no HT bypass. Apparently they are about to be able to have a remote.

    Vintage gear is great, but no remote. I am continuously having to adjust the volume when the phone rings, the kids, or my wife need something. Totally is a bummer to have to get my rear end up off the couch 2-3 times per song. I know, I am lazy....

    So, any ideas?

    Paul

    Try this. Cary SLP 98. It comes with volume remote, phono, but not HT bypass. Cary may be able to provide that mod at the factory, I'm not sure.

    SLP 98 photo

    Klipsch out.

  14. In a nutshell, SET amps are lower power (normaly under 10w) they have very nice midrange and high end with a wide sound stage but are a little lunder powered in the bass department if you like music with lots of bass like Rock and Roll, Jazz etc at higher volums, this amp is not for you.

    [;)][:P]

    It is always awful to see this kind of mis-information dispensed.

    Klipsch out.

  15. Thanks for the replies and that's just it. I'll give you the opportunity to help me spend my money right now. My wife graciously agreed to let me spend $3k on a tube system but preferred that I not spend it all at once right now. Kind of like over a 3 year period but is ok with $1500 right now.

    So if it's not possible or not recommended that I hook the tube preamp into the aux of the HT receiver, maybe I should wait until I can put in all of the money for both tube preamp and amp. The only reason I'm thinking I can buy the preamp now is that I'm fairly certain that I want the tube preamp but I'm not sure as to what I want in an amp -SS amp or PP or SET tube amp just yet.

    It sound like you are looking to purchase the Wright preamp "new". My suggestion is to be a bit patient and wait for a used one to show up on the Audiogon site and save yourself several hundred dollars that can remain in the war chest for future purchases that upgrade your source components.

    Klipsch out.

  16. Looks like I'll be demo-ing Rich's Dynavector. Depending on the results, I might opt for a Denon 102 Mono cart Allan just recommended and use my upstairs table primarily with my older Blue Notes, Prestiges, Contemporarys, etc. which is why I decided to buy another table for this system in the first place. The 102 also plays stereo LPs which is a bonus. The best part is it can be had new for under $150!! I'm pretty excited about this prospect!!

    Gary,

    I've been trying to figure out which category the Denon DL102 falls in. I've seen things like "The DL-102 cartrige is used by AM radio stations. The DL-102 is not for mono LP's nor is it for 78 RPM records.

    Instead, the DL-102 is specially designed to output a mono signal from a stereo LP, so there is no danger of damaging a modern LP by its use.

    DENON recommends three gram as the best tracing force for DL-102."

    But also information on this page, http://www3.sympatico.ca/murraya/DenonMonoPage.htm

    The DL102 seems to be a low compliance cartridge as well, and may be an issue with the Music Hall arm. I've been seeking a low cost "Mono" cartridge option, so I'm very interested in your experience.

    Klipsch out.

  17. jazman,

    Yes, wonderful is a pretty good word to describe the sounds I am hearing...[:D].

    BTW. Did you ever got round to trying the JJ 2A3-40?

    Next project might indeed be an additional phono stage. I guess choice is going to be between George's unit and the Transcendent Sound one......mmhhhh.

    Wolfram

    Wolfam,

    Yes, I have a pair of JJ 2A3 tubes, which may still need some break in time. More than willing to let you audition them if you'd like. I'm such a die hard 2A3 RCA blackplate lover that I may not have given them a proper audition, BTW, I have a Wright PP100 phono preamp with Auricaps on the outputs that I am putting up for sale in the near future because I'm currently using a Cary PH-302 phono preamp. It took many extended auditions before accepting the Cary phono pre as a better match for my Cary line preamp. If you're interested, let me know.

    Klipsch out.

  18. Mike,

    I am curious about that myself, did it arrive, what do you think?

    Has anyone purchased one of these? http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1158276358

    They are $90 on audiogon, made in USA.

    Travis

    The scale you're considering is a modified Micro-Tech 120 scale, http://www.digitalscales.net/micro-tech-120.html formerly sold by Expressimo Audio. Expressimo I assume is only doing turntables now, but they used to sell The Heavy Weight dropped counterweight for Rega tonearms along with their digital "stylus force gauge". It can also be found stocked as the Micro-Tech XMT300 http://www.amazingscales.com/microtech_scales.asp

    Glue on a lightweight plastic L bracket and you're good to go, that is, if that's the scale you want.

    Klipsch out

×
×
  • Create New...