Discussion:
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I need a new turntable. Suggestions.
d6jg
2015-07-26 20:18:13 UTC
Permalink
Budget is £350/$500 - I guess that's low end for most of you but ...,
Ideally I want an S shaped tone arm with a removable headshell - I have
half a dozen ADC head shells with cartridges that I like to swap
around.
I do not need USB etc.
I have scoured the hi fi forums and the likes of Project & Rega keep
appearing but they have fixed arms.
Any recommendations here?



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
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Archimago
2015-07-26 22:11:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
Budget is £350/$500 - I guess that's low end for most of you but ...,
Ideally I want an S shaped tone arm with a removable headshell - I have
half a dozen ADC head shells with cartridges that I like to swap
around.
I do not need USB etc.
I have scoured the hi fi forums and the likes of Project & Rega keep
appearing but they have fixed arms.
Any recommendations here?
Curious what turntable were you using before to have gathered the shells
and cartridges???

I have absolutely no regrets with my used Technics SL-1200M3D (got for
about $350US last year locally):
http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/07/musings-vinyl-update-technics-sl-1200.html

I know many vinyl audiophiles poo-poo the whole direct drive thing but I
must say that 'it did pretty well with some needledrops'
(http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/12/result-archimagos-lp-needle-drop-blind.html)
I did compared to my friend's much more expensive Roksan setup + Whest
phono pre.

Speed stability just great despite >10 years old; this thing is a tank:
http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/08/measurements-technics-sl-1200-m3d-wow.html

Here's the Roksan TMS's numbers:
http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/11/measurements-roksan-tms-1-wow-flutter.html

The recently AnalogPlanet reviewed 'Onkyo CP-1050'
(http://www.analogplanet.com/content/onkyos-cp-1050-direct-drive-turntable-offers-extraordinary-speed-stability-attractive-retro#KIRTmJ0HeRfShpZl.97)
and 'Pioneer PL-30-K'
(http://www.analogplanet.com/content/pioneer-pl-30-k-automatic-single-play-turntable-0#DqRZkg5Zi9xdEqxR.97)
might be up your alley as well...

Good luck! Just make sure you have nice sounding cartridges :o.



Archimago's Musings: (archimago.blogspot.com) A 'more objective'
audiophile blog.
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d6jg
2015-07-26 23:12:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Archimago
Curious what turntable were you using before to have gathered the shells
and cartridges???
I have absolutely no regrets with my used Technics SL-1200M3D (got for
http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/07/musings-vinyl-update-technics-sl-1200.html
I know many vinyl audiophiles poo-poo the whole direct drive thing but I
must say that 'it did pretty well with some needledrop comparisons'
(http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/12/result-archimagos-lp-needle-drop-blind.html)
I did compared to my friend's much more expensive Roksan setup + Whest
phono pre.
http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/08/measurements-technics-sl-1200-m3d-wow.html
http://archimago.blogspot.ca/2014/11/measurements-roksan-tms-1-wow-flutter.html
The recently AnalogPlanet reviewed 'Onkyo CP-1050'
(http://www.analogplanet.com/content/onkyos-cp-1050-direct-drive-turntable-offers-extraordinary-speed-stability-attractive-retro#KIRTmJ0HeRfShpZl.97)
and 'Pioneer PL-30-K'
(http://www.analogplanet.com/content/pioneer-pl-30-k-automatic-single-play-turntable-0#DqRZkg5Zi9xdEqxR.97)
might be up your alley as well...
Good luck! Just make sure you have nice sounding cartridges :o.
I have seriously considered a second hand Technics SL 1210 and may end
up there.
To answer the headshell question. I have 2 decks - a Trio KD1033B circa
1975 which I love to bits but was broken for a while and so I bought a
Technics clone in the form of a Sherwood PM9800.
The head shells contain - an Ortofon VMS20E (my favourite but I struggle
to get new styli), an Ortofon 2m Red, a Stanton 500E, an unknown
cartridge that came with the Sherwood and an empty headshell that I am
thinking of installing an AT95 into.
I have considered the Onkyo - it fits all requirements - but has mixed
reviews.



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
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Archimago
2015-07-27 06:01:15 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
I have seriously considered a second hand Technics SL 1210 and may end
up there.
To answer the headshell question. I have 2 decks - a Trio KD1033B circa
1975 which I love to bits but was broken for a while and so I bought a
Technics clone in the form of a Sherwood PM9800.
The head shells contain - an Ortofon VMS20E (my favourite but I struggle
to get new styli), an Ortofon 2m Red, a Stanton 500E, an unknown
cartridge that came with the Sherwood and an empty headshell that I am
thinking of installing an AT95 into.
I have considered the Onkyo - it fits all requirements - but has mixed
reviews.
Good selection of cartridges there. Definitely the ability to switch
headshells easily is a major plus IMO. I certainly would not give up
this convenience; I really hate having to redo cartridge alignment each
time... Recalibrating VTF is no big deal but getting out the protractor
with each cartridge sucks IMO (I'm not enough of a masochist :p). My
buddy Ingemar at 'PrivateBits' (http://www.privatebits.net/) really
loves his AT150MLX with the SL1210 but it is a bit more costly. We trade
needle drops at times to listen to differences and the detail he can
extract from that baby is excellent. However the AT sound seems to
accentuate trebles. I've certainly noticed this with my old AT70 as
well. Maybe not as much an issue with AT95?

I have a Stanton 890SA as well which is said to be excellent with a
fancy Jico shibata stylus but I have never bothered to mailorder this
from Japan. I really have no complaints with my affordable Denon DL-110
high output moving coil - certainly gives me some excellent detail
retrieval with good all-round tonality (details maybe a little shy of
the AT150MLX but I think it is more forgiving of old used albums). I
personally am not into vinyl enough to spend much more since I still
only buy used stuff / early pressings I never could afford when I was a
kid. Most of the reissues these days originate from digital anyways so I
happily stick to the CD or digital downloads.

What can I say, the ease of use, reliability and build quality of the
genuine Technics is quite impressive compared to current competing
models at that lower price range. And there are nice deals out there
with patience looking around. One convenience I wouldn't mind having is
automatic tonearm lifter at the end of the album like the Q-Up but
unfortunately this isn't compatible. Oh well.

Have fun! There's great joy to be had in analogue world...



Archimago's Musings: (archimago.blogspot.com) A 'more objective'
audiophile blog.
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Pascal Hibon
2015-07-27 08:15:13 UTC
Permalink
I second a Technics SL1200 MKx (or 1210). These turntables are fabulous
and built like a tank. These will beat many "high-end" turntables.
I'm using the Shure M97xE cartridge on it but I'm very curious to read
about Archimago's experiences with the Denon DL-110 cartridge. (Thanks
for the link to the article by the way).

On a side note, I'm interested in seeing where this will go:
https://www.change.org/p/panasonic-company-matsushita-corporate-re-introduction-of-legendary-technics-turntables
:-)



'M-DAC' (http://www.audiolab.co.uk/M-DAC%20Series.aspx?lang=En) ->
'Focal MP1200' (http://www.mp1200.co.nf/) -> 'Focal Electra 1028 Be'
(http://www.focal.com/en/electra-1000-be-2/209-electra-1028-be-3544053695099.html)
1 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom, 1 x SB Radio and 2 x SB Touch - all wireless
1 x Wandboard Dual behind the bedroom ceiling
1 x Wandboard Dual for 'msqueeze' (http://www.msqueeze.co.nf/index.html)
project
1 x Wandboard Quad (will eventually become my LMS server)
ReadyNAS NVX running LMS 7.8.1. - 1402661598
iPeng 7 on iPhone.
SqueezePad & iPeng 7 on iPad.
http://www.last.fm/user/phibon
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Archimago
2015-07-27 15:35:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pascal Hibon
I second a Technics SL1200 MKx (or 1210). These turntables are fabulous
and built like a tank. These will beat many "high-end" turntables.
I'm using the Shure M97xE cartridge on it but I'm very curious to read
about Archimago's experiences with the Denon DL-110 cartridge. (Thanks
for the link to the article by the way).
https://www.change.org/p/panasonic-company-matsushita-corporate-re-introduction-of-legendary-technics-turntables
:-)
Oh yeah, I have that Shure M97xE as well (as per the listening test).
Excellent cartridge for the price!

I signed that petition about a year ago; still haven't heard anything
from Panasonic I guess... I'm wondering in the DJ'ing community, what's
the demand for traditional turntables like over the years? I did a
friend's birthday party with the free 'Mixxx software'
(http://www.mixxx.org/) a few months ago and I think it came out
sounding pretty good even though it was the first time using the
program.



Archimago's Musings: (archimago.blogspot.com) A 'more objective'
audiophile blog.
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Pascal Hibon
2015-07-27 17:58:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by Archimago
I signed that petition about a year ago; still haven't heard anything
from Panasonic I guess... I'm wondering in the DJ'ing community, what's
the demand for traditional turntables like over the years?
To be honest, I don't think the demand will be sufficient. The Technics
turntable is usually not highly regarded (against better judgment) in
the audiophile world. And most turntable DJ's have analog and digital
alternatives with 'Pioneer DJ'
(http://www.pioneerdj.com/en/product/turntable) and 'Denon DJ'
(http://denondj.com/products/view/sc3900#.VbZwLvmqqko).
I only silently hope it will come back because the Technics is truly an
icon. There is no other peace of equipment that had such a long
lifespan. That alone deserves a statue :-)



'M-DAC' (http://www.audiolab.co.uk/M-DAC%20Series.aspx?lang=En) ->
'Focal MP1200' (http://www.mp1200.co.nf/) -> 'Focal Electra 1028 Be'
(http://www.focal.com/en/electra-1000-be-2/209-electra-1028-be-3544053695099.html)
1 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom, 1 x SB Radio and 2 x SB Touch - all wireless
1 x Wandboard Dual behind the bedroom ceiling
1 x Wandboard Dual for 'msqueeze' (http://www.msqueeze.co.nf/index.html)
project
1 x Wandboard Quad (will eventually become my LMS server)
ReadyNAS NVX running LMS 7.8.1. - 1402661598
iPeng 7 on iPhone.
SqueezePad & iPeng 7 on iPad.
http://www.last.fm/user/phibon
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Archimago
2015-07-27 21:56:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pascal Hibon
To be honest, I don't think the demand will be sufficient. The Technics
turntable is usually not highly regarded (against better judgment) in
the audiophile world. And most turntable DJ's have analog and digital
alternatives with 'Pioneer DJ'
(http://www.pioneerdj.com/en/product/turntable) and 'Denon DJ'
(http://denondj.com/products/view/sc3900#.VbZwLvmqqko).
I only silently hope it will come back because the Technics is truly an
icon. There is no other peace of equipment that had such a long
lifespan. That alone deserves a statue :-)
Yeah. That's my suspicion as well... Actual numbers of DJ's interested
in going back to spinning physical vinyl probably isn't a big number
since the transition to digital has happened already. So Panasonic isn't
likely going to have the same about of economy of scale to build with
the same quality and make good profit, hence the unlikeliness of it
coming back... And if it does, the price might take quite a leap!

Likewise, I would love to see it come back. I certainly wouldn't mind
getting a new 1210 black unit at a reasonable price. For the value
conscious, keeping it -not -highly regarded among the audiophile crowd
is a good thing :D. At least maybe keeping used prices from being
astronomical!



Archimago's Musings: (archimago.blogspot.com) A 'more objective'
audiophile blog.
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Julf
2015-07-27 19:44:55 UTC
Permalink
I'm wondering in the DJ'ing community, what's the demand for traditional
turntables like over the years? I did a friend's birthday party with the
free 'Mixxx software' (http://www.mixxx.org/) a few months ago and I
think it came out sounding pretty good even though it was the first time
using the program.
I still have a 'Numark iDJ2' (http://www.numark.com/product/idj2) (that
I got because I know the people who designed it), but I very rarely use
it - for the occasional DJ gig I do, it is now completely laptop-based.



"To try to judge the real from the false will always be hard. In this
fast-growing art of 'high fidelity' the quackery will bear a solid gilt
edge that will fool many people" - Paul W Klipsch, 1953
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arnyk
2015-07-29 08:22:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by Julf
I still have a 'Numark iDJ2' (http://www.numark.com/product/idj2) (that
I got because I know the people who designed it), but I very rarely use
it - for the occasional DJ gig I do, it is now completely laptop-based.
And that is how the market seems to have gone.

The evidence I see suggests that as my generation dies off, so will
vinyl. This time for real.

BTW my vinyl rig is based on a Rega TT, a number of SS & tubed legacy
preamps, and a cartridge collection mostly Shure and Grado. It has been
in mothballs for years - nobody seems to want transcriptions any more.


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Julf
2015-07-29 08:53:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by arnyk
The evidence I see suggests that as my generation dies off, so will
vinyl. This time for real.
But fortunately there will be the hipster 8-track/c-cassette revival
(albeit short-lived, as all hipster trends are, by definition). :)



"To try to judge the real from the false will always be hard. In this
fast-growing art of 'high fidelity' the quackery will bear a solid gilt
edge that will fool many people" - Paul W Klipsch, 1953
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d6jg
2015-07-29 10:02:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by arnyk
And that is how the market seems to have gone.
The evidence I see suggests that as my generation dies off, so will
vinyl. This time for real.
BTW my vinyl rig is based on a Rega TT, a number of SS & tubed legacy
preamps, and a cartridge collection mostly Shure and Grado. It has been
in mothballs for years - nobody seems to want transcriptions any more.
I read somewhere that vinyl sales in 2014 had increased dramatically.



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
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Julf
2015-07-29 10:39:36 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
I read somewhere that vinyl sales in 2014 had increased dramatically.
It is always easy to do dramatic increase from "almost nothing" to "very
little" :)

"In November 2014, it was reported that over one million vinyl records
had been sold in the UK since the beginning of the year. Sales had not
reached this level since 1996. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI)
predicted that Christmas sales would bring the total for the year to
around 1.2 million. However, vinyl sales were still a very small
proportion of total music sales. Pink Floyd’s The Endless River became
the fastest-selling UK vinyl release of 2014 - and the fastest-selling
since 1997 - despite selling only 6,000 copies."

18428


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"To try to judge the real from the false will always be hard. In this
fast-growing art of 'high fidelity' the quackery will bear a solid gilt
edge that will fool many people" - Paul W Klipsch, 1953
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Archimago
2015-07-29 16:29:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Julf
It is always easy to do dramatic increase from "almost nothing" to "very
little" :)
"In November 2014, it was reported that over one million vinyl records
had been sold in the UK since the beginning of the year. Sales had not
reached this level since 1996. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI)
predicted that Christmas sales would bring the total for the year to
around 1.2 million. However, vinyl sales were still a very small
proportion of total music sales. Pink Floyd’s The Endless River became
the fastest-selling UK vinyl release of 2014 - and the fastest-selling
since 1997 - despite selling only 6,000 copies."
18428
Another interesting graph... Volume and value in sales based on RIAA US
numbers (from 'this page'
(http://blog.thecurrent.org/2014/02/40-years-of-album-sales-data-in-one-handy-chart/)):
18432

"Fastest selling since 1997" isn't bad but we're talking about LP
numbers just around the peak of CD sales which would have been around
2000 in terms of unit sales.

I think what could be interesting to see is something like a zoomed in
graph of unit vs. sales$$$ between the different formats in the last 10
years. Unit cost for an LP is substantially higher than the same CD and
digtal downloads. Despite small sales numbers, the amount of money
actually made from the LP could actually be gaining substantially since
the 2012 graph, outstripping the number of units sold; hence incentive
to push LP sales and release of special remaster / box sets. Although of
course we don't know what the manufacturing cost looks like and whether
the actual margin is getting better due to inflation.

Ultimate, it is the number sold that's best indicator of popularity
since they cannot be replicated like digital. But I think the spread
between that and $$$ could be an interesting indicator of "hype
incentive" for companies.

Curious, do many of you guys buy much NEW vinyl these days?

(Here's the inflation adjusted $$$ numbers for completeness - I must say
the sales numbers for cassette was pretty good even up to 2000!)
18431


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cliveb
2015-07-27 11:45:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
The head shells contain - an Ortofon VMS20E (my favourite but I struggle
to get new styli), an Ortofon 2m Red, a Stanton 500E, an unknown
cartridge that came with the Sherwood and an empty headshell that I am
thinking of installing an AT95 into.
The fact you have a selection of cartridges suggests to me that perhaps
your planned use of the turntable may be a little outside the
mainstream. What exactly is your goal here? Do you plan on selecting the
best matched cartridge for each of your LPs? That seems a little over
the top, unless your intention is to do needledrops (ie. digital
transfer of LPs). If that is the case, then being able to easily switch
cartridges to find the best match makes sense. And if that is indeed
what you are planning, then you might also want a pickup arm that allows
you to adjust VTA easily, and perhaps also fine pitch control.



Transporter -> ATC SCM100A
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Apesbrain
2015-07-27 12:45:56 UTC
Permalink
A used Technics is a fine solution but if you want something new the
Audio-Technica 120/240/1240 and Stanton 92/150 meet your requirements.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Stanton-Turntables
http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Audio-Technica-Turntables


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d6jg
2015-07-27 14:24:51 UTC
Permalink
Post by Apesbrain
A used Technics is a fine solution but if you want something new the
Audio-Technica 120/240/1240 and Stanton 92/150 meet your requirements.
http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Stanton-Turntables
http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Audio-Technica-Turntables
They do indeed. Except that neither Stanton comes with a proper lid -
the 92 comes with a cloth cover (no proper lid available that I can see)
but the 150 requires a separately purchased lid. The latter is also
rather over budget at £500 plus the lid.

The AT120 is a possibility but its no Technics 1200/1210



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
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d6jg
2015-07-27 12:55:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by cliveb
The fact you have a selection of cartridges suggests to me that perhaps
your planned use of the turntable may be a little outside the
mainstream. What exactly is your goal here? Do you plan on selecting the
best matched cartridge for each of your LPs? That seems a little over
the top, unless your intention is to do needledrops (ie. digital
transfer of LPs). If that is the case, then being able to easily switch
cartridges to find the best match makes sense. And if that is indeed
what you are planning, then you might also want a pickup arm that allows
you to adjust VTA easily, and perhaps also fine pitch control.
Main use is transfer to FLAC. I have two rigs to do this - one in the
Living Room (the Sherwood that is to be replaced), and one in my Office
(the Trio) - both feed Behringer USB DAC's and I digitise using
VinylStudio. My favourite cartridge by some way is the VMS20E but
replacement styli are now £150 a pop in Europe so I generally save that
for "special" albums. I bought the 2M Red Plug & Play only to discover
that the combined weight of the cartridge and headshell is just too much
for either deck so I going to get it remounted into an empty ADC
headshell.
I am happy to stick with 16bit/44.1Khz but recently decided to switch
from 320Kbps VBR0 Mp3 to FLAC so I am re-doing the whole process. I was
about 70% through my vinyl with the Mp3 conversion.
In truth I do most of the digitising in the Office so the Sherwood in
the Living Room isn't that important but it bugs me that it is a cheap
(belt drive) Technics clone. The arm is OK though but it still won't
happily take the 2M Red Plug & Play.
I believe the Technics 1200/1210 does have VTA ? If the Onkyo mentioned
had better reviews I'd go there.



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
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cliveb
2015-07-28 14:50:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
Main use is transfer to FLAC. I have two rigs to do this - one in the
Living Room (the Sherwood that is to be replaced), and one in my Office
(the Trio) - both feed Behringer USB DAC's and I digitise using
VinylStudio.
OK, since you're doing needle drops it certainly makes sense to have the
ability to easily change cartridges to find the best match. That said,
what's more important is having the ability to change stylus profiles.
Assuming these are used LPs you're transferring, they will have groove
degradation brought about by previous playing. Finding a stylus profile
that tracks an undamaged section of groove wall can be one of the most
useful starting points when digitizing vinyl. So if you are going to
have a bunch of cartridges, see if you can get different stylus types in
them, ie. spherical (sometimes called conical), elliptical,
hyper-elliptical (sometimes called fine-line).
Post by d6jg
I am happy to stick with 16bit/44.1Khz
16/44.1 is certainly more than adequate to capture the signal that comes
off any vinyl record. (True, there is sometimes some kind of output
above 20kHz, but it's nearly all noise and distortion).
Post by d6jg
but recently decided to switch from 320Kbps VBR0 Mp3 to FLAC so I am
re-doing the whole process. I was about 70% through my vinyl with the
Mp3 conversion.
That bothers me. It implies that you are encoding to MP3 or FLAC in real
time as you digitize the LP. This is not really a sensible option. Even
if you're not interested in restoration as such, you will want to be
able to do at least cursory editing of the recording, eg. trimming off
unwanted lead-in/lead-out, some kind of normalisation, etc. If you're
doing that from MP3 in an audio editor, you'll be going through a
decode/encode process each time you load and save the file,which you
really want to avoid. If it's FLAC, the decode/encode step is benign.
But there may be some useful tools out there that only work on
uncompressed WAV files, so it makes sense to do everything in WAV format
until you're ready to do a final encoding to FLAC.

Having said all the above, 320kbps MP3 is almost always audibly
transparent, so if you've already done a ton of transfers, think hard
before going to all the trouble of re-doing them.



Transporter -> ATC SCM100A
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d6jg
2015-07-28 16:38:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by cliveb
OK, since you're doing needle drops it certainly makes sense to have the
ability to easily change cartridges to find the best match. That said,
what's more important is having the ability to change stylus profiles.
Assuming these are used LPs you're transferring, they will have groove
degradation brought about by previous playing. Finding a stylus profile
that tracks an undamaged section of groove wall can be one of the most
useful starting points when digitizing vinyl. So if you are going to
have a bunch of cartridges, see if you can get different stylus types in
them, ie. spherical (sometimes called conical), elliptical,
hyper-elliptical (sometimes called fine-line).
16/44.1 is certainly more than adequate to capture the signal that comes
off any vinyl record. (True, there is sometimes some kind of output
above 20kHz, but it's nearly all noise and distortion).
That bothers me. It implies that you are encoding to MP3 or FLAC in real
time as you digitize the LP. This is not really a sensible option. Even
if you're not interested in restoration as such, you will want to be
able to do at least cursory editing of the recording, eg. trimming off
unwanted lead-in/lead-out, some kind of normalisation, etc. If you're
doing that from MP3 in an audio editor, you'll be going through a
decode/encode process each time you load and save the file,which you
really want to avoid. If it's FLAC, the decode/encode step is benign.
But there may be some useful tools out there that only work on
uncompressed WAV files, so it makes sense to do everything in WAV format
until you're ready to do a final encoding to FLAC.
Having said all the above, 320kbps MP3 is almost always audibly
transparent, so if you've already done a ton of transfers, think hard
before going to all the trouble of re-doing them.
VinylStudio records in WAV. From that you apply track splits and noise
correction and then and only then do you create MP3 or FLAC. The pure
WAV files can be retained.
I started out years ago using SpinItAgain to create MP3 but haven't got
all the background WAVs as I have changed PCs two or three times as well
as moving from Phono to 3.5mm jack into sound card to USB DACs.
I shall not be replacing good MP3s only those from the very early days
that need it.
I can hear the difference between MP3 and FLAC since Xmas when SWMBO
bought me a pair of B&W P7s. They are awesome for the price!



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
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Pascal Hibon
2015-07-29 07:15:34 UTC
Permalink
FYI, to record vinyl I use my TC Electronic Konnekt interface. It came
bundled with an Intro version of Ableton. And Ableton is fantastic for
recording and editing.
My konnekt is no longer in production but it has been replaced with the
Impact Twin. http://www.tcelectronic.com/impact-twin/
I can highly recommend this setup.



'M-DAC' (http://www.audiolab.co.uk/M-DAC%20Series.aspx?lang=En) ->
'Focal MP1200' (http://www.mp1200.co.nf/) -> 'Focal Electra 1028 Be'
(http://www.focal.com/en/electra-1000-be-2/209-electra-1028-be-3544053695099.html)
1 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom, 1 x SB Radio and 2 x SB Touch - all wireless
1 x Wandboard Dual behind the bedroom ceiling
1 x Wandboard Dual for 'msqueeze' (http://www.msqueeze.co.nf/index.html)
project
1 x Wandboard Quad (will eventually become my LMS server)
ReadyNAS NVX running LMS 7.8.1. - 1402661598
iPeng 7 on iPhone.
SqueezePad & iPeng 7 on iPad.
http://www.last.fm/user/phibon
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d6jg
2015-07-29 09:49:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pascal Hibon
FYI, to record vinyl I use my TC Electronic Konnekt interface. It came
bundled with an Intro version of Ableton. And Ableton is fantastic for
recording and editing.
My konnekt is no longer in production but it has been replaced with the
Impact Twin. http://www.tcelectronic.com/impact-twin/
I can highly recommend this setup.
I am thinking you are a Mac person - that's a firewire interface. I am
mainly PC so its USB for me. I will have a look at Abletron.

I use one of these in the Living Room hooked into the Tape Loop of my
Amp -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UCA202-U-Control-low-latency-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438162352&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+uca222

I also use one of these in my Office which as you can see has full
mixing facilities (which I don't really use) and gives me the ability to
switch from recording to playback with a swipe of the mix slider which
is great when you get to the "split tracks" stage -
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/VMX200USB.aspx - its hooked in to
my Trio KD1033B running whatever cartridge at the time and also into my
dual screen work PC (so I can work, listen and digitise at the same
time). The Trio really is a great deck. I wish I had another to go into
the Living Room.

On the TT front. I have narrowed my choices down to an Onkyo CP1050 -
functionally it fits the bill exactly but I am unsure sonically - or to
forget the S tone arm detachable headshell idea and go for a Project
Debut or Rega RP1. I have found ex-display SL1210's at about £600 but
that's still over budget.

Note for anyone considering an Ortofon 2M Plug & Play. Don't unless you
are sure your TT will take it. It is very heavy - 27g I think - and
won't work properly on either of my TTs.



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Pascal Hibon
2015-07-29 13:50:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
I am thinking you are a Mac person - that's a firewire interface. I am
mainly PC so its USB for me. I will have a look at Abletron.
I use one of these in the Living Room hooked into the Tape Loop of my
Amp -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UCA202-U-Control-low-latency-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438162352&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+uca222
I'm also a PC user. It is true that many laptops today come without
firewire and that is an issue for devices such as the TC. Currently I
use my old laptop, which has a firewire port, dedicated for the TC
interface and Ableton. I only mentioned the TC because it is high
quality hardware and it comes bundled with Ableton. The 'Konnekt Live'
which is the model I
have, also has an RIAA amplifier option.
But you can use your existing USB interface with Ableton too. The Intro
version is not that expensive (I believe it's about 99 Euro of so).



'M-DAC' (http://www.audiolab.co.uk/M-DAC%20Series.aspx?lang=En) ->
'Focal MP1200' (http://www.mp1200.co.nf/) -> 'Focal Electra 1028 Be'
(http://www.focal.com/en/electra-1000-be-2/209-electra-1028-be-3544053695099.html)
1 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom, 1 x SB Radio and 2 x SB Touch - all wireless
1 x Wandboard Dual behind the bedroom ceiling
1 x Wandboard Dual for 'msqueeze' (http://www.msqueeze.co.nf/index.html)
project
1 x Wandboard Quad (will eventually become my LMS server)
ReadyNAS NVX running LMS 7.8.1. - 1402661598
iPeng 7 on iPhone.
SqueezePad & iPeng 7 on iPad.
http://www.last.fm/user/phibon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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atrocity
2015-07-29 13:58:09 UTC
Permalink
I'm curious if anyone has compared recordings made via their computers
with something along the lines of a Roland R-05. My first attempts at
digitizing were done in 1998 using a computer and were disastrous...too
many dropped samples. I know that things have improved dramatically
since then, but I've never tried again, finding it easier first to use a
standalone CD recorder and later the Zoom H2 and now Roland R-05. I've
heard lots of complaints about computers generating noise, yet it seems
like the computer route is how the "serious" people do their
digitizing.

I've found the little standalone recorders very easy to use and, to my
ears, they sound good. I capture and post-process at 24/96, then use
SoX to downsample the finalized versions to 16/44.1. I also keep the
raw files archived to Blu-ray in case I need to go back and fix
something (which has definitely happened).

Am I going to wake up some day and suddenly hate all my captures when I
finally hear whatever sonic disaster I've apparently been missing all
this time?


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Pascal Hibon
2015-07-29 14:12:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by atrocity
I'm curious if anyone has compared recordings made via their computers
with something along the lines of a Roland R-05.
I can only say that my "vinyl rips" (recorded with my TC interface and
Ableton) sound exactly the same as the vinyl. That is, as long as I
didn't run it through 'clickrepair' (http://www.clickrepair.net/), which
I only use when the record has a lot of pops and clicks. But I have no
drop outs or anything.
Everything is computer based these days. Ableton, Pro Tools, and many
other software based solutions are very popular and are taking over the
hardware mixers and recorders.



'M-DAC' (http://www.audiolab.co.uk/M-DAC%20Series.aspx?lang=En) ->
'Focal MP1200' (http://www.mp1200.co.nf/) -> 'Focal Electra 1028 Be'
(http://www.focal.com/en/electra-1000-be-2/209-electra-1028-be-3544053695099.html)
1 x SB3, 1 x SB Boom, 1 x SB Radio and 2 x SB Touch - all wireless
1 x Wandboard Dual behind the bedroom ceiling
1 x Wandboard Dual for 'msqueeze' (http://www.msqueeze.co.nf/index.html)
project
1 x Wandboard Quad (will eventually become my LMS server)
ReadyNAS NVX running LMS 7.8.1. - 1402661598
iPeng 7 on iPhone.
SqueezePad & iPeng 7 on iPad.
http://www.last.fm/user/phibon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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atrocity
2015-07-29 15:02:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pascal Hibon
I can only say that my "vinyl rips" (recorded with my TC interface and
Ableton) sound exactly the same as the vinyl. That is, as long as I
didn't run it through 'clickrepair' (http://www.clickrepair.net/), which
I only use when the record has a lot of pops and clicks. But I have no
drop outs or anything.
Everything is computer based these days. Ableton, Pro Tools, and many
other software based solutions are very popular and are taking over the
hardware mixers and recorders.
I should have been clear that I really just use the Roland for the
initial capture. The more or less cassette deck like interface and ease
of connecting to any arbitrary component makes it easy to use. But I
digitize vinyl (three turntables including one just for 78s), cassettes
and reels, so it's much easier for me to move the little recorder around
than the playback components.

Once the initial capture has been made, I immediately copy the WAV to
the computer to make it pretty. I'm also a fan of ClickRepair, though
I've learned the hard way that you have to listen very closely to what
it's doing. Sometimes it's so perfect it's almost like black magic,
other times it wipes out as much useful signal as noise.

I can't tell the difference between my captures and the records either
(well, thanks to cleanup, sometimes the captures are better!) but I was
curious if anyone with better ears than mine has any complaints with the
standalone devices.


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cliveb
2015-07-29 14:28:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by atrocity
I'm curious if anyone has compared recordings made via their computers
with something along the lines of a Roland R-05. My first attempts at
digitizing were done in 1998 using a computer and were disastrous...too
many dropped samples. I know that things have improved dramatically
since then, but I've never tried again, finding it easier first to use a
standalone CD recorder and later the Zoom H2 and now Roland R-05. I've
heard lots of complaints about computers generating noise, yet it seems
like the computer route is how the "serious" people do their digitizing.
My guess is that back in 1998 you were probably using some sort of old
Soundblaster or perhaps an Ensoniq, probably on an ISA bus. Soundcards
of that era were indeed prone to picking up weird noises from the
activities of other subsystems in the PC - things like the video card,
even the mouse. What made it even more annoying was that the noises were
not constant - you'd often get little "chirrups" coming and going. (I
started digitizing vinyl back in 1994, and used an external A/D
converter going through a Zefiro ZA1 SPDIF I/O card specifically to
avoid those kind of noise problems).

But in the last 15 or so years, most PCI bus soundcards have been pretty
immune to noise pickup. I use an M-Audio AP2496 and it doesn't pick up
any audible noise at all. The same is true of all the other
well-respected soundcards. That said, if I was in need of a new
soundcard, I'd almost certainly go for an external USB device, simply
because they are more flexible and can be moved easily from PC to PC.



Transporter -> ATC SCM100A
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d6jg
2015-07-29 14:39:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by cliveb
My guess is that back in 1998 you were probably using some sort of old
Soundblaster or perhaps an Ensoniq, probably on an ISA bus. Soundcards
of that era were indeed prone to picking up weird noises from the
activities of other subsystems in the PC - things like the video card,
even the mouse. What made it even more annoying was that the noises were
not constant - you'd often get little "chirrups" coming and going. (I
started digitizing vinyl back in 1994, and used an external A/D
converter going through a Zefiro ZA1 SPDIF I/O card specifically to
avoid those kind of noise problems).
But in the last 15 or so years, most PCI bus soundcards have been pretty
immune to noise pickup. I use an M-Audio AP2496 and it doesn't pick up
any audible noise at all. The same is true of all the other
well-respected soundcards. That said, if I was in need of a new
soundcard, I'd almost certainly go for an external USB device, simply
because they are more flexible and can be moved easily from PC to PC.
I must have started in about 2009. The initial results were indeed iffy.
Largely due to the PCs onboard soundcard. When I moved to USB soundcard
the results improved massively. That said a lot has to do with TT setup
and the condition of cartridge, styli and the records themselves. All of
the software I have ever used has been designed for purpose and follows
the same steps as follows:

1) Record to WAV
2) Download album art & metadata
3) Split tracks
4) Apply click correction etc
5) Burn to Audio CD (optional)
6) Write files - your choice of formats

I have used Spin It Again but currently use VinylStudio due to its
better (IMHO) correction algorythmns. VinylStudio gets very good write
ups.



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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atrocity
2015-07-29 15:08:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
I must have started in about 2009. The initial results were indeed iffy.
Largely due to the PCs onboard soundcard. When I moved to USB soundcard
the results improved massively.
I've noticed noise at the analog output even on a relatively new
computer. I solved that with a cheap USB to S/PDIF device, though it
resamples everything to 48k.
Post by d6jg
That said a lot has to do with TT setup and the condition of cartridge,
styli and the records themselves.
Ancient Sony PS-X75 with a brand new Audio-Technica AT440MLa. :)

Maybe I should take a look at external USB stuff again just for fun.

Thanks to everyone for the responses!


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Archimago
2015-07-29 16:53:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by atrocity
I've noticed noise at the analog output even on a relatively new
computer. I solved that with a cheap USB to S/PDIF device, though it
resamples everything to 48k.
Ancient Sony PS-X75 with a brand new Audio-Technica AT440MLa. :)
Maybe I should take a look at external USB stuff again just for fun.
Thanks to everyone for the responses!
The Sony PS-X series with Biotracer arms are nice machines! I was
looking for one locally last year but couldn't find any in good shape
:(.

Yes, check out a USB ADC. Noise level extremely low these days although
your Roland R-05 I assume is already excellent.



Archimago's Musings: (archimago.blogspot.com) A 'more objective'
audiophile blog.
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atrocity
2015-07-29 18:13:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by Archimago
The Sony PS-X series with Biotracer arms are nice machines! I was
looking for one locally last year but couldn't find any in good shape
:(.
I was a KID when I bought that thing...it's got to be 35 years ago now.
It spent significant time in the shop after a few years but has been
wonderful since (fingers crossed). I worry that no one will be able to
work on it when the inevitable need eventually arises. I've also got a
small, cheap linear tracking Technics SL-Q6 that sounds surprisingly
good. I'd love to have a PS-X800, but they seem to go for $1,000 or
more and would have the same service issues.
Post by Archimago
Yes, check out a USB ADC if you can / curious. Noise level extremely low
these days although your Roland R-05 I assume is already excellent. Also
the Roland's price is great for a 24/96 ADC already!
It probably is the price that makes me wonder if I can do better. I'm
falling victim to the "It cost less than my car, it can't possibly be
any good!" syndrome. :)

One thing I'm really having shoved in my face lately is how frustrating
analog could be. I just transferred a nice 7-1/2 IPS reel from near the
end of the pre-recorded days when they really sounded good. The
underlying sound quality is very nice indeed...but apparently something
went wrong during the duplication and it's full of obvious wow. And now
I've come to realize that my cassette deck is apparently running
slow...or, more accurately, is now running slower than it used to. I
don't know if it's wrong now or was wrong prior to its last trip to the
shop...for all I know, the shop corrected a long-running problem, but
now I can't play back decades of tapes accurately. I've experimented
with digital speed correction and found it OK on what was a pretty bad
recording to begin with, I don't know if it will still sound good on
something more demanding.


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Archimago
2015-07-30 03:08:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by atrocity
...
It probably is the price that makes me wonder if I can do better. I'm
falling victim to the "It cost less than my car, it can't possibly be
any good!" syndrome. :)
One thing I'm really having shoved in my face lately is how frustrating
analog could be. I just transferred a nice 7-1/2 IPS reel from near the
end of the pre-recorded days when they really sounded good. The
underlying sound quality is very nice indeed...but apparently something
went wrong during the duplication and it's full of obvious wow. And now
I've come to realize that my cassette deck is apparently running
slow...or, more accurately, is now running slower than it used to. I
don't know if it's wrong now or was wrong prior to its last trip to the
shop...for all I know, the shop corrected a long-running problem, but
now I can't play back decades of tapes accurately. I've experimented
with digital speed correction and found it OK on what was a pretty bad
recording to begin with, I don't know if it will still sound good on
something more demanding.
Don't worry about the price man :). As you know, price and accuracy are
not synonymous! I had a look at the R-05 and certainly the promotional
material sounds great even with the microphones. Line in I suspect must
be excellent especially if you're dealing with the sonic limitations of
LP and tape sources... Battery operated to boot. Didn't see any
measurements however.

Ahhh, the joys and pains of being an analogue man! I'm certainly glad to
be rid of all types of tape media - audio and video...



Archimago's Musings: (archimago.blogspot.com) A 'more objective'
audiophile blog.
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d6jg
2018-02-09 23:03:17 UTC
Permalink
Just before Christmas I took the plunge and got rid of my Living Room
Sherwood TT and replaced it with an Onkyo CP1050 (back to that in a
minute).
In the meantime I had my Trio KD1033B serviced and at the same time got
the Ortofon 2M Red mounted in my spare ADC Headshell. I put the Trio
into my home office and started ripping (?) my vinyl to Flac using that
instead of the Living Room Sherwood.
I use Behringer ADC/DACs in both locations.
The Trio / 2M Red combo produced far better results that the Sherwood so
much so that it encouraged me to lose the Sherwood in the Living Room.
I pondered an RP1 and RP2 and sone of the Project range. A mate has
recently bought an RP1 so I gave his a good look at. In the end the
cartridge options of a detachable headshell took over and having seen an
Onkyo in a sale at less than £300 I bought it. Even with the stock AT
something cartridge it’s bloody good. I can’t hear a wow or flutter and
being a direct drive it’s operation is silent. It’s right up there with
the Trio. I sold the Sherwood for a few bob to someone who said they
knew what they were doing but later contacted me to say it was a bit
quiet plugged into his hifi (no preamp).
I strongly recommend the Onkyo CP1050. Build quality is better than a
low end Rega or Project by some distance.
After 2 months I haven’t yet felt any need to consider upgrading the
cartridge. It’s that good.



PI3 PCP/LMS STORAGE QNAP TS419P (NFS)
*Living Room* - Joggler & SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 -> Celestion F20s
*Office* - Pi3+Sreen -> Sony TAFE320 -> Celestion F10s / Pi2+DAC & SB3
-> Onkyo CRN755 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - Pi2+DAC ->ToppingTP21 ->AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - SB Touch ->Sherwood AVR ->Mordaunt Short M10s
Everything controlled by iPeng
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Grumpy Bob
2018-02-10 06:38:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by d6jg
I pondered an RP1 and RP2 and sone of the Project range. A mate has
recently bought an RP1 so I gave his a good look at. In the end the
cartridge options of a detachable headshell took over
Interesting - I've never owned many turntables in my life, but I don't
recall ever feeling I've needed a detachable headshell - probably
because I don't change cartridge terribly frequently. My venerable
Planar 3 (something like 22-24 years old now) is still going strong,
though maybe it's getting a bit like Trigger's broom, with replacement
of a few parts recently, with the most significant mod being one of the
new 24V motors.

At the moment, I'm using a Rega Fono Mini A2D as a phono stage and as an
ADC for digitising vinyl. It has a USB port on the front plate, which is
convenient.

I've been hanging out over at the VinylEngine forums lately.

Robert



*Home: *Raspberry Pi 3/piCoreplayer/LMS7.9 with files on QNAP TS-239
Touch > DacMagic 100 > Naim Audio Nait 3 > Mission 752 (plus Rega
Planar 3 and Naim CD3)
PiCorePlayer(Pi2) with touchscreen and IQAudIO DAC+>Sennheisers
2 x Squeezebox Radios, 1 X Squeezebox 3 (retired)
*Office:* LMS7.9 running on WiFi MyPassport drive >
piCorePlayer(PiB)/HiFiBerryDAC > Amptastic Amplifier
SqueezePad, iPeng as controllers

last.fm/user/GrumpyBob
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slartibartfast
2018-02-10 08:50:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Grumpy Bob
Interesting - I've never owned many turntables in my life, but I don't
recall ever feeling I've needed a detachable headshell - probably
because I don't change cartridge terribly frequently. My venerable
Planar 3 (something like 22-24 years old now) is still going strong,
though maybe it's getting a bit like Trigger's broom, with replacement
of a few parts recently, with the most significant mod being one of the
new 24V motors.
At the moment, I'm using a Rega Fono Mini A2D as a phono stage and as an
ADC for digitising vinyl. It has a USB port on the front plate, which is
convenient.
I've been hanging out over at the VinylEngine forums lately.
RobertI bought my Planar 3 in the late eighties to replace a Trio KD1033B and
yes I also had the ADC headshell for the Trio and a replacement mat.
Years later after reading a few threads about the Planar 3 running
slightly fast I measured the speed of mine by counting revolutions
against a stopwatch and sure enough it was slightly off. I found some
very thin adhesive tape and applied it to the sub platter one layer at a
time until the speed was spot on then convinced myself I could hear the
difference [emoji3].
Unfortunately now that my Touch and amplifier are sitting on the TV
stand I no longer have space for the turntable and it is in its box in
the loft and all my vinyl is under the bed [emoji20]

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk




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cliveb
2018-02-10 18:17:42 UTC
Permalink
... and all my vinyl is under the bed
To fit under a typical bed, the LPs are going to have to be laid flat.
This is NOT A GOOD IDEA - storing LPs flat (and piled up on top of one
another) tends to make them warp.
LP records should be stored vertically, ideally with a small amount of
side pressure.



Transporter -> ATC SCM100A
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slartibartfast
2018-02-10 18:22:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by cliveb
To fit under a typical bed, the LPs are going to have to be laid flat.
This is NOT A GOOD IDEA - storing LPs flat (and piled up on top of one
another) tends to make them warp.
LP records should be stored vertically, ideally with a small amount of
side pressure.Maybe but better there than in the loft with the temperature
fluctuations.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk




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d6jg
2018-02-12 21:44:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by Grumpy Bob
I bought my Planar 3 in the late eighties to replace a Trio KD1033B and
yes I also had the ADC headshell for the Trio and a replacement mat.
Years later after reading a few threads about the Planar 3 running
slightly fast I measured the speed of mine by counting revolutions
against a stopwatch and sure enough it was slightly off. I found some
very thin adhesive tape and applied it to the sub platter one layer at a
time until the speed was spot on then convinced myself I could hear the
difference [emoji3].
Unfortunately now that my Touch and amplifier are sitting on the TV
stand I no longer have space for the turntable and it is in its box in
the loft and all my vinyl is under the bed [emoji20]
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
My Trio KD1033B also with ADC and replacement mat is still in play in my
office and is the main deck I use for digitising. The Onkyo is in the
Living Room.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



PI3 PCP/LMS STORAGE QNAP TS419P (NFS)
*Living Room* - Joggler & SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 -> Celestion F20s
*Office* - Pi3+Sreen -> Sony TAFE320 -> Celestion F10s / Pi2+DAC & SB3
-> Onkyo CRN755 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - Pi2+DAC ->ToppingTP21 ->AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - SB Touch ->Sherwood AVR ->Mordaunt Short M10s
Everything controlled by iPeng
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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d6jg
2015-07-29 16:46:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by atrocity
I've noticed noise at the analog output even on a relatively new
computer. I solved that with a cheap USB to S/PDIF device, though it
resamples everything to 48k.
Ancient Sony PS-X75 with a brand new Audio-Technica AT440MLa. :)
Maybe I should take a look at external USB stuff again just for fun.
Thanks to everyone for the responses!
If you have a tape loop on your amp the Behringer UCA202 is a cheap way
of trying it out - I'd also recommend VinylStudio which has a trial mode
(5 albums). When you plug the Behringer into the PC just make sure that
the software sets it up in 2 channel mode correctly. When I first
connected it set itself up as 1 channel i.e mono and I didn't
immediately notice.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UCA202-U-Control-low-latency-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438187857&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+uca202

http://alpinesoft.co.uk/ - VinylStudio

http://alpinesoft.co.uk/VinylStudio/helpfile_contents.aspx - Online
Manual

Also loads of stuff in a fairly active Tech Support Forum



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
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d6jg
2015-07-29 17:59:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by atrocity
I've noticed noise at the analog output even on a relatively new
computer. I solved that with a cheap USB to S/PDIF device, though it
resamples everything to 48k.
Ancient Sony PS-X75 with a brand new Audio-Technica AT440MLa. :)
Maybe I should take a look at external USB stuff again just for fun.
Thanks to everyone for the responses!
Just re-read your post and noted your comment about 3 TTs in which case
the Behringer UFO202 may be more suitable. Essentially a DAC that
includes a phono stage. Still cheap enough to give it a try before going
more upmarket.



*Vortexbox LMS 7.8 music on QNAP TS419p via NFS* -
iThingys/iPeng/Tablets
*Living Room* - SB3 -> Onkyo TS606 connected Digitally - > Celestion
Ditton F20s - and connected Analogue for Zone 2 -> Sony TA FE 320 ->
Sennheiser RS 130
*Office* - SB3 -> Sony TA FE320 -> Wharfedale Modus Cubes
*Dining Room* -> SB Boom
*Kitchen* -> UE Radio (upgraded to SB Radio)
*Bedroom (Bedside)* - SB Touch -> Topping TP21 -> AKG Headphones
*Bedroom (TV)* - Amazon Fire TV (SB Player) -> Topping TP20 ->
Wharfedale Modus Cubes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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