After buying a T4P Grado Prestige Black (To use on Technics SL-B200) and being completely disappointed, I'd like to get some suggestions on how I could be able to listen to LPs that don't sound like a RadioShack cassette recorder.
Problems:
When I walk (Even on my toes), the tonearm jumps.
When I press a button on my amp, it jumps again.
When someone else walks up in the stairway, it jumps.
When the washing machine works, the sound is going left-right... (The whole house is shaking actually)
There's no bass and treble + I need to crank up the volume on my old hk670 receiver.
The turntable is sitting on my old drawer chest (Not cheap IKEA but real wood -> pretty solid) next to my amp. I decided I'd build a stereo rack or wall-mount TT shelf. Will they be able to solve my problems? Any suggestions? (I don't really want to have to solidify the whole house...)
Then there's the tone/volume problems. I wonder if it's the phono amp, cart or the TT that has a problem here. All I know is that the Grado has problem with the tonearm. The end of the LPs have lots of distortion because it's not an S-shaped arm and the angle is getting too big for the cart...
Problems:
When I walk (Even on my toes), the tonearm jumps.
When I press a button on my amp, it jumps again.
When someone else walks up in the stairway, it jumps.
When the washing machine works, the sound is going left-right... (The whole house is shaking actually)
There's no bass and treble + I need to crank up the volume on my old hk670 receiver.
The turntable is sitting on my old drawer chest (Not cheap IKEA but real wood -> pretty solid) next to my amp. I decided I'd build a stereo rack or wall-mount TT shelf. Will they be able to solve my problems? Any suggestions? (I don't really want to have to solidify the whole house...)
Then there's the tone/volume problems. I wonder if it's the phono amp, cart or the TT that has a problem here. All I know is that the Grado has problem with the tonearm. The end of the LPs have lots of distortion because it's not an S-shaped arm and the angle is getting too big for the cart...
get a decent turntable with a decent arm and a decent cartridge mounted on a decent wallshelf - my lp's sound in most instances a helluvalot better than the cd.
Decent TT - anything by thorens
Decent arm - any old sme in good repair
Decent cartridge - anything by denon that begins with the letters DL..
Decent wallshelf - build your own.
Decent TT - anything by thorens
Decent arm - any old sme in good repair
Decent cartridge - anything by denon that begins with the letters DL..
Decent wallshelf - build your own.
Yes, maybe...or rather not. You can buy - sometimes - a dilapidated sme ( I did so for 100$, sme 2 imp.)) and get the missing parts - mine came to about 200 when finished.
Or look at CAM - they have several thorenses on offer.
I like the sme 2 bets (non imp. version)
I will try a sme III if I get one at a decent price - below 300.
The thorens start being good without hype with the td 125 - the 124 is overpriced. The other good and not so expensive ones - td 145, 150, 160.
I have a love affair with the TD 125. Two and counting....
The problem with duals - I had a few over the years - noisy bearing, motor etc.
The TD 125 even beats the pants of a transcriptors hydraulik - I own one and therefore know.
My experience with technics - tried the sl 1800 - too noisy, too much rumble when used to a thorens.
Do not know much about the newer decks - goldrings complete offer is not bad, complete with cartidge and arm.
Would stay away from rega arms - nfg, had the rb 300 completely modified - still got beaten by the old sme when it came to following the groove...surface noise...
Goldring 1042 - not bad, imho better than the shure V15VxMR - which I had....and a shure ultra 500, that sounded better then the
V15...
but - if you can afford it - DL 103, or maybe DL 160, if you're afraid of the expense of a MC phono pre
Those are my recommendations based on my experiences.
Or look at CAM - they have several thorenses on offer.
I like the sme 2 bets (non imp. version)
I will try a sme III if I get one at a decent price - below 300.
The thorens start being good without hype with the td 125 - the 124 is overpriced. The other good and not so expensive ones - td 145, 150, 160.
I have a love affair with the TD 125. Two and counting....
The problem with duals - I had a few over the years - noisy bearing, motor etc.
The TD 125 even beats the pants of a transcriptors hydraulik - I own one and therefore know.
My experience with technics - tried the sl 1800 - too noisy, too much rumble when used to a thorens.
Do not know much about the newer decks - goldrings complete offer is not bad, complete with cartidge and arm.
Would stay away from rega arms - nfg, had the rb 300 completely modified - still got beaten by the old sme when it came to following the groove...surface noise...
Goldring 1042 - not bad, imho better than the shure V15VxMR - which I had....and a shure ultra 500, that sounded better then the
V15...
but - if you can afford it - DL 103, or maybe DL 160, if you're afraid of the expense of a MC phono pre
Those are my recommendations based on my experiences.
That's not only pricey, it's way too much in my opinion. The small Thorens decks are great, but they were designed as "budget" decks and are quite common.
I second just about everything audio-kraut wrote. The exception is the SME3009 III. Stay away from it. The cheaper Goldring 1022 is just about as good as the 1042.
Get a Thorens TD-150 (my favorite) or 160 with Thorens arm. Sells for about US$100. Here's one for sale in the US. Don't get fooled by the ugly tonearm. It's at least as good as a stock Rega RB250. The Regas don't work with the small Thorens decks anyway. The deck, cart and headamp have much greater influence on the sound than the tonearm.
Later you can upgrade to an SME3009/II or R. I think the Decca International (not the cheapo "London Int'l) is superior. Another great suitable tonearm is the Grace 717. All of them can handle the low-compliant Denon DL-103.
This headamp is perfect match.
The thing with the Thorens TD-150 is that you have a first-rate foundation and can later upgrade as you see fit.
I second just about everything audio-kraut wrote. The exception is the SME3009 III. Stay away from it. The cheaper Goldring 1022 is just about as good as the 1042.
Get a Thorens TD-150 (my favorite) or 160 with Thorens arm. Sells for about US$100. Here's one for sale in the US. Don't get fooled by the ugly tonearm. It's at least as good as a stock Rega RB250. The Regas don't work with the small Thorens decks anyway. The deck, cart and headamp have much greater influence on the sound than the tonearm.
Later you can upgrade to an SME3009/II or R. I think the Decca International (not the cheapo "London Int'l) is superior. Another great suitable tonearm is the Grace 717. All of them can handle the low-compliant Denon DL-103.
This headamp is perfect match.
The thing with the Thorens TD-150 is that you have a first-rate foundation and can later upgrade as you see fit.
This one?
No customs to cross also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/THORENS-TD166MK...33QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3283QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Nothing about tonearm. Looked at the User's Manual, it's stock.
No customs to cross also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/THORENS-TD166MK...33QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3283QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Nothing about tonearm. Looked at the User's Manual, it's stock.
I would hold out for a 160 or 150. Remember, they are quite common. The 166 is a cheaper version of the 160. The 160 has an all-metal platter.
Edit: They aren't that common on your side of the pond. But you could keep an eye out for the Goldring Lenco L 75 and L 78 as well. They are at least equals to the Thorens.
Edit: They aren't that common on your side of the pond. But you could keep an eye out for the Goldring Lenco L 75 and L 78 as well. They are at least equals to the Thorens.
You won't find a cheap SME3009. It's quite possibly the most common vintage tonearm. But it's the one everybody knows. What's worse is that it gets even more expensive should you use the Denon DL-103. The SME3009 is simply too light. (Same problem with Rega. Not so with the Grace 714.) You need a heavier headshell. An Orsonic headshell brings around US$150! (You might just as well get a used Ortofon SPU!) So you talk a total of about $600-700!!
That wasn't intended to scare you off, but to illustrate what it costs. If that is what you want, the by far cheapest alternative is to find a deck with tonearm of choice. With some luck, you might find a deck and SME tonearm for $400. And there are other carts than the Denon DL-103.
Lots of people will say that the Thorens begs for an SME. But then you should ask yourself, would you buy a Wadia CD player?
A Thorens in Ontario.
Some sites for ideas
http://www.analogue-classics.com/index.html
http://www.theanalogdept.com
And my favorite small deck Thorens
That wasn't intended to scare you off, but to illustrate what it costs. If that is what you want, the by far cheapest alternative is to find a deck with tonearm of choice. With some luck, you might find a deck and SME tonearm for $400. And there are other carts than the Denon DL-103.
Lots of people will say that the Thorens begs for an SME. But then you should ask yourself, would you buy a Wadia CD player?
A Thorens in Ontario.
Some sites for ideas
http://www.analogue-classics.com/index.html
http://www.theanalogdept.com
And my favorite small deck Thorens
So the first eBay auction I found maybe isn't that pricey.
For the same price I wonder if it would be possible to DIY something better (Turntable only, maybe not the tonearm)
I bought some giant Sony R2R motors for $3 at my surplus store two months ago. They run very smooth. Then I need a platter, bearing, etc.
For the same price I wonder if it would be possible to DIY something better (Turntable only, maybe not the tonearm)
I bought some giant Sony R2R motors for $3 at my surplus store two months ago. They run very smooth. Then I need a platter, bearing, etc.
No, but I have a TDA1541A project waiting.
Look into getting a 1200 series Technics. They come up used all the time. Great drive system. Quality arm. No, they don't have the vintage cache of a nice Thorens or Garrard. But since they have been in continuous production since the 1970s, there are huge economies of scale at work.
Such a table would certainly sound better than a Radio Shack cassette deck.
Such a table would certainly sound better than a Radio Shack cassette deck.
The first deck has an SME3009 III, which is a very lightweight tonearm. Otherwise a very nice deck.
A DIY tonearm is definitively an alternative. Should be fairly easy if you have the tools. (I don't.) Take a look at the 47 Labs arm.
But, again, there are so many things to consider. The floating-suspension Thorens decks are picky about tonearms. Lencos are idler-wheel decks and can take any arm. But a better alternative for you is to get an Empire 208 (or some other model), even if it means importing from the US.
Why did I miss this? An Empire in Canada! No plinth. But at least the price is right, so far. Not the greatest of tonearms. That you can take care of later.
It seems you should be able to find any deck you want in Canada. All you need is patience.
As for the Wadia. It didn't come across. But my point was, you can always go higher. The bigger Thorens TD-125 is not only said to be superior to the Linn LP12, it allows you to use a 12-inch SME 3012. But a 3012 costs at least twice as much as a 3009...
A DIY tonearm is definitively an alternative. Should be fairly easy if you have the tools. (I don't.) Take a look at the 47 Labs arm.
But, again, there are so many things to consider. The floating-suspension Thorens decks are picky about tonearms. Lencos are idler-wheel decks and can take any arm. But a better alternative for you is to get an Empire 208 (or some other model), even if it means importing from the US.
Why did I miss this? An Empire in Canada! No plinth. But at least the price is right, so far. Not the greatest of tonearms. That you can take care of later.
It seems you should be able to find any deck you want in Canada. All you need is patience.
As for the Wadia. It didn't come across. But my point was, you can always go higher. The bigger Thorens TD-125 is not only said to be superior to the Linn LP12, it allows you to use a 12-inch SME 3012. But a 3012 costs at least twice as much as a 3009...
I don't think I have tools for this -> Jig saw, miter saw, electric drill, Dremel, circular saw.
But, I can probably access some aluminium-working equipment at an aerotechnical school where I know someone working there.
I still think a turntable should be easier than a tonearm to build... (The bearing being the only problem)
Maybe in theory - but I run a dl 103 on an sme II with great results.
This cxombination sounds better than teh supposedly better matching V15VxMR.
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/search.php?submit=1&keywords=Thorens+
Check here.
In fact, I think I'll start by building a suitable rack. I don't know how TT wall-mount racks look like...
This:
http://www.audiophilia.com/hardware/diyttstand.htm
is about the only thing I found apart from TNT-Audio's Sandbox that can help with vibrations.
Also, the washing machine is making the walls shaking so I don't know if it's a really good idea to use a wall-mount stand.
Thanks for that link.
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/34491-vintage_thorens_turntables_td125_mk_ii_and_td145/
What's the best, the 125 II or 145? The 145 sounds good; comes with Grado Gold.
This:
http://www.audiophilia.com/hardware/diyttstand.htm
is about the only thing I found apart from TNT-Audio's Sandbox that can help with vibrations.
Also, the washing machine is making the walls shaking so I don't know if it's a really good idea to use a wall-mount stand.
Thanks for that link.
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/34491-vintage_thorens_turntables_td125_mk_ii_and_td145/
What's the best, the 125 II or 145? The 145 sounds good; comes with Grado Gold.
Drasgonmaster...finally!
thought you'd never give up on the Greystattions (by the way, I've bought 3 or 4 1002 s and given 3 away )
Welcome to the analogue world. Many here have posted links to various turntables. I won't do that for ya, but I have built (or rather made a new plinth) and a complete $2.19 tonearm (If I can do it, anyone can.. Don't even need to be technically proficient.
DIY tonearm thread
lots of decent inexpensive tts aout there. I just bought a Yamaha YP450 for $50 cdn including shipping with a cartridge, etc. All works..
thought you'd never give up on the Greystattions (by the way, I've bought 3 or 4 1002 s and given 3 away
)Welcome to the analogue world. Many here have posted links to various turntables. I won't do that for ya, but I have built (or rather made a new plinth) and a complete $2.19 tonearm (If I can do it, anyone can.. Don't even need to be technically proficient.
DIY tonearm thread
lots of decent inexpensive tts aout there. I just bought a Yamaha YP450 for $50 cdn including shipping with a cartridge, etc. All works..
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