Nice turntable!
Optical table IMO is the best of the best way to handle vibrations. Better than stuff they pander on whatsbest forum:
https://www.newport.com/c/table-top-isolation-platforms_sub
Either mechanical type with vib320x (pick the right range of weight) or better pneumatic if you can swing a small high pressure air tanks with regulator. It's a static air supply as no air flows.
Another way is to suspend a heavy platform from the ceiling with compliant ~3/8in ropes of the climbing variety. I have seen that done in some photonics labs.
Optical table IMO is the best of the best way to handle vibrations. Better than stuff they pander on whatsbest forum:
https://www.newport.com/c/table-top-isolation-platforms_sub
Either mechanical type with vib320x (pick the right range of weight) or better pneumatic if you can swing a small high pressure air tanks with regulator. It's a static air supply as no air flows.
Another way is to suspend a heavy platform from the ceiling with compliant ~3/8in ropes of the climbing variety. I have seen that done in some photonics labs.
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I've been interested in an optical cartridge for a while now... but that would require a complete rethink of the turntable and preamp, huh?
Right now, I just got my final version (3rd) of the P3, all set up with a bunch of opamps and configured nicely for the 1.0mV output of my Grado. So, I plan on looking at upgrading the table (LP12) with a Keel and Ekos, sometime next year.
If I went to an optical cartridge, would any of that matter? Are the vibration characteristics of such a cartridge different? Would I go to a different type of turntable?
VIbration-wide I have no problems. My current LP12 with Karousel and Trampoline 2 sits on a Target TT5 stand. They seem to be made for each other.
Right now, I just got my final version (3rd) of the P3, all set up with a bunch of opamps and configured nicely for the 1.0mV output of my Grado. So, I plan on looking at upgrading the table (LP12) with a Keel and Ekos, sometime next year.
If I went to an optical cartridge, would any of that matter? Are the vibration characteristics of such a cartridge different? Would I go to a different type of turntable?
VIbration-wide I have no problems. My current LP12 with Karousel and Trampoline 2 sits on a Target TT5 stand. They seem to be made for each other.
Optical cartridges have a different frequency response, so the P3 wouldn't work anymore. Also a lot more output, so much less gain is needed.
I'm quite aware that optical cartridges require an entirely different type of phono preamp.
My question is: do optical cartridges require different turntable/tonearm specifications? Are they as susceptible to vibrations?
If I got an optical cartridge, would my current turntable, which is optimized for a magnetic cartridge, not be optimal?
BTW: my latest P3 is fully dual mono, with dual power supplies. The dynamics are flat out INCREDIBLE. This thing has dynamics that can stop not just on a dime, this thing stops on a nano-dime! The Doughnut Man did a fantastic job on this one and the case for it is awesome. I put thumbscrews on the lid so I can access the op amps easily.
My question is: do optical cartridges require different turntable/tonearm specifications? Are they as susceptible to vibrations?
If I got an optical cartridge, would my current turntable, which is optimized for a magnetic cartridge, not be optimal?
BTW: my latest P3 is fully dual mono, with dual power supplies. The dynamics are flat out INCREDIBLE. This thing has dynamics that can stop not just on a dime, this thing stops on a nano-dime! The Doughnut Man did a fantastic job on this one and the case for it is awesome. I put thumbscrews on the lid so I can access the op amps easily.
I have that same cartridge, just getting broken in nicely. Ever so slightly, very slight tail up attitude on VTF, just off flat level. Very nice
Funny, you say that.
Maybe it´s because of production variations, but I have the opposite experience.
Lowering the armbase slightly "Tail down" to me gave a more coherent fequency response.
When running a small "tail up" of the armbase, the response (in my setup) was a little brighter as to what I like.
Anyway.... this cartridge is probably the best bargain "out there", but still lack´s some of the qualities of the more superior
MC cartidges (IMO).
I´m currently waiting (waiting sucks big time) on an almost unused "Allnic Puritas". Hopefully, I´ll get it before Christmas 😆 😆 .
Will be exciting to see, what "extra" it brings 😎
Yes, different systems, different ears, etc. mine has less, way less than 500hrs, so this may change. I was also advised that the one notch down model red one, EV33 I think. Both of these are bargains, almost bought hana, but I am glad I went this way. Very glad.
Mine wasn't bright sounding, but stage increased, became live, when I barely raised tail. I can adjust VTA on the fly. I have no doubt things will change as it accumulates hours of break in.
Mine wasn't bright sounding, but stage increased, became live, when I barely raised tail. I can adjust VTA on the fly. I have no doubt things will change as it accumulates hours of break in.
Me too (on both my tonearms).
Seems, we have around the same hours on the PTG/II, so your´s should be well broken in by now......
but yeahh, setup varies, our ears are different, so are our preferences, so I belive everything, you write.
Good to hear that you´re happy with the sound 👍 👍
Mine had poor bass response until I adjusted the VTA. The ML seems particularly sensitive here.
Say, I have been shopping for tonearms with "on the Fly: VTA adjustment. Either they are way out of budget like Triplaner, but a member here put me on to one, maybe that was you? I have it bookmarked on phone Name was "6" something or the other, I will have to bring it up again and review.
Was reasonable price, adjustment not the largest on VTA, but sure it would do. What are you using in your Pearl 3 system? This thing has me looking at cartridges too.....I really think it will take in excess of 2-2.5K to better this one by any substantial amount. (the cartridge that is)
Russellc
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On-the-fly VTA is not as useful as it seems. Once it’s set, it’s set.
I have arms with it and without, although handy, it’s not on the top of my list of importance.
YMMV, of course.
I have arms with it and without, although handy, it’s not on the top of my list of importance.
YMMV, of course.
if only records were all the same thickness...
I can see azimuth as an important "set and forget" setting... more than VTR. it's all relative I guess.
logically, it all should matter. but in practise... the better the associated equipment (like these Pearls and BA2018s) the more the potential benefits.
I can see azimuth as an important "set and forget" setting... more than VTR. it's all relative I guess.
logically, it all should matter. but in practise... the better the associated equipment (like these Pearls and BA2018s) the more the potential benefits.
Have two VPI Primes, each with on-the-fly VTA. They fly well and offer you the option to fine tune VTA with active recordings. I use sectional strings as the best source to dial in accurate timbre.
And although they fly well, they don't return well -- meaning you can't use the scale to go back to a specific setting because there is too much play in the axle. Went over this with VPI and they sent me a replacement that mostly has the same problem. But they tried and the company supports their products well.
So, as always, 6L6 is correct: set it and forget it. With a MC cartridge and a demanding orchestral source you will find the correct VTA setting is a requirement.
And although they fly well, they don't return well -- meaning you can't use the scale to go back to a specific setting because there is too much play in the axle. Went over this with VPI and they sent me a replacement that mostly has the same problem. But they tried and the company supports their products well.
So, as always, 6L6 is correct: set it and forget it. With a MC cartridge and a demanding orchestral source you will find the correct VTA setting is a requirement.
@tonyEE
The current tonearm stable - (and yes, this list is ridiculous)
Graham 2.1 Ceramic
Graham 1.5T
Technics EPA-b500 with -a501H and -a250 wands
Jelco SA-750E
Sumiko MMT
Rega RB-250 with a ton of mods
(I have a couple SP-10, FWIW...)
There's a Micro-Seiki MA-505 variant on my DD-40
And the SL-1200 tonearm is stock.
The current tonearm stable - (and yes, this list is ridiculous)
Graham 2.1 Ceramic
Graham 1.5T
Technics EPA-b500 with -a501H and -a250 wands
Jelco SA-750E
Sumiko MMT
Rega RB-250 with a ton of mods
(I have a couple SP-10, FWIW...)
There's a Micro-Seiki MA-505 variant on my DD-40
And the SL-1200 tonearm is stock.
@Russelc:
I hate buying expensive MC cartridges because they start depreciating right away and don't last long enough. Furthermore, Hana ships them in unsealed boxes so you really don't know the unit is new.
Despite all this, the Hana ML at $1200 is the best sound I have ever heard out of a TT. Will buy another when this one dies despite having a custom Denon 103 in the wings.
God, I hate buying cartridges...
I hate buying expensive MC cartridges because they start depreciating right away and don't last long enough. Furthermore, Hana ships them in unsealed boxes so you really don't know the unit is new.
Despite all this, the Hana ML at $1200 is the best sound I have ever heard out of a TT. Will buy another when this one dies despite having a custom Denon 103 in the wings.
God, I hate buying cartridges...
@mhenschel Agree with you as regards azimuth and spend a good amount of time setting this. One of the advantages of the Primes I have is that the tone arm is the pivoting type (on a bearing) so it will naturally improve its azimuth position -- assuming it starts in a close proximity. They put a slot in the head stock and supply a metal rod to dial azimuth in correctly.
@6L6
So many tonearms... and three tables?
So far, I've stayed true to my Linn LP12 ( well, only the Ittok and platter and plinth are original by now), since '89, after I updated from the Dual. All of these years, since 75, I've only had three tables.
Everytime I figure I could use a second one, then I decide to get another amp or preamp... so now I think I'll save some money for the Keel and Ekos. If my wife doesn't watch, maybe I'll get a Lingo 4. Other than the Keel, everything else is "pre-owned".
Done Grado wooden bodies since '96.
VTA? No need to mess with it. Once the cartridge gets set, it stays set. If God wanted on the fly VTA, I'm sure the Linn would offer it. ;-)
So many tonearms... and three tables?
So far, I've stayed true to my Linn LP12 ( well, only the Ittok and platter and plinth are original by now), since '89, after I updated from the Dual. All of these years, since 75, I've only had three tables.
Everytime I figure I could use a second one, then I decide to get another amp or preamp... so now I think I'll save some money for the Keel and Ekos. If my wife doesn't watch, maybe I'll get a Lingo 4. Other than the Keel, everything else is "pre-owned".
Done Grado wooden bodies since '96.
VTA? No need to mess with it. Once the cartridge gets set, it stays set. If God wanted on the fly VTA, I'm sure the Linn would offer it. ;-)