TURNTABLE SETUP Questions thread - don't start a new thread, ASK YOUR QUESTION HERE!

[JuanseAmador]

That would be the stock one. But I could get the Shure M97xE if it's necessary, I think it is.

I am not sure but I think the stock cart is an AT-95.

I am not sure if Shure M97xe would really be an upgrade - their tolerances and QC have been slipping ever after the discontinuation of V15VxMR. Particularly the channel separation took a massive hit, forcing Shure to admit it in their specs ... I really did not fancy the sound of the last sample that went trough my hands - in the beginning, M97xe was a fair cut below V15, but still fine cart. 

I would suggest an AT-120e instead - but you can read more here : http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=233370

But is the AT-95 a fine cartridge? I mean, just until I upgrade it in the near future. I forgot to mention this is my first turntable..

 

[Skylab]

If it's new, or its for sure in good condition with low hours, then yes, the AT-95 is a fine cartridge.

 

[analogsurviver]

If it's new, or its for sure in good condition with low hours, then yes, the AT-95 is a fine cartridge.

Agreed. One thing is for sure - if it is in good condition, it will not ruin your records.
 
For everything else, a nice comparison with 8 more expensive options : 
 
http://www.analogplanet.com/content/nine-cartridges-compared-reviewed-and-voting-results#qMsGogqZpdbftJ3A.97
 
Based on the above review, the most sen$ible solution would be to get the stylus for AT-95SA that fits your existing AT-95E cartridge :
http://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGATN95SA.html
 
but ONLY if AT-LP120 TT allows for precise adjustment of arm height/VTA.
 
PS: Just checked AT-LP120 - it DOES provide for arm height/VTA/SRA adjustment : 
http://www.analogplanet.com/content/audio-technica-lp120-usb-turntable-shames-plastic-competition#LMLkXhZCeeqEwo13.97

 

[]eep]

I think you made a good choice (by accident or on purpose). I already read the stuff on analogplanet. Don't be afraid to adjust the cartridge yourself. It's not rocket science and with this setup you have some tolerance, not as difficult as with expensive (hyperelliptic) needles and unipivot arm. You can just download and print a protractor (of choice, just a generic one will do fine) and look for a small mirror (about 2") to check azimuth (if the arm is not rotated> cartridge is straight above the table).

 

[JuanseAmador]

I think you made a good choice (by accident or on purpose). I already read the stuff on analogplanet. Don't be afraid to adjust the cartridge yourself. It's not rocket science and with this setup you have some tolerance, not as difficult as with expensive (hyperelliptic) needles and unipivot arm. You can just download and print a protractor (of choice, just a generic one will do fine) and look for a small mirror (about 2") to check azimuth (if the arm is not rotated> cartridge is straight above the table).

Well, thanks, haha. Now I'm debating between the LP120 and the Essential II. But I think the 120 will be fine.

 

[penmarker]

Currently building myself a new turntable with the help of you-know-who. Not sure if this is a top secret project or not since parts are hard to come by.

I guess I'll have to finish it first before posting pictures. One problem I'm currently faced now is just, I can't for the life of me find a compatible tonearm rest that is compatible with both the arm and plinth.

 

[analogsurviver]

Currently building myself a new turntable with the help of you-know-who. Not sure if this is a top secret project or not since parts are hard to come by.

I guess I'll have to finish it first before posting pictures. One problem I'm currently faced now is just, I can't for the life of me find a compatible tonearm rest that is compatible with both the arm and plinth.

You' ll have to "kludge" it.
 
In a pinch, the one used for Linn Ittok/Ekos might/may fit - but as anything Linn is a bit pricey... - see above !

 

[dead99]

I am looking for a new phono pre-amp and I stumbled across the Little Bear T10-Pro (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Little-Bear-T10-Pro-12AX7-Tube-valve-Phono-Turntable-RIAA-Preamp-preamplifier-/400935431838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d599d2e9e)

A quick search on the internet doesn't reveal much. Does anyone know anything about this or own it?

 

[JamieMcC]

Has anyone here have any experience or thoughts on the Bottlehead Eros or Reduction tube phono amps?
 
Cheers
Jamie

 

[Shaffer]

Has anyone here have any experience or thoughts on the Bottlehead Eros or Reduction tube phono amps?

Cheers
Jamie

I haven't hear either, but I will strongly suggest staying away from tube phono stages (unless they're balanced from input to output) if you live in an area with RFI issues. Good luck.

 

[]eep]

I've seen that Little Bear before, and I think it's sort of ok from a technical point of view. I would probably modify it straight away, I would never use MKP10 as couplingcaps. Makes it sound dull. But it is lots better than commercial offers at this price. But keep in mind that there can be extra costs for customs (~€50 BTW+inklaring).

Beetje crea-bea en klank is ok maar beetje braaf.

I have a Yaqin MS22 tubestage that had quite a bit of hum but is now dead quiet after modifying the internal wiring and earthing. I live on the 15th floor in an old flat with several antennas on top and not the greatest electrical wiring but I have no issues with RFI. So as always, YMMV.

 

[Shaffer]

I have a Yaqin MS22 tubestage that had quite a bit of hum but is now dead quiet after modifying the internal wiring and earthing. I live on the 15th floor in an old flat with several antennas on top and not the greatest electrical wiring but I have no issues with RFI. So as always, YMMV.

TV antennas on the roof don't really quality, unless the gear is a total POS. Try radio/TV/microwave transmission towers. :rolleyes:

And, why should one have to modify a phono stage (what is a tubestage), when perfectly competent models are available?

 

[foolsgold1986]

I have a pretty easy question.  I bought the auido technica at-lp120-usb.  It is being delivered on Tuesday 7/21/2015.   I need to buy a longer usb cable.  I am pretty sure the cable I need is
 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MSU1HG?colid=2X166QX7JZ31I&coliid=I8LBR6W9N3FES&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl
 
I need someone that has it to verify that it is the correct cable.  What I am trying to do is have it reach my computer from my dresser and the cable that it comes with is probably not long enough.  Thanks in advance.

 

[]eep]

TV antennas on the roof don't really quality, unless the gear is a total POS. Try radio/TV/microwave transmission towers. :rolleyes:

And, why should one have to modify a phono stage (what is a tubestage), when perfectly competent models are available?

In the Netherlands we all have cable. So no-one has tv-antennas anymore. I was referring to UMTS (mobile telephone) antennas. Those are really powerfull and every provider has their own. For dead99 that is a given and no explanation necessary.

As for your second remark... I really don't understand why you would ask that. Would you ask a manufacturer of those very competent models the same thing after an upgrade?
Maybe in NY there are plenty of tube phonopreamplifiers for sale (or maybe not, at any reasonable price) but where I live there I haven't found any competent models under €1k. I bought mine for €150 and modified it to compete with those expensive ones. My main model is even better, and I got that one @ €250. I am not afraid to pick up a soldering iron, I know what to do and am not afraid to experiment.

 

[Shaffer]

In the Netherlands we all have cable. So no-one has tv-antennas anymore. I was referring to UMTS (mobile telephone) antennas. Those are really powerfull and every provider has their own. For dead99 that is a given and no explanation necessary.

I lived directly underneath of a roof full of antennas. All kinds. No RFI issues. My current home, no antennas, lots of RFI.

As for your second remark... I really don't understand why you would ask that. Would you ask a manufacturer of those very competent models the same thing after an upgrade?

I have no idea what you're asking and how it relates to my comment.

Maybe in NY there are plenty of tube phonopreamplifiers for sale (or maybe not, at any reasonable price) but where I live there I haven't found any competent models under €1k. I bought mine for €150 and modified it to compete with those expensive ones. My main model is even better, and I got that one @ €250. I am not afraid to pick up a soldering iron, I know what to do and am not afraid to experiment.

I worked in the audio business for ~15 years and have had more high-performance gear travel through my room than most folks have seen in magazines during the course of their lifetimes. Hence, my comment. Where I live, you couldn't pay me to own a tube phono stage. And the Chinese are able to build such an animal, with acrylic panels and tubes, no less, for a MSRP of $150 that isn't susceptible to RFI? It's a nice dream.