Turntable help

[gdphoto]

Hi, I've dusted off my old Sony PS-454 Turntable and may want to upgrade the cartridge and Needle. I have a very good Sound System and would like something that would improve the sound of my LP's. I'm thinking that the stock set up I have is OK, but there is room for improvement. Do you know of something that would fit the bill? I would also like to upgrade the turntable someday as well and if I get a good cartridge set up I would put it on the new TT.

Also, Are there different setups for straight vs. S shaped tone arms?

Thanks!

Gary

[Tour2ma]

Try reposting over in the 2-Channel section of the forum...

[Keiko]

Found a replacement stylus and I did a quick search on vinylengine. I haven't found a whole lot on this particular model.

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=STPS0454

I'm guessing this is an entry level table, at best. And yes, there are different setups/cartridges for different types of tonearms. Examples: P-Mount, integrated and 1/2in. Moving Coil, Moving Magnetic and variable tonearm adjustments for VTA, tracking force and anti-skate.

[gdphoto]

Thanks Keilo, That's helpful. If I go for a new TT, do you have any suggestions as to which type to get? Also, I can buy a Shure M72B w/needle for $48.00 which will fit my Sony. It's not a lot of money, but do you think it's worth the trouble?

[Keiko]

If the tables working, you can try it. It really just depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. Vinyl can be an expensive venture. It really depends on how much you want to invest and what you want get out of it.

I will say with my current setup, Technics SL-1210M5G and a recently purchased Dynavector 10x5, my turntable sings. The 12xx series tables offer a lot of bang for the buck under 1k and you have all kind of options for tweaking. Some guys will disagree with my choice in turntable. Are there better? Yes, but for what I've invested, I'd have to spend quite a bit more for a better performing rig.

[stuwee]

Thanks Keilo, That's helpful. If I go for a new TT, do you have any suggestions as to which type to get? Also, I can buy a Shure M72B w/needle for $48.00 which will fit my Sony. It's not a lot of money, but do you think it's worth the trouble?

Any upgrade you can do with a cartridge or stylus is well worth the money, as to getting a better turntable, you don't want to buy online and risk having it shipped poorly (box of bits). Look at Craigslist, be patient, something will come along at a great price. I wish you luck! Welcome back to vinyl!

[gdphoto]

Makes sense! I'm also looking at a Shure M97xE w/needle at Amozon for just under $100. When I upgrade I'll put this on the new one.

[Keiko]

Any upgrade you can do with a cartridge or stylus is well worth the money, as to getting a better turntable, you don't want to buy online and risk having it shipped poorly (box of bits). Look at Craigslist, be patient, something will come along at a great price. I wish you luck! Welcome back to vinyl!

No doubt, you can find bargains when buying used. When it comes to turntables, you have to be very careful though. Not a problem buying online as long as it's a reputable dealer, stuwee. kabusa.com would be my first choice for an online dealer. Kevin is a great guy to deal with and is very knowledgeable on the Technics tables. He'll even hotrod it and add some cool tweaks, if you desire.

http://kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/

I ran my 1210 with a Denon, DL160 before upgrading the cart and it's a great match, The DL160 is now discontinued, but you can still find them if you shop around. The DL110 is a suitable alternative.

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=DENONDL160

http://www.needledoctor.com/Denon-DL-110-Cartridge

Another good cartridge that performs well as I understand is the AT1440MLa. These can be had for around 100.00. amazon has them in stock right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT440MLA-Dual-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge/dp/B00009MK3A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295827572&sr=8-1

The Shure, M97xE is a solid, budget performer.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=lh_ni_t_

I have this on my 1210 now and it took my table to a whole new level. They just increased the prices on the Dynavectors. I paid 430.00 for mine and an additional 50.00 for a Sumiko HS12 headshell. I have my DL160 stored for backup now.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Dynavector-10X5-Cartridge

http://www.needledoctor.com/Sumiko-HS12-Headshell

[Keiko]

Here's a few shots of my setup. :smile:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/mikeLee1961/dyna3.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/mikeLee1961/dyna2.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/mikeLee1961/dyna1.jpg

[stuwee]

You're right Keiko, there are good dealers out there online, my bad!

Nice setup you have btw :smile:

[Keiko]

Thanks! She's spinning some ZZ Top for me this very moment. :smile:

[gdphoto]

My old Girl's spinning McCartney's Ram. Haven't heard this on vinyl for 20 yrs. Sounds good. Just ordered the Shure M97eX. She will should sound much better than with this 30 yr old stock Sony cartridge.

In the old days I would sit around on a Sunday night, drink a few beers play my LP's and save some money. Nowadays, I do the same thing except I listen to my CD's, spend money online buying more CD's and Cartridges. Ahh! The simple things. Just wish I had some fellow Polkies nearby that liked their music loud, proud and uncompressed like I do. A Special shout out to Ben for rebuilding my SDA XO's! They are broken in and sounding great.

[Keiko]

Not to imply you aren't correct either, stu. There are some online dealers to be weary of also. As a rule, I just generally deal with the more reputable ones.... Have fun spinning, gd.

[Tour2ma]

My old Girl's spinning McCartney's Ram. Haven't heard this on vinyl for 20 yrs. Sounds good. Just ordered the Shure M97eX. She will should sound much better than with this 30 yr old stock Sony cartridge.
Unless your LP's are already worn, I'd wait for the new Shure... no telling what kind of shape that old Sony stylus is in.

I think your TT was sold as part of a Sony system package.

[gdphoto]

Your right! It came with a rack system I bought in 1982 to use in my photo studio and it worked great for a long time and here I am still using the TT. I should receive the new cartridge tomorrow. I'm curious to hear the difference.

[Tour2ma]

Your right! It came with a rack system I bought in 1982 to use in my photo studio and it worked great for a long time and here I am still using the TT. I should receive the new cartridge tomorrow. I'm curious to hear the difference.
Lucky, educated guess on the rack origins... When Keiko said he couldn't find info on it (he being a web-surfing, link-providing mo-fo)... well, that pretty much says "rack system"... Ditto for amps, tuners, EQ's, etc...

As you may be aware, most rack systems skimped of quality just about everywhere, but nowhere more than speakers followed by TT's. Still rack systems had their niche.

I don't know the M97 (I jumped right from a couple M91ED's to a V15 Type III then V-15 Type IV), but as you can tell I was a big fan of Shures. I'm actually half surprised your old Sony isn't a P-mount. That was another common rack system feature/ trick to lock you into a certain cartridge.

Anyway, I think it's likely you made a good choice in the Shure cartridge. I doubt your TT warrants a much better one, yet you can still use the Shure on any modest move up the TT chain. IMO, modest moves these days pretty much require that you follow the vintage route...

Looking froward to your impressions of the Shure...

[gdphoto]

I should have received the new cartridge yesterday, but because of all of this dam snow it's still not here. If the sound improves a lot I will look into upgrading the TT. What would you folks recommend? I'm hoping to find a good price on a upper end model.

[doctor r]

Give a price range for suggestions.

[madmax]

Unless your LP's are already worn, I'd wait for the new Shure... no telling what kind of shape that old Sony stylus is in.

I think your TT was sold as part of a Sony system package.

Try reposting in the other 2 channel section. :biggrin:

[gdphoto]

I've been so out of the TT loop I don't know what price range I should be in. My gut says to find a good HI FI quality used unit for $100 or less??? There's a guy on Craigs list selling what he claims to be a new AT-PL120 for $160. Doesn't say if there is a cartridge or not, my guess there's not. Not a fan of Craigs list. I bought a new CD player in Dec. for $700 and certainly do not want to spend that much. As you've read above I just bought a Shure cartridge and stylus which cost $100, so if I find a TT for $100 or so I'd be happy. Your thoughts please.

[Keiko]

I had the AT-PL120 before upgrading. Decent table and may be a step up, but some had an issue with humming. Fortunately, mine didn't.

My advice, save up a little more $$$ and get yourself a nice table. I like my Technics, but other entry level decks to consider are the Regas and Projects. I don't have any hands on experience with either of these, but as I understand, they're well regarded turntables. The Debut III looks like a solid choice and comes with an Ortofon OM-5E cartridge, pre-mounted.

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/products/debut.htm

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Rega-Turntables

[gdphoto]

Thanks for your input.

[George Grand]

A couple of local pick-ups:

Technics SL-1400/Works/looks fine, some kind of Audo-Technica cart, original box and packing. $150

Micro Seiki DD-35/Nice direct drive works/looks fine, some kind of Audio-Technica cart. $125

I don't have a Rega or Project, but I know there's not much comparison between either of these and a Sony rack model.

[gdphoto]

Thanks George! I'll keep it in mind. I was at your place last Feb. Picked up a B&K amp and a pair of little Polks.

[Polkersince85]

A couple of local pick-ups:

Micro Seiki DD-35/Nice direct drive works/looks fine, some kind of Audio-Technica cart. $125



That is a deal on the DD-35.

[Tour2ma]

Try reposting in the other 2 channel section. :biggrin:Where you been? The thread was moved here from "The Clubhouse"... :tongue:

POP QUIZ: Name the movie this quote came from...
"... if you're going to sleep this late, you're going to miss a few minidramas."

photo,
Just did a quick ebay cruise and was shocked to see what "vintage" TT's are pulling now... virtually nothing worth a flip going under $100.

In the $100 - 200 range is a whole different game. GG gave some good examples. I'd add AR XA and Dual 1229. Both of which I still own and love (admittedly some nostalgia driven sentimentality involved). Both might still be found under $100 on a good day.

BE patient... watch local... craigslist, ebay, thrift stores, whatever... Go scope out any potential buys with a receiver tucked under one arm and a pair of headphones, if need be.

Meanwhile enjoy your new Shure once it arrives (and thaws out)…

Later…

[Keiko]

A couple of local pick-ups:

Technics SL-1400/Works/looks fine, some kind of Audo-Technica cart, original box and packing. $150

Micro Seiki DD-35/Nice direct drive works/looks fine, some kind of Audio-Technica cart. $125

I don't have a Rega or Project, but I know there's not much comparison between either of these and a Sony rack model.


Thanks George! I'll keep it in mind. I was at your place last Feb. Picked up a B&K amp and a pair of little Polks.

And there ya go. Perfect! Either one of those tables is the ticket. Fits your budget quite nicely and George is just the nicest guy to deal with.

http://www.vintagetechnics.info/turntables/sl1400.htm

http://www.vintage-audio.com.ua/en/cat/185/504.html

[gdphoto]

Finally got the the M97 Friday night, took 3 trips to the UPS terminal. I put it in last night and it definitely sounds better. Better dynamic range and louder with the dial at the same volume setting. Now my issue is a hum when idling, which I'm sure is present in the background during playback and when I increase the volume it sounds like a helicopter flying over the house. These issues were present even with the old cartridge. I'm sure most, if not all of this is due to the Sony low end TT. Any basic TT set up/environment hints will help. Also, a lot of the advise I'm getting involves vintage 30 yr. old TT's. Is a vintage TT for around $150 better than a new one for around $350? I'd like the one I get to be around for a long time.

[Tour2ma]

I honestly cannot address the modern half of your question.

What I can say is that if you are patient and shop wisely, whatever you pay for a vintage TT you will likely get back out of it, when you move on. I do not believe that the same is true if you purchase a new TT.

As for your now louder hum...

The Shure clearly has a higher output and unfortunately that appears to include any loop issues your TT/ tone-arm had (although I am not sure why that would necessarily be the case).

First, is your TT's ground wire securely connected to both your TT's frame and your receiver/ pre-amp?

If yes to the above, then my best 2nd guess is it is an issue with the arm's wiring's shielding from the TT motor or AC supply. For this you can try rerouting the power cord away from the tone-arm's pivot and output leads and see if that helps any. Most times all these tend to run in parallel in a pack... and that invites hum induction.

If neither helps, I'll need more info, e.g., does your Sony have a removable headshell?

[gdphoto]

Thanks Tour! I appreciate your input. You confirmed what I thought about vintage. As far as the ground issue, that was the first thing I thought of last night. I looked in the back of the Sony TT and there was no ground terminal. So I ran a wire from the center screw on the outlet plate to anything metal underneath the TT and it got worse. I'm now thinking that was the the wrong way to ground. I guess this is a sure sign of a cheap TT. I will push the power cord as far to the left as I can and see what happens. What about the pulsating sound I get as I increase the volume.

[gdphoto]

...and yes, it has a removable headshell.

[gdphoto]

It does have a removable headshell. I figured out the pulsating sound. The TT starts vibrating when I increase volume. When I place my hands on either side of it, it stops and sounds better. Now I need to find a way to dampen that.

[Tour2ma]

Removable Headshell means contact points on both the shell and the arm. Check both for oxidation. Oxidation could be inhibiting proper grounding. Clean any found oxidation. An ordinary eraser will do in a pinch. For tight areas one of those old, pencil-like, ink erasers that can be sharpened (the type with the fan brush on the other end) works well. Easy does it though… light touch.

Longer term Caig (http://www.caig.com/)makes a great contact cleaner called De-Oxit. Not cheap, but worth the price. The smallest size should do for a long time for personal use (vs. gear flipping). Something like their little Survival Kit (http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.A/id.2038/.f) should do you.

A couple things could be the source of the pulsing. If you lift the arm off the LP during play, does it stop?

EDIT: I see that acoustic feedback is the pulse source. A more solid surface should help... also remove the dust cover during play.

[gdphoto]

I moved the TT up off the cabinet onto a shelf and it got better. I can now go about 15-20% louder before I get any acoustic feedback. Sill room for improvement. Would this get better with a better TT?

[Tour2ma]

Yes...

I'd bet your Sony is a lightweight aluminum platter with a poor suspension system... both contribute to its sensitivity to sound.

My original TT (a Garrard SL-72B) was a lightweight like your Sony albeit with a decent suspension... TT was my first upgrade. After one-year of suffering I bought a Dual 1229 with which I spent 15 happy years. Since then it’s been a series of Thorens... new, old and older.

All of the suggestions made throughout the thread are TT's with heavier platters and better (in one case revolutionary) suspensions.

I'd also bet your Sony is a direct drive design. Most of the ones mentioned (maybe all) also incorporate drives other than direct, e.g., belt or rim (idler wheel) or combination. Not that direct drives cannot be good, they can be, but isolating the motor from the platter is generally considered to be desirable to lower the noise floor.

EDIT: An even more solid surface may help even more... Also the material the surface is made of is a factor. MDF (particle board) is deader than most solid woods. If you can find the best spot for this sensitive Sony, you've found your spot for any new TT you nab...

Was it on a speaker before or other "cabinet"? Is the current shelf fixed or the adjustable type?

Also, any hum improvement?

[Fongolio]

It does have a removable headshell. I figured out the pulsating sound. The TT starts vibrating when I increase volume. When I place my hands on either side of it, it stops and sounds better. Now I need to find a way to dampen that.

I've had this problem with my mid-level suspended Pro-ject table and isolation from the floor was the key. One very inexpensive fix that worked suprisingly well was I took a couple of new tennis balls and cut them in half and set the turntable on top of them. It made leveling the plinth a pain as it used to sit on 3 adjustable cones but I can play the system to ear bleed levels without the table picking up the room vibration. Super effective and super cheap.

Kelvin

[gdphoto]

Now that's what I call a turntable with balls!

[gdphoto]

It was not on a speaker it was on top of the cabinet that houses the TV. Now it's up on an adjustable shelf above the cabinet.

[Bassphil]

I'm a fan of older Thorens tables, specifically anything in the TD145, TD160, and TD165 series. They sound great stock, and their very easy to tweak and upgrade down the road when you get the bug. You can find good ones in the $75-$200 range on eBay.

[Fongolio]

I agree on the above statement as well. I've got a Thorens TD-160 for my second table and it's one of the best suspended tables for isolating room vibrations I've ever tried. Mines 100% stock except for a custom bottom cover I made for it with feet off an old junk Rotel table I had. It sounds great but with stock arm needs a high compliance cartridge.

[Tour2ma]

photo,
Got it... you may have raised it above the fray and/or eliminated the floor route Fong mentioned.

The Hum?

Fong,
Wood 2nd floor or 1st w/ a basement... yes? Underfloor space can really eff up the sound as well.

Bp,
Thorens TD-320, 124, 125 here... Love them but they stole their suspesion from AR... at least that's what AR said.

[gdphoto]

Well, last night on ebay I came across an SL-1210-MK5 with 3 hours to go and a high bid of $325.00. The photos looked real good, not beat up like most 1200's that probably belonged to some DJ commando. Anyway, I threw in a bid of $450.00 and went to bed thinking, no way will I get it. To my surprise the next morning, I checked in to find that I won it for $405.00. There's no head-shell, but I ordered a new original for $26.00. Shipping between them is $57.00. Did I do good?

[Keiko]

488.00 total. Not bad, but honestly, maybe a little more than I'd be willing to pay on a used Technics. Don't get me wrong, it's a good table and hopefully it wasn't abused. How did the seller describe it, new or used? Pics are helpful, but I wouldn't completely rely on them.

[gdphoto]

It's used. Here's the link to the auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=230577922052&si=e4X54Lv4YuY02qVuokQUxMS1NSo%253D&viewitem=

[Keiko]

http://cgi.ebay.com/TECHNICS-SL-1210MK5-Direct-Drive-Turntable-/230577922052?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item35af83e004

Looks good, but check it out thoroughly once you receive it, gd. Description is pretty vague.

this auction is for TECHNICS SL-1210MK5 Direct Drive Turntable ,this unit was fully tested and it's in good working condition

and also it's in good shape ,very clean.

i don't have enough information about this iten thats way i posted lot of pictures ,so please look at the pictures .what's you see is what you get.

note:you can get all information you need about this turntable from others ebay listing or from the website.

Turntables are a bitch to pack properly for shipping, hopefully the seller knows what he's doing and packs it correctly. These beasts are heavy and weigh in at over 26lbs.

Good luck!

[Keiko]

It's used. Here's the link to the auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=230577922052&si=e4X54Lv4YuY02qVuokQUxMS1NSo%253D&viewitem=

Thought so. I looked up the completed listings. Looks clean and not beat up. As long as she's functioning @ 100% it's not a bad deal. Not great, but not bad.

[Tour2ma]

So much for be patient and look local...:biggrin:

Looks like a seasoned seller. If he packs well, all should be good.

Good luck...

[gdphoto]

Thanks! This one was IMO the best one for the money and looked pretty good. I'll find out Friday when it gets here. There used to be a great high end hifi equipment shop near me, but has been gone for maybe 6 yrs. now. It's hard to go somewhere and check this stuff out in person anymore. Anyway, I'm into this one now and I'll hope for the best. I communicated with the seller and he seemed OK. Hopefully, I'll end up with a great stable TT, even if it needs a bit of a cleaning and tune up, that will be around for a long time.

You know, that after I tweek this out and have it running perfect and play it for awhile, I going to start a debate on good LP's vs. remastered CD's.

[Keiko]

Couple of good accessories for tweaking this table:

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm

http://www.needledoctor.com/Clearaudio-Twister

[gdphoto]

Quick question. Any problem cleaning LP's using a soft cloth & Windex?

[Keiko]

Quick question. Any problem cleaning LP's using a soft cloth & Windex?

DO NOT use Windex on your records! Some people do and swear by it, but I've read also that ammonia is corrosive to vinyl. I strongly recommend you get yourself a vacuum type record cleaning machine like the VPI or Nitty Gritty. They are pricey, but they are well worth it.

I used this method for awhile with decent results until I invested in a VPI HW17, but nothing is going to better a good vac type RCM.

http://www.gallagher.com/clean_records.htm

Now, here's what I intentionally came for to tell you, gdphoto. I just heard a vinyl rip CD that I acquired from someone that uses the same Shure, M97xE cartridge you own. However, he replaced the stock stylus with a Jico SAS. Mind you, I haven't heard this particular turntable, (Pioneer PL-630) but this rip, Led Zeppelin IV sounded pretty damn good, IMO, since I rip a lot of my own vinyl. Here's a link from lpgear.com for the stylus.

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=e007498&Category_Code=JICO

I googled this combo earlier this morning and found some really positive comments regarding this cartridge/stylus combination. I don't own any MM cartridges for my table right now, but I'm going to give this serious consideration later on once my finances improve. You can check out the reviews on vinylasylum, vinylengine and the Steve Hoffman forums also. Think you'll find some good, interesting reading there on this.... Ain't it fun? :biggrin:

Cheers,

Mike

[gdphoto]

Thanks! It is fun...Everybody needs a hobby. To quote Peppi LaPue.

Tomorrow, according to the tracking info, I should receive the TT & headshell.

I hope I done good. To quote Rocky Balboa.

[gdphoto]

Random question: I have access to a batch of very clean 78's and I'd like to know if it is at all possible, with the proper stylus and playing with the speed control on the SL 1210 that these can be played?

[Keiko]

Random question: I have access to a batch of very clean 78's and I'd like to know if it is at all possible, with the proper stylus and playing with the speed control on the SL 1210 that these can be played?

As long as the 1210's modded, yes. Stock, the 12xx's don't have the 78rpm speed function.

[Tour2ma]

^ Shouldn't be more than a different drive pulley.... Yes?

As for Windex, not corrosive to vinyl 'cause it uses Amonia-D... :tongue: I kid, but corrosivity is not an issue. Residual ammonia is a nutrient for growing bacteria and bacteria will eat vinyl. Plus there are other additives in Windex I'd stay away from.

photo,
IMO your real cleaning issue is having nothing better than a cloth to remove dirt. You can penetrate the grooves (both of them... :wink:) with any number of spray concoctions that will loosen accumnulated gunk. However, unless you follow with some mechanical means of pulling out the garage, much of it will simply reset when it dries. Your cloth may get dirty from the soluble portion of the grunge, but that does not mean that your record is "clean".

Machines and/ or a good brush are essential.

[Keiko]

^ Shouldn't be more than a different drive pulley.... Yes?

Not sure, but they can be modded for 78. If you want to do this, your best bet is to contact Kevin at kabusa.

http://kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/

[Tour2ma]

Nevermind... forgot for a second we were dealing with a direct drive TT... :redface:

[Keiko]

So what's the story on this gd, table arrive in good, working order?

[gdphoto]

Sorry for the delay, but the TT arrived on time. It looks and works fine. The dust cover had some damage and the seller refunded some money. I installed the new Shure cartridge and stylus, adjusted the tone arm and it sounds great. I actually ripped an album to CD and it sounds really good for the first time. I do have a question though, with the tone arms tracking set as per the cartridge, would I be free to adjust it to my liking and if so, what do I listen for and what adjustments would I make?

[quadzilla]

Sorry for the delay, but the TT arrived on time. It looks and works fine. The dust cover had some damage and the seller refunded some money. I installed the new Shure cartridge and stylus, adjusted the tone arm and it sounds great. I actually ripped an album to CD and it sounds really good for the first time. I do have a question though, with the tone arms tracking set as per the cartridge, would I be free to adjust it to my liking and if so, what do I listen for and what adjustments would I make?

The only thing you should ever do is properly align the cartridge and set the vertical tracking angle and tracking force. Carts typically have a range of tracking force listed in their specs. You can play within that range to find what sounds best to you.

[Keiko]

Sorry for the delay, but the TT arrived on time. It looks and works fine. The dust cover had some damage and the seller refunded some money. I installed the new Shure cartridge and stylus, adjusted the tone arm and it sounds great. I actually ripped an album to CD and it sounds really good for the first time. I do have a question though, with the tone arms tracking set as per the cartridge, would I be free to adjust it to my liking and if so, what do I listen for and what adjustments would I make?

Here's a link that you'll find helpful, gd. Download the pdf in post #9.

http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15610&highlight=setting+bias

If you want to replace the dustcover, contact Kevin @ kabusa.com

[Chf]

Finally got the the M97 Friday night, took 3 trips to the UPS terminal. I put it in last night and it definitely sounds better. Better dynamic range and louder with the dial at the same volume setting. Now my issue is a hum when idling, which I'm sure is present in the background during playback and when I increase the volume it sounds like a helicopter flying over the house. These issues were present even with the old cartridge. I'm sure most, if not all of this is due to the Sony low end TT. Any basic TT set up/environment hints will help. Also, a lot of the advise I'm getting involves vintage 30 yr. old TT's. Is a vintage TT for around $150 better than a new one for around $350? I'd like the one I get to be around for a long time.

Hi Gary,
This is a pretty late response, but I discovered this thread only after experiencing the same "helicopter noise" through one of the speakers.
I first thought it was the turntable itself (Thorens TD160 with DL-110 cartridge), but by moving the preamp around, I discovered that the preamp (Pro-Ject Phono Box S) was picking up noise from my wireless network router that was sitting right next to it.
Solution was as easy: moe the preamp further away from the wireless router.

Cheers,
Charles

[Erik Tracy]

Die spammer...die..... reported

[Chf]

Die spammer...die..... reported

Is this in response to my post above?!

/Charles

[chumlie]

Is this in response to my post above?!

/Charles

No. Spam got erased so it looks like he's responding to you.