Well, I hope you guys are happy now....

[wingnut4772]

After months of vascilating I finally got a turntable! (With my HT down I need something..C'mon!:p )

I picked up a Rega P2 with a glass platter and a Dynavector 10X5 cartridge.

I have to wait a bit to set it up though because I am waiting on the Paraound pre I bought and my tweeters (long story) are coming back from Von Schweikert so no reviews until probably next week or so.....

So I hope you guys are proud of yourselves for twisting my arm and getting me started with vinyl!:mad: :eek:










:D :p

[janmike]

Congrats. Ah come on, you're happy and you know it. Enjoy!

[Ricardo]

Congrats Darla; you won't be disappointed.

[BottomFeeder]

I'm looking forward to your comments as I, too, have been considering embracing the dark side.

Let us know!

[lightman1]

It's a beautiful medium. But try not to bias the different sounds you may hear from vinyl against digital, your head will pop right off your shoulders. Big mess to clean.
Congrats,
Lightman

[wingnut4772]

So did I do ok? I wanted to keep the budget sane in case I don't really dig it.

[cmy330go]

You can't really go wrong with anything by Rega or Dynavector. I'm assuming you have a Parasound Zphono on the way?

Keep us posted, and CONGRATS!!!

[wingnut4772]

You can't really go wrong with anything by Rega or Dynavector. I'm assuming you have a Parasound Zphono on the way?

Keep us posted, and CONGRATS!!!

I bought This Parasound PHP 850 (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56869) from Polkmaniac.

[danger boy]

very cool, and congrats!

[cmy330go]

I bought This Parasound PHP 850 (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56869) from Polkmaniac.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's essentially the same circuitry. When I bought my Halo P3 I contacted Parasound to ask them if I was better off using my older Parasound PPH-100 or the integrated phono stage. They recommended the PPH-100, but only because it would be isolated. Turns out it was the same design. Who knew.:rolleyes:

[F1nut]

Snap, crackle, pop! ;) :D

[dorokusai]

I've heard good-stellar vinyl when I traveled but absolutely no desire to own it, ever. A couple recent publications stating "Vinyl Lives!" just keep the subscriber or reader thinking its all worth it. I'm deathly afraid of getting bit by the vinyl bug, believe me.

Before you vinyl freaks turn red, save it for someone else, I don't care ;)

Wingnut - Good luck, have fun with that cool table and I'm sure you'll find this or that that makes you happy.

[TroyD]

Yeah, that's a good place to start w/vinyl.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you enjoy it, cool. If you don't pass it on and chalk it up to experience.

That said, clean vinyl is VERY important. Without access to a cleaning machine, I don't think you can attain much satisfaction.

BDT

[cmy330go]

...Before you vinyl freaks turn red, save it for someone else, I don't care....

You might consider taking your own advice.:rolleyes:

[engtaz]

Congrats you will love it. Pics please.

[george daniel]

congratulations,,have fun and enjoy, I think that it may surprise you. :)

[pearsall001]

Congrats & have fun!! Another convert to the "Darkside". You know you can still pick up an old Model T for a fun & exciting driving experience. I hear they chug, snap, crackle, & pop too. Nah, only breaking 'em...enjoy!! :)

[wingnut4772]

Congrats & have fun!! Another convert to the "Darkside". You know you can still pick up an old Model T for a fun & exciting driving experience. I hear they chug, snap, crackle, & pop too. Nah, only breaking 'em...enjoy!! :)

Ha No thanks. i will stick with my current form of transportation.

[wingnut4772]

Snap, crackle, pop! ;) :D

I didn't hear any of that in the shop.

I guess a cleaner is next. According to the shop owner, I should be pretty happy with this TT as far as upgraditus for a while. He swears by the cartridge and the tonearm. He gave me the glass platter upgrade for free as well - I guess it will make a difference although I don't see how.

I was going to get the VPI Scout but I just could not justify it without even knowing if I will like the format. He said he would give me 80% of the value when and if I decide to trade up.

[strider]

You may want to check out this record cleaning machine from KAB Audio:

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

I've had one for +/- 6 months, it's done the job so far. The pricier ones from VPI and Nitty Gritty have more features, but I got frustrated trying to find a VPI machine used, and couldn't justify spending more money on cleaning machine then I did on my turntable.

Have fun and enjoy it!

[wingnut4772]

You may want to check out this record cleaning machine from KAB Audio:

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

I've had one for +/- 6 months, it's done the job so far. The pricier ones from VPI and Nitty Gritty have more features, but I got frustrated trying to find a VPI machine used, and couldn't justify spending more money on cleaning machine then I did on my turntable.

Have fun and enjoy it!

Thanks.

I just found out my tweeters won't arrive 'till next Friday. Maybe I will rig something in the meantime.

[steveinaz]

Dang Darla, your going all high-end and stuff. pretty soon you wont even talk to us scrubs.

[shack]

Another decent affordable vinyl cleaning machine is the Record Doctor III from Audio Advisor. Basically a Nitty Gritty privately branded and a little cheaper. I got one when it was on sale for around $200. I looked at the basic one from KAB (also a Nitty Gritty design) but didn't want to fool with a separate vacuum and it was worth a little more to have an all-in-one machine.

Here is the link:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NGRD3

[billbillw]

If your really cheap, like me, you can use the "Spin-Wash" system that Garage-a-Records sells. It works very well at the cleaning part, but getting the records dry in a hurry takes a lot of effort. I originally started by using a spare junk table to help me spin/dry the records using a combination of lint free cloths (gauze) and microfiber cloths.
Wash, drip, dry one side quickly, flip and dry the other side. That worked pretty good, but I found that the cloths all got too wet after about 10-15 records. Then I had to wash/dry the cloths and wait to clean records another day.

I was fortunate enough to have someone give me their DIY record vacuum last spring and now things go a little quicker and I don't have as many wet cloths. The DIY cleaner is similar to what KABUSA sells. I still think the Spin Wash is a great first step, because the entire playing surface gets submerged and the cleaning brushes are very tight. Soaking loosens the grime, the brushes get deep and clean stuff out, the chemical solution then flocks the stuff out and it settles. The water itself doesn't get that dirty, even after 20 old records.

In the end, the VPI style cleaners are the best in my opinion. If you are going to spend $200 on the cheapest Nitty Gritty, you might as well spend another $150 for a used VPI.

[TroyD]

The Record Doctor machine is, indeed a good machine. If you go that route though, pick up a cheap, old direct drive table. Remove the arm (or don't) and use the platter to scrub the records.

That said, the VPI is the shiznit.

BDT

[reeltrouble1]

The Rega is great, extremely easy set up, Rega is all about getting you to the music quickly. You can upgrade them quite a bit, a tweaker's dream machine, nice cartridge you got there lady. If I remember right that Rega has the RB300 arm, quite famous in TT land and used on many other machines.

Congrats and enjoy.

RT1

[cmy330go]

The Rega is great, extremely easy set up, Rega is all about getting you to the music quickly. You can upgrade them quite a bit, a tweaker's dream machine, nice cartridge you got there lady. If I remember right that Rega has the RB300 arm, quite famous in TT land and used on many other machines.

Congrats and enjoy.

RT1

Actually they come with the RB250, which is sometimes preferred by tweakers.

[wingnut4772]

Actually they come with the RB250, which is sometimes preferred by tweakers.

Yes. Shop guy said it was actually better for some reason.

[reeltrouble1]

cool, I have seen many great reviews on the 250 as well, I would certainly expect that Rega matched the arm to the table.

Your going to spinning in no time, oh, and yea, you need the cleaning stuff along with some brushes, I like the Hunt and the scrubbing brushes of mobile fidelity, also I have a curved Stanton brush I really like as it is easy to swoop the dust off the disc when dry brushing the final touches.

Oh yea, just one more for now,,,,,,the onzow zero dust stylus cleaner, ok, I am sure we will have some more stuff tomorrow.......maybe a sub-platter.......:D

RT1

[hearingimpared]

I'm proud of you girl!!! You didn't let the crumudgeon's cough. . . F1NUT, cough DORO, cough Pearsall001 sway you from the great sound. :p :p :p

The Dynavector 10 x 5 is a great cartridge and will surprise you.

Great advise above. I can't add a thing except to echo . . . keep it clean and kick back and get lost in the emotion of the music.:)

PS: Rega's are great for upgrading. . .ask Ted.

[hearingimpared]

I'm looking forward to your comments as I, too, have been considering embracing the dark side.

Let us know!

Don't look forward Preacher just embrace it!:)

[SCompRacer]

Congrats on your entry into vinyl Darla. When I got back into vinyl, I started with a Rega Planar 2 with a Japenese R200 arm that I rewired. After relying on Japanese made arms for many years, the Rega RB300 was the first British made arm supplied with the Rega tables. The RB250 is similar, with the main difference in the bearings. As Joe mentioned, the Dynavector 10x5 is a great cartridge. Very dynamic.

The RB250's bearings are mounted on either side of the vertical-pivoting part of the gimbal, whereas the RB300 and higher arms all have both sides of the bearing on the same side of the gimbal. The claim is that the wider spacing of the bearings on the RB250 offers greater stability than Rega's higher-priced arms.

With vinyl, your upgrade path is only limited by your budget. If desired, the RB250 arm can be modded to improve it. One is replacing the stock plastic counterweight stub along with a heavy counterweight. The other is better internal wiring.

If you like vinyl but want more, get your ears on as many different tables as you can to see what you like. Sporty-dynamic, rich and warm, etc.

Enjoy.

[wingnut4772]

Thanks. I have not heard it yet but I think if I upgrade I will just trade it in for the 80% but who knows? I will probably be satisfied with it the way it is.

[madmax]

Cool! Its about time you joined the 21st century of audio reproduction! :D
madmax

[hearingimpared]

Cool! Its about time you joined the 21st century of audio reproduction! :D
madmax

LOL!

[wingnut4772]

How important is it to have the player perfectly level? I have dreaded Mexican tile and it's terribly uneven.


Also, I know it's been mentioned before BUT.....what are some good vinyl buying sites? The usual subjects (Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds etc) are a bear to navigate and take forever.

[hearingimpared]

The platter and tonearm board should be perfectly level. There should be adjustments either with the feet or the suspension.

[madmax]

Mine sounds better when level.
madmax

[hearingimpared]

How important is it to have the player perfectly level? I have dreaded Mexican tile and it's terribly uneven.


Also, I know it's been mentioned before BUT.....what are some good vinyl buying sites? The usual subjects (Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds etc) are a bear to navigate and take forever.

Darla when there is something in particular that I am looking for, I google it. That gives me a plethora of sites to choose from, from new sealed LPs to used. For the newer releases I use Elusive Disc and the others you've named. Goodwill shops, Salvation Army and thrift shops are great places to hit the jackpot on vinyl. I've accumulated a nice little jackpot from those types of establishments. George Grand posts records here and everything I've gotten from him is just as he describes plus I've gotten a few gems too.

[madmax]

The absolute coolest thing about vinyl is picking up 50 like new lp's you've never heard of for maybe $30, playing them and finding a few you would have spent $50 a piece for. It happens to me almost every time. Of course you have to like stuff for what it is rather than trying to find a very specific thing.

Another thing that happens is a lot of times you find something so cool for a quarter that you end up buying everything else by the same artist. I've done that many times. The last one was Laurie anderson. Bought one mint lp for under a dollar. It was so cool I ended up spending about $80 for 4 more lp's and a laserdisc of hers.

I love so much more music now than I did two years ago! Its absolutely amazing how much older good stuff there is that you would never actually consider buying before being exposed to it.

I moved to vinyl for the quality but found variety. If I did it over again today I think I would spend a lot less money for the "quality" aspect. Maybe not now but if I wasn't already used to very good gear...

madmax

[BottomFeeder]

Don't look forward Preacher just embrace it!:)

Ehhhh...still waffling.

1. It seems like there are so many "must have" accessoriies that jack up the price of getting into vinyl. Maybe you or others could give me a "bare bones" list of truly must haves that would be sufficient to just get me started!

2. When Danger Boy gets his SDA2's up and running, then I'll get the chance not only to hear those bad boys, but to hear his TT as well. I'd like to look a little before I leap! I haven't heard a TT in a loooooong time!

Thanks for the encouragement! :)

[hearingimpared]

Ehhhh...still waffling.

1. It seems like there are so many "must have" accessoriies that jack up the price of getting into vinyl. Maybe you or others could give me a "bare bones" list of truly must haves that would be sufficient to just get me started!

2. When Danger Boy gets his SDA2's up and running, then I'll get the chance not only to hear those bad boys, but to hear his TT as well. I'd like to look a little before I leap! I haven't heard a TT in a loooooong time!

Thanks for the encouragement! :)

No problem at all. All you need is a turntable. Then you take it slow after that. Just one thing however. Pristine records are a must. There are hundreds of ways to get to city hall pick one.:)

[BottomFeeder]

Ok, thanks.

We'll see. I'll start w/Danger & go from there.

[cmy330go]

.....Also, I know it's been mentioned before BUT.....what are some good vinyl buying sites? The usual subjects (Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds etc) are a bear to navigate and take forever.

If you are looking for new vinyl that sites you mentioned are good sources. If you are looking for rare/imports that can't be found elsewhere, and you don't mind spending some coin check out www.eil.com.

For used vinyl Joe has already mentioned a number of good sources. Other than that you could check out Half Price Books if you have one in your area. Also a while back I started a thread (LINK (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52972)) for anyone searching for specific albums. It hasn't seen much use so far, but feel free to post any albums you are looking for and I would be happy to check my local vinyl shops for them.

[wingnut4772]

Ok. I am obviously doing something wrong. I put in my Brand New Norah Jones Album and I am hearing a whole bunch of snap cracle pop. I cleaned it with the brush and the stylus with the cleaner and it's way worse. It's so annoying and frustrating because if it were not for that it would sound so good.

[Ricardo]

Have you wet-cleaned the record? Dry brushes sometimes just move dust from one place to the other; I learned by doing ;)

[wingnut4772]

Have you wet-cleaned the record? Dry brushes sometimes just move dust from one place to the other; I learned by doing ;)

No. I don't have that stuff. I just now opened the album though. It's brand spankin' new.

[reeltrouble1]

It may be full of yeast they use to release from the mold when they press the record, just cuz its new does not mean its clean Darla.

rT1

[wingnut4772]

It may be full of yeast they use to release from the mold when they press the record, just cuz its new does not mean its clean Darla.

rT1

Ohhhh. Well H- E double hocky sticks! Guess I 'll have to get a cleaner because the music (aside from the pops:mad: ) is incredible.

[Ricardo]

You don't really NEED a cleaning machine, which all it really does is provide a platform for cleaning and vacuum the liquid. If I were you, I'd be very frustrated also, and would take that record to the sink and wash with a very diluted dishwashing liquid solution, let fully dry and try again. Some will say that you need distilled water, etc, but one wash with tap water won't damage anything.

[wingnut4772]

You don't really NEED a cleaning machine, which all it really does is provide a platform for cleaning and vacuum the liquid. If I were you, I'd be very frustrated also, and would take that record to the sink and wash with a very diluted dishwashing liquid solution, let fully dry and try again. Some will say that you need distilled water, etc, but one wash with tap water won't damage anything.

Ok. I will do that now. I have distilled water as well.

[Ricardo]

Then use it for rinsing. Make sure it is really dry (in the grooves) before playing it. And try to avoid wetting the label too much :)

[wingnut4772]

Okay. I just really rinsed it. I don't have a brush for wet records so I will let it dry and see. Thanks

[Ricardo]

Hint...hint

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1195311303

[wingnut4772]

Hint...hint

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1195311303

Thanks. I sent the seller a message.:)

[reeltrouble1]

Oh no, the pain of the dirty water.............well, if water you must then distilled is the recommended, ain't vinyl fun!!!!!

I hope it sounds better now, get thee to the brush store, this is not snake oil Darla, you do need this stuff.

RT1

[Ricardo]

Hope you can get it; at that price these things don't last too much.

[wingnut4772]

Oh no, the pain of the dirty water.............well, if water you must then distilled is the recommended, ain't vinyl fun!!!!!

I hope it sounds better now, get thee to the brush store, this is not snake oil Darla, you do need this stuff.

RT1

I have the dry brush. That made it worse. I am listening to the SACD of the same Norah album. What a difference in the vinyl! If it weren't for that annoying noise it would win hands down.

[reeltrouble1]

Well, I take it its both sides of the album?? Every now and then you can get a bad pressing, especially the first track as it gets pulled to soon from the press before it properly cools down, but the noise should go away by the second track. But most new albums a dead quiet, I think its something in the set up but do you have another album to try. I bet Norah Jones would sound great on vinyl.

You have enough tracking force on the cartridge? Easy to adjust on the Rega. So after you rinsed the record it is still bad, well, you may need to scrub the record to get into the grooves and get the yeast mold out of there, other than that well, where the hell is MadMax??? or HI????? for some more ideas, or one of you other TT guys.

RT1

[billbillw]

I don't think simply rinsing will do anything unless you have a brush of some sort to get down in the grooves and loosen stuff up.

I still say, just buy the Spin Clean from Garage-a-Records. It works very well, I can testify to that. Its not as easy as using a VPI, but IMHO, it cleans just as well. Just be sure to dry quickly after removing the record.

http://www.garage-a-records.com/spin.html

[wingnut4772]

Ok. I dug up an Arcade Fire album my roommate has. It's not very clean but I brushed it and its quiet. So I guess Norah is just a dirty girl.

[reeltrouble1]

yea, but she can say "light bulb" and turn my ticket anyday........

hehehehehe

once you get the cleaning machine I suspect things will be much better

RT1

[wingnut4772]

yea, but she can say "light bulb" and turn my ticket anyday........

hehehehehe

once you get the cleaning machine I suspect things will be much better

RT1

I spoke to my dealer and we adjusted the 'anti skating' device and it's better but not dead quiet. He assured me that we will get there or I can bring it back. He sold me a brand new VPI cleaner for $450.00 as well so I went ahead and got it from him. I should get it on Thursday.

I will say that even with these snafus...Vinyl sounds so much better than cd. I can't wait till I have it dialed in.

Edit: Picking up the VPI tomorrow

[wingnut4772]

Actually upon further listening, the Arcade Fire album is snappy poppy too. Sigh. I may have to drive up to Holywood tomorrow.

[wingnut4772]

Ok. So tomorrow I go to pick up my VPI cleaner and have Larry double check my player and Dynavector with these albums. On the plus side my handpicked by Albert Von Schweikert himself tweeters are sounding very special.

[Ricardo]

Ok. So tomorrow I go to pick up my VPI cleaner and have Larry double check my player and Dynavector with these albums. On the plus side my handpicked by Albert Von Schweikert himself tweeters are sounding very special.

No better way to test tweeters than with a bunch of cracks & pops :p

I'm sure they will fix it; and then, you're doomed :)

[cmy330go]

That much crackle from new vinyl seems a little odd. Are you certain you have a good solid ground connection?

Congrats on the cleaner! You'll love it.

[hearingimpared]

It sounds to me that the zenith of the cartridge is off; one way to tell is if the noise is more prevelant in one channel or not. I wouldn't waste one more second Darla, take it back to the dealer and have them start from scratch and rebuild the table, tonearm and cartriges settings.

PLEASE MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE that all you have to do with the table when you get home is to make sure it is level.

PS: All new and used records should be given a treatment of MFSL Super Deep cleaning fluid. Madmax knows it by another name. This stuff removes ALL of the mold release compounds that Ted spoke of and if you buy a used LP you will ensure with this particular cleaner that all the nasties that have accumulated over the years will be floated out of those gooves. I would then give the record a dose of MFSL Super Record wash and the finish it with VPI record cleaning fluid.

Seems a bit extreme doesn't it but I assure you, once you do this to an LP you never have to do it again and that record will give you manys years of enjoyment.

I have records that I purchased when I was in my teens, many, many moons ago, that I took care of and they still sound awesome.

One other thought. Vinyl is very prone to mold and is very susceptible to it. There is a product out there call Vinyl-Zyme Gold. This stuff is incredible. It is $50 for a 2 oz bottle of concentrate, it makes four gallons. I would use this on all my new and used records before the MFSL Super Deep cleaner stage.

This all sounds like one big pain-in-the-buttocks but it only has to be done once per record. After that, it take one minute tops to clean an already treated LP.

This is what I do with all my LPs and they will last forever. If you have any questions about what I've written please PM me.

[F1nut]

I pop a shiny silver or gold disc in the tray, push play and kick back.......Norah sounds great on SACD :D

[wingnut4772]

I pop a shiny silver or gold disc in the tray, push play and kick back.......Norah sounds great on SACD :D

She sounds better on vinyl. You will see. :p Tomorrow I will be posting about the blissful pop free sounds....

[wingnut4772]

No better way to test tweeters than with a bunch of cracks & pops :p

I'm sure they will fix it; and then, you're doomed :)

LOL. I am also listening to cd's and SACD.

[F1nut]

She sounds better on vinyl. You will see. :p Tomorrow I will be posting about the blissful pop free sounds....

Yeah, yeah.....the problem is your SACD player if the LP sounds better.

[wingnut4772]

Yeah, yeah.....the problem is your SACD player if the LP sounds better.

Suuuuure it is:D




What I like most so far about the promise of what I am hearing (anyway) is NO DIGITAL GLARE. Chicks are really sensitive to that. When I get this all ironed out I will try to convert Cathy!:D

[hearingimpared]

My new cartridge makes snaps, crackle and pop, ticks or surface noise a thing of the past. I can't believe how quiet my records are now. My wife said it sounds like a CD. F1Nut when you come again, I'll lay a pillow on the floor so your jaw doesn't get bruised. . . you too Pearsall001!

[Ricardo]

When I get this all ironed out I will try to convert Cathy!:D

Sure; Cathy will go to vinyl right after she gets some tube gear....;)

[hearingimpared]

Sure; Cathy will go to vinyl right after she gets some tube gear....;)

. . . tubed amp rated at 8 watts per channel!:D

[F1nut]

From the owner of Water Lilly Records in the article Ken linked, "Kavi Alexander >
I was very surprised and so were my diehard tube-loving friends on how good the new hi-rez PCM and DSD sounds. This new generation of digital gear definitely has better dynamic range than analog, a very important consideration when recording symphonic music."

To be fair, he also states that he prefers LP's for his personal listening.



BTW, I don't have any digital glare with my set up. It's not the format, but what's being used for playback and also the recording. I've heard vinyl that sounds good and vinyl that has made me run out of the room.

[hearingimpared]

I've heard vinyl that sounds good and vinyl that has made me run out of the room.

That goes both ways. . . e.g. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
Great LP, great SACD, horrible ear bleaching CD.

I can't argue with the convenience of CD/SACDs.

[wingnut4772]

From the owner of Water Lilly Records in the article Ken linked, "Kavi Alexander >
I was very surprised and so were my diehard tube-loving friends on how good the new hi-rez PCM and DSD sounds. This new generation of digital gear definitely has better dynamic range than analog, a very important consideration when recording symphonic music."

To be fair, he also states that he prefers LP's for his personal listening.

Actually I do agree that it could be a myriad of things but I think I will draw the line at $1000.00 for my SACD player (Pioneer Elite 79avi) although I did not pay that for it. I think that dollar for dollar I have a fair comparison with my gear with my TT set up also retailing for a little over 1k. Now if you plug in a more expensive SACD player would it beat the sound of my Rega P2/Dynavector TT? Maybe so. (assuming I get it snag free)

Right now I am listening to Diana Krall Live in Paris redbook and it sounds excellent. I think the SACD of Norah Jones' 'Come Away With Me' may leave a lot to be desired.

[wingnut4772]

Sure; Cathy will go to vinyl right after she gets some tube gear....;)

I don't see myself getting any tube gear either. I don't care for stuff I have heard and I doubt that Cathy will unless they come 200 watts per channel.:D

[hearingimpared]

Here is a link to my post on cleaning vinyl with the various fluids using the VPI 16.5 record cleaning machine. (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=592233#post592233)

I may have refined some of the methods since posting this, but it will get you started.

[F1nut]

I don't see myself getting any tube gear either. I don't care for stuff I have heard and I doubt that Cathy will unless they come 200 watts per channel.:D


No problem, 500 watts of all tube power....http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/500_Y2K.html

[engtaz]

Now that's what Cathy's talking about.

[wingnut4772]

No problem, 500 watts of all tube power....http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/500_Y2K.html


MANLEY amps!!!:D

[madmax]

A nice tube phono pre will be a nice upgrade down the line. As for 200wpc, you won't need more than 50wpc tube power to sound just as powerful. 200 to 500w tube power is just unreal.
madmax

[madmax]

My wife said it sounds like a CD.

Do you still talk to her? :D
madmax

[hearingimpared]

Do you still talk to her? :D
madmax

LOL! She meant how quiet it is.;)

[cmy330go]

If I had two 500w tube amps I'd be able to just tear out my furnace and call it good.

[madmax]

If I had two 500w tube amps I'd be able to just tear out my furnace and call it good.

Yep. I have a pair of the lower power ones (225W each), tube pre and tube phono pre. They heat up the house. In the summer the AC comes on and stays on all evening. In the winter the heat stays off and it gets a little too warm. I've actually found myself standing in front of them warming my hands after shoveling snow. :) I can only imagine the 500 watt pair becomes a little unmanageable heat wise.
madmax

[beardog03]

No problem, 500 watts of all tube power....http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/500_Y2K.html

Yah Baby !
That`s what I`m talkin about..

Someday those will be mine !

and yes,....no need for a furnace or heater in your house with 500/1000w of tubes !

[danger boy]

Darla, try another record... if the results are the same.. then there is some problem with your tonearm, which could be the needle/stylus, cartridge, or the headshell.

Call the maker of the turntable and see what they have to say.

good luck... you should not be hearing that many snaps, crackles or pops.

[madmax]

Sometimes I hear a lot of crackles and pops after re-setting up my table. I just re-do it and it goes away. Not sure what causes it.

[hearingimpared]

Sometimes I hear a lot of crackles and pops after re-setting up my table. I just re-do it and it goes away. Not sure what causes it.

The zenith I'm telling you!!! It causes the stylus to run kinda sideways in the groove.

[TroyD]

It's actually probably MORE important to clean a new LP because of all the gunk associated with the manufacturing process.

Second, do NOT use soap on an LP. Soap leaves residue.......

I've used the ALSOP (sp) that stereophile raved about, record doctor and one other system....none of them compares to the VPI. Don't dick around and get the VPI. Throw away the brush that comes with the VPI and use an MFSL brush. The rest of them just pushes most of the crap in the grooves around but doesn't remove them.

Vacuum clean it, THEN before putting the stylus to it, I run the Hunt or MFSL brush over it as it rotates to get the static charge off it (THAT could be an issue too).

Now, we've got to make sure the stylus is clean too.....I use the Onzow zerodust, others report good results just using a bit of the Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean.


BDT

[hearingimpared]

I second the Onzow Zerodust and Hunt brush. You can get the Hunt brush for like 10 to 15 bucks from Todd the Vinyl junky .com. The Onzow, you can get from Sorasound at a discount. If you can get someone to buy a second one with you, you will get an even deeper discount from Sorasound.

[danger boy]

The zenith I'm telling you!!! It causes the stylus to run kinda sideways in the groove.



i think it's called azimuth when the needle doesn't sit in the groove straight up and down. It takes some tweaking to get it right.. but usually if the azimuth is off.. it doesn't account for the crackles and pops.

crackles and pop usually mean dirt/dust on the album.

[SCompRacer]

Azimuth is the stylus rotated from 90 degrees vertical to the groove when the cartridge is viewed from the front.

Zenith refers to the horizontal rotation of the stylus relative to the groove path. In other words, the cantilever may not be parallel to the cartridge body. If you align the cartridge using the sides of the cartridge body against the lines on the protractor, and the cantilever is not parallel to the sides of the cartridge, your zenith will be off. IIRC, that also causes phase shift.

[reeltrouble1]

yes yes yes, although DB you get 3 dermerits for the try a new record idea for non-thread reading...........:D ;)

I think Darla just wants to hear some music.

Hopefully, she will be listening contently this evening.

azimuth, zenith, flux capacitor.......

RT1

[danger boy]

RT1 i know she's playing a brand new record.. i should have said.. try a different record.. as someone mentioned earlier as well.. ;)

i'm really curious as to why Darla is getting so much pops and crackles from her new TT.

[dorokusai]

I usually just press down on the cartridge head until the music sounds better, or the record stops rotating.

[wingnut4772]

Off to the dealer....

[danger boy]

sorry it comes to that Darla, but maybe there is something seriously wrong with the TT. Take your album with you so they can play it while there.

[hearingimpared]

i think it's called azimuth when the needle doesn't sit in the groove straight up and down. It takes some tweaking to get it right.. but usually if the azimuth is off.. it doesn't account for the crackles and pops.

crackles and pop usually mean dirt/dust on the album.

Al think of the azimuth as the stylus setting perpendicular to the record grooves. If the azimuth is off you will have one side of the stylus leaning less that 90 degrees thus causing more cross-talk between channels.

The zenith is as if the cantilever is almost parellel with the grooves. If the cantilever is not lined up correctly, it will be like the stylus is riding the grooves sideways, however slightly and this would definitely cause lots of noise.

[hearingimpared]

I usually just press down on the cartridge head until the music sounds better, or the record stops rotating.

That how I cut new records with my manual lathe.

[reeltrouble1]

I usually just press down on the cartridge head until the music sounds better, or the record stops rotating.

I find a Buffalo Head nickel with a wheat penny is the ticket.:eek: Make sure its a buffalo head though the jefferson head wont work......

RT1

[wingnut4772]

OK. I got there and played Norah for him. Then we cleaned her up and she sounded good......but she sounds even better on the VPI Scout I brought home.:D :p :D :p :D

[billbillw]

OK. I got there and played Norah for him. Then we cleaned her up and she sounded good......but she sounds even better on the VPI Scout I brought home.:D :p :D :p :D

Your totally addicted! Next comes the phono stage upgrade, better cartridge, tons invested in vinyl, new sleeves after cleaning (always!!!!)
Oh yeah, VPI RULES!
Enjoy!

[jimmyzen]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's essentially the same circuitry. When I bought my Halo P3 I contacted Parasound to ask them if I was better off using my older Parasound PPH-100 or the integrated phono stage. They recommended the PPH-100, but only because it would be isolated. Turns out it was the same design. Who knew.:rolleyes:


I swapped out my old Audio Technica cartridge for the Benz jobbie listed in my signature. After getting everything wired together I found the volume level with my Halo P3 was quite less with the phono input than that of any other component at a given setting. Where a displayed output level of 35 on the P3 was a comfortable volume level with the other components, the phono side needed 65 - 70 for the same volume level. I wish I'd have tried the A-T first. The Benz vendor said that wasn't uncommon, no big deal, just turn it up. Well, it wouldn't go loud enough where I could feel the bass pounding my chest like a sledge hammer. I wasn't happy with that so I bought a Vincent Audio phono pre amp and used an aux. input on the P3 and it's at the same output level as everything else. Life is good. It never occurred to me that the P3 may actually have a problem in the phono stage...

I still have my vinyl collection and thanks to eBay I have replaced every long gone LP that provided the soundtrack to my misspent youth. And lots of other cool stuff, too. It's also a reminder that the entertainment industry will never get me to buy -and I do mean BUY- into another media format again.

[wingnut4772]

This sounds so beautiful. I am in Norah heaven. I could swear she was singing right in my living room. Even my roommate is smitten.

One thing I notice between the Rega P2 and the VPI (pop snafu aside) is the VPI's bass is much better - more balanced and natural. I haven't the slightest idea why as I son't really know how these things work. I am using the same Dynavector cartridge. I am hooked. This is heaven. I gotta tell you..the Cinenova amp is doing justice as well. I am surprised.

I am really glad I decided to bring home the Scout. What a beauty.

[jimmyzen]

Another decent affordable vinyl cleaning machine is the Record Doctor III from Audio Advisor. Basically a Nitty Gritty privately branded and a little cheaper. I got one when it was on sale for around $200. I looked at the basic one from KAB (also a Nitty Gritty design) but didn't want to fool with a separate vacuum and it was worth a little more to have an all-in-one machine.

Here is the link:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NGRD3

Back when vinyl was the only media format I listened to if I felt the need to have to clean an LP I would use a couple gallons of warmed up distilled water with a few drops of a mild detergent mixed in. I'd use a rectangular plastic tub as a sink. I'd use a soft, new dust cloth similar to the kind used to clean eye glass lenses. I'd wash and rinse the record like a plate. handled much gentler, of course and I'd try not to get the label wet. The whole operation only cost a couple of bucks. there was even an article in an audio magazine I recall reading once that said that if necessary, cleaning an LP was best done like I was doing it. I still have many of those same LPs, some going on 30 and 40 years old and they still play fine. Actually, except for a roommate I had who would handle things with peanut butter and jelly or other food residue on his fingers I don't ever recall a record ever really needing washed. I kept them in their sleeves until I played them, always touched only the edges, always used a Discwasher and the cleaning solution before playing, and kept the dust cover down on the turntable. I really don't get the whole high-end record washer thing.

Does anybody remember the Ronco Record Vac commercial that used to run on TV? The pitchman was talking about how real audiophiles appreciated such a quality product. As he walked and extolled the virtues of their product he's holding an LP along his side, swinging his arm back and forth, like it was a Frisbee. He walks up to this contraption and drops the record into it like a slice of bread into a toaster. The record is on edge spinning in this thing, wobbling back and forth. Then he reaches down and snatches it out while it's still spinning, grabbing it in the middle of the playing surface again. Audiophile indeed!!!

[jimmyzen]

Ok. I am obviously doing something wrong. I put in my Brand New Norah Jones Album and I am hearing a whole bunch of snap cracle pop. I cleaned it with the brush and the stylus with the cleaner and it's way worse. It's so annoying and frustrating because if it were not for that it would sound so good.

I know that there are pressings where the vinyl itself is crappy. I have some audiophile LPs that turn translucent held up to a light.

[jimmyzen]

I usually just press down on the cartridge head until the music sounds better, or the record stops rotating.

Quarters work well.:D

[hearingimpared]

OK. I got there and played Norah for him. Then we cleaned her up and she sounded good......but she sounds even better on the VPI Scout I brought home.:D :p :D :p :D

Now that's what I'm talking about . . . HOOKED!!! You just stepped up into the real world Darla!!! Which arm did you get? Which cartridge did you get? Tell me more, tell me more!!!:cool: :cool: :cool:

[wingnut4772]

Now that's what I'm talking about . . . HOOKED!!! You just stepped up into the real world Darla!!! Which arm did you get? Which cartridge did you get? Tell me more, tell me more!!!:cool: :cool: :cool:

It came with the Memorial tonearm and I just kept the Dynavector 10X5 cartridge. :)

[TroyD]

Again, whatever works for you, however, it's my experience, and I've done the handwashing thing, there is NO substitute for vacuum cleaning an LP. None.

Think about your rug, would you be satisfied with just sweeping it over the long haul as opposed to a vacuum cleaner?

BDT

[danger boy]

pics Darla we need pics. ;)

congrats on the new turntable..

so what did they determine was causing the pops with the other turntable? dirty record or something more serious?

[hearingimpared]

and kept the dust cover down on the turntable.

I hope you don't mean you keep the dust cover down while playing a record. This is not a good practice. It will not hurt anything but it will sure lound lousy.

[hearingimpared]

It came with the Memorial tonearm

The 9, 10 or 12?

[cmy330go]

....It never occurred to me that the P3 may actually have a problem in the phono stage...

I highly doubt anything is wrong with the phono stage in your preamp. That cartridge you have only has an output of 2.2mv. That's fairly strong for a MC cartridge, but a little weak to run on a phono stage that is really designed more to run MM cartridges. When I used to run my Goldring Eroica (2.5mv) into my P3 I used to run right around 60 on the dial as well.

[cmy330go]

OK. I got there and played Norah for him. Then we cleaned her up and she sounded good......but she sounds even better on the VPI Scout I brought home.:D :p :D :p :D

Wow!!! Only lasted a few days! Now that's a big upgrade bug!

Congrats! You've got a table that will run with the big dogs now. But you're in for more trouble though. Your phono stage is a pretty big bottle neck now. I'll bet you're already itchin'!:rolleyes:

[F1nut]

It's also a reminder that the entertainment industry will never get me to buy -and I do mean BUY- into another media format again.


That's a very narrow minded view point and you have no idea what you're missing. Even though I don't own, nor want to own vinyl any longer, I do realize and appreciate that it is just one of a few worthwhile formats available to us today.

I also know without a doubt that a good vinyl vacuum cleaning machine is an absolute must have, if one is to get the best out of that format.

[george daniel]

Darla,, congrats on the scout,,I just picked one up about two weeks ago,don't you just love it :D Have fun and enjoy.

[George Grand]

I sell vinyl.

That is all.

[reeltrouble1]

Glad you got it worked out, so you now own a record cleaning machine and a fine TT, excellent.

Looks like GG has a new customer boys.

RT1

[cfrizz]

It'll NEVER happen girlfriend!

I'm glad you are enjoying yourself Darla. I have a Sony Turntable that is over 25yrs old & hasn't been played in years!

I just love the convenience & size & clear sound of cd's & would never think to go back to something that to me never sounded all that good to begin with.

If I am supposedly losing something within the cd sound, it is a loss that I am more than happy to live with, especially since I don't tie myself into knots trying to analyze every last little detail of what I'm hearing. (that's too much work & this is supposed be enjoyment.)

You have joined the ranks of taking a fun, enjoyable experience & turned it into a time consuming, ultra expensive, second job that you don't get paid for.

Enjoy yourself if that is possible, but I'm not interested!:)

What I like most so far about the promise of what I am hearing (anyway) is NO DIGITAL GLARE. Chicks are really sensitive to that. When I get this all ironed out I will try to convert Cathy!:D

[jdhdiggs]

Cathy: +1,000,000,000%

Absolutely no interest.... I have no doubt that if I went out and spent $5-$10K on new electronics/players/vinyl/etc... that I could get a better sound with vinyl than I have now with CD but I can honestly same I'm happy with what I have and certainly see no justification for the $$$ and time needed to get a vinyl rig even close to a simple digital rig.

If someone else has the time and the finances, have fun and I'll come check it out, but no desire on this side to do it myself.

[reeltrouble1]

I really have never understood why it has to be Analog or Digital, one side or the other???? Its a big hobby with so many paths.

At some point you just have to go where the media you like is readily available and well recorded. I have about two grand (used) in my TT rig and it sounds effin great to me. I certainly do not think anybody should think they immediately have to spend a lot of money. I certainly do not spend alot of time with setting up my TT Rig, actually my TT has been much more reliable than the fancy dancy CD players I have had and still do have.

Its getting to be less and less about the gear for me, I suppose I am reaching the point where I am happy with what I have, its getting to be more and more about media in whatever format I can find that brings the best the artist has to my rig.

Vinyl is well worth the small effort I have put into it, I have many here to thank for getting me back into this part of the hobby, so thanks guys.

RT1

[BottomFeeder]

I hope you don't mean you keep the dust cover down while playing a record. This is not a good practice. It will not hurt anything but it will sure lound lousy.


Huh? Is this for real, or another in a long leg pulling line?

[billbillw]

Jdh and Cathy, I said the same thing 2-3 years ago. Absolutely NO interest in vinyl. Then I started seeing how cheap you could pick up used vinyl at Goodwill, garage sales, Craigslist, Ebay, Tower Records (now gone), and a few other places. 50 cents for clean copies of stuff! My brother sent me a freebie extra table that he had and I was off to the races. 20 months, 5 turntables, 6-7 cartridges, and approx 700 albums later, and I'm loving it!

[billbillw]

Huh? Is this for real, or another in a long leg pulling line?

Its no pulling of anything. Having the dustcover down creates a resonance inside. Both from the sound coming off the stylus and the sound in the room. It varies depending on speaker positioning, turntable isolation, the table, the dustcover, etc., but in general, it always sounds better with the cover up or removed completely.

[cfrizz]

And THAT says it all right there as to why I'm not interested in getting into this side of audio ever again!

Just how much money did you throw away going through those 5 turntables & 6-7 cartridges? And where do you keep all those albums?:eek:


20 months, 5 turntables, 6-7 cartridges, and approx 700 albums later, and I'm loving it!

[jdhdiggs]

Yeah, the media might be cheap, but when you figure that I would be re-buying anything that I would actually want to listen to, plus the cost of the equipment to get it up to par with the rest of the system, well, I don't need the extra $$$.

If someone else is doing it, great! Go for it! I'm perfectly happy with what I have and have no real need to add or change that experience.

[BottomFeeder]

Its no pulling of anything. Having the dustcover down creates a resonance inside. Both from the sound coming off the stylus and the sound in the room. It varies depending on speaker positioning, turntable isolation, the table, the dustcover, etc., but in general, it always sounds better with the cover up or removed completely.

Sheesh! That's amazing to me. Thanks for the heads up.

Learning...

[billbillw]

And THAT says it all right there as to why I'm not interested in getting into this side of audio ever again!

Just how much money did you throw away going through those 5 turntables & 6-7 cartridges? And where do you keep all those albums?:eek:

Surprisingly little. My first table was free, and every table I bought after that, I ended selling for a profit (including the freebie). Some of the cartridges were free, others were bought at low cost. My current OC9 cost me less than $170. I sold at least one cartridge for a small profit sold some of the freebies for a small sum too. The only cartridge I bought new, I sold for about half price. I still have a back up MM cartridge too.

If you take out about 30 or so albums that I bought new, the average price of my albums is easily less than a buck each, maybe closer to 50 cents each. Try buying CDs for that price! Oh yeah, I keep all the albums in a bookshelf that is in my listening room.

[billbillw]

Sheesh! That's amazing to me. Thanks for the heads up.

Learning...

Kinda like putting a plastic bucket over your head. Try it sometime.:p

[wingnut4772]

Wow!!! Only lasted a few days! Now that's a big upgrade bug!

Congrats! You've got a table that will run with the big dogs now. But you're in for more trouble though. Your phono stage is a pretty big bottle neck now. I'll bet you're already itchin'!:rolleyes:

Not at all. It sounds terriffic. I am pretty happy with it for now. The PHP850 is very sweet. Maybe WAAAY down the line I will experiment but if anything I will try out some decent monoblocks first.

The 9, 10 or 12?

The 9, I believe.

[wingnut4772]

Its no pulling of anything. Having the dustcover down creates a resonance inside. Both from the sound coming off the stylus and the sound in the room. It varies depending on speaker positioning, turntable isolation, the table, the dustcover, etc., but in general, it always sounds better with the cover up or removed completely.

That's what my dealer said as well..I would like to keep dust from falling on it though..

[wingnut4772]

It'll NEVER happen girlfriend!

I'm glad you are enjoying yourself Darla. I have a Sony Turntable that is over 25yrs old & hasn't been played in years!

I just love the convenience & size & clear sound of cd's & would never think to go back to something that to me never sounded all that good to begin with.

If I am supposedly losing something within the cd sound, it is a loss that I am more than happy to live with, especially since I don't tie myself into knots trying to analyze every last little detail of what I'm hearing. (that's too much work & this is supposed be enjoyment.)

You have joined the ranks of taking a fun, enjoyable experience & turned it into a time consuming, ultra expensive, second job that you don't get paid for.

Enjoy yourself if that is possible, but I'm not interested!:)

Cathy, I totally respect your opinion and YES! CD's are very convenient and sound excellent. BUT I have never been as moved by my music as I was last night.For the first time ever I was able to just close my eyes and let Norah sing without concerning myself with the gear at all.

I don't know what your past LP experience is but I remember them being pretty crappy compared to cd's as well. At our level, that is not the case. At least listen to someone else's set up that's decent. If you are all about the music, you will not be disappointed.

Of course the Von Schweikert speakers don't hurt either.:p

[billbillw]

That's what my dealer said as well..I would like to keep dust from falling on it though..

The amount of dust that falls on a record in the 20 minutes or so that it plays on each side is not much. Using a soft carbon fiber brush right before playing does a pretty good job of getting stray dust off and neutralizing static. The VPIs are not bad for static anyway due to the acrylic platters. That is probably the single biggest thing that has made me stick with VPI.

[TroyD]

I'm kind of with Ted, I'm an anti-tweak sort of guy. I got my table set up and RONCO'd that mofo.

I will admit that the entry fee to what I (ME, my opinion) consider to be 'reference' quality vinyl sound ain't cheap....~2K is not out of the question including the vacuum cleaner. You can do it cheaper if you go used but I'm leary about used tables (I'd be leary of buying one over ebay, for example). So, yeah, there is the upfront cost.

However, LP's can be had for a song....a buck each at thrifties. Used vinyl from dealers ain't that bad either. So, the medium is cheaper. If you dig classical, as I do, there is a LOT that was never released on CD. In a LOT of cases, the release to CD (this is accross the board) absolutely SUCKED. So, there is merit to having LP playback.

Now, as far as it being more time consuming. I can take an LP out of it's sleeve, clean it and have it spinning in less than a minute. I don't buy the whole 'effort' angle.

Lastly, the whole pop and click issue. With old direct drive tables with shitty arm/carts and vinyl that got an occaisional brush, MAYBE, yeah...that will sound like shit.

A quality, properly set up table and properly cleaned/handled LP's can give a level of sound that can compete with digital. It's a different sound and it's not for everyone but it is attainable. Even F1 has conceded that. Now, if you choose not to pursue it, that's a different issue and I can understand not wanting to incur the expense.

Again, I'm not trying to sway anyone...I could care less. I just hate to see anyone dismiss something out of hand or based on a faulty premise.

BDT

[wingnut4772]

I'm kind of with Ted, I'm an anti-tweak sort of guy. I got my table set up and RONCO'd that mofo.

I will admit that the entry fee to what I (ME, my opinion) consider to be 'reference' quality vinyl sound ain't cheap....~2K is not out of the question including the vacuum cleaner. You can do it cheaper if you go used but I'm leary about used tables (I'd be leary of buying one over ebay, for example). So, yeah, there is the upfront cost.

However, LP's can be had for a song....a buck each at thrifties. Used vinyl from dealers ain't that bad either. So, the medium is cheaper. If you dig classical, as I do, there is a LOT that was never released on CD. In a LOT of cases, the release to CD (this is accross the board) absolutely SUCKED. So, there is merit to having LP playback.

Now, as far as it being more time consuming. I can take an LP out of it's sleeve, clean it and have it spinning in less than a minute. I don't buy the whole 'effort' angle.

Lastly, the whole pop and click issue. With old direct drive tables with shitty arm/carts and vinyl that got an occaisional brush, MAYBE, yeah...that will sound like shit.

A quality, properly set up table and properly cleaned/handled LP's can give a level of sound that can compete with digital. It's a different sound and it's not for everyone but it is attainable. Even F1 has conceded that. Now, if you choose not to pursue it, that's a different issue and I can understand not wanting to incur the expense.

Again, I'm not trying to sway anyone...I could care less. I just hate to see anyone dismiss something out of hand or based on a faulty premise.

BDT


I think (so far) it more than competes with digital. It surpasses it.

[TroyD]

Glad you are digging it......now go get some vinyl!!

BTW: I think the VPI was a wise investment. The Scout is a much raved about machine and really puts upgrading out of the question until you start thinking about paying as much as a decent used car for a table. Plus, I like VPI because you can just set it and forget it.


BDT

[F1nut]

I think (so far) it more than competes with digital. It surpasses it.

You obviously, haven't heard good digital. :)

[TroyD]

Back Into The Coffin!!! You Will Turn To Dust At This Time Of Day!!!

[cfrizz]

:D :eek: :D WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!:D :eek: :D

Back Into The Coffin!!! You Will Turn To Dust At This Time Of Day!!!

[reeltrouble1]

I am thinking he has developed a super sun block..........

RT1

[Ricardo]

Hmmm....I wonder how he deals with the digital glare....

[F1nut]

Back Into The Coffin!!! You Will Turn To Dust At This Time Of Day!!!

Bite me.



Looks like Ricardo is another that hasn't heard good digital.

[Ricardo]

he he

[madmax]

I've heard "good digital". It competes nicely with high quality vinyl.
madmax

[pearsall001]

What am I missing here? Is anybody else feeling as guilty as me? I don't know it's just too easy to put a CD on & here it's wonderful soothing sound.

But I hear you guys constatly griping about this not working right, this isn't level, I need a better cartridge, I need to upgrade my tonearm. The one I like best though is having to drag out the vacuum cleaner & do a Voodoo ritual to clean the damn record before it can sound decent. I feel guilty I tell ya!! All that free time I actually have to listen to music instead of the time spent just getting the record ready.

After a bad day there's nothing like reading thru all the TT threads & getting a good laugh. I really have to thank you guys/ gals for that. Now don't forget to break out the level, plug in the vacuum, dust the platform, check the needle, reset the tonearm, sit you butt on the record to flatten it (oh I forgot, there's a machine you're all chipping in for that does that.....Please!!!) what else is there before you actually hear any music? I'm feeling guilty I tell ya!!! :D

[zingo]

And how...

[BottomFeeder]

Removed

[BottomFeeder]

What am I missing here? Is anybody else feeling as guilty as me? I don't know it's just too easy to put a CD on & here it's wonderful soothing sound.

But I hear you guys constatly griping about this not working right, this isn't level, I need a better cartridge, I need to upgrade my tonearm. The one I like best though is having to drag out the vacuum cleaner & do a Voodoo ritual to clean the damn record before it can sound decent. I feel guilty I tell ya!! All that free time I actually have to listen to music instead of the time spent just getting the record ready.

After a bad day there's nothing like reading thru all the TT threads & getting a good laugh. I really have to thank you guys/ gals for that. Now don't forget to break out the level, plug in the vacuum, dust the platform, check the needle, reset the tonearm, sit you butt on the record to flatten it (oh I forgot, there's a machine you're all chipping in for that does that.....Please!!!) what else is there before you actually hear any music? I'm feeling guilty I tell ya!!! :D


Oooohhh! Have you considered a career in writing?

Though part of the dialogue, I've got to agree w/your assessment! ;)

[Ricardo]

What am I missing here? Is anybody else feeling as guilty as me? I don't know it's just too easy to put a CD on & here it's wonderful soothing sound.

But I hear you guys constatly griping about this not working right, this isn't level, I need a better cartridge, I need to upgrade my tonearm. The one I like best though is having to drag out the vacuum cleaner & do a Voodoo ritual to clean the damn record before it can sound decent. I feel guilty I tell ya!! All that free time I actually have to listen to music instead of the time spent just getting the record ready.

After a bad day there's nothing like reading thru all the TT threads & getting a good laugh. I really have to thank you guys/ gals for that. Now don't forget to break out the level, plug in the vacuum, dust the platform, check the needle, reset the tonearm, sit you butt on the record to flatten it (oh I forgot, there's a machine you're all chipping in for that does that.....Please!!!) what else is there before you actually hear any music? I'm feeling guilty I tell ya!!! :D


What's up with you pearsall? Don't you think that all this vinyl bashing is getting too old? Yes, I know you put your smilies at the end, but for some reason (and I think the reason is that your posts like this one are getting way too frequent) I'm pretty much getting tired of it. Can we just let people enjoy whatever format they like?

Yes, the "let's be nice" period is over.

[hearingimpared]

Huh? Is this for real, or another in a long leg pulling line?

No pulling here! Go into your listening room. Place your head inside a thin metal pale, cover the bottom as best you can then listen to music. Listen past the fact that you're not getting the sound directly to your ears but listen to the effect the pale has on the air inside that surround your ears. That's what keeping the dust cover does to the stylus that is trying to simply pick up the groove undulations.

EDIT: WOW I just read Bill's post about the bucket on the head, ha ha ha we think a like. Uh Oh . . . I don't know if that is a good thing.:D

[hearingimpared]

redundant

[hearingimpared]

The amount of dust that falls on a record in the 20 minutes or so that it plays on each side is not much. Using a soft carbon fiber brush right before playing does a pretty good job of getting stray dust off and neutralizing static. The VPIs are not bad for static anyway due to the acrylic platters. That is probably the single biggest thing that has made me stick with VPI.

Yep keep the static off the the entire table, platter and all and it is no longer a dust magnet.

[madmax]

I tried my cover up and down and couldn't detect a difference. I'm about 50/50 on opened/closed cover while listening.

[pearsall001]

What's up with you pearsall? Don't you think that all this vinyl bashing is getting too old? Yes, I know you put your smilies at the end, but for some reason (and I think the reason is that your posts like this one are getting way too frequent) I'm pretty much getting tired of it. Can we just let people enjoy whatever format they like?

Yes, the "let's be nice" period is over.

Take a chill bro, it's only tongue in cheek humor that's all. Just having a little fun at my TT buddies expense. Don't worry they'll fire back in a humorous way also. It's all good!!! :D

[hearingimpared]

I've heard "good digital". It competes nicely with high quality vinyl.
madmax

I've heard it too at F1's house and yes it does compete nicely. . . I would have to add that the player we listened to cost about the same new as my analog rig used. So yes I have a lot more money in the vinyl rig and gladly keep spending more because the technology for vinyl has taken giant steps forward.

A lot of people look at it as an old technology . . . to them I say . . . well yes the basic premise but the new tables, and tonearms and cartridges are just incredible sounding. I just mounted a cartridge that virtually eliminates surface noise, and crackly records. It raises the music high above the noise. Now if the crackles are deep then of course it can't raise it above the noise but I can tell you, I have some really awesome recordings that on my previous cartridges sounded crackly . . . they don't sound that way now!

[hearingimpared]

What am I missing here? Is anybody else feeling as guilty as me? I don't know it's just too easy to put a CD on & here it's wonderful soothing sound.

But I hear you guys constatly griping about this not working right, this isn't level, I need a better cartridge, I need to upgrade my tonearm. The one I like best though is having to drag out the vacuum cleaner & do a Voodoo ritual to clean the damn record before it can sound decent. I feel guilty I tell ya!! All that free time I actually have to listen to music instead of the time spent just getting the record ready.

After a bad day there's nothing like reading thru all the TT threads & getting a good laugh. I really have to thank you guys/ gals for that. Now don't forget to break out the level, plug in the vacuum, dust the platform, check the needle, reset the tonearm, sit you butt on the record to flatten it (oh I forgot, there's a machine you're all chipping in for that does that.....Please!!!) what else is there before you actually hear any music? I'm feeling guilty I tell ya!!! :D

You crack me up! It takes less that one minute to prep a record for play. Once a table is set up it only requires a tweak or two down the road to make adjustments.

I think what you are missing here Phil is that this medium sounds so awesome and engaging that all the crappola you listed above is worth the effort. I feel for you, you buy a CD transport and a DAC and what you hear is what you get PERIOD. How can you improve that great digital sound. . . you can't, oh maybe a digital cable but oh yeah you would have to buy a more expensive transport or DAC. Same issues brother.

[pearsall001]

You crack me up! It takes less that one minute to prep a record for play. Once a table is set up it only requires a tweak or two down the road to make adjustments.

I think what you are missing here Phil is that this medium sounds so awesome and engaging that all the crappola you listed above is worth the effort. I feel for you, you buy a CD transport and a DAC and what you hear is what you get PERIOD. How can you improve that great digital sound. . . you can't, oh maybe a digital cable but oh yeah you would have to buy a more expensive transport or DAC. Same issues brother.

No need to feel sorry. I'm quite happy with the awesome music I'm listening to thru my new DAC. The combination of the DAC along w/ the CJ and the AAD monitors leaves me wanting for nothing else. When I'm really into critical listening I do pull the Dyson out of the closet & leave it in the room. Just makes everything more analog sounding. You understand!! :D

[BottomFeeder]

No pulling here! Go into your listening room. Place your head inside a thin metal pale, cover the bottom as best you can then listen to music. Listen past the fact that you're not getting the sound directly to your ears but listen to the effect the pale has on the air inside that surround your ears. That's what keeping the dust cover does to the stylus that is trying to simply pick up the groove undulations.

EDIT: WOW I just read Bill's post about the bucket on the head, ha ha ha we think a like. Uh Oh . . . I don't know if that is a good thing.:D

Er, I'm trying your suggestion, but I only have a thin PLASTIC pale (pail?). Will that suffice?

:D

[SCompRacer]

Kewl, we don't have to be nice anymore!:D

Some of us obviously like both vinyl and digital. I know I can listen to either for hours. Phil has a right to bash vinyl just like you vinyl newbs think it is the second coming.

Sometimes I just have to listen to the music though as not all vinyl or CD recordings are perfect. Just like life. Just like all of us. And, if you sit there and have heard all or parts of my system and don't like it, too bad. I don't need anyones validation, or their absolutes as to what is superior. You shouldn't require anyones validation or support either. Five little words. You get what you accept.


Just for some fun....Phil, here is something you can use to make your digital more vinyl like.

http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/vinyl/

You have complete control over the following parameters:

Mechanical Noise The amount of turntable motor rumble and noise

Electrical Noise Internally generated electrical noise, such as 60 Hz grounding hum

Wear Control how worn out the record is, from brand new to played a few thousand times

Dust The amount of dust on the record

Scratch The number and depth of scratches on the record

Warp The amount of warping and the warp shape for the record - from no warp to the edges totally melted and warped

Record Player Year The year of the record player - from current linear tracking turntables to 1930 phonographs

Stereo/Mono Switch between stereo and mono output

Input and Output Gain Set the gain in and out of the effect with visual level meter feedback

[wingnut4772]

I've heard "good digital". It competes nicely with high quality vinyl.
madmax

I heard some 'good digital' today at the dealer. Rogue tube amps with Rogue CD player of some sort and I forget the speakers but it was not listenable for me. Way too bright.I think the tweeters were metal so icky icky poo. :p
But you are right. I have not heard high end digital that I like anyway yet. Mine is the best I ahve heard yet but I think that is the speakers more than anything else.

I also learned an expensive vinyl lesson today. Be careful cleaning the platter and don't bump the cartridge. Needless to say, I won't do it again.:eek:

[SCompRacer]

Er, I'm trying your suggestion, but I only have a thin PLASTIC pale (pail?). Will that suffice?

:D

Round is sonically superior to square or rectangular dust covers.:D

[SCompRacer]

I also learned an expensive vinyl lesson today. Be careful cleaning the platter and don't bump the cartridge. Needless to say, I won't do it again.:eek:

I killed a Dynavector 20X by snagging the stylus with my shirt sleeve. Expensive lessons.

[Ricardo]

Take a chill bro, it's only tongue in cheek humor that's all. Just having a little fun at my TT buddies expense. Don't worry they'll fire back in a humorous way also. It's all good!!! :D

It's all good Phil; just typed what I felt. Maybe just a bad day. You know, I dig vinyl too ;)

[jimmyzen]

That's a very narrow minded view point and you have no idea what you're missing. Even though I don't own, nor want to own vinyl any longer, I do realize and appreciate that it is just one of a few worthwhile formats available to us today.

I also know without a doubt that a good vinyl vacuum cleaning machine is an absolute must have, if one is to get the best out of that format.

I own over 6000 CD titles and still have several thousand LPs and hundreds of cassettes. I replaced almost every single LP with the CD counterpart. Plus I have sold, given away, or tossed another 1000 CDs over the years as well as sold and given away two huge record collections. I still buy an average of a dozen pieces of music a month. Pardon me, but after all that I don't see refusing to switch to another audio format as being narrow minded. My comment referred to a new format such as the memory stick that was attempted to be foisted on the consumer back when CDs weren't even that old. Maybe there are some people willing to reinvest in a new wave of whatever will hold music, but no way will I replace my collection again. If others want to, that's fine. I wouldn't presume to call them fickle for traipsing down that path. I've been down it. I paid my dues. I don't want to go again. Narrow minded indeed!

As to the record vac being an absolute must have, we can agree to disagree. Out of curiosity after reading the record vac stuff posted here and then after seeing the prices of these things I decided to look at some of my well cared for LPs. I took a couple of my really old records including an original mono copy of Freak Out by the Mothers of Invention (from 1967-68 and much played) and looked at it under the Zeiss bench style Stereo microscope I use in my workshop. The grooves looked pretty doggone clean to me considering the LP has been washed maybe a half dozen times in distilled water and a drop of soap over the years and cleaned with a Discwasher before each play. The other LPs I looked at were in similar condition. I was given a bunch of old LPs including some box sets that were demo records given out with Zenith stereo systems back in the early 1960s. I never played them because I don't listen to that type of music. They definitely showed caked on crud and wear under the microscope. I think I'll take several hundred dollars and buy some music and leave the record vacs to somebody else. And to think for the past 30 plus years I haven't really enjoyed my music because I didn't own a record vac....;)

[hearingimpared]

I tried my cover up and down and couldn't detect a difference. I'm about 50/50 on opened/closed cover while listening.

I'm very surprised to hear that!:eek:

[jimmyzen]

Again, whatever works for you, however, it's my experience, and I've done the handwashing thing, there is NO substitute for vacuum cleaning an LP. None.

Think about your rug, would you be satisfied with just sweeping it over the long haul as opposed to a vacuum cleaner?

BDT

I don't walk on my records nor do my dogs and cats. I don't eat over my records. I don't lay down and stretch out on my records. Is this something that came about back when portable record players were advertised by showing groovy teens twisting away playing records while at the beach? On the sand? In salt water and air? Or clever marketing?

[hearingimpared]

I own over 6000 CD titles and still have several thousand LPs and hundreds of cassettes. I replaced almost every single LP with the CD counterpart. Plus I have sold, given away, or tossed another 1000 CDs over the years as well as sold and given away two huge record collections. I still buy an average of a dozen pieces of music a month. Pardon me, but after all that I don't see refusing to switch to another audio format as being narrow minded. My comment referred to a new format such as the memory stick that was attempted to be foisted on the consumer back when CDs weren't even that old. Maybe there are some people willing to reinvest in a new wave of whatever will hold music, but no way will I replace my collection again. If others want to, that's fine. I wouldn't presume to call them fickle for traipsing down that path. I've been down it. I paid my dues. I don't want to go again. Narrow minded indeed!

As to the record vac being an absolute must have, we can agree to disagree. Out of curiosity after reading the record vac stuff posted here and then after seeing the prices of these things I decided to look at some of my well cared for LPs. I took a couple of my really old records including an original mono copy of Freak Out by the Mothers of Invention (from 1967-68 and much played) and looked at it under the Zeiss bench style Stereo microscope I use in my workshop. The grooves looked pretty doggone clean to me considering the LP has been washed maybe a half dozen times in distilled water and a drop of soap over the years and cleaned with a Discwasher before each play. The other LPs I looked at were in similar condition. I was given a bunch of old LPs including some box sets that were demo records given out with Zenith stereo systems back in the early 1960s. I never played them because I don't listen to that type of music. They definitely showed caked on crud and wear under the microscope. I think I'll take several hundred dollars and buy some music and leave the record vacs to somebody else. And to think for the past 30 plus years I haven't really enjoyed my music because I didn't own a record vac....;)

I'm not buying what you are selling as far as "a drop of soap." Soap, any kind, leaves residue plus your drying method would leave me to believe that there is still dirt and / or residue in the grooves. There is only one chemical cleaning agent that I know of that one can let air dry and be sure no residue is left.

Plus you can get a good used vacuum system on epay or the gon for less than the dozen pieces of music you purchase in a month. Besides this thread was about Darla's new found love. . . let's leave it that way.

[treitz3]

Congratulations Darla! Have fun. I am.;) :D

[wingnut4772]

Congratulations Darla! Have fun. I am.;) :D

Thanks. I have to do something while the HT is down.:p

[lightman1]

Damn! Y'all play for keeps!
But, it's just funny to me to see how it all started out as someone figured a way to put grooves on a cylinder and somehow reproduce that sound through the simple vibrations of aluminum against reed.
All I knew in my early years was what Dad would bring home from the studio, fire up "The Fisher" and play the next country,blues,rock..etc. band that would would be big. Back then I could not understand what he fully meant. I just know it sounded good, on tape, on master cut vinyl or on eight track rtr.
It took him a while to warm up to the 1's and 0's when he was working on that new fangled format. "Sounds like it's etched on a piece of glass, and you know what glass rhymes with, son!"
Y'all take it from there. I love vinyl, magnetic, AAD, DAD, DDD,SACD...
Listen to the music, not what format you are listening to.
Lightman

[F1nut]

I own over 6000 CD titles and still have several thousand LPs and hundreds of cassettes. I replaced almost every single LP with the CD counterpart. Plus I have sold, given away, or tossed another 1000 CDs over the years as well as sold and given away two huge record collections. I still buy an average of a dozen pieces of music a month. Pardon me, but after all that I don't see refusing to switch to another audio format as being narrow minded. My comment referred to a new format such as the memory stick that was attempted to be foisted on the consumer back when CDs weren't even that old. Maybe there are some people willing to reinvest in a new wave of whatever will hold music, but no way will I replace my collection again. If others want to, that's fine. I wouldn't presume to call them fickle for traipsing down that path. I've been down it. I paid my dues. I don't want to go again. Narrow minded indeed!

As to the record vac being an absolute must have, we can agree to disagree. Out of curiosity after reading the record vac stuff posted here and then after seeing the prices of these things I decided to look at some of my well cared for LPs. I took a couple of my really old records including an original mono copy of Freak Out by the Mothers of Invention (from 1967-68 and much played) and looked at it under the Zeiss bench style Stereo microscope I use in my workshop. The grooves looked pretty doggone clean to me considering the LP has been washed maybe a half dozen times in distilled water and a drop of soap over the years and cleaned with a Discwasher before each play. The other LPs I looked at were in similar condition. I was given a bunch of old LPs including some box sets that were demo records given out with Zenith stereo systems back in the early 1960s. I never played them because I don't listen to that type of music. They definitely showed caked on crud and wear under the microscope. I think I'll take several hundred dollars and buy some music and leave the record vacs to somebody else. And to think for the past 30 plus years I haven't really enjoyed my music because I didn't own a record vac....;)

Yeah ok, but......

I still have my vinyl collection and thanks to eBay I have replaced every long gone LP that provided the soundtrack to my misspent youth. And lots of other cool stuff, too. It's also a reminder that the entertainment industry will never get me to buy -and I do mean BUY- into another media format again.



....sure reads like vinyl is it for you, hence my comment.

[TroyD]

I don't walk on my records nor do my dogs and cats. I don't eat over my records. I don't lay down and stretch out on my records. Is this something that came about back when portable record players were advertised by showing groovy teens twisting away playing records while at the beach? On the sand? In salt water and air? Or clever marketing?

Again, I'm talking about what works for ME. I've done the handwashing thing with decent results. However the machine is better and faster, period.

Would you get rid of your vacuum cleaner and just sweep your carpets? The same analogy applies. You took care of your LP's, bully for you. Many people did not and when you buy them, they are in need of a good cleaning. Plus, if you haven't used a vacuum cleaner, you are pretty much talking out of your ass. I've tried both methods and in MY case, the cleaner was WELL worth the expense as many other vinyl enthusiats have found.

As I said, I'm not trying to convert anyone. Anyone that's NOT into vinyl is on less person going through the LP bins at the local thrift. Good for me. If you don't like it, fine. I'm not trying to rain on YOUR parade, rather I'm trying to tell people who ARE interested what I've tried and found that works for me. If you aren't in that camp.....feel free to find another thread to dick up.

BDT

[jimmyzen]

I tried my cover up and down and couldn't detect a difference. I'm about 50/50 on opened/closed cover while listening.

My wife made a cool custom fitted thick cloth cover that fits snugly over the dust cover of my TT. It also extends down over the edges of it down to the bottom of the base. It does a very good job of absorbing vibrations from the room that would otherwide be transmitted to the stylus. I play my music loud quite regularly and I can tell a huge difference at volume! It seems to help with static building up in the plastic cover, too. I don't know if such a thing is sold retail or not. If you know someone who is good with a sewing machine I'd recommend getting one made. You can also match the fabric color/pattern to the room decor or the speaker grilles, etc.

[hearingimpared]

Jeezz you sure seem to have all the bases covered.

[jimmyzen]

Again, I'm talking about what works for ME. I've done the handwashing thing with decent results. However the machine is better and faster, period.

Would you get rid of your vacuum cleaner and just sweep your carpets? The same analogy applies. You took care of your LP's, bully for you. Many people did not and when you buy them, they are in need of a good cleaning. Plus, if you haven't used a vacuum cleaner, you are pretty much talking out of your ass. I've tried both methods and in MY case, the cleaner was WELL worth the expense as many other vinyl enthusiats have found.

As I said, I'm not trying to convert anyone. Anyone that's NOT into vinyl is on less person going through the LP bins at the local thrift. Good for me. If you don't like it, fine. I'm not trying to rain on YOUR parade, rather I'm trying to tell people who ARE interested what I've tried and found that works for me. If you aren't in that camp.....feel free to find another thread to dick up.

BDT

I don't see where I was being rude or nasty and I wasn't being literal. Should I have put a winky smiley face after my comment? The bad analogy was yours, not mine. I merely made a light hearted rib over it which put you on the defensive and made you angwy! Awwww...I sawwee! Seriously though, I kinda take some of this high end audio and accessory stuff with more than a bit of doubt. Some of these products have are based on a smidge of truth, but then it's extrapolated on a hundred times over. I'm open to new ideas, but the skeptic in me tends to take these things with a grain of salt and I challenge what I think is dubious. Marketing is designed to create a perceived need in the consumer and then fill that need. The less educated the consumer is about the intricacies of the technology the easier it is to take advantage of them. I believe that in audio only a small percentage of those who enjoy the hobby have a technical understanding it. It's not necessary to have one to enjoy it, but I think it creates a vulnerability where people are very susceptible to reliance on "experts". Many experts have a vested interest in selling product and making money. There's nothing wrong with that either. But sometimes I have a difficult time associating any real world practicality with some of the products that are hawked. I can't just accept someone's word that something works because it cost a lot or because he's got $200,000 in his audio system while poor, poor pitiful me only has about $6000 in mine. Consequently, I can't possibly know what I'm talking about and how dare I question jokingly, or otherwise, one of the High Priests of Audio. Apparently with your suggestion that I find another thread to "dick up" puts you in this class because you decide I have no right to comment about or question you, especially since I don't agree with you. Even if I question based on evidence that I took the extra effort and initiative to gather I still dare not challenge you, huh? If you have something to teach me- teach me! If all you have is this egocentric you are better than me attitude, don't even respond to me. I won't change to appease the likes of you and I certainly won't learn anything from you. My life has taught me that those so easily rankled often possess knowledge that may be miles wide, but is only paper thin.

For anyone else who thinks my only interest is, well, whatever it is I'm doing to be called "dicking up" a thread, in another thread I stated I doubted the ability of high end interconnects to provide major sonic improvement. I based my belief on my understanding of and experience with electronics. People were kind enough to respond to me as if I was an equal, unlike TroyD. As a result of their input I just received a half dozen high end interconnects that I paid far more for than I would have ever imagined I'd spend on interconnects. If the proof is in the pudding, I'm willing to taste it. Doesn't this prove that I'm willing to listen, learn, and put my money where my mouth is? If I like the results, I will buy more of them. I will also post my findings and admit I was wrong IF that's what I find. That's why I came to this forum- to learn; not to be snobbed at.

[jimmyzen]

I'm not buying what you are selling as far as "a drop of soap." Soap, any kind, leaves residue plus your drying method would leave me to believe that there is still dirt and / or residue in the grooves. There is only one chemical cleaning agent that I know of that one can let air dry and be sure no residue is left.

Plus you can get a good used vacuum system on epay or the gon for less than the dozen pieces of music you purchase in a month. Besides this thread was about Darla's new found love. . . let's leave it that way.

Forgive me Oh Sacred One for thinking this was a conversation!

[F1nut]

Nope, you're wrong. BDT's analogy was spot on.

[TroyD]

It's not a bad analogy at all. Sprinkle some dirt on a uneven surface. First try sweeping it away. Then try rinsing it away. Last try sucking it up with a vacuum cleaner. Which works best? Come on, it's common sense. We aren't trying to split the atom. I agree that there is a LOT of snake oil in the world of audio. However, in the grand scheme an LP vacuum machine isn't all that expensive. You can get a basic one for less than 150 bucks. The VPI 16.5 is under 500 new...STILL not a lot of coin. Plus, there are a LOT of satisfied customers. You, apparently, have not used one so, yes, compared to someone who has (and also done the other methods)...you are talking out of your zorch. It's not being a snob, empirically, I am right and you are not.

As far as the rest of it, I'm clearly not rankled, however, if I have something to say, I don't mince words about it. I didn't say you didn't have anything to offer and I clearly didn't say anything about your gear. Your other comments really, IMO, didn't have much to do with the spirit of the thread so, yeah, it appears to me that you are dicking it up. No big deal, we all do it.

Chalk it up to a misunderstanding, let's press on.

BTW: I've got less than 6K in my main rig. NANNER NANNER NANNER! :D

BDT

[hearingimpared]

Forgive me Oh Sacred One for thinking this was a conversation!

You are forgiven my son, just don't do it again!

Hmmm so it's just a conversation when you are spewing at us and lecturing us but when someone contradicts you, you throw sarcasm into the mix.

[cfrizz]

Ok fellas. Why doesn't everyone put thier egos back into thier cages & get back to giving congrats to Darla's new turntable.

This thread has taken a nasty turn downhill.

[madmax]

Dynamat should do the trick if your cover makes noise. :)
madmax

[shack]

I've just given up on all the "psudo music formats" and have invited a bunch of unemployed musicians to come live with us in exchange for making music. NO more cleaning vinyl and NO more sterile digital sound. Just pure music.

On the downside, they tend to eat and drink a lot and are pretty messy.

[cfrizz]

:eek: :eek: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!:D

Sheesh some of you guys just DON'T know the meaning of going to extremes!:eek: :D :D

Shack certainly you could have found a less messy & less expensive compromise. Couldn't you???:eek: :D WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

I've just given up on all the "psudo music formats" and have invited a bunch of unemployed musicians to come live with us in exchange for making music. NO more cleaning vinyl and NO more sterile digital sound. Just pure music.

On the downside, they tend to eat and drink a lot and are pretty messy.

[wingnut4772]

Ok. Let's get back on course....


MY VPI SCOUT ROCKS!!!!







Carry on.

[madmax]

I'm very happy to see you upgraded to something like a Scout. Much better than the entry level stuff and should keep you happy for a long long time with no upgrades, maybe even 6 months. :)
madmax

[wingnut4772]

I'm very happy to see you upgraded to something like a Scout. Much better than the entry level stuff and should keep you happy for a long long time with no upgrades, maybe even 6 months. :)
madmax

I think it will have to last me longer than that. No more money.:(

Today I got my Bugtussel cleaner, my Musical Fidelity Super Duper Ridiculously Deep Cleaner and the Jazz at the Pawnshop LP.

[madmax]

Be sure to use the standard cleaner after using the super deep cleaner. The super deep cleaner is somewhat harsh and is meant to clean off mold release. If you listen closely you will notice the sound is not quite as smooth after using it.
madmax

[wingnut4772]

Be sure to use the standard cleaner after using the super deep cleaner. The super deep cleaner is somewhat harsh and is meant to clean off mold release. If you listen closely you will notice the sound is not quite as smooth after using it.
madmax

Is that a bad thing?

[hearingimpared]

Is that a bad thing?

No it's not a bad thing. It just needs to be removed thoroughly. Use MFSL Super record wash and/or VPI record cleaning fluid afterwards. What madmax is saying is that if you just use the Super deep cleaner, it leaves a residue which is audible if not washed off.:)

[wingnut4772]

No it's not a bad thing. It just needs to be removed thoroughly. Use MFSL Super record wash and/or VPI record cleaning fluid afterwards. What madmax is saying is that if you just use the Super deep cleaner, it leaves a residue which is audible if not washed off.:)

I thought so. Just making sure.

If I had to stop to flip a record every 20 minutes, I would get nothing done. (Actually I'm getting nothing done now...) I don't think I have the space for vinyl either. I've ripped many of our CD's, but I still haven't worked up the courage to jettison them entirely for some reason. Sometimes tangible is better.


It's a purposeful endeavor that is for sure.


I got my Amy Winehouse LP today and I have to say it sounds crappy. Not at all like the Norah LP which is terrific.


As an aside; Recently I sent in my tweeters to Von Schweikert because I was hearing distortion that I had not previously heard with my music. It turned out that they were ok but I am still hearing it on some stuff. It seems that the busier or 'noisier' the music the more I notice it. Same amps, same source. The pre is new but they do it with a different pre as well.:confused:

[hearingimpared]

I got my Amy Winehouse LP today and I have to say it sounds crappy. Not at all like the Norah LP which is terrific.


Just like any other format there are really good recordings then there are really bad. One example of LPs I can give is; Jethro Tull, "Aqualung" vs. "Benefit." "Aqualung" sounds great, "Benefit" is so compressed that the great music on it is hard to sit through.

I just recently listened to the CD of Ziggy Stardust. The bass was thin and it was so harsh sounding that it hurt my ears. I got the SACD and it sounded awesome, the same with the LP.

[madmax]

No it's not a bad thing. It just needs to be removed thoroughly. Use MFSL Super record wash and/or VPI record cleaning fluid afterwards. What madmax is saying is that if you just use the Super deep cleaner, it leaves a residue which is audible if not washed off.:)

Yes, I meant to remove the super deep cleaner thoroughly and clean with the super record wash. It is my understanding the super deep alone will make the cuts in the groove brittle over time if not removed and re-cleaned. Read it somewhere, not sure where, not sure how accurate.

[wingnut4772]

Yes, I meant to remove the super deep cleaner thoroughly and clean with the super record wash. It is my understanding the super deep alone will make the cuts in the groove brittle over time if not removed and re-cleaned. Read it somewhere, not sure where, not sure how accurate.

Ooooh. Not so good.

[hearingimpared]

Ooooh. Not so good.

If you read that post I sent you about my cleaning method, you will notice that I use a different brush t