Can you say why you are dissatisfied with the Wave Mechanic? I have never used it, but I did use the Walker Audio PMC with my Notts Hyperspace, and the improvement over no outboard AC supply was "huge". But nowadays there are many other choices, as well.
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I'll be more specific:
So far I've been running my Spacedeck directly from the wall, never used a AC outboard.
But I will move to a place where the power from the grid is not very stable and I read many good reviews about the Wave Mechanic and also the Walker Audio PSUs.
My research now as to do with the prices. Right now and for a long while I can't afford the Wave Mechanic. That's why I'm asking if there are other cheaper alternatives. |
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I use PS Audio Power Plant Premier with my Spacedeck. I plug in it my integrated amp, phono and tape deck too, but you could use it just for the table. I suppose, it's not a full substitute for a dedicated device, but it made quite an improvement in my system. Yeah, I would use Wave Mechanic too, maybe even in combination with the Premier, don't know, if not the cost. |
Whatever you choose to buy, in addition to speed (frequency) control look for a unit that will allow you to adjust the output voltage. IME with my Nott. Hyperspace adjusting the voltage to the minimum required to maintain speed is very audible and an improvement. Also, dual phase units (requires rewiring the motor and removing the capacitor) that allows for tweeking the phase (90 degrees nominal) between the two field coils in the motor while helpful is not as important as being able to adjust the voltage.
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PS Audio Premier holds the voltage quite steady at 120 or 121. Still everything sounds better after the midnight. |
Thank you all for your answers.
After talking to a Nottingham Analogue salesman, I'm going to try the Pro-Ject Speed Box DS. It's a more affordable solution that is proven very good. |
migueca,
how has the project speedbox performed with your nott? I have a 294 and would like to try an affordable option but the 3 watt power draw seems low.
Would like to no if if you have had any functional problems, excessive heat?
Also, did you notice any subjective improvement in sound? |
If you can still find a Phoenix Engineering power supply floating around, go for it, with or without the "Roadrunner" device that allows you to lock on to platter speed. (But do also get a Roadrunner, if you can find one.) I'm using these with my Lenco and works quite well to pinpoint and hold 33.333 rpm. |
Joegator,
Yes, it works fine with my Spacedeck. I don't notice any problem at all and I also don't notice any changes in sound.
I bought it mainly to stabilize the speed because I will soon be moving to a place where there are some fluctuations in Power supply from the grid. |
Ok thanks, I think I'm going to hold out for the Phoenix. I honestly think my power is pretty good but who knows. Anyway, shouldn't have a problem reselling the Phoenix if I don't notice a difference.
On a a different note and not to hijack I just got a Boston audio mat 1 off eBay... wow |
I have a falcon on the way. Still looking for the roadrunner. I read somewhere that it may be difficult to use with the notts due to the physical design of the table. Fremer had the same problem with the avid ingenium plinth but devised a work around. |
I also considered buying the Phoenix Falcon (after failing to find the Eagle, apparently discontinued and hard to get). But at normal prices, the Falcon is a bit more expensive than the Project; and I found a Project for almost half of its regular price, which became a very nice deal. And I'm happy with it.
Let us know later about your experience with the Falcon. |
Got the falcon but unbeknownst to me the power cable to which I would connect my 294's power cable had the wrong tip. I ordered an ec13 and ec14 adapters and will try it out tomorrow. Anyone buying one of these just know that there were different power connectors used besides the standard. |
migueca, You wrote, "I also considered buying the Phoenix Falcon (after failing to find the Eagle, apparently discontinued and hard to get)." So far as I know, Phoenix Engineering is defunct along with all the products they made and sold. So all Phoenix products are hard to get these days. If you were lucky enough to find a new Falcon, just be sure it makes enough Watts to power your turntable motor. I think the Falcon is limited to 5W, but I do know that the Notts motor is not very demanding. Just double check its power consumption. The Eagle was originally a 15W device that was later increased to 25W, in order to power some of the more demanding motors. You probably don't need an Eagle to power the Nottingham motor. |
Lewm,
Yes indeed it was a learning process. When I started searching for a PSU, the first device I heard about was the Eagle - that I couldn't find anywhere. Then I turned to the Falcon, but in the meantime got this Project for almost half price. Made some inquiries to make sure that the Project would suit the Nottingham and finally bought it.
The Nottingham motor is very low demanding (not sure if it is around 1.5W), and so far it works perfectly. |
So far, The Falcon is working without issue on my 294. The adapters were an inexpensive fix.
Using a strobe disc I found that my placement of the outboard motor had the deck running slightly slow . I was able to adjust the speed in increments of .01 and I believe I've got it dialed in.
Ive only ab'd "nutshell" from Alice In Chains unplugged with and without the psu. I listened to other tracks and albums as well but without direct comparison. When I make changes to my system I want to know:
1. Is there a change?
2. How easily perceptible is that change?
3. Having heard a change can I unhear it?
4. Is the change for the better, worse or just different?
5. Is the change worthwhile considering the cost?
What I've found is:
1. Yes
2. After a couple of comparisons I could pick out specific changes and some perceived changes
3. No
4. For the better
5. Yes
Though subtle at first I noticed more detail on bass guitar, the nuances of tone were more clearly rendered and sharper. I could hear the attack and individual notes more clearly.
There was more perceived air and clarity around the performers and within the soundstage. The instruments and vocals didn't bleed into each other, there was less overhang in the low end, midbass, and midrange. As a result, detail leapt forward without tipping up the treble. Vocals seemed cleaner and more composed.
Considering the the cost of the Space 294 and other system components, the falcon psu is a no brainer for the improvement rendered. A little perspective though, if I felt any component in my system was significantly below par with the rest I would upgrade that component first. The falcon is a tweak, a very worthwhile tweak, but still won't provide the results that an upgraded cart, phono pre, speaker, or amp would.
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