Well it seems that there is universal agreement on two points so far: First, the record must be a good one, GIGO and all that jazz. So we will stipulate that the record to be played must be of high quality in every respect. And second, everything is aligned and set up properly. So we will also stipulate that set up is precise and optimal as well. There seems to be debate concerning the phono stage. My bias puts it at the top of the list in a highly resolving system. But perhaps compromise is possible if the priority depends on the system. What think ye?
Develop a hierarchy for phono playback
I am hoping we can form a consensus on the relative importance of each element. I will start by listing them in physical order starting at the record.
1. Cartridge
2. Wires
3. Arm
4. Turntable
5. Connecting cables
6. Phono Stage
7. Optional SUT and additional connecting cables
I thought about this two ways: How might these elements be prioritized for someone just starting out? Or, how might the elements be prioritized differently where cost is less important than best SQ?
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I was referring to XYZ alignment.... X and Y being azimuth and VTA/SRA and Z being Zenith. These are all parameters where the actual tracing facets can substantially differ from the cantilever / coil orientation. The viv is an interesting twist to the whole Z alignment since in the underhung topology the Z error seems to have nowhere near the effect that it does in the case of a traditional overhung tonearm. The key point in the zenith discussion is the diamond set WRT cantilever. Aligning to a cantilever with a 1° Zenith error to the diamond set is a fools errand. I have retipped multiple identical brand new cartridges only to find they all sound different. it wasn't until consideration to the actual diamond tracing faces was given that a consistent sound was realized. JR @wallytools has many documented cases where the tracing facets are not 90° perpendicular to the cantilever and the 'accepted industry tolerance' is ±5°. I have the test results that come with the cantilever assemblies and the best number I have seen of the 4 test sheets (3 samples of 50 cantilevers) is 1°40' and the worst was 3°50'. I have pretty much accepted that getting a diamond set precisely 90° to the cantilever is a rare occurrence. dave
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@intactaudio agree strongly with set up added to the list, and IMO that requires microscopy analysis to deal with errors such as zenith, which can be as much as +/- 5%. Wally Tools is the only source that I am aware of that provides and end-to-end solution. For the list...
Why? The TT is the foundation. You can always grow into a commensurate Cart/PS combo. Cart before PS because the cart influences the what PS you need or want to some extent. |
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