I am enjoying my analog system, but what can I do to improve?

@chungjh The offer from a forum member to visit is a very kind offer and is a very  good opportunity that awaits you.

An experienced enthusiast and like minded individual is willing to share time with you in your listening environment, this is a very fortunate turn out, and the 'one to one' time together should be remembered as an invaluable experience for a very long time. 

These types of interactions are my regular participation, I don't find being shut in a room by myself, as my only HiFi interaction of any great value.

It is for me much more enjoyable when shared as a community and visits and visitors are the norm.

Now with my vast experience of such types of encounters, there is a need to arrange the room correctly, there will be a requirement for a special room treatment, to be placed in a very easy to reach location between the listening position and the speakers, a selection of Biscuits is the only requirement for a          very special room treatment for these occasions. 

Enjoy.

It is absolutely astounding how much the use of an ear can guide a person in a whole new direction, and be the guiding force, sorting through the Wheat from the Chaff.

As said in a previous post, I was quite sure I was not looking of another device to consider in the Vinyl LP Replay chain, and the recent visit to another's home and hearing the SUT's has changed that, the curiosity to try at home is on the to do list .     

Make the most of these opportunities when they arise.

I'll PM you as I try not to reference present available merchandise on forums.

I can reassure you that I have not made any monies from regularly dealing in HiFi Devices within or externally to forums.

I have periodically sold of a odd surplus device throughout the years, the most recent about Three Years ago being a unmodified DD TT, of which two modified models are still retained, and to undergo further treatments.    

I would not concern myself about room size, there are great musical encounters to be had, without making the room a reason the experience can't be thoroughly enjoyed.

Near Field Listening is a set up for the Speakers and Listening position that are used by members of the music production industry and any other methods for speaker positioning are overlooked.

Your room dimension form my understanding seems to lend itself quite satisfactory to allow for this method to be intentionally set up.

I have tried a version of near field in my room with ESL Speakers, where the wall behind the Speakers and the listening position are almost equalized in the dimension and the distance between the Speakers and the Listening position are very similar.  A slight change to the toe in of the Speaker is the only change to the stereo configuration for the speaker, but don't think a direct line to the ear is best, find the toe that really satisfies your own preferences.  

There is not any other method I have created to make a being there experience be perceived and believable, and this is a method used for a selection of live albums that really come into their own when replayed with this as the listening set up method.

The real appeal with this as a choice made for a Speaker set up, is that it genuinely does not cost any money, just a little adjustment to the already owned equipment.

If you want to create a space where the speakers are coupled to the room and the room seemingly has no boundaries, then a understanding of room acoustic treatments will be good to get to grips with, or use a modern technology to carry out analysis and suggested treatments. 

The OP now has a fairly comprehensive list of alternative choices for devices owned from Pre Amp through to TT's.

What is missing is how he has absorbed such suggestions as alternative options, and how a plan is to be put in place to have a experience/demonstration of any of the items that are appealing and thought of to be worthy of further consideration.

The OP does not quite know what he owns until he has had a experience of other systems, it might not take long for the understanding to be realized, that the Grass isn't that much Greener elsewhere, and the owned system is very satisfying.

Alternatively a experience/demonstration could present to the OP a device that is identified as being quite instrumental in being capable of presenting a particular sonic trait that is very satisfying and wished to be aspired to.

Either way this is not going to be a experience that can be had on a forum.

One week ago I was invited to a demonstration of New Available Devices to be demonstrated on a System that I know very well and am always impressed as the outcome.

Additionally I have also carried out A/B comparisons of owned devices vs other devices that are creating the same function as the New Devices to be demonstrated. Prior to the Demonstration I was quite reassured my search was complete for my own system, and the system to be used for the Demonstrations owner was pretty much of the mind-set that their search was over as well for such a device.

That lasted about 30 Seconds into the first replay, the Copper Tranx SUT on demonstration  was specifically brought along as a perfect loading matched device to the MiyaJima Cartridge, and this SUT > Cart' used with the 12' Reed Tonearm and SP10 R, took to a whole New Level than was not heard before, it was an interface made in heaven, and all six attendees were utterly surprised at the uplift over the resident SUT.

An additional SUT was introduced from the same Brand but not of the same loading match being a 1:20 ratio Silver Wire Tranx, and again this totally surpassed the resident SUT.

There were very impressive performances that are also very debateable, as a  performance when comparing a matched Copper Tranx vs un-matched Silver Tranx.   The resident SUT never got a mention in any discussions that followed.

When my HiFi system is to have money spent on it again, the above New to myself Brands Devices will be the first to be used as a Home System Demonstration, especially the ones heard along with the upcoming Models, as these are being declared as the Ultimate Range, and the designer has clearly stated will surpass the Models already being experienced.    

I had made a private inquiry to an individual who has not too long ago posted on another forum about their works being reported on a where a SP10 MkII had been undergoing modifications.

To be precise Two SP10 MkII's were undergoing modifications by individuals who were in close contact with each other and able to assess the works being undertaken.

Additionally a SP10 MkII and SP10 R have both been available to be used to compare the TT's being worked on to.

I was quite surprised to be informed that both individuals had formed the view that the Modified SP10 MkII's were the better TT's from their experiences of all the available TT's to be compared. 

To carry out similar modifications is a ambition of my own.

@rauliruegas  The OP has made their own inquiry, to which I made a very well informed reply'.

'I have never directly compared 1200G to SP10.

'What do you think are the audible sound improvements in favor of SP10? 

To put the record straight on this matter of referencing other TT's that the OP does not own, there is a earlier Post that refers to the SP10 Mk III, that then leads the Thread into other SP10 Models being referred, which has prompted the OP to inquire about comparisons between the owned 1200 Model and the Vintage Models being referred to.

Following this there are posts clearly offering a form of a description to the OP's inquiry about the comparison between Vintage Technics Models and the 1200 Model.

I chose to contribute to the descriptions being offered, as the information I was privy to was supplied by an individual who has a very trusted work and proven theories, even a renowned Vintage TT expert on this forum who is recommended as a service provider, has been seen to seek advice from this person.

My contribution is totally in keeping with the requests being made from the OP as a result of @rauliruegas introducing the SP10 MkIII Model, which I suspect was an attempt to prove a point as an affront to a comment made about the 1200 Model by another contributor.

@rauliruegas  I have a history on this forum of being met with your expression, that shines through with discontent.

I absorb your attacks with a kindness and patience as I do not see how anything directed by you in your particular and peculiar manner can be seen as containing  any content of any value.

I do not contribute on this forum for those who linger with other purposes in mind.    I contribute in the hope I can assist an individual with a genuine interest in learning a little about a subject that has many lessons to be learned.

I am quite content to remain as an individual with a lot to learn, it is nice to share some of the experiences already encountered and share some of the descriptions offered during my inquiries, especially how these encounters made a lasting  impression.     

@lewm  I am well aware of the source of the report, and that a direct communication was had with one member of a pairing that had been taking part in a project where the SP10 MkII was modified.

Firstly I spoke directly to the engineer who was instrumental in creating the changes.  The information supplied in this manner does not qualify for being hear say, it has been a very fair assessment from an engineer.

I agree I am not directly in a position to receive a demonstration of the findings so will settle for the information supplied during the contact.

It was made known that one of the pair of individuals owns a SP10 R and at the time of the supply of the information was preferring the modified SP10 MkII as their daily used TT.  

The measurements that have been taken has been analysed by a engineer friend I do have opportunities to meet, and there is enough to suggest that a further investigation is a worthwhile undertaking.

Hence, my comment that I am keen to take part in producing similar modifications.

I listen to the SP10 MkII and SP10 R regular and don't have a prejudice or preference for either, each is able to deliver a very impressive performance with a Sound Quality that is quite satisfying.

I assume these models are in a tight run race, and that at times the replays can between the two can become indistinguishable.

How separated these two models are to the 1200 Model range in their sound quality, is an unknown to myself, and I am not able to offer any comment.   

If the OP can be supported in receiving a demonstration of a not owned Technics DD model, I am sure they would be very appreciative.

@lewm I thank you for the context of your most recent mail, and allow me to elaborate on my post and how it was intended to assist the OP.

I did not mention the Technics Model TT's without the prompt to supply further information from the OP, who appeared to have been steered towards certain Technics Models, either Vintage or from present production as a result of a contribution from @rauliruegas and follow up posts.

This did in my assessment seem to confuse the OP who was now trying to understand deficiencies in what he has at hand, and what options are available for a alternative.

The information that was made known by myself was with prior consideration for its value to the Thread. The OP had expressed a curiosity, and I could contribute to help with this. I own a SP10 Mk II that has been overhauled, and I regularly listen to a few other SP10 Mk II's, as well as the SP10 R. 

I think this qualifies me to have had a experience, and there are a few thousand hours of use of DD TT's behind me,  but I have not had a experience of the one in a overseas Country that I made a reference to, but fully get the content of the private conversation had.

I was letting the OP know the SP10 MkII can prove to be a totally satisfying TT and the bank does not need to be broken, as they had requested a thought on what was considered to be a Great Bang for Buck solution in place of the 1200 model.

The reference to the modified SP10 MkII was to give the OP an insight to further heights that could be attained if the desire evolved to attain such a level.

@rauliruegas  How you have overlooked your initiation of causing the OP to take on a whole new direction in this thread and question their present owned TT and seek out alternative options to consider as a replacement.

I have encouraged the OP to receive a demonstration of a item that may have been on a shortlist, and encouraging them to use their ears for assessments and not forum talk.

Not at any time did a encouragement be given to suggest a SUT was needed.

The SUT was used as a explanation to show how valuable a demonstration of a device can be when wishing to bring something new into a owned system.

I have heard modified TT's of all drives and especially the SP10 MkII. I am very fortunate to own an overhauled SP10 MkII with Tweaks on board from a very well respected mechanical / electronics engineer. I do agree that the TT from overseas was not demonstrated to myself, but the engineer is very respected and a contact point for other renowned engineers who reside in other Countries.

I am not qualified to comment on Electronics or Mechanical Engineering, in the capacity that the individuals I do converse with are quite capable of and express an adeptness in their skills. It is quite satisfying to have the confidence of these individuals and be trusted with information when introduced to their IP that very few will be informed of.  

The OP has been steered into a alley way where there is doubt about their owned equipment, for this I am not responsible.

I am responsible for suggesting learning about Near Field Listening in Small Room and attempting to receive a demonstration of a device that has taken on an appeal.

The OP has been dragged through the briars backwards as a result of their inquiry on the thoughts on how to take their system to another level.

The encouragement to get rid of a Pre-Amp, get rid of the Cartridge, get rid of the tonearm wire, get rid of the Tag Wire, get rid of the Headshell, get rid of the platter mat, get rid of the Puck Weight, change the Geometry, and the like, all adds up to a bombardment of ideas, that a selection of will make an inexperienced individual run for cover from.

With the daunting effect of such suggestions, no wonder the OP leaned toward the idea of ditching what they own and starting afresh, and showed a curiosity about Vintage vs Modern Technics Models.

I remain in my earliest and later advice to the OP, Near Field Listening can prove to be a very satisfying experience when the disciplines for the set up are utilised, and to get out and share in demonstrations.

One good half hour spent in the right environment with experienced individuals is worth much much more than what forum talk can ever offer.

’Learn to listen and Listen to learn’

When a person has a experience gathered with approx' 30 Years of visiting HiFi Events, HiFi Enthusiast Events, and multiple visits to homes of like minded individuals who share in a enjoyment of replaying Vinyl LP's.

It was taking part in such activities that enabled myself to meet a individual who was well known at the time for their Garrard 401 Modifications to which I sent my own 401 to, for a modification, way back in the mid 90's.

It is quite easy to encounter all the commonly used Drive Systems for a TT.

At such times, it is also quite easy to identify obvious modifications when the aesthetic is quite different to an original, a PTP Solid 9 is an obvious example, of which I also own one.

Modified LP 12's and other Belt Drive TT's are out there in multiple guises , but I have not gone for a modification to a owned Belt Drive TT.

DD's are also to be discovered with various levels of modifications, the most commonly seen, is with advanced Plinth Designs, and then there are those with redesigns for the Platter Spindle Bearing and Platter, and in some cases the electronics to which I have heard a variety of these guises and have a various brands of DD's with a selection of modifications that are listed, and intend on increasing the methods of modifications used.   

To me there seems to nothing 'ridiculous' about meeting with people, especially, those who have acquired knowledge on how to improve a performance of a device.

If the influence made during the encounter is such that a similar method is chosen to be used by oneself, then that is the decision of the end user and nobody else.

If by continued participation in visiting events and homes, more encounters of up to date methods chosen methods for modifications are discovered, then that only adds to the wealth on offer from the experiences encountered.

It is my long term experience and maintained commitment to experiencing recorded music replay methods, it has been this attitude that has been the enabling force behind the offers sent to request a attendance of a  set of ears during R&D works being carried out, along with other regular made general invites to demonstrations.

Again for the OP, I have heard Near Field Set Up, not everybody has the luxury of a larger space for set up their equipment, it is a great experience to be encountered when the disciplines for the setting up the positioning is followed.

This can be achieved with everything you own, and no monies will need to parted with.

There is a substantial amount on info on the Web to show how to produce a very affordable room treatment, this might be something worthy of consideration, when the curiosity arises about how to couple your speakers to the room.