Jeff@frozentundra,
Thanks for the compliments. Thorens TD1601 sub-chassis is mounted on three conical springs thus allowing its platter to float vertically. I don’t think I’ve experienced any loss in the bass region with this table.
RE: Sibilant. @audioguy85 advise is spot on. I did experience lot of sibilance when I first set my table out of the box. I played with counterweight adjustment and got rid of the sibilance. Fortunately, the VTA adjustment and cart was done by the seller (MusicDirect). As much I am enjoying this turntable, it’s not without its flaws. I picked the electrical lift and auto-shut off option with TD1601 and it is probably the most noisy part of the operation, otherwise the table is dead quiet.
I have another table (Dr. Feickert - Volare) coming in couple of weeks. Let’s see which one I end up keeping :-)
The choice of Hana cart was based on one of my dear friend recommendation. I did read the online reviews which are very positive about the brand. Initially I was leaning towards Hana SL but after speaking to my consultant at Music Direct, he highly recommended the ML (Low Output) over SL. The Hana ML uses higher-specifications parts, extra-pure copper wiring and a nude microline stylus. The brass plate along with Delrin body provides better dampening over SL.
I mostly listen to jazz genre so I prefer a relax and slightly warm sound. With Hana ML music simply flows, the soundstage is so relaxed and expansive that all of the detail in my favorite recordings are easily heard and silky smooth. With this cart, you can easily discern the differences between vinyl at 33 and 45rpm speed. Absolutely no regrets with ML.
If I may, I would like to recommend couple of accessories if you plan to continue exploring vinyl playback.
1) Clean your records with cleaning solution (even the new one’s) and they will sound so much better with minimal ticks and pops. I bought new records and they were noisy even after cleaning with Carbon Fiber Anti-Static Record Brush. I bought this kit from Amazon, everything you need it’s included,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H5C8ZL2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3425Q6HRMGD2C&psc=12) Pick up Mo-Fi Record Inner Sleeves. These sleeves make it so easy to slide your record in and out and keep them static-free. Those cheap paper sleeves are royal pain in the rear 😆
https://www.musicdirect.com/sleeves/mobile-fidelity-record-inner-sleeves-50pkEnjoy the journey!
