Regarding the rational for having multiple turntables:
I don’t like two tonearms on the same table, especially if one is of tangential design. I also don’t like detachable head shells. Changing cartridges on an arm without a detachable head shell is not something one wants to do every day (at least I don’t). Having more than one tonearm allows one to have multiple cartridges, the arm and cartridge matched in terms of symbiosis. Why multiple cartridges? One stereo and one mono of course, but also cartridges that play music in a different manner. One may be better with large scale music, another with small scale.
Having a table for each tonearm---the arm and table matched in the same manner as arm and cartridge---makes a lot of sense. A cartridge, arm, and table combined makes a system, just as do an amplifier and loudspeaker. Having multiple loudspeakers---each with a power amp chosen just for that speaker---also makes sense if one desires to hear music played in different ways. Or in terms of excelling at reproducing small scale music (the QUAD ESL) vs. large scale (name your favorite "big" speaker).
The cartridge and the loudspeaker----the two transducers in the hi-fi chain, one at either end.
@lalitk Thanks! I learned a lot from your reply. I have three pairs of speakers, two preamps, and (until yesterday) 6 amps (several borrowed), so I totally understand the A/B adventure.
I really enjoyed your sharing about your audiophile journey, your generous helpfulness, and your patience with difficult people. Many thanks, you are a blessing in my audio journey.
thanks John, for the kind words. i hope all is well with you and you are still enjoying your fantastic system. retirement is going well for me. don't work too hard. :-)
Mike is such an incredible ambassador for high end audio. Mike is so generous with his time and wisdom. I am fortunate to have been welcomed to Mike's barn numerous times over the years. No matter how great it has sounded (and it always sounds amazing) Mike keeps working on making it sound better. That same focus on detail and continuous improvement is why Mike had an incredible career in the automobile business. Mike's friendship and guidance have played an integral part in my hi-fi journey.
Got a few records ready to go! Would love to hear how they sound on that system!
@mswaleyou would be welcome any time you are in the neighborhood. and also fine to bring your records but i have plenty too.
i have visitors on average once maybe twice a month, and larger groups 3-4 times a year. right now a larger group is scheduled for late April. about every other year i have 25+ from the local audio club visit. done that for 20 years. the audiophile/music loving community means a lot to me.
that way we can all do our own videos for everyone to comment on.
there are a few video’s out there. i neither encourage or discourage videos, and never comment on the sound. not a big believer in phone video’s as evidence of positive or negative system performance. YMMV
thanks everyone for the nice comments, and also for the more critical comments too, i don’t like to take myself too seriously. i’m just having fun.
don’t be too tough on Chuck (MillerCarbon), this was his first video for his new blog and he was learning how to use the i-phone gimble device, which seemed to follow me when he pointed it at the gear. and he was using a pair of lapel mics for the audio instead of the phone mic. give him 5 or 6 video’s to get his process down and he should be competent.
i did not like watching me talk for 30 minutes either. it's obviously not my superpower.
it’s always easier to not do something and take shots, than to do it. so appreciate the efforts.
btw; i do still pay attention to Audiogon and chime in when it is a subject i have an interest in discussing. plenty of value here.
I'm with everyone on the camera work, ouch. Too bad, I would have enjoyed the whole video. Good for Mike following his passion in the hobby and that is true for everyone enjoying the music. As an analogy, I've driven super exotic sportscars and a 1967 Chevy Impala SS 327 all geeked out. I've immensely enjoyed all of the above. The same is true for all my sound systems over the years. I started with a handheld transistor radio listening to cousin Brucey
I'm with everyone on the camera work, ouch. Too bad, I would have enjoyed the whole video. Good for Mike following his passion in the hobby and that is true for everyone enjoying the music. As an analogy, I've driven super exotic sportscars and a 1967 Chevy Impala SS 327 all geeked out. I've immensely enjoyed all of the above. The same is true for all my sound systems over the years. I started with a handheld transistor radio listening to cousin Brucey
@ all y'all....
Ah, the infamous MC hits the 'Gon once again....*L*
Built his own dam auditorium, he has...don't know 'bout no windows, but building codes vary with distance from a city of size. And, if a nice site, I kinda enjoy viewing it...🤷♂️ Whatever...
Some legends never die.....but stick to your face, Anyway....😏
Miss the muss 'n fuss of the time I was watching 'The Final Phase' go down...|
Kept the place 'lively'.....
' Cam mis-operator ' hopefully does better @ the day job....jus' sayin'... 🙄
Recently saw youtube video where guy had something like seven systems throughout his mansion, expensive equipment in every one, and it appeared he kept all powered up 24/7, the electric bill alone!
Hats off to anyone that has the passion, and means, to build a listening room such as this, and fill it with outrageous gear. I'm in awe. That being said, I'm glad that when folks enter my listening room we concentrate on the records and CDs, as they are worth 10 times my decent sounding equipment.
If anyone can explain why one might intentionally have two turntables, I'm curious.
I currently have two turntables in my main system. One costs about ten times as much as the other. I use the "nice" turntable and cartridge with my better records. I have some records that are less pristine that I still enjoy mostly for the music and would rather not wear the stylus on the expensive cartridge with those. Others have more than one because they sound different and may prefer one over the other with certain types of music. As someone else mentioned, some like to have a separate table for mono. I'm sure there are other reasons.
I agree, having multiple DACs allows for comparing different voicing and synergy with various components, the same logic applies to turntables or any other component in an audio system.
But hear me out…having own couple of turntables, I will say this; running two high-end turntables is a whole different level of commitment compared to owning multiple DACs. With DACs, switching between them is often as simple as changing an input or swapping a cable. But with turntables, you’re managing intricate setup variables like VTA, azimuth, tracking force, and anti-skate—each of which can significantly alter the sound.
Then there’s the maintenance: keeping multiple cartridges perfectly aligned, ensuring both tables are finely calibrated, and dealing with potential motor, belt, or bearing upkeep. Not to mention the cost of quality tonearms, cartridges, and phono stages—each optimized for a particular table.
And let’s not forget the space and isolation requirements. A second turntable needs its own properly isolated platform or rack space, along with careful grounding and cabling to avoid interference or hum. And, I am not even going to talk about the whole record cleaning / maintenance regime :-)
IMHO, owning two turntables is a true labor of love, reserved for those with both the dedication and passion to dive deep into the vinyl experience. It’s not just about variety—it’s a serious pursuit of analog perfection.
The way I see it….Mike’s setup is much more than a collection of components—it’s a carefully curated and purpose-built environment, designed from the ground up for uncompromising performance. The fact that he has two turntables is impressive, but when you consider the entire system synergy, the dedicated acoustic space, and the meticulous attention to detail, it’s on another level.
Building a custom barn specifically for audio isn’t just a commitment—it’s a lifestyle. The level of planning that goes into optimizing everything from room dimensions and construction materials to electrical isolation and acoustic treatment is a true testament to his dedication. Honestly, it’s the kind of setup most of us can only dream of experiencing or replicating firsthand.
@lalitk- voicing, comparing, and ability to are reasons that also apply to those of us with more than one DAC. He is certainly not alone with two turntables. As another example, I have 4 bikes. Just part of the hobby.
There are actually several and sometimes indulgent reasons why someone might intentionally have two turntables,
- Mono vs Stereo playback - One turntable dedicated to mono playback (with a true mono cartridge) and the other for stereo. While one can accomplish this with two tonearms but not all TT’s comes with two tonearms.
- Cartridge Voicing: Some folks enjoy having different cartridges for different sonic flavors (e.g., one with a warmer, more romantic sound, and another with more detail and resolution). Swapping head shells or carts is possible, but having two turntables makes it far more convenient.
- Comparing and Tweaking Gear - Again some folks enjoy comparing cartridges, tonearms, or phono stages, having two turntables makes direct A/B comparisons much easier.
And lastly, Some of us can! For true vinyl lovers, having two turntables is simply a luxury of passion.
Post#1 I’d call it constructive criticism. I’ve had the exact conversation with him about the limitations of 2 channel in the past, for which he came.up with some flawed response...and hey presto, there he is moving nearfield, I’ll just leave it there, you probably wouldn’t understand.
I very much like the sound of master tape as well, except I get it even better and quite easily while he bangs his head on tape decks.. Can’t explain r&d, technological adv, etc to a ritual based bunch of guys who are doomed to doing it the hard way, I suppose.
Post#2 was an attempt to make a guy with perhaps not very deep wallets feel a lil better
Post#3 acknowledgement of a clever speaker design (give credit when its due), great sound and willing to look past the personalities behind it...(which some here seem to be too stuck on). Tekton is just one of a longer list of speakers I have. If you’re looking for some brand name ga gaa goo goo groupie or a 1 trick pony rig, maybe look at yourself or something, don’t look at me.
I don’t do video capture of how my rooms sound (pointless), and I don’t play endless repeats of "good recordings" of untalented artists, like some of the crowd here, i.e, use music to listen to the gear...But, a fair number of audiophiles, musicians, etc had their pants blown off with what they experienced.
Several musicians have now said (i ask em "whatcha think?") what they heard in my rooms was the best representation of what their recordings should sound like..and that works for me...a bit unfortunate indeed that much of the regular masses who do enjoy music will not experience such a thing..but, oh well...
Long story short...not a whole lot there to prove to anyone...or participate in any hifi phallus measurement contests.
@deep_333 You’d know condescending tone, your 3 posts were nothing but so no need for you acting like the you’re the innocent party
Jiminy Christmas, heavens to betsy, quite the condescending tone there (tsk, tsk)...how very representative of the audiophile community, a shining glorious example.. At this rate, you could be closely related to the cameraman & tekton maker even (other shining glorious examples of the community, maybe Fremer too).
@deep_333 Why don’t you get the cameraman extraordinaire who is also a Tekton gaga guy to go to your place while on his whirlwind videography and give us a show of your system andsetup. Your continued taking of cheap shots at Mike and his system/room is pathetic
@deep_333Why don’t you get the cameraman extraordinaire who is also a Tekton gaga guy to go to your place while on his whirlwind videography and give us a show of your system andsetup. Your continued taking of cheap shots at Mike and his system/room is pathetic
He's close to me, should try to check it out, that is the most curated system I have ever seen.
Yes, the video is horrible, just about unwatchable, shaky, unfocused, never showing the equipment. Think I could so better off-road with just holding my camera out the window.
For some reason, South Park just kept coming to mind with Mike just kept saying Okey every second.
Many Tekton designs are incredible and sound incredible...designed by a slightly eccentric guy, of course....but, that is most of the socially unpolished audiophile population (no surprise there).
Don’t let the camera man on crack ruin it for ya. Quite strange indeed, a six year old might handle a camera better.
I missed the part where Millercarbon pulled his Tekton’s out of the van!
If you read through his virtual system description, at the bottom is a link to a 2004 Positive Feedback article discussing the barn renovation and construction of the listening room. We are fortunate he has shared his journey with us in such detail. He has graciously invited others throughout the years and a simple on-line search links several write-ups with pictures since the room was completed.
@dayglow +1 - Seems someone is either jealous or just grumpy
@rsf507 You can find Mike over on What's Best Forum. Can catch his insights over there; and as someone else stated he is always willing to engage if you reach out to him via the threads or directly.
Rich people have different barns than me. Aint life grand?
Calling it a "barn" is unfortunate. It may have been mentioned in the video (I didn't watch it), but Mike bought the property because of the barn. Not to speak for him, but from what he told us it sounded like his vision was to transform it into a world class listening room, which he did. When you visit, he doesn't talk about his "system", he talks about his "room", which he has spent years tweaking and considers the most important component of his "system". The gear is incredible of course, but the room brings everything to life. Jealousy and envy are not good looks for anyone.
Thankfully I've experienced it in person and didn't have to watch the video. Mike is very kind and gracious and has hosted our local music club on a couple of occasions. His system is the best I've ever heard and I learned a lot from him. I believe he is retired now and able to spend as much time as he wants enjoying his incredible system.
Throughout the years I’ve frequented this virtual system countless amounts of time, and always appreciated this member’s contributions. If I still lived in Western Washington, I would have loved visiting his barn.
I can’t say that I would have done better, but MC’s camera work didnt do this system justice. It’s really too bad as Mike is insightful and willing to share his experience and system for those of us interested.
* just re-watched a portion this morning over coffee - yeah, the camera work almost seems worst the more times you watch.
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