I find it interesting that beech is used for making a resin impregnated wood. Beech has a reputation as being one of the most waterproof woods available - it used to be used for the construction of waterwheels at mills and is still used as handles for shaving brushes for that reason. No doubt the pressures used in the impregnation manage to overcome this resistance, but all the same, there are woods that would be far easier to impregnate.
One turntable with two arms, or two turntables with one each - which would you prefer?
Which would you prefer, if budget allowed: one turntable with two tonearms or two turntables with one each? What would your decision criteria be?
And the corollary: one phono preamp with multiple inputs or two phono preamps?
Assume a fixed budget, but for the purposes of this question, the budget is up to the responder. Admittedly for this type of setup, there will be a sizeable investment once all components of the chain are factored in.
I'm curious to hear how people would decide for themselves the answer to this question. Or maybe you've already made this decision - what do you like about your decision or what would you differently next time?
Cheers.
Showing 6 responses by dogberry
It would have been much cheaper if this device was still made: http://www.time-step.com/distribution/SME%20Dual%20Arm.html I ended up with a second Model 10, for the same sound. I'm very content with the Model 10, but I did need the ability to run two cartridges as I try to spin out the life of my Deccas. |
I've been looking at the Acoustand tonearm pods, which would let me add a second arm to one or both my SME Model 10 tables. I have a spare SME M10 arm, and could get an M2-9 for a fourth arm. My phono amp supports up to five inputs. I know, it's crazy, but just imagine having four cartridges on the go at once! Talk about spoiled for choice. |
"Dogberry, what phono stage provides 5 pairs of phono inputs?" Five inputs are available in the huge and delightful Musical Fidelity NuVistor Vinyl. It remembers what you have set for each one (each can be MM - with eight capacitative loading settings, or MC - with eight resistance loadings, +6dB or no - which helps to make the output similar such that by changing from one table/tonearm to another you don't have to dash to the pre-amp to alter the volume). |
@lewm With respect to granite, presumably the crystalline nature of rocks can affect their ability to resonate? All I know about them is to do with their abrasive qualities when lapped and used for honing straight razors. And now I shall be accused of going off topic again, so... My plans for tonearm pods are underway. They will be made of brass rather than stainless steel, and black ceramic coated just for visual matching purposes. SME mounting plates on top, and three spikes underneath. The mounting plate will be precisely 90mm above the tips of the spikes, which is the same as the built in arm plates on the Model 10 tables. My next choice will not please everyone: I shall place a pair of SME M2-9 tonearms on them. These are pretty much like the 3009, but straight instead of curved, using 309 type headshells instead of the 3009 type, and have a damping trough. I have half a dozen 309-style headshells being one reason, and trust in the wisdom of Alastair Robertson-Aikman is another. It will probably be a couple of months for the machinist to finish the pods, so I'll have to be patient in the interim. |
Very kind of you, John, but I shall decline. My two turntables sit atop a very heavy 17th century oak chest, which I have carefully levelled. I don't think a slab of anything, however good it is in the audio realm, will be acceptable to SWMBO. I started out just trying to find a cartridge I could live with when my London Reference is finally done, and I ended up with a handful of rather nice carts and a second turntable! And now the madness proceeds towards four tonearms... |