Personal turntable/cartridge evolution
Here we go: Some kind of portable player Some kind of Garrard Dual 721 - (whatever came with it) Kenwood KD-500 - Infinity Black Widow: AKG P8ES (which caused the black widow to oscillate), Pickering XSV-3000, Stanton 881s Thorens TD 126 - SME 3009: Fidelity Research FR-1 Mk III F (this was a truly great combination and I should have held on to it) SOTA Saphire - Dynavector DV 501: Dynavector .23R (ruby), Denon 103D Dual CS-5000 - Denon 103D, Stanton 881s I'm done; maybe one day I'll pick up an HK/Rabco for kicks. |
Update time! 1970s Original LP12, Grace 707 with a Dyna 10x4 Stopped for years...then read in Stereophile that no system is complete without the analog experience, so jumped back in again. 1987 VPI HW19 Jr, AT PT9 with a Dyna 10x4. Somehow wasn't quite satisfied with this setup, so traded up to 1989 Kuzma Stabi, Stogi Ref with a Dyna Te Kaitora. 2003 Got the Herron VTPH-1mc phono stage - a real gem. 2004 Got the Living Voice Mystic Mat and the Schroeder Model 2 tonearm - another gem. 2005 Switched to the Denon DL103R - cheaper and better, the poor man's Koetsu. 2006 This should be my final TT upgrade, got the Scheu DL No2 (first in the world). Setup with the Schroeder No2 and the Denon cart. Scheu DL2 Full system Funny thing is, I tried to start a thread about the Scheu, but it doesn't seem to appear? |
RCA mono luggable (1960-2000) (still have, but inop) Garrard changer (1960-1970) ELAC Miracord 620 w/AudioTechnica (?) cart (1970-1977) Rega Planar 2, Audiocraft AC300C, Grace F9L (1977-198X) cart changed to Grace F9E (198X-199X) Rega Planar 3, RB300, Bluepoint Special (199X-2006) Garrard 401, Scheu Tacco, ??? (still in process) (2006- ) |
Hi Rwd Yes, its their latest stab at the SOTA of turntable playback. There are 2 models, just simply called no1 and no2, no2 being their top of the line, which is the one I got. I bought the Scheu unseen/unheard, only through the pictures and descriptions of the dealer in Singapore and what he could gather from German designer's attempt to translate some musical feature from German to English. Obviously something got lost in the process. Nevertheless, the benchmark for comparison was their Premier model, so I had no reason to doubt it was going to sound better. The question was - how much better? Now as to whether a suspension or a suspensionless table would be better - I did hear their Premier model(grandfather if you will) and the children, the Teres and Galibier (missed the Redpoint though), at the RMAF'05 and at Thom's lovely home. My experiences with the rigid/high mass school left me with no doubt that these designs were superior to any suspension-based design. As to which to get, I was leaning towards the Galibier, but the previous models were above my budget, besides considerations on support due to distance. My attempts to contact Teres were all unsuccessful and the tables at the RMAF left me disappointed. Then Scheu came up with these what'd-you-call-it? DL tables and the design of the No2 appealed to me. I decided to pull the trigger on this as my Kuzma Stabi('97) was showing signs of aging. I had heard their Reference model - which was highly raved by the hi-fi press and it certainly is a great table - the design is one of the most elegant ways of implementing a suspension on a rigid plinth. Nevertheless it still had a suspension and a rubber belt and a hefty price tag to go along. After a couple of days of living with the Scheu No2, I can safely say it is a significant upgrade over anything I've heard so far - with the exception of the Rockport. As the design was based on an acrylic platter, I had expected it to be a little "dead" sounding in the mids - a typical criticism of acrylic. However the reality was surprisingly the opposite. In combination with the Mystic Mat, the mids are fleshed out even more accurately than any suspension based design. As expected of high mass designs, the bass tightened up tremendously, both in terms of tonal accuracy and weight. Dynamics took a quantum leap, this table being very quiet. The sense of pace/speed was also enhanced now with the string belt as opposed to a rubber belt. A most important aspect often overlooked by some tables, is scale. On the Scheu, the images are big/full/life-sized, not cardboard cutouts. I just re-listened to Holly Cole's "Don't Smoke in Bed" and now realise what the Trio were doing to make music - on one of the tracks, the pianist was plucking the strings of the piano, and on another track, he was tapping on the piano's woodwork. Things which I hadn't noticed/heard before. Impressive, truely impressive indeed! |
CMK....WOW...I am happy for you! I am also interested in upgrading my TT and arm. I am leaning toward the Galibrier Glavia and a Schroder Ref arm. However, the Schroder may take longer then a year to get. So I am leaning towards a Tri-Planer. I know quite a few here (douddeacon) speaks very favorably about the Tri. Did you have to wait long for the mod 2 Schroder? Did you ever hear a Galibrier??? As to this new model #2 is the belt a string or a flat belt? Doug has commented that the flat belt made a BIG improvement over the original thin belt on his Teres. Now you have me thinking about possibly a Scheu? |
1971 Garrard 44M / Shure M91ED 1973 Pioneer PL12D / Shure M91ED 1974 Transcriptors Saturn / Vestigal tonearm / Shure V15-III 1975 Trascriptors Glass Skeleton / Vestigal arm / Denon DL103D 1977 Linn Sondek / Transcriptors Vestigal arm / Denon DL103D 1980 > present Luxman PD441 / Vestigal arm (Rega RB600 after 2002) / Denon DL103D 1982 > 1985 VPI HW19 / Mission 774 arm / Denon DL103D also Accuphase moving coil & Monster Alpha 1 & Koetsu Rosewood 1985 > 2002 Pink Triangle / Helius Orion arm / Denon DL103D 1992 > 2002 B&O 8000 / B&O MC1 2005 > present Luxman PD444 / Rega RB1000 / Denon DL103D So today, I still have my 1979 Luxman PD441 on one system and the Luxman PD444 on another. Phil |
Hi Rwd The Galibier and Schroeder would be an excellent combination. I've heard about the long waiting time, here in Singapore, the dealer said he had trouble getting any Schroeder arm, so I'm considered to be one of the lucky few. Some time ago, I had heard about the rave reviews and decided to see what all the excitment was all about and so became the first in Asia to get a Schroeder. I was on a budget so I went for their entry Model 2 and have never looked back since. I waited about 2-3 months, but that was then. Now, well your guess is as good as mine. I did have the opportunity to listen to a friend's Reference and it is more resolving and "rounder", though I would not be describe the difference as night and day. System difference would of course make a direct comparison difficult. While at Thom's home, I did hear the Reference and TriP side-by-side. The TriP is as good as any bearing arm will get. The Reference though presented music more naturally, unforced. I got a wicked idea: get the model 2 instead of those 2 arms and spend the difference on a Loricraft! Believe me, this in itself is a major upgrade. Yes, I heard the previous top model with the above arms. The Scheu model 2 uses a string. I would not want to comment on what Doug heard having not heard it. However a wooden base would have a color of its own, it does not surprise therefore that a belt would help tighten the image. The main issue here is speed stability and I would reckon that the high mass of the platter would make up for any speed issues. I still strongly believe that the Mystic Mat made a bigger difference than all the exotic platters. As to tightening/sharpening of images, I once was pulled towards that end of the spectrum. On hind sight, sharp/pin-point images are not natural/real, except in anachoic(sp?) chambers, but no one lives in one. Music should be live, live-sized, dynamic. It would be such a waste if music reproduced sounded precise, pin-point in an artificially small soundstage after spending that kind of money. |
Sorry all for derailing this thread....I should add my comments on my TT/arm evolution (if I can remember!)! Started with a Garrard (in the early 70's so I don't recall the model) and Shure 3 Then went on to... dual 1219 Phillips 212 Thorens 125 (great) then the Linn for many , many years and with all the significant upgrades (lingo was the best) and now the VPI Aries with 10.5 arm (see my system) Best of all?? I think...VPI-Linn? Best arm? Not sure Best cartridge....Decca Gold...1978-79!!!!!!!!!! |
Table update Got a 2nd arm for the Scheu DL2, the Cartridge Man's Conductor linear air-bearing tonearm. Paired this with the Audio Technica AT33PTG mc cart. The arm is my first foray into linear tracking arms, but knowing their potential and having read the reviews in 6moons and TNT, I had high expections. I am happy to report that so far, I've not been disappointed. |
Time I updated mine. Sold the TNT Mk. II with its SDS conditioner/controller. My first re-plinthed Lenco (L78) has been replaced by a two-armed monster Lenco (replinthed L75 by Jean Nantais) with both JMW 10.5 and SME IIIs arms fitted. The Lencos -- especialy the new one -- totally blew away the TNT/SDS combo. The JMW arm now has a Decca Super Gold Mk VII cart -- best sound I've ever had. The SME IIIs arm has three armtubes with vintage Ortofon, Sonus, and ADC cartridges. |
Around 1974 on a student's budget: belt driven Pioneer with Shure MM , I can't possibly recall the model designations anymore. Around 1981 on some of my first earned wages: Technics SL-QL1 linear tracking direct drive with T4P plug-in Ortofon TMC 200 (MC); I wanted something as easy to handle as a cd-player there. Around 1985: Micro BL 91 with SME 3009 R and Clearaudio Delta Improved (MC) Mid-nineties: Clearaudio Victory H (MC) to replace the Delta. 2002: Well Tempered Reference with Reference Arm, Clearaudio Victory H remained in place. 2006: Transfiguration Spirit III to replace the Clearaudio. |
I now use the Magic Diamond cartridge(purchased from freakyvynil.I guess he is the main man for this cartridge).The best cartridge I ever heard.This cartridge will let you see what the microphone sees.It will tell you if the recording is lean or fat or in the middle.I have listened to a few master tapes during my time working at EAR(UK)and the Magicdiamond reminded me of that.Extremely detailed with superb balance and easy to listen to.You will need a state of the art phonostage and turntable to hear(see)what it can do. |
1964 Gerrard Type A 1964 Fairchild 412/Fairchild 500 arm 1967 Acoustic Research XA 1970 Miracord 50 H (bad move) 1972 Phillips semi automatic (worse move) 1976 Acoustic Research 1978 Thorens 125/SME 1981 Ariston R11/SME 1983 thru 2002 CD players 2002 to present Rega P25 and restored A R XA and Fairchild 412 |
Hi, since 1996 i restart hearing analog. 1. Thorens 147 with a denon 110 Cart. 2. 2002 Scheu Cello with RB 250 and Scheu Benz High Output MC 3. 2003 Scheu Premier with Cantus tonarm and Scheu Benz Ruby 2 4. 2004 Scheu Premier with Tacco Tonarm and Ruby 3 5. 2005 TW Acustic Raven with Fidelity Research FR66 FX and Shelter 301 MC. later Dynavector XX2 6. 2006 TW Acustic Raven AC with FR 66FX and MSL The Eminent and as second tonearm Feickert DFA 10.5 with Shelter 201 MM. regards Thomas www.ravenac.de |
1973-78 a BSR changer 1978-1992 BIC 960 1992-present Thorens TD-318 MKII w/ Grado Signature MCZ I also have 248,495 miles on my 1988 BMW 325i !! I still use my beautiful black AT&T rotary phone I still use my 1973 Panasonic AM/FM "digital" clock radio. The radio is dead, but the clock is a machine! I drive everything until the wheels fall off and burn. Thinking about a VPI Scoutmaster. |
First I upgraded, then dumped vinyl and now I've bought a reasonable TT just to listen to my old records: Thorens TD166 III with various cartridges; Thorens TD125 with SME 3009/Ortofon MC15 Super II; Then I quit vinyl.... for about two weeks... Thorens TD104/AT95 Thorens TD160B/SME IIIS/Ortofon MC15 Super II; Micro Seiki MB10/Grado Prestige Silver (don't ask); And finally a Sony PS-X55 with Grado Prestige Silver. |
Update! Started with a Garrard (in the early 70's so I don't recall the model) and Shure 3 Then went on to... dual 1219 Phillips 212 Thorens 125 (great) then the Linn for many , many years and with all the significant upgrades (lingo was the best) and now the VPI Aries with 10.5 arm (see my system) Now....the T.W. Raven AC/Tri-Planer Vll arm/Dynavector VS-1....absolutely great with a capitol "G". |
I'm starting to take some serious steps into vinyl, although I've been collecting and listening to LPs for almost 12 years. 1995-1996 - Some cheap Sears unit that I purchased for $20. 2000-2002 - various Technics (SL-D2's, etc.) 2004-2007 - Thorens TD-125MkII w/ Ortofon X5-MC 2007-???? - VPI Scout w/JM9 tonearm, Dynavector 20X-H, Benz Glider M2 I just ordered the VPI, I can't wait. |
1975 garrad with Grado? 1986 AR with Grado 1994 AR with Grado platium 1998 Michell Orbe with Rega 250 and Platium. 2003 Michell Orbe with Graham 1.5 and Micro Benz L04 2005 Michell Orbe with Graham 1.5 and Micro Benz L04, Shelter 501 II 2007 Michell Orbe with Graham 1.5 and Micro Benz L04, Shelter 501 II, Ortofon Jubilee. |
Started with Thorens 150. Hadcock arm Shure cartridge in 1977, could afford the Linn. Linn Lp12 with ittok, then Origin live silver taper arm. Now, finally and I mean that, I think, Origon live Resolution modern/OL Illustrious. Koetsu Rosewood Signature. Why would you want to change? I am sure someone will tell me why though |
Too many cartridges to list, but here are TT/Arms and I wish I stiil had some of these arms espeacially the Breuer. Looking back on this list if I just had half the money I spent I could be spinning on a Brinkmann. Still i had all those wonderful analog years Garrard something Dual something SP-10/SME SP-10/SAEC SP-10/Grace 707 Linn LP12/Grace 707 Linn LP12/Linn Asik Sota Saphire/Linn Asik Sota Saphire/Breuer Goldmann Studio/3F arm and control (great TT and arm combination) Basis 2500/Graham 2.0 Basis 2500/Graham 2.2 Basis 2500 Signature Calibration Base/Graham 2.2 Basis 2500 Signature Calibration Base/Graham Phantom/Koetsu Onyix Plat. next up is a Brinkmann |
Down in the bowery: 1972: Garrard SL95B with Shure M93 4x7 elliptical cart. This was perched on top of an Altec-Lansing "premium" compact system receiver. 1973 or so: Upgraded to Shure 2x7 elliptical M91ED 1976: Hitachi all manual direct drive turntable with Grado G3+ (it was their top-of-the-line at $150 before introducing the Joe Grado Signature Series at $300) 1979: Inlaws break the long, fragile Grado cantilever; replaced Grado with ADC XLM mk II. It never sounded the same again (should have replaced Grado stylus). 1982: Cat breaks turntable; I don't replace it, waiting for advent of CDs 1987-2007: Suffer through 20 years of harsh, hashy, bleached-out, threadbare-sounding CDs, especially the reissues of recordings from the analog LP era. 2007 (Feb): Yamaha YP-28 belt-drive semi-auto from garage sale for $2. I catch the vinyl bug. Replaced OEM cartridge with Ortofon OMP-10. 2007 (March): Technics SL1210 M5G, Shure M97xE. Also got P-mount adaptor and 2nd headshell to switch between the Shure and Ortofon carts as my fancy suits me (what a high roller!) |
It's been time I revisited this thread: 198? Dual 1993 Linn Basik/Akito/K9 1998 Rega Planar 3/RB300/Elys 2000 Rega Planar 3/RB300/Denon DL103 2004 Michell Tecnodec/RB600/Ortofon Kontrapunkt A and Denon DL103R 2005 Thorens TD150MKII/TP13A/Shure 2006 Thorens TD166MKII/TP16/Denon D160 2006 VPI Scout/JMW9/Denon DL103R and Benz Ace 2007 DPS 2 "Der Plattenspieler" / DPS RB250/ Lyra Argo (i) |
I would like to see this thread come to life, I have only owned a total of 2 or 3 tt, the only one worthy of mention is my present Vpi that has been heavily and I mean heavily modified. It weighs in at around 430 pounds. the cartridges; started with a grado inexpensive one, then moved unto the sumikos, from the blue point to the blackbird, then to the denon 103 series, then the zu model which is a total killer. Nothing will beat my tt, serious!!!!!!! The musicians practically enter my living room! |
Pedrillo, love your response! Getting the most out of the equipment you own does take a lot of personal efforts to tweak or modify. My evolution starts with my parents zenith hifi from the early 60's. I remember that table because it had a cobra or snake armwand. I got the phono when i was older but could not get the thing to work right so i got a bsr. Dont even remember the model but it was my first real table. I kept it a couple of years and got a garrard then finally got my first "hilevel" table in a Dual 701. I kept that table for close to 20 years. I found a denon 47f after the dual and kept it for a few years. In 2002, i purchased a gyrodec and my first MC cartridge(vandenhul frog). The arm was the rb300. I tried a few other cartridges (mm and mc) and found the zxy line(airy3s). In 2006, I got my first Maplenoll. It was a modified reference araidne model with the lighter platter. I upgraded the airsystem and balanced the platter and finally installed my own tonearm and onthefly vta system. I also moved to a zyx universe silver coils. My latest project is a ariadne signature with the large platter. Not quite as heavy as pedrillo, but still a heavyweight near 150 lbs. |
I would like to see this thread come to life...I agree - I find the journey of what people with similar tastes have tried not only interesting but extremely helpful in developing my own tastes and finding my own direction. At least this is why I started this thread quite while ago ;) There has been a very similar thread whcih was started a little later, but which contains many excellent responses: How Many Turntables Have You Owned |
I started out with a "Longines Symphonette" all-in-one "suitcase-style" record player, back in the early 70's. I remeber taping a penny to the top end of the tonearm to allow for sufficient tracking force !! Then, when I was a freshman in college in late 1973, I bought a wonderful Panasonic stereo system......record player, radio, 8-track player/recorder, and bookshelf speakers.....all for $ 260.00. (I remember the price because I worked 3 months at a part time job to afford it !) On this great little system, I was able to discover my love of music, first listening to many of the great "classic rock" albums (CSNY, Beatles, LedZep, Allmans, Dead, James Taylor, Carole King, Springsteen, Simon and Garfunkle, Eagles, etc., etc.). I purchased my first "audiophile system" in late 1981, and thoroughly enjoyed my Yamaha receiver, Mission 717 speakers, NAD casette deck, and Bang & Olefsun Beogram 3404 table (and MMC-20 cartridge) for many years. Then, in 1998, I "moved up" to Vandersteen speakers, an Arcam Delta 90 integrated amp, and an NAD 533 turntable with a Goldring Elektra cartridge. This system has evolved over the years into what I now own, which includes my latest analog front end.....a Rega P3-24 table with a Rega Exact 2 cartridge. I am incredibly happy with my current system (please click on to see it), and I hope to enjoy it for many years to come. |
