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Schroder sq and the new talea

I heard there was to be a fun time of learning and comparing of these two arms at the rmaf. Since the talea is relatively new, it still has to stand the test of time with comparisons on other tables, other systems and the selective and subjective tastes of discerning audiophiles! There is to be a comparison in one of the rooms at the rmaf this year, which i wasnt able to make. I would be curious to hear some judicial, diplomatic, friendly talk about how they compared to each other in the same system and room. I currently own the origin live silver mk3 with a jan allaerts mc1bmk2 and am enjoying this combo but have become curious about the more popular "superarms" Hats off to both frank and joel.

I hope this thread draws more light rather than heat. If someone preferred one arm over the other it would be OK. With all the variables it doesnt mean that much to me. What matters to me is what it sounds like to me and in my room. With that said...

What was your bias? was it for the schroder or the talea?

cheers!...
vertigo

Showing 7 responses by cousinbillyl

cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
Hello Frank

I hope I don't get anyone in trouble.

I am after a replacement for my ZYX Universe.

At the show, did you tell Larry Denham of TTWeights Audio that his Black Onyx / Talea ll / Allnic Puritas was the best analogue at the show?.

I have already placed my order for the Talea ll, and am now looking at the Puritas. I will say the Black Onyx is the best table I have owned, though I have not owned many.

Billy
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
OK tonearm guru's.

Help. My Talea ll is on it's way. I have an Allnic Puritas on loan. 11 gram weight. 18 ohm impedence.

Ralph, what did you mean by changing effective mass by repositioning the three seperate weights on the Triplanar?. Is there something I need to know to get the best out of the Talea/Puritas combo?. It appears to me that the weight of 11 grams for the cart is on the high side?.

Mike, any advice on setup?.

Anyone else may also lend a hand.

Will a 100 Ohm impedence on my Atma-Sphere MP-1 pre be too low for a cart with an 18 Ohm internal impedence?.

So many questions, so little listening time.
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
Thanks for the info guys. I think this should be good.

The Talea 11 has arrived, and let me start by saying that the packaging is fabulous. Attention to detail is the best I have ever seen. I already know it is going to be amazing.

First order of business, slowly and carefully put it together.

Let me get myself into a bit of hot water first. Years ago I purchased an RS Labs A1 arm. At the time I was using a Koetsu Black on a GyroDec. When I changed tables, I was at a point in life where I didn't have the time to optimize this ridiculous arm. I then bought the Triplanar. With the recent purchase of the TTWeights Black Onyx, and after listening to the Tri for a couple of months, I got the courage to take a day and try the RS Labs. After the very first track, my wife ordered me to sell the Triplanar, no contest (for our listening priorities).

Any and all comments made by me will be in relation to the RS Labs.
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
Thank you Ralph (Atmasphere)

I will not worry about loading until I get a better handle on the arm / cart combo.

I did take about 3 hours of slow, careful, assembly/aligning before I even tried an album.

Let me start by saying that I am unquallified to discuss the Talea 11 / Allnic Puritas combo. There is something definately different that I can't get my head around. The first album I put on was an 180 gm version of Sarah Vaughn. What I heard was too clear, too focused, too relaxed. This is something I am totally unaccustomed to.

I just listened to Dire Straits Communique, 180 gm,......, absolutely fabulous, but still too clear.

I should not have sold my ZYX Universe so quick. You should never change two things at once.

I will now go and listen to Cat Stevens 'Tea for the Tillerman', and Bruce Cockburn 'Love will find a way'. These are two of my favorite ablums. This should help me figure out what's happening.
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
Hello Lewm

12 noon and I just got out of bed. We where up till 4 am listening. 'Too clear' has changed to 'Wow, that's amazing'. The RS Labs A1 has been beat.

Now comes the long road of 'I should be tweaking instead of just listening'.

I will wait till the arm and cart are broken in before I start making further comments.

I am in awe of Joel's achievement.
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
We are now at the 20 hour mark.

The arm / cart are breaking in nicely. After some very minor changes, my wife and I are astounded.

The only downside, either really old pressings, or newer 180gram + recordings are the only truly listenable albums. We can really hear the flaws in 80's, and 90's pop / rock pressings. Oh well.
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
We are now at ~100 hours.

The Talea ll / Allnic Puritas combo have come into their own. I will add that the Atma-Sphere MP-1mklll pre / MA-1mklll amps help things. The TTWeights mass loaded Black Onyx turntable gives a foundation to the base that is awe inspiring.

The Allnic has an ease from top to bottom that is as articulate as anything I have ever heard. There is such delineation between instruments that one forgets it is a recording. You can almost see fingers on guitar strings, and piano keys, a pianist could probably tell you the type of piano used. This is the best I have ever heard.

Joel has done a superb job. I had no idea how important azimuth was. I do not own a mono recording of a female voice, so can not say I have it bang on, but it is close enough for now.

I thank all of you. The journey is fantastic.
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