RWD,funny you should mention the Garrard.I brought this table up to Sid,two days ago,as I printed out a review,for him,and his pal.He lamented that he owned it,years ago.He claimed he was really sorry that he had gotten rid of it.He meant it!
Also,Rick,Dan,Doug,Paul,Raul,Cello,Gmorris,Nsgarsh and any,and ALL of the guys I correspond with here---I'd love it if maybe you considered making the trip,to central New Jersey,for the VTV show.We could all meet,and possibly share some "cheap" wine together -:)May 6 is the day I attend with my group of fanatics.
I'd like to say There's an invite to hear my system,but my amp is out to Rowland,for maintenance/update,as well as my turntable,which is out for some newest mods.Sorry!
Oh,forgot to add my son graduates from medical school,in May,and ALL my family and inlaws are coming up,from Florida,at that time,so just to sneak out to the show is a miracle,in itself.
Best! |
P.S. I forgot to add the Shindo 301 Garrard that the great Tbg informed us all about. This is also very intriguing and I plan to set up a listing session with the distributor. Has anyone else heard this Table/arm set up?? |
Boy, what a fabulous hobby we have! Just look at this thread and the comradery that exists here!
First off, Doug, I sure would love to visit you and hear your wonderful system. You are a kind man. Let me check my free time and see where you actually are in Ct so I can carve out some time.
To you Sirspeedy, not an issue about my offer to drive. Yes I would be happy to shuffle some people around if they can get to me...(Staten Island). P.S. I also lived in the Great Kills area some years ago (before that I lived in Brooklyn). This would be wonderful if we all could meet and, Like Doug said, put faces to names. Doug, can you make it to the VTV?
Dan, you temp me to travel to Denver on your Turntable search!! Boy, what us audiophiles will do for the love of music!
As to Andrew....can you make it to NJ with all of us??? Love for you to join? And,like Dan said, we hope we did not hijack the thread. As a matter of fact let me add this thread and another one (about Scheu) really has my mind spinning. Do I go with Teres or Gilibier or the Scheu at a lower price or maybe stay with the VPI HR-X and 12.5. BUT I love the idea of one of those "intriguing" arms like the fabulous Schroder or Tr-Planer or Graham Phantom Oh madding....and I love THIS HOBBY!!!!!
Rick (RWD) |
Doug,actually I believe the cheap wine I brought to Larry's place may have been partly responsible for the disappointing amount of correspondence he and I have had(I was pretty sad about that,for awhile,but I've gotten good at rationalizing).Hey,it did cost me eleven bucks-:)I drink it all the time,but I guess those hoity toity "Florida 'Philes" are used to something special.Like GOOD stuff.Not found in Joisey.
BTW--You might want to re-think any invites,for me.I wouldn't want to go off again(and what a "putz" I was)on some stupid misalignment,like antiskate,or God forbid,something else I might find.Though I'm fairly sure your set-up is just fine!As to me,you know the story of "the frog and the scorpion"?I've tried really hard to be a frog,for the last few months,but why tempt me?
BTW-You're still a nice guy,even though I'm "southwest" of NYC,and not "northeast",where you'll find the more "Normal" audiophile fare!And believe me,I'm tempted to make a trip,as my friggin amp is in for maintenance,as well as my table,which is in for an update.As my friends say--I'm hi-fi dry!
Best! |
SirSpeedy,
What, me nice? I just need to put faces to names. That may help if I need some handy insults, and of course you're invited too! Just keep the cheap wine in your paper bag and no one will know.
The system's almost ready for company. I just sourced a roll of mylar to replace the TT belt I mangled the other day. (Moron!)
Our amp is ready for pickup after Nick's latest upgrade. He says, "last upgrade". Hah! It's a great mod, but it takes several hundred hours (at least) to reach its full potential. With luck we'll be in reasonable form by the end of the week.
I hope so. Swampwalker and Jyprez may be dropping by for a preamp party. It wouldn't do to play them CD's using half an amplifier.
|
Andrew, I sincerely hope that I have not lent a hand in hijacking this thread. (Yeah, like I'm innocent!) Through recent posts I gather that events are turning toward something very close to the spirit of your original posts.
To those who might be following this thread I want to make it clear that I'm having absolutely no issues at all with coordinating plans with Galibier Design. Thom and I have been in constant contact, but we are both professionals and as much as we'd like it otherwise, work takes precedence. So, for anyone interested, the quasi-planned trip to hear the best available in Dever trip probably won't happen before the middle of May. This whole thing is going to be slightly hit or miss ( for lack of a better description ), but I really believe that when it does come together it will be worth it in spades!
After thoughtful negotiations over Mexican food, Marguaritas (me, not her. Oh my gawd, what did I say I would to?), and the calender of events, my wife has agreed to put up with me for a weekend of gleeful, geeky discussions and encounters concerning all things audio. She really means that we have to keep her entertained or she's gonna say "Screw you guys, I'm goin' home!"
(Really, she's a great person and a good sport! After 30 years I should know!)
Doug, I have to echo Speedy's praise that it is very good of you and Paul to offer your hospitality. I would have considered flyin down to Philly and then driving over for the VTV weekend but I would not pass up the opportunity to visit with you guys and hear your system.
All the best to everyone,
Dan |
I have never heard of Glenmorangie,or Lagavulin(have any of you heard of Gallo?),but from the "great cheap wines" that I have come to be acquainted with,I have noticed that some of the newer(from cheapo wines) corks look to be of a superb material,to act as an effective dampening footer,under certain equipment.Of course it would have to be cut into disc form,but don't laugh!The next time you splurge for a ten dollar bottle,assuming it is NOT actually real cork,take a gander at some of the "rubbery" stuff employed these days.Looks to make really good footers,for some equipment.I know,I know,I HAVE really lost it!But who doesn't know that,already?
Of course I wouldn't be surprised if some of this stuff got bought in bulk,cut to various sizes and was sold as fairly pricey dampening material.Knowing how this hobby can be,at times.
BTW,Doug--That was a very nice gesture,on your part.For those living in geographical proximity to you,and Paul.Sort of lends creedence to one of my favorite phrases---"It's nice,to be nice,to the nice"!You and Paul must be "nice guys"!!
Of course that is no guarantee that anyone will find your system sounding--"nice" -:)
Best! |
Doug,
I often drive from Long Island to Sturbridge Mass and probably pass through your area. I would like to take you up on your offer some time.
I'm a Lagavulin fan myself. I'll bring up a bottle.
Andrew |
Speedy, if I get my hands on an Allaerts I won't be trading for ANY lp! Not even that Doors first issue. But we could mount up the cartridge for a spin.
Doug, I'd really love to hear your system. It has been on my "things to do" list for quite some time. I'm guessing you're just about 1/2 way between me and Piscataway. OOOooooohhh. Single malt.
This would make a great weekend. My wife is always bugging me to figure out a way to go some where. Now she's gonna' pay! :) |
Dan (or anyone north/east of NYC),
If you're passing through central CT, please consider paying us a visit. We're two minutes off I-91 and ten minutes from I-84.
We offer qualified visitors a chance to try these playtoys:
- TriPlanar VII
- Teres 320
- UNIverse
- Nick Doshi custom modded amp
- Nick Doshi custom MC/MM/line preamp
- a newly-opened bottle of Glenmorangie (better hurry!)
Cheers,
Doug |
Rick,I wasn't hinting at you driving.I thought you lived near Dave,and that He would drive.Sorry!
BTW-16 years ago,I lived in Great Kills!I won the "Walker Park" tennis open back then,that park,near St.Vincent Hospital(where my kids were born) is where the very first tennis court was introduced to the U.S.,by Mary Outerbridge!Just some meaningless info.
Best! |
Well it looks like we have somthing going! Dan may be off to Colorado to check out some very interesting tables (both of which I am very interested in) OR he may join us at this FAB VTV show!! Colin has a Reference on order so he is interested in this new Schroder wired arm....and Sirspeedy, yes I will call Sid and Dave. I live in Staten Island and will be happy to drive some people if that can get to me? Looks like a lot of fun!!!!
Rick (RWD) |
Dan,I would love to have you make it!You seem like a great guy.Maybe I'll bring along my early DOORS LP!-:)
Best! |
I hope to be in Denver that weekend listening to Galibier and Teres tables. However, if it doesn't come together on that date I may try to join you guys for VTV. |
I'm interested in hearing more about this "SQ" version too! I have a Reference on order...
Colin |
Rick,I'm going with Sid and Dave,as well as a few other audio buffs.I see no reason why we cannot meet,and scope out a few rooms together.Get in touch with Dave,and maybe you can work out a carpool,from N.Y.
Best! |
No replacement for the DPS or Reference. Different wire and something to make adjustment a bit easier. But I heard, 1500 extra. No problem, getting divorced is more expensive. |
WoW!! Thank you Dark and Dgad!! I will definitely be attending!!
I also love to see the new Schroder. P.S. Is the SQ a new designed arm? Is it replacing the DPS or Reference?
Boy, my mouth is watering!! So many tubes and TT's and arms....all to fill my needs.
Who else will be attending? Possible we could all meet for lunch/breakfast/dinner and chat and compare ideas?
Rick (RWD) |
Karl-Heinz,
I love the wood on the Schroder SQ. I wonder which wood people prefer, both for looks & sound. thanks for the links & photos. |
Rwd, VTV stands for Vacume Tube Valley, a website/magazine dedicated to tube electronics. Look here for the offical VTV Show webpageGreat show, I attended the last one in Los Angeles not too long ago. Small crowds, so it is easy to get into manufacturers rooms and hangout for extended periods of time. |
|
Great Info SirSpeedy!!!! You know I will be there! BTW...what is the VTV? |
I have a photo of a new Schroder Reference SQ but I don't know how to upload it. It is gorgeous. You must see it to believe it. I know it will be displayed on the TW Acustic Raven at a show, but I am not sure which show. It comes with Nordost, internal silver wiring. He will be using a Tron Seven phono stage and Dynavector XV-1s. |
Hi Rick,
I found some telefunkens for the 12ax7's and some Amperex White Label 7803 for the 6922. Not cheap, but a big improvement over the stock Sovteks. I agree that the 12ax7 has the most impact, but the 7803's picked it up a bit more in combination with the tele's. Once I had these in place this pre was every bit as good as my BAT VK50-SE but with more dynamics. So far, these are the only other tubes I have tried.
Best,
Dan |
I just noticed that there will be(according to the product listings)a Schroder arm,at the VTV show,in May.This show is in Piscataway NJ,about five minutes from my business.I hope this is a working demo,as I have always been interested in hearing a set-up with a Schroder employed.
Does anyone have further info as to if this arm,and which model,is going to be available for audition.Also,with what associated equipment?
Thanks,in advance! |
Hey Dan...demo unit?? Shoot, I purchased it sound unheard!! This is mine..:))! So, I guess I can play around all I want with the tubes. The original owner (real nine 'goner) had Semins in the 6922 spot and Dynaco in the 12AX7 spot. I believe the 12AX7 is the more critical? What tubes do you use, Dan?
Rick |
Rwd, Every Shindo that I have seen, 4, have the modified Ortofon 12" arm and the modified Ortofon SPU cartridge.
Let me know what you hear. |
Rwd,
The Calypso does sound a bit sterile in stock form. If you can get a couple of good 12ax7's in there you will be greatly surprised by the improvement. I know that is tough to do with a demo unit. I was able to do this and the results with the Calypso was every bit as good as the BAT VK50-SE plus better detail and dynamics. |
Hi Paul. Where are you going to audition the Shindo 301? Do you live in NYC? Possibly we can go together?
I assume the Garrard comes with the Ortofon arm. |
Hi
I will be auditioning some Shindo pre-amps in a few weeks, also will have a chance to listen to the Shindo 301. I will post my impressions of the system and what I may hear from the Shindo 301.
It is a table that perhaps is best as a whole, but you may systematically build up to the full Shindo 301 piece by piece. If you find a nice Garrard 301 then buy the plinth and arm, then modified Shindo cart, then spindle bearing and platter and mat.
Here is a review:
http://www.americanwired.com/audio/shindo301/shindo301.html
Call Jonathan at Tone Imports for more info.
Paul |
Check out shindolabs.com, Rwd. I think you will have to send an email to get an invitation.
Yes, it is a heavily modified Garrard 301 with equally modified Ortofon arm and cartridge. |
Hi Thg...I live in NYC! Where is the Shindo/Garrard 301 set up? BTW...do you mean the Garrard of many moons ago?? |
Rwd,I am quite friendly with both of them,but belong to no clubs.As to the question of what's better,I really can't answer about any products I have not owned,and compared.Yet,you know a thing or two about what's good,so you will make a good decision.
As to the pre issue--You would be SHOCKED with how much farther,in design and performance,someone like Steve Huntly,of Great Norther Sound,can take an Audio Research unit.He literally rebuilt my SP-15(I counted at least 60 new parts),though expensive,it was much cheaper than the "buy and sell" syndrome,and I can honestly say it is of superb quality,in phono and linestages.I had previously owned the venerable SP-10,and SP-11,and it is NOT close.Actually,I think it may now be the finest component in my system.Check out their website.
Best! |
Rwd, if you are ever in NYC go by an hear the Shindo Labs/Garrard 301 set up. My guess is that you would buy it. |
Thanks to you all!
Hi Sirspeedy!!! Yes I should give the great Sid all call.
In recent investigations into a new TT and arm my sights were set on the new VPI HR-X which came along with the 12.6 arm. No one, in particular, said the arm or table was or is lousy" (my goodness I own the 10.5 and find it good.) However, some 'goners here purchased the HR-X BUT installed a different arm (Graham 2.2) rather then the 12.6 which comes with it. In addition some dealers have said there are better tables out there and, more emphatically, better arms then the VPI arm.
I have been reading, like you, the interesting and intriguing story of the great Schroder arm. Also with that arm, I have been following the fine Tri-Planer arm. Add those two to the new Graham Phantom and we now have a goggle (correct word?) of arms. Too bad I (we) can't compare all four (Schroder, Tri-Planer, Graham, VPI) together. That would make my life easy.
Since I am 100% vinyl I am looking for the last(?) table and arm (read best) around. Sirspeedy, maybe, for me, it is the VPI but I doubt it. I suspect the Schroder (Tri-Planer, Graham) may be better. Don't know but many out there think so. If so, this new arm should sit on a better TT then my Aries (original). Don't you agree???
So I will continue to look and search and hopefully fine the correct match.
BTW....you don't always go with the latest and expect it to be the best.
I recently purchased a new Aesthetix Calypso Per-amp to replace my ARC LS25 MK1 and go with me Rhea phono amp. Boy, am I surprised!!! The ARC is giving the Calypso a run (really) for it's money!!!!! So, new (or what's in now) is not always the best!!
P.S. Aren't you also in the same club as Sid and David??
Doug....your comments are always so helpful and insightful. Thanks also to you Tbg. |
Rwd,
The Ref's VTA/SRA adjustment is on the fly.
It is less convenient to use than a TriPlanar or JMW because it requires two small hex wrenches, one to loosen the set screw and one to turn the adjusting screw. No knobs.
It is less repeatable than a TriPlanar because there's no scale of any sort.
Once a Ref is set up it will stay set up, but that doesn't mean you can just "set and forget". The cartridges likely to be paired with these arms are remarkably responsive to small adjustments. To maintain optimum performance requires frequent fine-tuning of VTF. Adjustment of VTA/SRA for every record, or at least different thicknesses. This will be equally true with a Reference, a TriPlanar or any other top arm, depending on the preferences of the user of course.
|
RWD,I'm a bit surprised at you.You are in the same audio club as SID(you know who),who has just gotten rid of his wonderful Air Tangent.He replaced it(for practical reasons)with the latest VPI 12.6,and LOVES the new arm.You should know what a critical listener he is,and if there was a problem,he would have noticed it by now.Not to take anything away from the other "fabs" arms you mention,but where did you hear of the newest VPI 12.6 sounding lousy?This is news to me!Why don't you give Sid a call?Or Dave,who has been to Sid alot,lately,and helped with the new table/arm set-up.
Best!
Oh,btw--thanks Cello!! |
Rwd, remember that I did not have the Reference. It was a Reference arm tube but had smaller magnets and had a simple unscrew and raise or lower VTA adjustment. I think this is the same for the DPS and Model 2.
I do not think the Schroeder wanders, but the Decca had to have the space between the magnets very carefully adjusted.
I think 180 and 200 gram records require raising the VTA on all arms, so yes, you have to change the VTA but once locked down , it stays. |
TBG....when you say it is difficult to set up the VTA on the Schroder, how do you mean? I know the Tri-Planer has easy VTA adjustments but doesn't the Reference Schroder also have easy VTA? Do you know how to set the VTA on the DPS (or Model 2)? I also believe the Tri-Planer has VTA adjustments on the fly...does the Schroder Reference do that also?
My VPI 10.5 has VTA on the fly adjustment...I was considering a VPI 12.6 with an HR-X but I read (heard)so many negatives (or non endorsements) about the arm and TT that I started to consider the Schroder and Tr-Planer.
Last question to Tgb (and all) after a Schroder is set up...not by me cause I'm all thumbs....is is set? Or do you need to check the settings (VTA/VTF etc) occasionally?
Rick (RWD) |
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Sirspeedy,
.
The LP you heard when visiting is called “Pearl Diver” by David Roth. The song writing, singing, guitar work and recording are all spectacular as you well recall.
.
You can order it directly online from the record company “Stockfisch” of Germany.
.
Their website is: www.stockfisch-records.de
.
or you can go directly to the English side of their Catalogue by going to :
.
http://www.stockfisch-records.de/stckff/sf_stockfisch_e.html.
.
and scroll down till you see his LP and CD (two separate listings, be careful that you order the LP). The LP is a Direct Metal Master Recording. They also have a CD version is quite good as well, but the LP is spectacular.
.
For the rest of you, this is a great audiophile recording with some real joyful acoustic music. David Roth (not David Lee), has an incredible voice and plays the guitar beautifully. I think it is one of those LP’s that everyone would love to have in their collection regardless of their musical preferences.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
Tbg,
Thanks for bringing us back on course.
Any other experiences with these tonearms. I'm very interested in how the Triplanar compared to the Schroeder-2 and DPS in the infamous shootout. |
This thread, like so many, has gotten off course. I have owned both the Triplanar and the Schroeder arms. The Triplanar was an early version and the Schroeder was a special version for the Loricraft/Garrard 501 turntable.
I think, however, that the characteristics of the arms endure.
The Triplanar was easy to set up and to adjust VTA. It is very smooth but not as dynamic as the Schroeder. The Schroeder is designed for rigidity and is somewhat difficult to set up. The key variable is the gap between the magnets. VTA is difficult to change reliably.
I don't remember which cartridges I used with the Triplanar. On the Schroeder I used the Allearts MC2 and the Decca Jubilee. Although it was very difficult to optimize the Decca, when I did, I loved the sound.
I now have the Shindo Labs/Garrard 301 which uses what was originally the 12" Ortofon spring loading arm and the Ortofon SPU cartridge. This is all designed to work together and is easy to set up, but VTA is not easily adjusted. As a system, it is the best vinyl I have owned. |
Cello,
Can you add anymore to the sonic differences of htese brands? Especially the difference between the Triplanar and the Schroeder Model 2 or DPS.
thanks!
Andrew |
BTW,Dan--I have a mint first pressing of the DOORS first album.Really!I'd be glad to let you "steal it" from me,if you can manage to get me an Allaerts MC Finish -:)
Also,Larry,now that I have your attention(I lost your E-mail address),what is the name of,and where can I get the solo guitar/singer Lp you played for me.You know which one.The guy who composed the tune about Michael Jorden.Your friend Pat gave me an E-mail address for it,but it did not exist.That was one of the things I wanted to discuss with you when your cell was cut off.As well as the possibility of my adding the Townshends.Knowing you are very busy,I don't want to "nudge" you on the phone.
Thanks. |
The unit is the Air Tight(of this I'm pretty sure).It lists at about two grand,and I believe is carried by a variety of places,like Music Direct,or Acoustic sounds.
The reason it originally interested me(remember I put out a thread,vying for some kind of chip-in,which is really not a great idea),was because it IS very reliable,and repeatable.So,you have no worries about flattening out expensive/rare discs.This guy has flattened everything from rare,collectible early mono,to Decca Wide Bands,to the rarest EMI's.Plenty of POP music too.He is a "serious" hobbyist(ya know--with multiple arms,and a cartridge salon,consisting of the Titan,mono and stereo,as well as the Koetsu Coral Stone).
I have noticed some other manufacturers(like Clearaudio)offering these flatteners,but the pricing seems to be getting rediculous(as in too high).
I have always been surprised as to why something like this type of flattening unit has not really caught on,as much as it should have.More "local hobbyists" should chip-in on one,or even a dealer could offer the service.It seems to be a great accessory,if you have a large lp collection,or are a very active collector.The "bit" with the heated glass "Rube Goldbergs" never appealed.
The only caveat would be,after you've flattened your dozen or so warped discs,the unit could sit around for a long time.Unless one decides to make a few bucks on their friends-:)
Best! |
You guys will probably think I'm crazy, but I'm planning on sandwiching a few of my extremely warped specimens between a couple pieces of plywood and setting a 50lb. weight on top and leaving them for several months. Naturally, these records aren't prime collectors items, but I'm hoping this works well enough to salvage a Doors first album and U2's Joshua Tree. Both are so bad I can't play them now anyway.
I'm sure the commercial product is faster, safer, less work, etc. |
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Sirspeedy,
.
Good to hear from you as well.
.
Do you know the brand and model of your buddy's flattening machine ?
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Rgds,
Larry
. |
Larry,BOY am I glad to hear(SOMETHING)from you.I admit to being a bit saddened by lack of correspondence.You were SUCH a nice guy!!
Anyway,the record flattener basically does nothing to change the characteristic of the original LP,as I understand it,from this guy.He is ecstatic!Believe me,he has a record collection like no other,and has way more rare,and valuable collectible discs than anyone I know of.Yet,he will not flatten any friends' discs,as he doesn't want a "Run" on his unit!Can't blame him!
Hope this info helps!BTW--buy it!! |
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Thom,
.
Yes, I am referring to the machine that gradually heats up, presses the record flat and then slowly cools back down automatically.
.
Do let us know if you ever get around to test driving one and I will do the same.
.
Thanks & Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Sirspeedy,
.
How have you been ?
.
Did your buddy with the Record Flattener achieve better sonics with the records after being flattened ?
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
