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Systemdek IIX possible upgrades help needed.

Hi! I have a Systemdek llX table with a Alphonson Opal tonearm pair with a Rega Exact Cartridge. I was planning on buying a new table to upgrade but after much research found I proably wouldnt get much more performance in the table upgrade I could afford which was in the 1200 hundred dollar range. With that said in which direction would I stand to get the most performance in a upgrade. The table has the glass platter & a felt pad with no clamp. Should I upgrade the cartridge & matt? If so what is a good match for the Opal arm? The way I understand it the Opal is a very fine tone arm. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Deanna
deanna4242
blkadr
739 posts
 
I believe this turntable is still available as the Audio Note TT1. The AN version looks very similar but sports an acrilic platter. It looks like it sits on the same inner platter the glass sits on on the original Systemdec. Having owned a Systemdec for many years my guess is that it would be a worthwhile upgrade if the platter is available. That being said, I would not throw too much cash at the Systemdec. You can exceed the Systemdecs potential with $1200 and whatever you can sell it for quite easily I suspect.
blkadr
739 posts
 
Footsurgs post popped up when I checked mine. He may be right, sure looks like he knows more about it than me, hell I cant even spell Systemdek!
deanna4242 OP
1 posts
 
Hi! Thank you very much for all the response & info. It was very appreciated. I have decided to upgrade the Systemdek. I have found a Rega RB250 upgraded via Origin Live. The Lexan platter I'll get right from audio note. I have also found a used Goldring 1024. The Goldring has about 300 hrs of use. A question on the Goldring is 300 hrs of use alot in stylus life? For those who wanted to know my phono stage, its a MM only that was a upgrade to my Linn Wakonda preamp. Again, Thanks to everyone for the help and a super big thanks to Mark. Super big thanks as I'm taking Marks advise on this table.

Cheers Deanna
Post removed 
imispgh
31 posts
 
Get a mechanics stethoscope and listen to the motor while adjusting the bolts that fix it to the mount. I have found there is a sweet spot. Also you can get new motors. if you need one let me know.

Other upgrades you want to do
I have tweaked the unit by apply Dynamat to the - plinth, suspension members, motor, motor mount and arm board. The difference can be heard with a stethoscope. (I applied a reasonable amount to the suspension parts - didn't want to add too much weight. Additionally I have taken the bottom panel off and removed the foam from the springs and cleaned them and applied talcum to the rubber bushings.
Remove bottom and leave off
Remove foam from inside springs
Get a new platter - acrylic - this will let you use a record clamp - weight
Don't use Grado cartridges - not shielded - motor noise
Use a good bubble level with a flat record in place not the platter. (Platters can be concave)
Make sure to clean and oil the spindle bearing (I use synthetic motor oil)
Make sure to use both grounds and tie them together. The one for the arm and the one to the little bolt/nut on the back of the unit
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