lewm

Responses from lewm

On Step Ups and the Importance of Managing Gain
What about "current-driven" phono stages for very low output MCs?  This is either a new bit of jargon conjured up by manufacturers or a really new idea.  So far as I can tell, allowing the cartridge to drive the phono stage by virtue of its curren... 
On Step Ups and the Importance of Managing Gain
Swampwalker, Among commercial phono stages that do have built-in SUTs, the Allnic H3000 does provide a choice as regards gain, probably by internally selecting primaries or secondaries that afford different turns ratios.  Of course, the H3000 is n... 
On Step Ups and the Importance of Managing Gain
A very recent experience:  Last week my neighbor emailed me, as he usually does when he has a question about his very expensive audio system.  He recently purchased a new $30K phono stage (39db gain according to mfg spec) which is fed by a SUT sui... 
Best looking reel to reel
Evidently, most of you guys never saw a big Crown recorder in the flesh.  I never would have either, were it not for the fact that my first boss owned four of them, and he mounted them side by side by side by side on a single long shelf along one ... 
TriPlanar tonearm outward skating issue
Raul, Do you have an equivalent phrase in Spanish for "You are making a mountain out of a mole hill"?  If not, try "Tempest in a teapot".  The discussion should have ended when the OP got his information.  There is hardly any audio product you can... 
Best looking reel to reel
IMO, the big Crown recorders with their large, black, bakelite knobs, are the quintessence of the art deco/industrial age.  Next, or on the same plane, would be the Studers and Ampex studio recorders.  If TEAC is your ideal, then maybe you don't w... 
TriPlanar tonearm outward skating issue
Which is what I wrote also, in my post that followed on to Ralph's first post. I've had it happen to me, and the fix was very simple once I was able to discern that the wires were hanging up the pivot.  I'm in good company. 
Help! Tweaking My Lovan Rack for new Big A**ed Transrotor Turntable!
Dear perfectpathtech, You wrote, "No disrespect but MDF is Medium density fiberboard, most speaker manufactures use it".  I welcome your dissent, but your statement proves what?  It proves that MDF is cheap.  Lots of turntable plinths are made of ... 
Help! Tweaking My Lovan Rack for new Big A**ed Transrotor Turntable!
MDF-foam-MDF is not going to give you constrained layer damping, and MDF is a bad choice for audio in general, IMO.  But there are good materials for sale at Home Depot.  See if they have a cement paver that is large enough to support your TT, for... 
Well Tempered Reference Arm and Koetsu Rosewood Signature Combination
Dear statman71, What is your question?  What are you thinking of changing, the tonearm or the cartridge?  My own opinion, which is just an opinion, is negative as regards the WT Reference tonearm.  My negative opinion is based on its tendency to c... 
Basis Turntables: Worth it or Ripoff?
Not only do I agree completely with James, but I would add that lots of dollars are spent on bling, only, adding nothing to performance.  If that's what one wants, it's perfectly ok, but being aware of this factor is a good idea. 
Basis Turntables: Worth it or Ripoff?
Value is in the eye of the buyer and user, maybe more so in audio than in any other hobby.  For example, while I have defended Basis Audio products just as most others have done, I too think that SOME (not all) of the Synergistic Research stuff is... 
Basis Turntables: Worth it or Ripoff?
Maybe it would be better to tell us what Basis products you are interested in buying and what are the costs.  Unless someone is raising Basis prices based on the recent demise of the designer, Basis Audio always seemed to me to be good value for m... 
TriPlanar tonearm outward skating issue
What Ralph said.  As for any pivoted tonearm, the four wires have to pass from the horizontal arm wand into the vertical shaft that supports the pivot and the bearing mechanism.  At that right angle turn, the wires can impede the motion of the bea... 
Cartridge options for current gain phonostages (47 Labs)
Pani, The only criteria for performing with your phonocube or some other current-driven phono stage are internal resistance/impedance and inductance. Ideally also you want a cartridge with very low voltage output. But since all these parameters go...