noromance

Responses from noromance

Manley Chinook with (very) low output MC ZYX?
I don't use MC  on a Chinook but you could start with these questions: What gain setting are you using now? I believe it does from 45dB to 65dB gain. If you are using max gain now, how much volume are you using to get where you need to be etc? 
Home grown turntable platform/base?
@asahitoro You ask whether you should go Mapleshade or granite. A good compromise is maple on spikes. I use maple with a slate turntable. Remember the hardness "rule". I find it tight, detailed with some sweetness of tone. 
DIY Audio Rack [*fail*]
@chilehed I did improve things by putting three granite sample blocks under the turntable and tube preamp. You don’t say what gear you are using so not sure how it will effect things. You can check out some of my pics in Systems. 
Home grown turntable platform/base?
@asahitoro Good. I have concrete too. The thing to remember is that, as a basic rule, the harder and less compliant the support, the faster, more dynamic and more detailed the sound becomes. However, you can swing it too far and make the sound a l... 
Top used turntables under $500
A little over budget but a whole lot better proposition is a Pioneer PLX1000. Clean, dynamic and just sounds right and looks awesome. A Nagaoka MP110 is a good starter cartridge and is extra. 
Home grown turntable platform/base?
Footfalls are when footsteps cause the suspended floor to transmit vibration to the turntable. It can be pretty bad causing skips or thumping. I’d recommend a 3/4 to 1 inch thick block of granite (not marble and not tiles) on spikes or cones or sp... 
Want to try separates, what to expect.
All the above. Monoblock power amps can give you better separation,  soundstage, and dynamics. If placed close to speakers (better), you only need shorter speaker cables. 
DIY Audio Rack [*fail*]
Bummer. I have been there. DIY oak table. Softened everything. Now it is spikes, maple, slate. Try putting granite under the components. 
Do electrolytic caps need burn in?
I have always found the first listen after any change to be a solid indication of what you will end up with. Yeah, burn-in helps but I have NEVER found an initial impression to change from fair to awesome. 
Phono cable and preamp for soundsmith Carmen mk2
Classic mistake of spending too much on cables. 
Whats on your turntable tonight?
On the Town soundtrack. Broadway 1971. On Columbia Masterworks. Clean dynamic detailed recording.   
Whats on your turntable tonight?
Just bought this on Amazon for $5 and change. The Black Swans -Don't Blame The Stars. Check it out.  
LED turntable lamps/lights
Don't mod your turntable. It will negatively impact its value.  
Spend my $1000 on a turntable
SpinClean for cleaning. Do not underestimate this device. 
How do you store and catalog your vinyl?
Further to the above, I do keep artists together.