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nwres

Responses from nwres

$300-$500 Cartridge for Thorens TD-1601 Turntable
My experience has been very similar to @knotscott in regards to Nagaoka vs Grado. I own and enjoy the Nag MP-500 and the Nag 50th Anniversary JT-80 BK. Both are wonderful sounding. I have not heard the MP-200, but based on reviews, it should be cl... 
Vandersteen & Denon AVR-X4700H
I have the X4700H that I use for HT duty only. I have tried its music capabilities. The speaker I used in these test session was more efficient (90 db) and a more linear load (8 Ohm with minimal dips in impedance) than the Vandys you have. Techn... 
External DAC?
Yes, DAC's matter and you can improve the sound to your liking with proper selection. Some will give you a wider more open soundstage, some will tame harsh recordings, some will sound different, but not necessarily better. I would search this site... 
Asking for members blessings on Nagaoka MP 300 purchase
I have the MP 500, have not heard the 300. But for a little extra you will never say what if. Amazing detail, wonderful separation. Perhaps the best bargain in analog.  
Ultrasonic record cleaners
I use the Vevor ultrasonic cleaner. With a 3V PS for the spin. This gives me a little over 1 minute rotation. And my solution is TRITON X-100 , HEPASTAT 256, ALCOHOL (IPA) and Purified water. With a Purified water rinse. Great results with "normal... 
Upgrading Bluesound Node power supply with PD Creative (Hans B. reviews on Youtube)
Another PD Creative / Node 2i user here. Wonderful improvement over stock. I use an SBooster to power the board. This feeds a modified MHDT Orchid with a 7308 tube. No desire to upgrade.  
Re. Marantz Receiver Capacitors
Sometimes they expand with age and begin to bulge and the tops look somewhat rounded. These would be bad. But the age of these caps should be replaced regardless. Better safe than sorry.  
Beginner home theater setup questions...
Hard to go too wrong with your HT setup. You could spend a lot more than the SVS speakers that @Soix recommended or the Klipsch and not realize much extra enjoyment in an HT setup. I am inclined to agree, though I have not heard them, that the SVS... 
What is a good turntable preamp under $500?
Check out Hagerman phono stages.  
2-3k budget - adding DAC/Server to Bluesound Node?
Upgrade your Node first. The Node can be improved by a good margin by upgrading the internal power supply with a PD Creative board - https://pd-cf.com/.../bluesound-node-2-2i-upgrade-low.../ I power this board with a SBooster LPS. Takes the node ... 
Technics SL1210 MKII
Well worth considering. Easy to set up, very reliable, very good sound. Take a look at KABusa.com for repair and upgrades. One of my turntables is a 1600 MK2, basically the full auto version of the 1200 MK2. I added the KAB fluid damper and change... 
Albums you do not get...a plea for help and understanding
Both kinds, Country and Western. Thanks for this notlistening One of my all time favorite obscure references!    
Empire 698 Turntable Electronic Cueing problem
I do not know the empire’s, but the manual is available on Vinylengine. It discusses how to adjust the lift point. Maybe worth reading if you do not already have it. I see two connectors that you could try pulling out one or both and see if that d... 
Bluesound Node 2 vs. Node (2021)
I have no experience with the NEW Node. But I have read that it is a step forward or 2 from your Node2. I have a Node 2i and I upgraded it with a power board and external power supply that isolates the streamer from the power and it was a big step... 
Power Amp & Integrate Amp
Integrated amp can work if it has an HT bypass feature. This is needed since your Marantz needs to fully control the volume of the Atmos speakers. So a power amp would be a natural fit. Any decent 2 CH amp will work to drive them. You do not need ...