pug

Responses from pug

Can anyone help me to decide which pre-amp is better ?
You might also consider the Rogue Audio 99 preamp which has received many favorable reviews and has a built-in phono stage. 
Where to get headshell for Sumiko Lustre tonearm?
Joe, thanks for the info. As it turns out, this morning I learned that the person who sold me the Lustre arm has found a few universal headshells for it while packing for his move. So the only thing I'll need for now is a tonearm cable. Thanks again! 
Sometimes skips, sometimes doesn't
Most likely a weak laser due to the age of the unit, an alignment could possibly help, as mentioned above. I had an ol' Luxman with the exact same problems which I sold to someone who was able to fix it -- by replacing the laser. You may be better... 
Best Vinyl stores in L.A.
Rhino Records and Record Surplus. Two of the best; both in West L.A. 
Sota reflex clamp problems
I had a Sota turntable briefly (vacuum Star) with a Reflex clamp. When I received the table the clamp did not function properly. If you look inside underneath the clamp you'll see a plastic(?) allen wrench screw which is adjustable and apparently ... 
Koetsu cartridge rebuild
VDH rebuilds/retips all mc cartridges now, not just their own. The ad for this was in the back of Stereophile or TAS (or both), can't quite remember right now. 
Installing a new arm
I'm not familiar with the Systemdek, but using your current armboard as a template you should be able to fabricate a new one. As for mounting the replacement Audioquest arm, you'll definitely need the mounting template (or someone who knows the ex... 
Transport Help
Pioneer Elite PD-65 -- unbeatable at the price (roughly $400 used). 
I need TT Help: Please advise
Try swapping out the arm for a different one, i.e., an Origin Live modded Rega 250. Make sure your VTA, tracking, anti-skate, etc. are set up properly -- these may have an impact on the sound. Also, like someone else said, you may want to try a di... 
Original Box VS No Box...does it matter?
Original boxes can be critical for certain equipment, i.e., turntables. After receiving one damaged which didn't have the original box, I won't buy another table unless it comes with the original packing material. Most other items with the possibl... 
AM tuner performance?
There are some tuners with good AM performance, but did the buyer make clear to you that he was buying the tuner to listen to AM? Like Onhwy61 said, the buyer has no one but himself to blame if he did not. I, like you, would presume a person was b... 
Help me find a smooth solid-state amp?
B&K ST-140, or the model which replaced it, the ST-1400. Smooth & economical choice. 
$400 CAL CD player- Scrap it or fix it?
Depending on the amount of usage it has received your laser may be weak/need alignment. Unless you know how to fix yourself, I don't believe replacing the laser will be cheap. Like the others said, at the prices you can buy more advanced cd player... 
Best DVD player in $500-$1000 Range
Try the Onkyo 525 (or is it 535)? Costs less than $500, but solid build (aluminum faceplate), great picture quality and features, and Burr-Brown D/A to boot. Otherwise, go for the Pioneer Elite DV-05 or 09. 
Any, good portable CD players?
See if you can find one of those older Sony Car Discmans with antishock, 8x oversampling, DSP, and the remote control (don't remember what model it is). I had one hooked up to my stereo for a while and it sounded quite good, just a tad bit harsh. ...