Turntable Ordered- Tom M's House Was Culprit

[tmazz]

I just got back from Best Buy- no go on DSOTM. And I'm cancelling the turntable order, because the kid in BB said that "they aren't really making those players for records, and everything now is digital."
Get with the times, Tom.

   Your kidding right ?


charles

I sure hope so, or you and I are going to have to drive out there tonight and beat some sense into him.     

[rollo]

   Yeah we will,  make him listen to a Sony CDP, playing violins and piano.


charles

[Carlman]

Thanks for the hot tip on DSOTM, Tom.. I will check my local BB for it today.. I have to go by there anyway. 

'Gimmick' is the best way to describe the new records w/ new artists.  Selling to gullible kids since forever.. the music business never changes. 

Back on topic.. Somebody needs to buy a Clearaudio that hangs out on a forum I'm familiar with.. I really want to know if it's worth it.. They START at 1400.. sheesh, they better be good!

-C

[James Edward]

Yes, I'm kidding. And I wish I had a recorder of the actual conversation in BB. My memory hardly does it comedic justice.

I do have a question though... I have had my SOTA Comet table mothballed for about 5 years. And at this point I have no idea when my new TT will arrive, so I'm itching to set up the Comet in the meantime. Do I need to do anything such as lubricate the bearing or condition the belt in some way? If so on either count, what is suggested?
Thanks.

[tmazz]

I do have a question though... I have had my SOTA Comet table mothballed for about 5 years. And at this point I have no idea when my new TT will arrive, so I'm itching to set up the Comet in the meantime. Do I need to do anything such as lubricate the bearing or condition the belt in some way? If so on either count, what is suggested?
Thanks.

VPI recommends putting the belt in a ziplock bag along with some baby powder and shaking it. Don't know if Sota belts  (and platters) are made of the same  and need powdering or not. If you don't have an owners manual perhaps you can download one from the Sota web site.

As for the bearing I wouldn't worry about it unless you have a problem. Drop the platter on the bearing without the belt attached Give it a spin by hand as listen to see if it is making any noise. If it spins freely and quietly I would say that is good to go. Reinstall the belt and let it rip. If the bearing is making any noise I would consult with Sota as to what kind of bearing mtce. to do (web, manual or a local Sota dealer.)

Good luck

Let us know how you make out.

Tom

[James Edward]

I figured what the hell, so I did the shake and bake with baby powder for the belt, and after a few hours I wiped it with a clean damp cloth. I took the table to a friend's house who never had a turntable in his system. He freaked.
He has an Audible Illusions preamp, a CJ LP66(?) amp, MIT cabling, and a heavily modified Sony SACD with tube output stage. The speakers are Audio Physic Virgo's.
His system never sounded better, and I believe he is an instant convert. This is with a 13 year old table and cartridge.
I hope my new Clearaudio table sounds as good.
BTW, I picked up DSOTM at a new store near me called 'Long Island Vinyl Exchange.' He has a large stock, seems to be knowledgeable, and has been at this for a while. I don't know enough to judge. 

[tmazz]

BTW, I picked up DSOTM at a new store near me called 'Long Island Vinyl Exchange.' He has a large stock, seems to be knowledgeable, and has been at this for a while. I don't know enough to judge. 

Tell us more about the new record store. Does he carry used or just new? And where exactly is it?

Made a road trip with my son today to Princeton Record Exchange, so running out to your neck of the woods for a good record store would be nothing.

[James Edward]

The Long Island Vinyl Exchange is on Larkfield Road in East Northport. It's two minutes from my house, to give you perspective. The store itself- fixtures, etc., make Mr. Cheapo's look like Neiman Marcus.

His stock seems to be about 90% used, but again, I've been out of the used record scene for a long time, so I can't judge the depth/quality of the selection. Titus Oaks in Westbury was still in business when I last really shopped for used records.

It's worth a ride- you can take me under your wing and show me the ropes.   

[tmazz]

I  remember Titus Oaks well. Sadly it is now a Dunkin Doughnuts. That was a great trade, like the world needs a few more of those. 

One of the guys who worked at Titus Oaks is now working for Mr. Cheapo in Mineola. He's been at a few different shops that have come and gone since TO, but is still selling used records after all these years.

Somebody has to keep the faith.

[StereoNut]

FWIW

BB in Westbury had about 6-7 copies of the 30th. Anniversary version of the DSOTM on vinyl.  I was in there today and bought one, so now they're down to 5 or 6.

SN

[drews_hifi]

Hi James,

No offense meant, but
Not the Clearaudio...
Thats got to be the ugliest tt for the money.  The arm looks like a 7th grade shop project.
Not that I have any opinion about its performance.  Havent heard it.

But if you can stretch for VPI Scout, or go cheaper w a Project, they look cool and sound great.

Regards,
Andrew.

[James Edward]

Drew,
I have it on good authority that the arm was designed by a 9th grade shop class,
and you know what they say about beauty being in the eye of the beholder.
Besides, Tom M's VPI didn't sound all that good. My old BSR changer was better.   

[tmazz]

Thats got to be the ugliest tt for the money.  The arm looks like a 7th grade shop project.

I don't know, I think ugly with good sound is a combination I could live with. 

[tmazz]

Besides, Tom M's VPI didn't sound all that good. My old BSR changer was better.   

OK Jim, them thar is fightin' words. Your insults have gone too far this time.
Piss on BSR. I was a Garrard man in high school.   

[StereoNut]

Oh no...

The next thing you know, it'll be a duel at sunrise.



SN