AudioNervosa
Systemic Development => Analog Devices => Topic started by: evan1 on September 16, 2011, 02:11:57 PM
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:shock:
Just picked up a Project Xpression from the Needle Doctor. After trying to set it up I gave them a call and they had me set up in minutes. I'm using a JJ Tesla 243 tube pre as a phono stage. My only record right now is Nora Jones "Come Away with Me" . I'm waiting for a Miles Davis "Bitches Brew" and Amy Winehouse " Back to Black". I have the stock Oyster cartridge installed right now. The deck comes with an acrylic platter and carbon fiber tonearm. It weighs about 12 lbs and has adjustable cone suspension feet. Sound is not bad but I think my Dual CS5000 was warmer. It was definitely built better. I have an Ortofon OM 20 that sounded great on the Dual so I'll install that later on. Is it a keeper. I don't know yet.I'm not disappointed but don't know yet if I'll say it's better than CD. I know if I spent about 2 G's I would say it is , but I'm not going to invest that much yet. We'll see what progresses.
Heres a shot of the TT and the Pre ( Thanks Hogg)
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I thought you were out of vinyl?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU
this would work better if you were Italian. ;)
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I thought you were out of vinyl?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU
this would work better if you were Italian. ;)
I am out of Vinyl since selling off my collection to the Ravers last year at a buck a piece. Guys I may want my records back . Even you Fremer , I know you have my Ramones records :rofl:
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:thumb: Obsession to to begin at once :rofl: :rofl:
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Maybe Wes can check the setup of your table on Sunday, getting the geometry correct is so important to good sound.
I heard the Rega RP3 blow my mind with the stock Rega cartridge, like kill cd level!! And that was only $900.
Be patient, putting together a vinyl source is not so simple, unless you get a known system that works well and is setup correct, take the time and it will blow you away
trust me...it does not have to cost big bucks, just has to be done correctly . it is very different that just slipping a cd in the drawer, unfortunatley
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Maybe Wes can check the setup of your table on Sunday, getting the geometry correct is so important to good sound.
I heard the Rega RP3 blow my mind with the stock Rega cartridge, like kill cd level!! And that was only $900.
Be patient, putting together a vinyl source is not so simple, unless you get a known system that works well and is setup correct, take the time and it will blow you away
trust me...it does not have to cost big bucks, just has to be done correctly . it is very different that just slipping a cd in the drawer, unfortunatley
Sunday ????? You mean my prick of a neighbor has something going on ???? Told me he didn't know when Wes was coming. I got to close up that opening in the fence once and for all.
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Looks good!
Is there enough tracking force on the oyster?
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Looks good!
Is there enough tracking force on the oyster?
should be... no ??? . It's any where from 1.5 to 2.5 . I set it up with the guy from Needle Doctor step by step over the phone.
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I heard the Rega RP3 blow my mind with the stock Rega cartridge, like kill cd level!! And that was only $900.
Be patient, putting together a vinyl source is not so simple, unless you get a known system that works well and is setup correct, take the time and it will blow you away
Are you sure it was the RP3 ? I thought it would be more money.
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Has anyone noticed a blacker background playing back vinyl when compared to
a CD of the same recording? In my system vinyl also frequently has a better leading edge on transients than most CDs I have unless they were made from a 24/96 master. At that point they sound about same.
Scotty
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Maybe Wes can check the setup of your table on Sunday, getting the geometry correct is so important to good sound.
I heard the Rega RP3 blow my mind with the stock Rega cartridge, like kill cd level!! And that was only $900.
Be patient, putting together a vinyl source is not so simple, unless you get a known system that works well and is setup correct, take the time and it will blow you away
trust me...it does not have to cost big bucks, just has to be done correctly . it is very different that just slipping a cd in the drawer, unfortunatley
I stand corrected
http://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-RP3-Turntable?sc=2&category=353
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Has anyone noticed a blacker background playing back vinyl when compared to
a CD of the same recording? In my system vinyl also frequently has a better leading edge on transients than most CDs I have unless they were made from a 24/96 master. At that point they sound about same.
Scotty
Good question .But I refuse to purchase anything that I have on CD. We all did that when CD's came out. I am not going to do it again.Well at least I think I won't.
Nope I won't
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Perhaps I should have broadened my statement to say say that one of the differences I always notice between the two formats is the difference between how quiet or "black" the background is on vinyl compared to CD.
Mind you,I am not set up for Hi-Rez playback yet, perhaps the background will be as quiet as vinyl.
It would be nice if this were the case.
Scotty
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Evan,
Welcome to the Club. Too bad you sold all your vinyl. Never say never.
Jump on the Outerbridge and get over to Vintage Vinyl just off Route 1 and pick up some used wax.
Hope you got a cheap wet cleaner. Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-Magnetics-VC-1-Record-Cleaner/dp/B00006I5UH/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316217293&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-Magnetics-VC-1-Record-Cleaner/dp/B00006I5UH/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316217293&sr=1-1)
And a Carbon Fibre brush:
http://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-Anti-Static-record-cleaner-brush/dp/B0006VMBHI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316217293&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-Anti-Static-record-cleaner-brush/dp/B0006VMBHI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316217293&sr=1-2)
Enjoy your new table (even though you should have bought my VPI) and use it in good health.
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Paul I would have bought yours or Gene's if I was 100% sure I want to stay with Vinyl. Going new I can always return it. thanks for the links. I'll check out Vintage Vinyl. It's got to be closer then Prex.
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VV is across the street from Menlo Park Mall.
The Expression would benefit from a Speedbox and a better Cart. Don't think you're hearing everything it's capable of with the Oyster. I had the OM20 on my Debut, but you can easily do better than that.
My VPI sale is supposed to close on Sunday, knock wood. Think Gene's Scout is still available. Someone on LI selling a Classic. That table would probably blow the Expression away.
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VV is across the street from Menlo Park Mall.
The Expression would benefit from a Speedbox and a better Cart. Don't think you're hearing everything it's capable of with the Oyster. I had the OM20 on my Debut, but you can easily do better than that.
My VPI sale is supposed to close on Sunday, knock wood. Think Gene's Scout is still available. Someone on LI selling a Classic. That table would probably blow the Expression away.
Yep just mapquested it. 29 minutes away. Close to my brother in law. Much closer than Prex. Anyway can't get Falafel on the way to Prex anymore so maybe I go a new direction
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Nope I won't
Yes you will.
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Nope I won't
Yes you will.
Yes you will
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Playing with the Soundsmith mmp3 phono pre now. Background is more quiet than the JJ Tesla . Where does this guy get toys so quickly :duh :rofl:
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Yup.
And Mike is right, it doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to be setup right.
And tubes are so sweet with vinyl.
I think my DV is starting to reach the breakin point, sitting here surfing the net for tube-based headphone amps, but keep getting distracted by the music. Right now being yanked by Garcia's "To Lay Me Down".
Perhaps I should have broadened my statement to say say that one of the differences I always notice between the two formats is the difference between how quiet or "black" the background is on vinyl compared to CD.
Mind you,I am not set up for Hi-Rez playback yet, perhaps the background will be as quiet as vinyl.
It would be nice if this were the case.
Scotty
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Yep just mapquested it. 29 minutes away. Close to my brother in law. Much closer than Prex. Anyway can't get Falafel on the way to Prex anymore so maybe I go a new direction
There is a falafel joint somewhere in Princeton :-).
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Yep just mapquested it. 29 minutes away. Close to my brother in law. Much closer than Prex. Anyway can't get Falafel on the way to Prex anymore so maybe I go a new direction
There is a falafel joint somewhere in Princeton :-).
Yes there is , it must have closed it was called " Chaya's Fabulous Falafel Emporium"
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Yes there is , it must have closed it was called " Chaya's Fabulous Falafel Emporium"
Hmm, I think I know the owner of that joint. Will have to ask her to start it up again once the basement is up and running again :thumb:
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I was going to try out the Ortofon cartidge but I can't find a screwdriver the right size for the mounting screws. I need something with a thin head. May have to grind down one of my small screwdrivers.
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Where does this guy get toys so quickly :duh :rofl:
You have too many friends in this hobby. You will never escape!
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I need something with a thin head. May have to grind down one of my small screwdrivers.
Just drop trou.
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My stylus has some problems... so no vinyl right now.
I am playing CD'd right now
and you know what?! They suck compared to vinyl.
Evan...The Wes thing just happened even Joe had no idea until I told him.
BTW the difference is striking
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My stylus has some problems... so no vinyl right now.
I am playing CD'd right now
and you know what?! They suck compared to vinyl.
Evan...The Wes thing just happened even Joe had no idea until I told him.
BTW the difference is striking
Still going to close up the fence :rofl:
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Now wouldn't it be sweet if your vinyl sounds better than his? I think you should shoot for that goal and just embarrass him.
and Rich is right, there is no going back now. Us vinyl-philes have you cornered.
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Hi there Ev,
I'm looking forward to comparing notes with you since I have ProJect TT also, which I think uses the same arm.
I can never seem to get the position of the loop that holds the anti-skate wire right. When I do what's in the manual (hard to interpret and implement, IMO), one part of the arm (not the arm, but the ring thingy that holds the arm) will actually hit the anti-skate string as the arm is at the very inner part of a record.
- Does your AS string clear all parts of the arm at the very inner grooves of the record, and by how much? At which AS groove on the TT?
I really don't like the AS setup on this arm - Can't be good to have something that is swinging side to side being attached to the tonearm :duh I sometimes just take the damn thing off and swear it sounds better.
- If you want you can check out my Speed Box MKII, or Tube Box SE phono stage.
- I also have the fancy ProJect cartridge alignment tool which is made for our arms. Feel free...
- I find that my belt always sticks to the platter (sign that I don't use the TT enough I guess) and I have had one belt deteriorate on me - Brittle to the point that it crumbled in my hands.
- Whorin' for my bro here, but he is a ProJect dealer so if you need anything else...
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Meant to add that my 2 ch room will be taken down for a bit as the mother in law is moving in temporarily (insert joke here) since her house was pretty demo'd in the flood.
My Cherry Plus is already in Dave's store pushing 802 Diamonds. (But I don't think the Krell Showcase HT preamp there is up to the task, knowing how my VAC pre works w/ the Cherry...)
So I have no prob leaving the phono goodies with you for a while
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Hi there Ev,
I'm looking forward to comparing notes with you since I have ProJect TT also, which I think uses the same arm.
I can never seem to get the position of the loop that holds the anti-skate wire right. When I do what's in the manual (hard to interpret and implement, IMO), one part of the arm (not the arm, but the ring thingy that holds the arm) will actually hit the anti-skate string as the arm is at the very inner part of a record.
- Does your AS string clear all parts of the arm at the very inner grooves of the record, and by how much? At which AS groove on the TT?
I really don't like the AS setup on this arm - Can't be good to have something that is swinging side to side being attached to the tonearm :duh I sometimes just take the damn thing off and swear it sounds better.
- If you want you can check out my Speed Box MKII, or Tube Box SE phono stage.
- I also have the fancy ProJect cartridge alignment tool which is made for our arms. Feel free...
- I find that my belt always sticks to the platter (sign that I don't use the TT enough I guess) and I have had one belt deteriorate on me - Brittle to the point that it crumbled in my hands.
- Whorin' for my bro here, but he is a ProJect dealer so if you need anything else...
I'll check into it. Which project do you have ? And most definitely would love to check out the speed box and pre. The speedbox is said to do wonders. Nora jones is sounding good. I mounted the Ortofon but the stylus is no good. I contacted the seller even though it said used according to Ebay it has to be in operational order. I want my money back.
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Other then the occasional ticks and pops I think I likey. It seems to have more depth than CD. I'll have to dig out my Nora CD and compare. :thumb:
I'm soaked :rofl:
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Perhaps I should have broadened my statement to say say that one of the differences I always notice between the two formats is the difference between how quiet or "black" the background is on vinyl compared to CD.
Mind you,I am not set up for Hi-Rez playback yet, perhaps the background will be as quiet as vinyl.
It would be nice if this were the case.
Scotty
I think I know what you mean. I'm going to try and compare later.
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Which project do you have ?
Perspective Carbon. Currently using AT440MLa, but I think I'm hearing a channel imbalance and too much hum.
It ain't easy...
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Got aquestion. I remounted the Oyster cart. How do I know if its in the same position as it was from the factory ?
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Got aquestion. I remounted the Oyster cart. How do I know if its in the same position as it was from the factory ?
You can guess.....just watch where you step... :rofl:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5WHK3xKvtJ8/TGpH5xRrIkI/AAAAAAAAAAw/KR0_qXlyf8Q/s1600/wet+feet.bmp)
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Well, unless you have some form of protractor, and used it before you removed the Oyster, I don't know how you can be sure on re-mounting the position is the same.
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Well, unless you have some form of protractor, and used it before you removed the Oyster, I don't know how you can be sure on re-mounting the position is the same.
It came in the box. I'll have to figure out how to use it. Richie calling Richie :rofl:
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Shit, whenever I need an alignment I just buy another TT! :rofl: The one alignment I did came out good but took a while using a protractor for Technics printed on a piece of paper off the internet. Like this:
http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-protractors.shtml
I think ProJects use a Baerwald alignment.
Too bad about the oyster.
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http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=vinyl&m=946876
Alignment Template Generator:
http://www.conradhoffman.com/TemplateGen.zip
http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=39954
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Evan, there are several templates that you can use for alignment. If that works dot to dot then the overhang is usually spot on too. Then set the tracking force and snti-skate. If its a MM type then VTA is usually not too critical, but if its a MC then VTA becomes uber important.
Good luck,
Bob
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I used the one it came with and it is aligned.
The table also came with 3 small discs a little smaller than a dime, does anyone know what they are for ? The manual doesn't say anything about it.
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Just checked Craigslist and there is alot of garage sales this weekend around my area listing records for sale. :thumb:
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http://www.project-audio.com/inhalt/en/manual/manual_xpression.pdf
You might need to get a heavier counterweight if you upgrade to a heavier cart.
http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-75g-Counterweight-for-Debut-Xpression
Recommended downforce for the Oyster is 1.8g
Remove the dust cover for better SQ.
The manual does give any instructions about alignment other than be careful or let your dealer do it. duh
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Just checked Craigslist and there is alot of garage sales this weekend around my area listing records for sale. :thumb:
That's swell.
With any luck, you can buy your own records back. :?
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Just checked Craigslist and there is alot of garage sales this weekend around my area listing records for sale. :thumb:
That's swell.
With any luck, you can buy your own records back. :?
Just scored 4
Percy Faith
George Gershwin
Arthur Fiedler
Andre Kostelanetz
I could of had a Partridge Family record but some 5 year old kicked me in the B#lls when I tried to tackle him for it
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Ok the Ebay guy said to send him back the Ortofon so I will purchase new. I'm looking at the Denon DL110 or the Ortofon 2Mred which I would also have to get the heavier wt for. I want to stay under 150.00 for the cart any other suggestions. I'm leaning towards the Denon.
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This is the ProJect cart. alignment tool I have:
http://www.project-audio.com/inhalt/bilder/tn/cat.jpg (http://www.project-audio.com/inhalt/bilder/tn/cat.jpg)
I'd suggest trying it, even if you already used another printed-out kind of rig.
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Grados are nice if you don't have a Hum issue. One in Brooklyn
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1321118931&/grado-platinum-1-phono-cartrid (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1321118931&/grado-platinum-1-phono-cartrid)
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Grados are nice if you don't have a Hum issue. One in Brooklyn
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1321118931&/grado-platinum-1-phono-cartrid (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1321118931&/grado-platinum-1-phono-cartrid)
No Hum issues but I refuse to buy used again
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Ok the Ebay guy said to send him back the Ortofon so I will purchase new. I'm looking at the Denon DL110 or the Ortofon 2Mred which I would also have to get the heavier wt for. I want to stay under 150.00 for the cart any other suggestions. I'm leaning towards the Denon.
Evan I have a Denon DL 301 MKII but it's MC I could send your way to see if you like it or a Goldring 1012
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http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98609.msg991174;topicseen#new
Dynavector on AudioCircle
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http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98609.msg991174;topicseen#new
Dynavector on AudioCircle
Guys I appreciate the help but if I'm to spend that much on a cart. I would of bought a better table with the xtra money
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Ok the Ebay guy said to send him back the Ortofon so I will purchase new. I'm looking at the Denon DL110 or the Ortofon 2Mred which I would also have to get the heavier wt for. I want to stay under 150.00 for the cart any other suggestions. I'm leaning towards the Denon.
Evan I have a Denon DL 301 MKII but it's MC I could send your way to see if you like it or a Goldring 1012
Gene sent me an email with a link for a good price on the 301
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Just threw the JJ Tesla phono pre back in. I think I like tube phono better than SS
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Just through the JJ Tesla phono pre back in. I think I like tube phono better than SS
Of course you do.
vinyl and tubes = peas and carrots
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I did it. I broke 1000 posts :thumb: :yay2: :dj: :beer: :clap: :D/
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Congratulations. Your account is suspended. :-P
Welcome to the 5 bars club!!
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Congratulations. Your account is suspended. :-P
Welcome to the 5 bars club!!
You know longer have the power dude :rofl:
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Hi there Ev,
I'm looking forward to comparing notes with you since I have ProJect TT also, which I think uses the same arm.
I can never seem to get the position of the loop that holds the anti-skate wire right. When I do what's in the manual (hard to interpret and implement, IMO), one part of the arm (not the arm, but the ring thingy that holds the arm) will actually hit the anti-skate string as the arm is at the very inner part of a record.
- Does your AS string clear all parts of the arm at the very inner grooves of the record, and by how much? At which AS groove on the TT?
I really don't like the AS setup on this arm - Can't be good to have something that is swinging side to side being attached to the tonearm :duh I sometimes just take the damn thing off and swear it sounds better.
- If you want you can check out my Speed Box MKII, or Tube Box SE phono stage.
- I also have the fancy ProJect cartridge alignment tool which is made for our arms. Feel free...
- I find that my belt always sticks to the platter (sign that I don't use the TT enough I guess) and I have had one belt deteriorate on me - Brittle to the point that it crumbled in my hands.
- Whorin' for my bro here, but he is a ProJect dealer so if you need anything else...
Mike
That string was a pain in ASS . I have mine on the middle ring as per the Needle Doctor and it clears my arm with no problem.
Just ordered a Denon DL110 cartridge form Music Direct. Only 1 left,hope its new.
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Evan the Denon should arrive at your place by Thursday according to the USPS
Let me know what you think of the Denon.......Bill
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Evan the Denon should arrive at your place by Thursday according to the USPS
Let me know what you think of the Denon.......Bill
Thanks
What do you guys think spin doctor or Kab ev1
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If you go Spin Doctor you can have mine for $50, I used it 3 times then got a VPI 16.5.
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If you go Spin Doctor you can have mine for $50, I used it 3 times then got a VPI 16.5.
Big Shot... I'll send you a pm
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Hey Evan, if you're looking for more clearance after getting VTA and AS setup, there is a tiny hex nut you can unscrew to change the arm-lifter mechanism so you can get everything to line up with plenty of clearance. I just did all this... When you adjust one thing, it moves everything else out of whack a little.
The string/weight thing is a little challenging. ;) But I've been using the Pro-ject's for so long I forgot what 'easy' was like.
-C
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Hey Evan, if you're looking for more clearance after getting VTA and AS setup, there is a tiny hex nut you can unscrew to change the arm-lifter mechanism so you can get everything to line up with plenty of clearance. I just did all this... When you adjust one thing, it moves everything else out of whack a little.
The string/weight thing is a little challenging. ;) But I've been using the Pro-ject's for so long I forgot what 'easy' was like.
-C
The only clearance problem I have is with the arm rest. I have to the move the arm up and over when playing or returning the arm to the rest
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My Denon DL110 Cartridge came in today as well as the DL301 from Bill. I installed the the DL 110 and it sounds very good compared to that garbage Oyster cartridge night and day. Only problem is I know its not set up corretcly. I'm having problems with the weight on the tone arm and its skipping. I need help. Needle Doctor helped as best as he can over the phone. I am frustrated. I need some local help. Anyone want to come over Friday and help me I'm off all day. Would love to do it when the wife isn't home. PM me
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call wes :o he may be able to help
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I'll serve Pizza :yay2:
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Running the weight heavier , no anti skate, sounds good and NO NOISE but I know its not correct
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call wes :o he may be able to help
He was you know where last week and never made it here. I know he's always busy so I'll have to pass on him
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Running the weight heavier , no anti skate, sounds good and NO NOISE but I know its not correct
Do you have a stylus gauge to accurately set weight with?
Need to set VTA & VTF
Read this. Test in the morning.
http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm (http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm)
Back to Deadwood.
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Great article Putz! Thanks
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Wish i was closer Evan. I'd help you out in a heartbeat if i could get there but family plans prohibit me from spending the whole day in audioland. Just take your time and start from scratch with the adjustments and you will get there. Keep the al ohol and the frusrtration awY from the delicate and expensive parts.
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Running the weight heavier , no anti skate, sounds good and NO NOISE but I know its not correct
Do you have a stylus gauge to accurately set weight with?
Need to set VTA & VTF
Read this. Test in the morning.
http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm (http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm)
Back to Deadwood.
Good article, but I would add one thing. I always use a small mirror to test for proper azimuth. Place the stylus down in the middle of the mirror and look at the cart body and its reflection. If the cart is square with the platter then the body and it's reflection will form a straight line. If not, they will form a visible V. Note that this will only work with carts that have straight sidewalls that are perpendicular to the headshell mounting.
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I'll start again in the morning. Can't balance the arm and get the Anti skate correct. Do i need to use the anti skate weight ?
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Good, you're home today. FedEx web says package is out for delivery to you.
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Your cartridge is a MM, right? So make sure when the needle is in the groove on a record and nothing is spinning that your arm is parallel to the surface of the record. Use an index card placded on the record behind the arm and look from the side to see how parallel it is. Adjust the height of the arm to get this parallel. If your cartridge is a MC then this VTA becomes a whole lot more important and adjusting it becomes a pain in the ass and must be done by ear after everything else is set. So ..
First check the alignment of the cartridge to a protractor. Get this spot on those 2 points indicated. Adjust your cartridge "perfectly" so it is aligned with those dots and with the proper angle as indicated on the protractor. This is absolutely key before you set anything else.
Then balance the arm with the anti-skate off.
Then set your counterweight to get the proper downard force.
Then set your anti skate, but start with very little of this and see if it works for you before you increase it. There is also an art to getting this right but you can address it at a later time since it is a finicky setting.
Don't worry about azimuth yet until you can get all the other things aligned properly. Azimuth is a not too important at this stage and as long as the bottom of the cartridge looks reasonably flat to the record you are probably OK for now. When you want to get finicky you can address this at some later time.
If you have a MC cartridge you can now properly listen and set the VTA. Listen for a good balance between tinkly things and bass. Adjusting the back of the arm downward will increase bass strength but will probably reduce the presence of cymbals and bells and such. Raising the back will do the opposite. But there is going to be one spot that gets both right. Listen for the leading edge transient of a cymbal or triange or bell to be sharp and clear and exacting. When you find that spot your top end is locked in and the bass will most likely be proper too, but you can adjust a little bit up or down from there to get it all spot on. Little adjustments here can make a difference and it needs to eb done by ear.
Once the VTA is set you need to go back and recheck all the other parameters to be sure they have not changed. If they have then reset them properly. Ain't this fun?
Patience is a virtue here.
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Your cartridge is a MM, right? So make sure when the needle is in the groove on a record and nothing is spinning that your arm is parallel to the surface of the record. Use an index card placded on the record behind the arm and look from the side to see how parallel it is. Adjust the height of the arm to get this parallel. If your cartridge is a MC then this VTA becomes a whole lot more important and adjusting it becomes a pain in the ass and must be done by ear after everything else is set. So ..
First check the alignment of the cartridge to a protractor. Get this spot on those 2 points indicated. Adjust your cartridge "perfectly" so it is aligned with those dots and with the proper angle as indicated on the protractor. This is absolutely key before you set anything else.
Then balance the arm with the anti-skate off.
Then set your counterweight to get the proper downard force.
Then set your anti skate, but start with very little of this and see if it works for you before you increase it. There is also an art to getting this right but you can address it at a later time since it is a finicky setting.
Don't worry about azimuth yet until you can get all the other things aligned properly. Azimuth is a not too important at this stage and as long as the bottom of the cartridge looks reasonably flat to the record you are probably OK for now. When you want to get finicky you can address this at some later time.
If you have a MC cartridge you can now properly listen and set the VTA. Listen for a good balance between tinkly things and bass. Adjusting the back of the arm downward will increase bass strength but will probably reduce the presence of cymbals and bells and such. Raising the back will do the opposite. But there is going to be one spot that gets both right. Listen for the leading edge transient of a cymbal or triange or bell to be sharp and clear and exacting. When you find that spot your top end is locked in and the bass will most likely be proper too, but you can adjust a little bit up or down from there to get it all spot on. Little adjustments here can make a difference and it needs to eb done by ear.
Once the VTA is set you need to go back and recheck all the other parameters to be sure they have not changed. If they have then reset them properly. Ain't this fun?
Patience is a virtue here.
Bob my problem is after I do all that when I hang the anti skate weight the tone arm skates. Its all good without the A/S weight
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Good, you're home today. FedEx web says package is out for delivery to you.
:thumb:
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Then leave the anti-skate off. If it plays fine without it then don't worry about it.
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Then leave the anti-skate off. If it plays fine without it then don't worry about it.
Will it wear out the stylus quicker?
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Guys you know me, home on a rainy day . Good day for a video. Let me know how the TT sounds. The video is dark but just listen :thumb:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTGuZGrKRCs
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Then leave the anti-skate off. If it plays fine without it then don't worry about it.
Will it wear out the stylus quicker?
The stylus is made of diamond. It won't wear out in your lifetime. Anti-skate serves 2 purposes
- to keep the stylus from skipping across the surface of the record when it encounters something in the groove (basic usage)
- to help center the stylus in the groove and improve the soundstaging (advanced usage)
If you're not experiencing the first one then you're OK for starters. If you want to get picky and fine tune your sound then you can move on to the next one. Here's a link to an explanation of how to set that properly
http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=27850 (http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=27850)
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Bob, FYI Evan's tonearm only has 3 possible AS forces, defined by grooves on the tonearm attachment where the AS weight's string goes.
These grooves are defined by the ease of getting the string on the desired groove
1) Pain in the ass
2) Nearly friggin' impossible
3) Holy crap I got in on the innermost groove and I swear I'll never remove it
:rofl:
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and the answer is ... tweezers (maybe)?
(http://photo-dict.faqs.org/photofiles/list/722/1135tweezers.jpg)
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I use one of those small diameter, hollow coffe-stirrer straws, along w/ tweezers, to (try to) push the loop where I want it.
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I use one of those small diameter, hollow coffe-stirrer straws, along w/ tweezers, to (try to) push the loop where I want it.
Mike did you know the anti skate post unscrews? No, really it does .
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My SME 3009 had a similiar arrangement for anti skate and it was nearly impossible to move that damn string to the next groove. :duh
Great sounding arm though, sold it , and moved on to a better easier to setup arm
Evan it sounds good from my computer speakers
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I should of asked Jim first but I found a guy in Canada who has the JJ pre and he sent me a PDF file of the owners manual (all 3 pages ) so I can set the dip switches on back for the phono stage. Now she is singing sweet. No noise , nice warmth in the mids, bass reaches deep and nice shimmering cymbals. I originally was using it the way Jim gave it to me with all dip swithches off which is = to 47pf /47 kohms. I have dip switch 8 on which equates to 267pf/47 kohms and it sounds awesome.
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I have an isolation question. Thinking about doing a sandbox based upon the design found on the web. I'm sure you all have seen it
http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/sandblaster_e.html
Is this better than doing a platform like the Ginko with rubber balls ? And do these eliminate airborne vibrations ?
I don't have any isolation problems that I'm aware of and just want to see what it will do for my sound.
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The sandbox method is very affective. Built my own and no going back. The sandbox is mounted on Target speaker stands. Screwed to speaker stand and spiked to floor. If you cannot use or perfer not using the speaker stands either cones to a wood surface below or Mapleshade Isoblocks will do the trick. Very affective.
Some like using tennis balls to fill the box in lieu of sand. Have fun trying.
charles
SMA
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Evan,
I can sell you a Bright star sand box for $50, in beautiful wrinkle black
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Evan,
I can sell you a Bright star sand box for $50, in beautiful wrinkle black
What are the dimensions ?
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The platform it sits on is 13.5 by 17.5, overall add an inch or so for total size..
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The platform it sits on is 13.5 by 17.5, overall add an inch or so for total size..
Bring it to emils so I can check it out
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Sand boxes are great for adding mass to a turntable, or to an overall shelf/rack, and that helps with isolation, to a degree. But it will not stop everything. In fact, the mass on a sandbox actually couples to the stand and some low thumping vibrations (i.e. knucke raps on the stand itself) will still be transmitted through the turntable. The Ginko solution will in fact get rid of these.
Coupling a Ginko type solution to a sandbox will get you 98% of the way there. Here's my stand - integrated sandbox for each shelf w 50 lbs of sand in each, and a DIY Ginko under the turntable using 12 squash balls under a 1" maple butcher block sitting on top of the sandbox shelf.
(http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1155818474.jpg)
(http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1231696007.jpg)
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How about if I add heavier feet to my table?
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I just ordered new feet for my VPI Aries from [urlhttp://edensoundaudio.com/pricelist.html][/url]
Got the Terrastone ones. Should have them in a couple of days. Money back if i don't like em.
Also using a 2" thick Maple block (found a John Boos cutting board on ebay for a great price).
Whole thing is sitting on a Target wall shelf about 5' off the floor. If i host a Rave, hope to have Lonewolf pose next to it.
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Bob good point. I used Zorbex to decouple the box from the stand. first attempt was screwing a Maple plinth to the stand with Isoblocks supporting the sand box.
Nick from Arcicci gave me these Zorbex isolation pads to try. So far no complaints. The homemade Ginko solution sounds good as well.
charles
SMA