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Post by dsonyay on May 6, 2019 11:32:15 GMT -5
Only $1,500. You have my permission. (Ha) You'll want the dealer to install because you'll need spacers under the tonearm because the rega carts are shorter than most. (Unless you can do yourself, I know I can't) If you are using the lid it will not close all the way with the standard counter weight. The Groovetracer subplatter is widely respected as a great upgrade. (I have a friend with a RP6 and he had to do this for a Ortofon 2M Black) Good Luck How about using a thicker mat on the platter?
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Post by brubacca on May 6, 2019 12:38:11 GMT -5
Only $1,500. You have my permission. (Ha) You'll want the dealer to install because you'll need spacers under the tonearm because the rega carts are shorter than most. (Unless you can do yourself, I know I can't) If you are using the lid it will not close all the way with the standard counter weight. The Groovetracer subplatter is widely respected as a great upgrade. (I have a friend with a RP6 and he had to do this for a Ortofon 2M Black) Good Luck How about using a thicker mat on the platter? Thicker platter/matt is the wrong direction. You need the tonearm to be a few mm higher. I guess if you could get a smaller platter (shorter) that might work too. We are talking roughly 2-3 mm. The dealer should be well versed in this. Some claim that it doesn't matter at all. I'm just saying what I have heard from my friend and read on various forums. A thicker platter/Matt is what you need on a Rega Planar 1 or 2 if you are going to use a more upscale REGA cartridge than the Carbon. The carbon is a rebranded Audio Technica so its taller than the other rega carts. From memory the Carbon and many other carts are in the 16 to 17mm height range and the other Rega's (Bias, Elys, Exact) are something like 14mm. If you don't use a spacer on a regular size cart you get the wrong VTA angle for the tip of the cartridge. For some stylus profiles it doesn't matter, but if I were spending $1,500 on a cartridge I'd want it to be right. (Sorry for the long winded diatribe, I have been researching a new cart for my Rega TT)
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Post by dsonyay on May 6, 2019 14:10:45 GMT -5
How about using a thicker mat on the platter? Thicker platter/matt is the wrong direction. You need the tonearm to be a few mm higher. I guess if you could get a smaller platter (shorter) that might work too. We are talking roughly 2-3 mm. The dealer should be well versed in this. Some claim that it doesn't matter at all. I'm just saying what I have heard from my friend and read on various forums. A thicker platter/Matt is what you need on a Rega Planar 1 or 2 if you are going to use a more upscale REGA cartridge than the Carbon. The carbon is a rebranded Audio Technica so its taller than the other rega carts. From memory the Carbon and many other carts are in the 16 to 17mm height range and the other Rega's (Bias, Elys, Exact) are something like 14mm. If you don't use a spacer on a regular size cart you get the wrong VTA angle for the tip of the cartridge. For some stylus profiles it doesn't matter, but if I were spending $1,500 on a cartridge I'd want it to be right. (Sorry for the long winded diatribe, I have been researching a new cart for my Rega TT) Oops yes, I mean a thinner platter.. I've seen videos on YouTube where people uses 2 piece shims that are very easy to install.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on May 6, 2019 18:37:59 GMT -5
After asking for opinions here and elsewhere I’ve found more questions then answers! Go figure! LOL SPOKE to Daine at the USA Rega importers in Dallas and he’s recommended their new RB 808 that was just introduced at the show. Should be prices the same as their last tone arm. He claims the tone arm is equivalent to the transmission of the car whereas the cartridge is the tires. His words and he claimed it as a poor analogy but one I easily comprehend. He made a lot of sense and was very generous with his time and information. He wasn’t in sales, he was a tech as all sales were busy. Great English accent to boot!
So, Ive explored a new cartridge and a new tone arm but will only go for one or the other. Another thought that Inhave Music Direct looking into, will I need to shim my tonearm if I purchased the SoundSmith Zephyr MK III ?
To quote a mentor, “ decisions-decisions “
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Post by brubacca on May 6, 2019 19:15:57 GMT -5
My opinion here. They are worth what you pay for them.. I would not upgrade the tonearm on the table. Rega makes them as a package for a reason. It would seem to be minor gains and a big expense. If you want to move up in tables and get a left over RP8 or Planar 8. Planar 8 is $3k without a cartridge. Is your playback that bad already? You have had that table for a couple years, maybe you only need a new cartridge. It could just be run in? The "weakest link" on Rega Turntables are their cartridges. Even my Rega dealer said that people start with the Rega Cart and upgrade that first. Get a new great cartridge. Many make the move to MC at this price point, that would require you to get a new phono stage too. In all my research, Soundsmith is not combined with Rega a lot. I couldn't find the height of the soundsmith cartridges. So, do you need a shim? Don't know, but it is reasonable to think. I'll bet soundsmith would tell you the height of the cart from tip of diamond to top. Soundsmith and VPI come up a lot together. Give Soundsmith a call and see what they say...
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on May 6, 2019 19:25:00 GMT -5
My opinion here. They are worth what you pay for them.. I would not upgrade the tonearm on the table. Rega makes them as a package for a reason. It would seem to be minor gains and a big expense. If you want to move up in tables and get a left over RP8 or Planar 8. Planar 8 is $3k without a cartridge. Is your playback that bad already? You have had that table for a couple years, maybe you only need a new cartridge. It could just be run in? The "weakest link" on Rega Turntables are their cartridges. Even my Rega dealer said that people start with the Rega Cart and upgrade that first. Get a new great cartridge. Many make the move to MC at this price point, that would require you to get a new phono stage too. In all my research, Soundsmith is not combined with Rega a lot. I couldn't find the height of the soundsmith cartridges. So, do you need a shim? Don't know, but it is reasonable to think. I'll bet soundsmith would tell you the height of the cart from tip of diamond to top. Soundsmith and VPI come up a lot together. Give Soundsmith a call and see what they say... Thanks so much, actually my Rega sounds great! Is there room for improvement? In everything! Is it worth it at this time? It’s NOT broken! LOL SEEMS THAT I’ve acquired this bug! Can’t seem to shake the damn thing! But if I continue to rationalize with the help of my friends Illsettle back down and cure that damn bug! Always looking at options but I want them to pay off!
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Post by brubacca on May 6, 2019 19:37:10 GMT -5
I've focused on this TT thing too many times over the past few years. First it was to replace my Debut Carbon. Then it was cartridges for my VPI Traveler. Then it was replacing the VPI with either the Rega P2 or P3.
I'm glad my neuroses can help someone else, even a little bit.
My friend really likes his 2M Black on his RP6. (He has 2, the other with the Exact). I have read repeatedly that the dynavector 10x5 is a great match for the P3/P6 table. Also had people telling me to go up to Dynavector 20x or Sumiko Blackbird.
I know I'm repeating myself, so I'll apologize and bug out.
PS- What do you think of the new Flyers coach?
PSS- also, buy a cheaper cartridge AND get the Groovetracer Subplatter. I like spending your money.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on May 6, 2019 19:48:25 GMT -5
I've focused on this TT thing too many times over the past few years. First it was to replace my Debut Carbon. Then it was cartridges for my VPI Traveler. Then it was replacing the VPI with either the Rega P2 or P3. I'm glad my neuroses can help someone else, even a little bit. My friend really likes his 2M Black on his RP6. (He has 2, the other with the Exact). I have read repeatedly that the dynavector 10x5 is a great match for the P3/P6 table. Also had people telling me to go up to Dynavector 20x or Sumiko Blackbird. I know I'm repeating myself, so I'll apologize and bug out. PS- What do you think of the new Flyers coach? You’re saving me much grief and time, ramble on my brotha! You may inoculate me yet! LOL MY RIG SOUNDS DEVINE ! But YOU know how that is. Coach, haven’t looked yet, its hard to root for a city that has lost its American values IMHO ! Can you say, Kate Smith ? WTF is wrong in that city?Rhetoricalquestion.
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Post by brubacca on May 6, 2019 20:50:10 GMT -5
Ugh... Kate Smith... the guy that started all that was trying to drum up attention for a political run.
I really have not much else to say, other than I did a little research on that Soundsmith Cart you are looking at and it seems to be the gem of the line.
Good luck. It doesn't sound to me like you should go nuts here. It sounds devine. It sounds great. Changing it will change it. It might be better, it might be worse. System synergy is a tedious thing.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
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Post by boomzilla on May 7, 2019 6:30:40 GMT -5
My recommendation will receive scorn, but here it is anyway:
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Post by DavidR on May 7, 2019 9:16:45 GMT -5
My recommendation will receive scorn, but here it is anyway: I'm with you Boom. I got one for my son. I like my Sansui a bit more as I can play it with or without the quartz control. The older TTs have the great specs.
Technics SL-1200 MkII Specifications: Type: manual turntable Drive method: direct drive Motor: brushless DC motor Control method: servo (mk1), quartz (mk2) Platter: 330mm 1.75kg (mk1), 332mm 2kg (mk2) Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm Wow and flutter: 0.03% WRMS (mk1), 0.025% WRMS (mk2) Rumble: -70dB (mk1), -78dB (mk2) Tonearm: universal Effective length: 220mm (mk1), 230mm (mk2) Overhang: 14mm (mk1), 15mm (mk2) Effective mass: 12g (mk2) Stylus pressure range: 0 to 4g (mk1), 0 to 2.5g (mk2) Dimensions: 453 x 366 x 180mm (mk1), 453 x 360 x 162mm (mk2) Weight: 10kg (mk1), 12.5kg (mk2)
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on May 7, 2019 9:21:02 GMT -5
My recommendation will receive scorn, but here it is anyway: I'm with you Boom. I got one for my son. I like my Sansui a bit more as I can play it with or without the quartz control. The older TTs have the great specs.
Technics SL-1200 MkII Specifications: Type: manual turntable Drive method: direct drive Motor: brushless DC motor Control method: servo (mk1), quartz (mk2) Platter: 330mm 1.75kg (mk1), 332mm 2kg (mk2) Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm Wow and flutter: 0.03% WRMS (mk1), 0.025% WRMS (mk2) Rumble: -70dB (mk1), -78dB (mk2) Tonearm: universal Effective length: 220mm (mk1), 230mm (mk2) Overhang: 14mm (mk1), 15mm (mk2) Effective mass: 12g (mk2) Stylus pressure range: 0 to 4g (mk1), 0 to 2.5g (mk2) Dimensions: 453 x 366 x 180mm (mk1), 453 x 360 x 162mm (mk2) Weight: 10kg (mk1), 12.5kg (mk2)
Yes, older TT can be fun! I should know, I have a few. 😋
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Post by tchaik on May 7, 2019 11:44:33 GMT -5
My recommendation will receive scorn, but here it is anyway: I still use this exact turntable in both of my music classrooms at the college. they are very reliable. I have had them since 2003. tchaik...........
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Post by geeqner on May 7, 2019 14:22:09 GMT -5
NO Scorn for the "classic" Technics Direct-Drive Those babies are damned-near "bulletproof" and actually have respectable specs (Guess that's why SO Many professional DJs and road-show people swore by them in the heydays of Vinyl)
For home use / if you're not going to be moving it around - you can find better choices, but the Classic Technics SL will NEVER (barring use by a gorilla / gorilla-wannabe) let you down.
Also, if OP is still worried about the height of the Cartridge - IIRC, MOST decent tonearms have a set of locking screws around the base that will let you adjust the "trunk / support neck" (whatever the vertical part is that holds the pivot / bearing up) Usually, you simply loosen them, and can then lift the pivot assembly Vertically or drop it down a bit.
Usually, adjusted so that Tonearm is LEVEL with the stylus on the record (but don't rest your stylus on an old record and then move stuff around - THAT is a good way to wreck your stylus) Start by adjusting "by eyeball" than mark the neck with a little masking tape and fiddle with up & down until the height is correct.
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Post by DavidR on May 7, 2019 14:42:49 GMT -5
NO Scorn for the "classic" Technics Direct-Drive Those babies are damned-near "bulletproof" and actually have respectable specs(Guess that's why SO Many professional DJs and road-show people swore by them in the heydays of Vinyl) For home use / if you're not going to be moving it around - you can find better choices, but the Classic Technics SL will NEVER (barring use by a gorilla / gorilla-wannabe) let you down. Also, if OP is still worried about the height of the Cartridge - IIRC, MOST decent tonearms have a set of locking screws around the base that will let you adjust the "trunk / support neck" (whatever the vertical part is that holds the pivot / bearing up) Usually, you simply loosen them, and can then lift the pivot assembly Vertically or drop it down a bit. Usually, adjusted so that Tonearm is LEVEL with the stylus on the record (but don't rest your stylus on an old record and then move stuff around - THAT is a good way to wreck your stylus) Start by adjusting "by eyeball" than mark the neck with a little masking tape and fiddle with up & down until the height is correct. What popular rubber-band TTs made today has better specs? Some companies don't even provide rumble, wow and flutter numbers. And what's with acrylic platters? Like static build-up?
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Post by brutiarti on May 7, 2019 16:03:11 GMT -5
I'm with you Boom. I got one for my son. I like my Sansui a bit more as I can play it with or without the quartz control. The older TTs have the great specs.
Technics SL-1200 MkII
Yes, older TT can be fun! I should know, I have a few. 😋
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Post by geeqner on May 7, 2019 16:07:04 GMT -5
Not sure about the Acrylic platters - but AFAIK, the LAMINATED ones, made from multiple dissimilar materials are supposed to minimize RESONANCE. An all-metal platter will usually "ring", But then again, once you have a good mat on it and clamp the record - that may become moot.
DD platters are usually treated as the moving part of a large pseudo-stepper motor for speed regulation. The pulsing on / off of the drive coils beneath it could introduce some minimal noise / vibration that COULD be picked-up by the Cartridge. (The later B&O Beogram units used a pretty cool Engineering Trick to drive THEIR platters: The platter consisted of a solid chunk of Aluminum / Non-Magnetic Stainless, with coils that created "eddy-currents" within the platter metal. These Eddy Currents created magnetic circulations that reacted with other "drive coils" to drive the platter. They were HEAVY in order to absorb vibration / damp-out noise, yet still slim and highly functional.)
Stuff like the high-end VPI Units MAY provide better isolation by their beautifully-engineered system of: -Flywheel-stabilized synchronous motor -High-mass platter of non-resonant material -Near frictionless bearing surfaces suspending the platter -Drive belts (However - it's almost never that simple - the belts could introduce some noise of a different sort on their own)
Just like "Ultra High-End Cables" - IMHO, spending ludicrous moolah (you decide what defines "Ludicrous") on a TT is an exercise in futility. Good equipment that is not the esoteric "Audio Jewelry" will still provide superior results TO A POINT. When your playback equipment exceeds the Mastering Equipment that was used to cut the original laquers - you have probably reached that point... At some point - I think that the "Anolog Snobs" are attempting to extract sound / nuance that is probably NOT THERE in the pressing to begin with beyond some reasonable point. If you ONLY listen to high-quality Audiophile pressings - then maybe that can be extended to the realm of CD quality, but the technology has its limits.
NOTE: The statements above are NOT intended to "poo-poo" Vinyl. I STILL LIKE Vinyl. I ENJOY playing a few albums here & there between my other stuff. My Vinyl setup sounds pretty darned good and I feel that SOME well cared-for, good recordings (and even some crummy ones) still provide a thoroughly-enjoyable music experience - which, in the end, is what it's all about to me.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on May 7, 2019 17:00:51 GMT -5
Yes, older TT can be fun! I should know, I have a few. 😋 I started giving them to friends that would use them! ❤️ Share the passion I say!
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Post by dsonyay on May 7, 2019 20:40:38 GMT -5
I started giving them to friends that would use them! ❤️ Share the passion I say! I can vouch for this.. I have the Technics TT pictured at the the top. I've since bought a Rega and contemplating using that Technics as a dedicated mono TT... Or with permission from the previous owner, gifting it to someone needing a first TT.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on May 7, 2019 20:50:27 GMT -5
Why OH Why do they tempt me so! RP8 for 33% off! Somebody please intervene! 🤔
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