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Post by UT-Driven on Jan 15, 2009 17:35:33 GMT -5
Based upon my readings today, the Audio Technica AT440MLa cartridge looks hard to beat at around $110.
The other Doug
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topcat
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Post by topcat on Jan 18, 2009 19:09:04 GMT -5
I've been looking at both the Marantz TT15SI and the Pro Ject RM5SE turntables....has anybody seen or heard either of these units. Any opnions on which is the better but (cost vs quality) Hoping for some quick answers as I've got this itch to buy one or the other Also, any recommendation as to where to purchase said TT? Thanks in advance ;D
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jlafrenz
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Post by jlafrenz on Jan 18, 2009 21:03:38 GMT -5
I was actually just in Iowa at a Pro-Ject dealer and we happened to be looking at that particular table. Unfortunately I didn't get the time to sit and listen to it, but as per our discussion it seems a pretty impressive table. He was showing me the design and how it was more stable. He also pointed out that the Pro-Ject uses a 14 volt motor so there is less noise induced into the the signal and it is a smoother turning table. Pro-Ject builds many of the tables or at least parts for various other high end companies too.
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topcat
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Post by topcat on Jan 18, 2009 21:34:44 GMT -5
I was actually just in Iowa at a Pro-Ject dealer and we happened to be looking at that particular table. Unfortunately I didn't get the time to sit and listen to it, but as per our discussion it seems a pretty impressive table. He was showing me the design and how it was more stable. He also pointed out that the Pro-Ject uses a 14 volt motor so there is less noise induced into the the signal and it is a smoother turning table. Pro-Ject builds many of the tables or at least parts for various other high end companies too. Thanks Judd for the response...but, have you heard anything about the Marantz?
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Post by roadrunner on Jan 18, 2009 21:35:46 GMT -5
I was actually just in Iowa at a Pro-Ject dealer and we happened to be looking at that particular table. Unfortunately I didn't get the time to sit and listen to it, but as per our discussion it seems a pretty impressive table. He was showing me the design and how it was more stable. He also pointed out that the Pro-Ject uses a 14 volt motor so there is less noise induced into the the signal and it is a smoother turning table. Pro-Ject builds many of the tables or at least parts for various other high end companies too. If memory serves me, when you purchased your Music Hall MMF 5.1 TT didn't you also take a close look at the MMF 7.1? How would you compare your Music Hall (5.1 and 7.1) TT with the Pro Ject RM5SE that you just looked at on your Iowa trip??? As well as these two TT, I am also looking at the Clearaudio Emotion and the Marantz TT-15. Have you, or any other Lounge members had experience with any of the listed TTs? Thanks.
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Post by regulator on Jan 18, 2009 23:48:39 GMT -5
I have joined the world of Vinyl. I just purchased a turntable. It is a Denon DP-45F with an Ortofon OM series cartridge. I just bought it off eBay. Here I go again, now I need to start to pick up some vinyl. I already have CDs, DVD-Audio, SACDs, DVDs, HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray. The other Doug Solid Viper Records Acoustic Sounds Amazon eBay Aural Exploits - as much as I hate to say it based upon my only experience with them Tower records is a good place to get new vinyl. The only bad thing is that sometimes it is hard to tell what version you are getting, but price wise they are usually the cheapest.
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Post by UT-Driven on Jan 19, 2009 0:53:09 GMT -5
I ended up getting a Super OM 20 cartridge/stylus combination since the OM cartridge is older and has been improved with the "Super" version. I spent way too much money on LPs, I saw a bunch available for a good price from Sound City Beaches on eBay. I am trying to save up for when I sell/buy a house. *Best Homer voice* Stupid evil temptation! The other Doug
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jlafrenz
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Post by jlafrenz on Jan 19, 2009 2:16:46 GMT -5
Sorry topcat, I am not familiar with the Marantz TT. I just happened to ask about the Debut III for my buddy who is looking at one and then I asked what I should look for in one for myself when I decide to upgrade or build a new 2 channel setup.
Roadrunner... I demoed the 2.2 and knew I wanted to spend the extra money on a better TT since I already had a phono stage in the MMC-1. I looked at a couple of Rega TT's, but couldn't swing the 7.1. I think dougie may have said something about it or the 9.1. It was kind of last minute that we started talking about the 5 SE so I didn't get a chance to listen. I really wish I would have.
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jlafrenz
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Post by jlafrenz on Jan 19, 2009 2:20:25 GMT -5
Also on my trip to Iowa there was a record store next door that I stopped in called zzzrecords. The guy had a bunch of used and new vinyl. Most looked in good shape and he had some good prices. He also told me that he could get his hands on quite a bit of stuff. I asked if he would ship vinyl to me in Missouri. He told me no problem and that he would just charge media mail rates without marking them up. He is working on getting his inventory on his website, but it is a work in progress. The best way is just to call him or send him an email with what you are looking for and he will do what he can to get you taken care of. Heck of a nice guy. may want to give him a shout.
zzzrecords.com
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topcat
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Post by topcat on Jan 19, 2009 5:51:11 GMT -5
Once again, my sincerest thanks for for reply....still cannot decide what way to go though....Technics 1210, Marantz TT15SI, Pro Ject RM5E, Music Hall MMF 5.1 or nothing at all Kinda leaning towards the Marantz 'cause of the cartridge that comes with it. Take care and I'll let you know what I decide to do in the end ;D ;D
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arctikdeth
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Post by arctikdeth on Jan 19, 2009 9:59:01 GMT -5
Once again, my sincerest thanks for for reply....still cannot decide what way to go though....Technics 1210, Marantz TT15SI, Pro Ject RM5E, Music Hall MMF 5.1 or nothing at all Kinda leaning towards the Marantz 'cause of the cartridge that comes with it. Take care and I'll let you know what I decide to do in the end ;D ;D go with th etechnics 1210, ive been using a technice 1200 mk2 for 11 years now, no problems at all, reliable as can be. its the dj style with no auto functions, but i dont mind, its RELIABLE!!!
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topcat
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Post by topcat on Jan 19, 2009 11:02:26 GMT -5
bump
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Post by flamingeye on Jan 19, 2009 11:27:05 GMT -5
I say go for the Technics too but I`m kinda biased I have had my Technics liner tracking TT for 25 + years with out a single problem & I use it every weekend for several hours so there built to last a life time , just something to think about
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arctikdeth
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Post by arctikdeth on Jan 19, 2009 12:04:32 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]bump[/glow] shouldn't do that stuff, it ruins the cartiledge in your nose
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Post by UT-Driven on Feb 2, 2009 1:13:10 GMT -5
I finally got a chance to sit down with the turntable today, but have not had much success in getting it working all the way.
At first, it would not go to the starting position or drop the needle. I found out that the counterweight has a setting in addition to the anti-skate and tracking weight settings. The counterweight slipped during shipping and was holding the arm up too high.
I finally was able to get it to drop the needle and play the record, but the volume was incredibly low. I normally listen at about -25 on the receiver, but at +8 it was not very distinguishable. I am guessing that I still need to adjust the counterweight, the stylus is shot or the cambridge is not compatible with the cartridge choice (Ortofon OM 20).
The Realistic turntable/all-in-one I used in the 80s just worked. :-)
The other Doug
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Post by roadrunner on Feb 2, 2009 3:34:40 GMT -5
the other Doug
Use a good tracking force meter and make sure your tone arm is set to the proper setting for the OM20 cartridge/stylus. Also make sure you have your phono stage set to the correct type of cartridge (MM or MC). If you are not used to setting up a good TT it can be very unnerving mounting the cartridge on the tone arm correctly.
Oooh, but once you get it done right, the sounds are oooo so sweet. It will be worth all the effort. What TT and arm did you choose to go with? Good luck in getting it set up without too many more "gotcha's."
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Post by UT-Driven on Feb 3, 2009 1:03:25 GMT -5
the other Doug Use a good tracking force meter and make sure your tone arm is set to the proper setting for the OM20 cartridge/stylus. Also make sure you have your phono stage set to the correct type of cartridge (MM or MC). If you are not used to setting up a good TT it can be very unnerving mounting the cartridge on the tone arm correctly. Oooh, but once you get it done right, the sounds are oooo so sweet. It will be worth all the effort. What TT and arm did you choose to go with? Good luck in getting it set up without too many more "gotcha's." I fail to have such a device. I tried setting the balance again and set the tracking for to 1.25g and it did not help. The Cambridge 540P is a MM only phono preamp. The 640P supports both types. I tried swapping out the OM 10 stylus that was on it with the OM 20 I bought and it sounded the same. If I had to guess, the Cambridge does not seem to be amplifying the signal. If the tracking force is off can it sound that quiet? I thought it would either skip or add distortion. I will try the ES internal phono preamp tomorrow. I am too busy with work tonight. The joys of the service industry! The other Doug
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Post by roadrunner on Feb 3, 2009 5:05:00 GMT -5
Doug,
I assume you have the TT output connected to the 540P's inputs and that the 540P's outputs are connected to you receiver's LINE LEVEL Inputs... not the receiver's phono input. I don't mean to insult you, but you would be surprised how many times I have seen this happen.
I also assume your cartridge/stylus are MM and not CM?
I am note familiar with all the features of the Cambridge 540P, but some external phono stages have adjustable gain controls that you can set to match the cartridge's voltage output more closely. If it does have gain settings, have you checked them?
Do you do business with a highend audio shop that you could have mount your cartridge and adjust the tone arm properly? They shouldn't charge very much to perform that service.
Last, but not least, do you have another cartridge you could try just to make sure that the current cartridge isn't shot?
Lots of luck... don't pull out all your hair just yet. ;D ;D
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Post by UT-Driven on Feb 3, 2009 11:27:51 GMT -5
Doug, I assume you have the TT output connected to the 540P's inputs and that the 540P's outputs are connected to you receiver's LINE LEVEL Inputs... not the receiver's phono input. I don't mean to insult you, but you would be surprised how many times I have seen this happen. I also assume your cartridge/stylus are MM and not CM? I am note familiar with all the features of the Cambridge 540P, but some external phono stages have adjustable gain controls that you can set to match the cartridge's voltage output more closely. If it does have gain settings, have you checked them? Do you do business with a highend audio shop that you could have mount your cartridge and adjust the tone arm properly? They shouldn't charge very much to perform that service. Last, but not least, do you have another cartridge you could try just to make sure that the current cartridge isn't shot? Lots of luck... don't pull out all your hair just yet. ;D ;D Yes, I have the phono cables hooked into the input and the ground hooked up. I have the outputs going to TV/SAT on my receiver as it was one of the few free inputs. The cartridge is an Ortofon OM series, MM. The 540P does not have any switches or knobs (sorry Flamingeye ;D ) to adjust the gain. I don't know of a high end dealer that touches turntables in my area. The previous owner said it was working great before it shipped, so I don't want to attempt to change a cartridge unless it is a guaranteed fix. I have a cartridge body from the OM 20. The other Doug
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Post by flamingeye on Feb 3, 2009 14:44:13 GMT -5
Haha nice ,well you can get a force gage & alignment tool`s from any one that sell`s TT`s , your right if improper force is applied you will ether skip or put unusual wear on LP`s & styles but if you have improper tracking you can get all kinds of problems & yes lack of sound is one of them also distortion ,uneven stereo imaging & uneven wear on the groves etc... so it`s a must to have these tool`s or have a professional do it , if you buy new then they should of done it for you for free ,if used then you need to get it done , but it`s easy to do as long as you have the proper tool`s , Oop`s I also for got to say it`s also important to have the proper cartridge for your TT so call the serves department for that TT or the place you got the cartridge & make sure it`s the right cartridge
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