Gear / Technical Help > Playback Forum
Budget TT advice/tips?
todd e:
So I just jumped back into vinyl again and finally got away from the direct drive tables, no more 'mixers' or effects gear ;-) :headphones:
This time I really wanted a system setup for my office-use, no speakers for now - but quality sound from good parts.
Here's what I ended up getting (ironically I have found out afterwards that there is a kit that sells most of this, already bundled (doh!!)
-Denon 300F (semi-automatic turntable)
-Ortofon Red 2MM cartridge (learned how to mount on headshell, fun ;-)
-ViVid turntable belt
-CambridgeAudio Duo phono preamp (both MC and MM inputs, and headphone stage)
-Grado sr80i & Sony MDR-7510
I'm thinking about upgrading the TT mat (Way Excellent II Turntable Mat) and the isolation feet (Hi-Fi Isolation Damping Feet 50MM ABSorb-othane) based on some recommendations on audiokharma forums. I'd love to hear folks thoughts on how to improve my setup, or just tell me something I may not know. I'm going slowly and enjoying the heck out of listening to albums again vs. shuffling my ipod...i guess this is my excuse to actually start to listen to music again after having a kiddo etc and becoming an NPR 'dad' :-)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zgk07bda7231rt8/MVIMG_20180314_131733.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zg9idl21w83j30l/MVIMG_20180316_121159.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4m18dhf98ub8a1i/MVIMG_20180316_122417.jpg?dl=0
One Cylinder:
Not sure what your budget is but a used Rega turntable + a good cartridge might be a do-able (?) option. It's not too difficult to find a, good condition, Rega on the used market, and w/ whatever funds you'd have left after buying the Rega you could apply to buying a nice cartridge. Or perhaps stick your Ortofon Red on the Rega for a while as you save up for a better cartridge?
Sebastian:
--- Quote from: todd e on March 16, 2018, 01:18:43 PM ---finally got away from the direct drive tables
--- End quote ---
I'm not sure this is a good thing per se. IMHO the tonearm and cartdridge are far more important than the type of drive.
Probably the biggest noticeable upgrade for you would be the cartridge. The 2MM Red ist just the beginning of what Ortofon has to offer. The 2MM Blue sounds significantly better (far better dynamic resolution and clarity). Personally, I'm running a Dynavector 10x5 system (this might be a bit out of your price range, but you can always start with something cheaper).
jbell:
I bought one of these last year to replace my crappy Sony!! I've been super happy with deck.
https://uturnaudio.com/
todd e:
Thanks for the tips suggestions yall. I ended up selling the Cambridge Audio phono/headphone amp, and grabbing CambridgeAudio's "AM10" Topaz Integrated Receiver which has the same phono amp, headphone amp, and other input options for other gear + speakers.
I specifically chose the Denon because I didnt want a manual table. I get that most folks suggest manual tables to reduce the noise of additional motors, but I simply dont trust my shakey hands for starting/stopping.
Thanks for the Ortofon tip, maybe I'll go blue next.
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