Just a quick update. I've undertaken another project so this got pushed to the side for a bit, but, now that I'm almost finished with mod'ing the other table I've been comparing them using the same cartridge, the Shure 97, as well as both against my wtrp/benz glider/ruby. Of course, the wtrp is my reference. First off, neither of the two project tables are going to sound as good as my wtrp, however, I can use the wtrp as a point of reference. Also, the two project tables really have afforded me an opportunity to better evaluate the Shure 97.
As for the 97...... it does some nice things and coupled with the pl10 sounds very good. There is a good synergy between the two. It has enough bottom end weight to keep you engaged. The high end gives enough air to the crash, ride and high hat to pass as real and the mid-range allows vocals to cut through. The sound stage width is moderate, with some depth, too. The cartridge is not going to assault your ears. Where it suffers is with vocal sibilance. It can have some difficulties in this area, which may be due to a 2k boost it seems to have, which of course helps with putting the vocals up front a bit. I've tried everything to tame it but it is there on both tables. It also is not as refined as more expensive cartridges or MC's in general. But for $75 it is a great deal and as I said, mates well with the pl10.
Now for the pl10. Compared with my most recent project I'm liking the sound of the pl10 with the 97 more. It has better lows...."deeper and more defined"..... cleaner highs and a more organic and rounded sound. It sounds more like real music than my new project. However, this could be more of a synergy between table and cartridge than table vs table.
That being said, I have a Denon 110 coming and this should give me a better idea of which table sings better. I owned a 160 in the past and always liked it. Well, those have been dc'ed and all that remains are the 110's. They are suppose to sound close, if not the same. The 110 has a straight cantilever while the 160's was tapered. Finally, this will also give me the opportunity to see how much the pl10 can deliver with a MC. I'm hoping it takes it a step closer to the wtrp benz. What I am aiming for is trying to create champagne on a beer budget. So far the pl10 is stepping up. One caveat is that with the 97 it does produce some motor rumble at loud volumes, which is not a problem at low or moderate but certainly there between tracks at head banging volume. I have bought two in line, subsonic filters from D.B., which should take care of this small issue. I'll report on how well these work after receiving them.
I can't express enough how surprised I am with the pl10's presentation so far. The arm looks too simple and cheap to deliver as well as it does. Compared to the arm on my newest project it should not sound as good, but it does and with the 97 it sounds better.
I'll let you know what the newest project is after I'm done with tweaking it and getting the most out of it. If it falls short after the 110 shoot out I still have a couple of more tweaks for it. Mainly, it would be removing the transformer from the plinth and placing it in a stand alone project box. I did this to a Dual CS5000 I owned and it made a big improvement.
Anyway, if anyone cares, I'll report back after I've installed the 110 and have put in more listening hours.
Also, I put the finishing touches on the PL10's appearance, which I'll save for "yard sale" since I've posted too many pictures here already, if and when I decide to sell it. The bottom line is that it looks really great.
Ray
Topic: Pioneer PL 10 project (Read 9946 times)