New TT setup
Comments
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jm1 wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with these lines and the particular noted models? I would be interested in your impressions.
Thanks.
I had a used low hour Dynavector 20XH (high output) for a short while until I snagged the stylus with my shirt sleeve. 20X high outputs were scarce as hens teeth at that time so they took pity on me and gave me a great deal on a Sumiko Blackbird. I felt the Dyna was smoother while the Blackbird is a little more detailed and nuetral. Carl, Norm, and Victor have heard it.
You've got a good adjustable phono stage so you can go just about anywhere with a cartrdige. The Blackbird is high output and 47k Ohm which makes it a great match for non-adjustable stages. I just have to avoid sub-mV cartridges with my iPhono.
One thing I really love about the Blackbird is the threaded body. No messing around with little nads, I mean nuts.Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
SCompRacer wrote:One thing I really love about the Blackbird is the threaded body. No messing around with little nads, I mean nuts.
This is one of those common sense things like record clamps on turntables that I thing all cartridge manufacturers should all be doing. Theaded bodies; they would be a cinch to install and would give a tight, rigid coupling to the headshell. -
hearingimpared wrote:This is one of those common sense things like record clamps on turntables that I thing all cartridge manufacturers should all be doing.
Having big fingers and needing tri-focals for up close work, I agree.Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
SCompRacer wrote:Having big fingers and needing tri-focals for up close work, I agree.
You forgot the shakes, sweats, and the oh F#$ks!!! -
I just pulled the trigger on a ZYX R100(FUJI) FX H-SB cartridge. Will update once it arrives and is installed on the TT.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
AHHHHHHHHHA I knew you were teasing me earlier. I can't wait till you get it set up. Would you mind sending a PM to me to give me a little glimpse as to what kind of money they demand?
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I am not sure I want to visit this forum any more; it is starting to cost me a small fortune just to listen to records again.
- I finally received the VPI 300 RPM motor for the Scout's SAMA. This will replace the standard 600 RPM motor. I will install this later tonight.
- There is a ZYX R100FX(H)-SB cartridge in transit.
- I have a copy of the Analogue Productions ULTIMATE ANALOG TEST LP, 180g LP.
- There is an Origin Live - Digital Stylus force gauge in transit.
- As I have not been through this process for more years than I care to admit, I purchased a copy of the Michael Fremer Turntable Set-Up DVD
Next post will be the results of the above. Wish me luck in setting up the ZYX as it appears they require precise alignment.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. - I finally received the VPI 300 RPM motor for the Scout's SAMA. This will replace the standard 600 RPM motor. I will install this later tonight.
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jm1 wrote:I am not sure I want to visit this forum any more; it is starting to cost me a small fortune just to listen to records again.
- I finally received the VPI 300 RPM motor for the Scout's SAMA. This will replace the standard 600 RPM motor. I will install this later tonight.
- There is a ZYX R100FX(H)-SB cartridge in transit.
- I have a copy of the Analogue Productions ULTIMATE ANALOG TEST LP, 180g LP.
- There is an Origin Live - Digital Stylus force gauge in transit.
- As I have not been through this process for more years than I care to admit, I purchased a copy of the Michael Fremer Turntable Set-Up DVD
Next post will be the results of the above. Wish me luck in setting up the ZYX as it appears they require precise alignment.
Good luch Bro and Fremer's DVD is chock full of what needs to be done. Don't forget to download the pdf because there is more information in that one document in one place on vinyl rigs than anywhere in this world.
What are you doing with the old motor? I may be able to use it in my rig.
PS: I've watched Fremer's dvd three time already and still need to go back for more but he features tonearms that have finger hooks and that is what he uses to set anti-skating. My tonearm allows the anti-skating to be set the same as the VTF and it is pretty accurate. - I finally received the VPI 300 RPM motor for the Scout's SAMA. This will replace the standard 600 RPM motor. I will install this later tonight.
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Sorry, the 600 RPM motor is going back to VPI.
I will have a look at the pdf file.
Thanks.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
jm1 wrote:Sorry, the 600 RPM motor is going back to VPI.
I will have a look at the pdf file.
Thanks.
Thanks anyway, I have started saving for a new turntable but I'm keeping my SME V. I'm thinking it's going to take me a few months to get the amount together. -
Just received delivery notice (duty required) for the new cartridge and stylus gauge was delivered as well. Looks like I will be busy for the next few weeks.
Also received delivery notice for the anniversary edition of Jazz at the Pawn Shop along with a MF record brush and more LP inner sleeves.
:cool:
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
jm1 wrote:Just received delivery notice (duty required) for the new cartridge and stylus gauge was delivered as well. Looks like I will be busy for the next few weeks.
Also received delivery notice for the anniversary edition of Jazz at the Pawn Shop along with a MF record brush and more LP inner sleeves.
:cool:
Churnin' along.:) -
The new 300 RPM motor was installed replacing a 600 RPM motor.
The ZYX cartridge was installed on the JMW-9 arm. The VTF was set to 1.89g and the arm pillar was lowered from horizontal during the initial setup. Unfortunately, there is no fine VTF adjustment on the arm so setting this is somewhat difficult.
I listened to a few records, then concurrently played several recording I have on LP and CD. After level matching the two sources, the overall presentation of both was astonishingly similar. The CD still has the edge in overall dynamics. There was also a slight difference in the mid/upper treble. I am not sure if one CD had more noise than the LP or the LP was not recreating the treble correctly; my thinking at this time is the CD introduces some noise creating a false sense of air around the instruments. This requires further investigation.
Overall, this has been a very worthwhile upgrade. There are a lot of comments regarding the ZYX series as having a neutral presentation. I fully agree with these statements.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
I have upgraded the JMW-9 Standard arm for a Signature arm. This should arrive by next week. I am looking forward to having the fine VTF adjustment as well as the additional refinements and now should now be able to precisely calibrate the ZYX cart.
This morning, I also received 'authorization' for upgrading the standard acrylic platter to the new Super Platter. I will start this process later this week.
This past Saturday, I found a garage sale which had about 600-700 records in excellent shape for $1 each. Picked up about 220 which brings the collection to about 1500. I had a storage problem which continues to compound.
Last summer I just wanted to play the 350-400 records I had in storage...
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
JM1,
The Scout is a killer table! Definitely up there!
I was just about to pull the trigger on it, but I've decided to wait it out and get the Scoutmaster or the Aries 3, though this willl take me more time than I'd like.
Probably wont get my rig together until after Christmas...
Anyway, happy trails in your vinyl adventure!
JoeyMagico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
OH... and what do you think of the GCPH?
Also, why did you change from 600rpm to 300rpm motors?Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
This past Saturday, I found a garage sale which had about 600-700 records in excellent shape for $1 each. Picked up about 220 which brings the collection to about 1500. I had a storage problem which continues to compound.
Last summer I just wanted to play the 350-400 records I had in storage...
Awesome find! I would love to hear that ZYX cart. I recommend Vinyl-Zyme Gold to get the mold out of the grooves of those records you just purchased. You can get it here.
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That same Vinyl-Zyme stuff is also available here - Buggtussel's cheaper on the 8oz but they're the same on the concentrate and you might get to save a couple bucks on shipping with TTVJ (ask Todd to ship USPS). You should get the concentrate if you have more than 30 records to cleanhearingimpared wrote: »Awesome find! I would love to hear that ZYX cart. I recommend Vinyl-Zyme Gold to get the mold out of the grooves of those records you just purchased. You can get it here.
I've been using this stuff and I haven't got anything to compare to but I'm extremely impressed. Even on old records the rice krispies are kept to a very very reasonable level. With new vinyl and a few particularly pristine old discs, it's almost completely eliminated - and you're just left with a very low noise floor which is not too far from CD noise floor. It's amazing. I also use an Onzow Zerodust for occasionally cleaning the stylus, a Milty ZeroStat and a Miltry carbon-fibre brush. Each cleaned disc goes right into a new anti-static poly-lined paper sleeve. Seems to be doing the job and then some
I know a friend with a much higher end TT rig than me, but I think I might have that setup beat on noise floor, at least.Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010 -
The GCPH is highly regarded and I find it to be a very good phono stage. I had tried a couple others (Project Phono Box SE, Project Tube Box SE and another I do not recall at this time) from the local stores. I preferred the sonic characteristics of the GCPH better than the others. One day I would like to get the Underwood modifications performed on the unit. This is supposed to take the unit to another level. If you are planning on buying new, I would suggest this as there is not a significant price difference.OH... and what do you think of the GCPH?
Also, why did you change from 600rpm to 300rpm motors?
I switched the motor as it is quieter and lowers the resonance frequency to below the tonearm/cartridge.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
That same Vinyl-Zyme stuff is also available here - Buggtussel's cheaper on the 8oz but they're the same on the concentrate and you might get to save a couple bucks on shipping with TTVJ (ask Todd to ship USPS). You should get the concentrate if you have more than 30 records to clean
I've been using this stuff and I haven't got anything to compare to but I'm extremely impressed. Even on old records the rice krispies are kept to a very very reasonable level. With new vinyl and a few particularly pristine old discs, it's almost completely eliminated - and you're just left with a very low noise floor which is not too far from CD noise floor. It's amazing. I also use an Onzow Zerodust for occasionally cleaning the stylus, a Milty ZeroStat and a Miltry carbon-fibre brush. Each cleaned disc goes right into a new anti-static poly-lined paper sleeve. Seems to be doing the job and then some
I know a friend with a much higher end TT rig than me, but I think I might have that setup beat on noise floor, at least.
Amen on the concentrate. It makes either 4 gallons regular strength or 1 gallon extra strength which is what I use. If I don't need the extra strength quaility I use 5 sprays on each record side instead of ten.
From what I understand above, you only use the Onzow "for occasionally cleaning the stylus?" I used after each played side of a record. Is there something I don't about the Onzow that you don't use it as such? -
Nope, I'm still a vinyl newbie, and if I'm doing anything right it's likely by accidenthearingimpared wrote: »From what I understand above, you only use the Onzow "for occasionally cleaning the stylus?" I used after each played side of a record. Is there something I don't about the Onzow that you don't use it as such?
I use the Onzow after every 2 or 3 LP's. I shouldn't have said "occasionally", which gives the impression of once every few dozen LP's, which fortunately isn't the case I do use the Milty brush & Zerostat treatment for every side.
Still, I suppose it can't hurt to use it even more often, and better safe than sorry?Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010 -
Nope, I'm still a vinyl newbie, and if I'm doing anything right it's likely by accident
I use the Onzow after every 2 or 3 LP's. I shouldn't have said "occasionally", which gives the impression of once every few dozen LP's, which fortunately isn't the case I do use the Milty brush & Zerostat treatment for every side.
Still, I suppose it can't hurt to use it even more often, and better safe than sorry?
I would definitely use the Onzow after every side played. I need to clean my Onzow atleast once a week because it starts to look like a teenager's forehead . . .full of black heads!
I use a Hunt brush and the Zerostat also. I found that Zerostat works best if you point it about one inch from the record surface and squeeze slowly and still pointing release the handle. . . go all the way around the record cutting the record into 5ths. So five shots. I came acrosse this method during the winter months with the heat on and just vacuumed a record with the VPI 16.5. As I was removing the record I felt the static build up and the hair on my arm was being raised by the static. :eek: I tried all different methods with the Zerostat and what I described above completely removed all static.:) -
Yes, the Zerostat trigger must be SQUEEZED AND RELEASED SLOWLY for it to be effective. You should hear a slight hissing sound when you find the correct trigger speed. If you hear any clicking sounds, you are squeezing too fast. I have the barrel about four inches off the record surface when I treat my records. I go through three trigger cycles when applying to a record.
This information was included in the instructions when I purchased mine in the early 80’s. Yes, I still have this Zerostat gun and it continues to work like new. Highly recommended for all TT users.
On the Greek Audiophile Club video, one member demonstrates how NOT to use the Zerostat.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
This information was included in the instructions when I purchased mine in the early 80’s. Yes, I still have this Zerostat gun and it continues to work like new. Highly recommended for all TT users..
Yep mine is from the 80s also!!On the Greek Audiophile Club video, one member demonstrates how NOT to use the Zerostat.
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I remember that scene and like a dope tried it out!!! I think the Greek Audiophile was doing it just for luck.:D
BTW the hair on the arm thing is a great indicator as to whether or not the static is gone or not. Another indicator that there is still static present is when you are taking your record from the cleaning machine to the turntable and you see an onslaught of white particles following you around! -
I have only cleaned about 25 -30 records thus far (mainly due to time constraints), but I do not have a static problem.hearingimpared wrote: »BTW the hair on the arm thing is a great indicator as to whether or not the static is gone or not. Another indicator that there is still static present is when you are taking your record from the cleaning machine to the turntable and you see an onslaught of white particles following you around!
How many record revolutions do you have the vacuum on? I only do two revolutions as I found any more introduces static. I turn off the vacuum just before the completion of the second revolution. I find this provides adequate removal of all fluids from the record surface.
I still remember your prior recommendation about the enzyme treatment. There are other fluids mentioned on AA that I am looking into.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
I have only cleaned about 25 -30 records thus far (mainly due to time constraints), but I do not have a static problem.
How many record revolutions do you have the vacuum on? I only do two revolutions as I found any more introduces static. I turn off the vacuum just before the completion of the second revolution. I find this provides adequate removal of all fluids from the record surface.
I still remember your prior recommendation about the enzyme treatment. There are other fluids mentioned on AA that I am looking into.
I'm heavy handed with the fluids as recommended by that nut:D that wrote "Zen the art of record cleaning made difficult." That being said, I have to allow at least three vacuum passes which of course increases the chance for static. This is the reason that I keep my Zerostat 3 next to the record cleaning machine. The fluids I use are; 1. Vinyl-Zyme Gold, 2. MFSL Super Deep Record Clearner, 3. MFSL Super Record Wash, and I finish with 4. VPI record cleaning fluid.
If the record is new I only use 5 squirts of the Vinyl-Zyme Gold vs. an older/used/untreated record which gets 10 squirts. Then the other fluids in the order listed above. I apply the Super Deep cleaner to the already wet with VZG after one minute then vacuum. Each fluid after that get vacuumed off before the next is applied.
Once a record has been cleaned, I place it in the MFSL Original Master Sleeves. When I go to play them again, I give each side a spin on the record cleaning machine using the VPI fluid. I clean each side just before playing.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I got tired of just cleaning one record after another. I now decide what I am going to listen to lets say three records in a night and clean them as I go. At one point I had cleaned like 100 records in a day or two, screw that!!! I want to hear the music. -
Its funny you should mention this - I was planning on moving things around in the room in order to make the RCM accessible as I am not planning on any more marathon cleaning sessions. The last was 20 records. I can not imagine cleaning 100.hearingimpared wrote: »I forgot to mention that I got tired of just cleaning one record after another. I now decide what I am going to listen to lets say three records in a night and clean them as I go. At one point I had cleaned like 100 records in a day or two, screw that!!! I want to hear the music.
I am liberal with the cleaning solution and rinse but find two revolutions is sufficient to remove all the liquid.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
Clean as you go. Sooner or later you will get them all clean. If you have a dirty album that you never listen to...so what?"Just because youre offended doesnt mean youre right." - Ricky Gervais
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase
"Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson -
I am liberal with the cleaning solution and rinse but find two revolutions is sufficient to remove all the liquid.
You're probably right. I go one more pass just to make sure. For VPI 16.5 users; I've noticed that when the velvet on the vacuum tube starts to wear, it takes more vacuum revolutions to dry the record.
Steve I learned "clean as you go" the hard way. When I first started cleaning the "mold archives," I was cleaning and restoring record after record and by the time it got time to listening, BEDTIME! I've found that it doesn't matter how long the mold is on the record as long as it is dry, it won't cause any damage and the VZG works just fine.
The biggest problem I face is that at least 45 to 50% of the records were sitting in the water caused by the flood long enough where it caused the cardboard jacket to bond, through the sleeve, to the record. Record after record I was able to get the bonded cardboard off and out of the grooves and the records looked mint. However when I played them, it sounded horrible.
On just moldy records the cleaning fluids I use work just fine. -
Thanks for this tip; I will check the condition of the vacuum tube before cleaning. Next time I am at the local VPI dealer, I will get an extra.hearingimpared wrote: »You're probably right. I go one more pass just to make sure. For VPI 16.5 users; I've noticed that when the velvet on the vacuum tube starts to wear, it takes more vacuum revolutions to dry the record.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
