New TT setup

jm1

Until mid July, I will be using a minimalist configuration to listen to my records. Once I am satisfied adjusting the setup, I will report back with my findings on the sonic characteristics.

hearingimpared

jm1 wrote: »

Until mid July, I will be using a minimalist configuration to listen to my records. Once I am satisfied adjusting the setup, I will report back with my findings on the sonic characteristics.

Wow an invisible platter and tonearm, it must sound incredibly transparent!:D

TroyD

The tubes have a recommended life of about 200 lps, IIRC.

In the meantime, I clean mine with an old stylus brush.

BDT

hearingimpared

TroyD wrote: »

The tubes have a recommended life of about 200 lps, IIRC.

In the meantime, I clean mine with an old stylus brush.

BDT

I use a stiff bristled toothbrush and I rinse it with record wash. I found that if I go the opposite direction of the tube's grain with the toothbrush, I get more use out of it. I am on my fifth tube.

jm1

I have moved most of the LP storage into the listening room. There are now two shelves and four cabinets. It will be nice to have the LPs readily available for listening, but I am unsure I like having the shelves within the room as I do not know how it affects the room acoustics. From my brief listening sessions, all appears to be fine.

I am still waiting on the platter upgrade from VPI. If possible, I would highly recommend not dealing directly with VPI for TTs or parts, but one of the many retailers. The turnaround time with VPI is considerable.

Post #13 in this thread details what I use for cleaning records. I had found that the distilled water readily available I use for the rinse is not pure enough and leaves behind a residue. A national laboratory supply company finally has Type I water available for the Canadian market. I found a local laboratory supply retailer for this item and ordered a 4L container. I will now try this for the rinse cycle.

hearingimpared

jm1 wrote: »

I have moved most of the LP storage into the listening room. There are now two shelves and four cabinets. It will be nice to have the LPs readily available for listening, but I am unsure I like having the shelves within the room as I do not know how it affects the room acoustics. From my brief listening sessions, all appears to be fine.

I am still waiting on the platter upgrade from VPI. If possible, I would highly recommend not dealing directly with VPI for TTs or parts, but one of the many retailers. The turnaround time with VPI is considerable.

Post #13 in this thread details what I use for cleaning records. I had found that the distilled water readily available I use for the rinse is not pure enough and leaves behind a residue. A national laboratory supply company finally has Type I water available for the Canadian market. I found a local laboratory supply retailer for this item and ordered a 4L container. I will now try this for the rinse cycle.

Nice racks John. Antny's designing some for my room. So his designs look pretty cool. I was wondering, I notice you have the stylus guard on the ZYX do you make it a practice to keep it on while the cart is not in use? I'm afraid with these fat arthritic fingers and 52 year old eyes that I may screw up while clipping the guard on and off.

I would think the racks would be good for room acoustics cause they are irregular, NO?

jm1

I wanted to build oak shelves, but I was directed to unpack the boxes of records ASAP. So, I purchased the selves from Ikea (Expedit) for $99 each. These will do until I can custom build shelves. The only issue I have with these is that they are too deep. Ideally, I would like shelves to be 13” at most as this would not protrude too much into the room.

Yes, I have the guard in place as the TT is not active. I did not use the guard while the TT was active, but I may consider doing this until I get a cover that will protect the entire plinth. I have not had any problems placing/removing the guard when the cartridge is mounted.

The right side of the room was bare before the racks; only the tube traps were along the wall. The traps were rotated so that varying amounts of the diffusive side faced into the room. I might be worrying too much about any acoustical repercussions the shelves may introduce as there is not much I can do about it at this point.

marly421

After reading through this tread I'm even more 'put off' by records, LP's and vinyl.

It's strictly an elitist endeavor. The cost is prohibited. The time needed is overwhelming to enjoy any provided benefit but I see NO benefit in the first place.

This is for older people who remember the old days and who can't or won't move on.

If you folks could really listen and hear this old school stuff, you would put this LP junk to bed. Of course you can't as your hearing has retreated to a point of your great, great grandpa's.

Maybe a private blog is where this LP kiss feast could be. But this 'my record is better than yours or better than your CD' is sickening and silly.

You old guys and gals (in age or spirit) need to find better uses of the precious time and money.

The little time you have left on this planet could be used to volunteer your efforts and money to the less fortunate. Now that's saying something.

Now let us click, pop and crackle off to better things.

(you hate mongers need not PM me...just post your poison here for everyone to see) Marly

cmy330go

marly421 wrote: »

....(you hate mongers need not PM me...just post your poison here for everyone to see) Marly

You may as well have said that the whole point of your pathetic, mindless post was to stir things up.

Look out everyone!! We've got a clever one on the loose!:rolleyes:

shack

marly421 wrote: »

After reading through this tread I'm even more 'put off' by records, LP's and vinyl.

It's strictly an elitist endeavor. The cost is prohibited. The time needed is overwhelming to enjoy any provided benefit but I see NO benefit in the first place.

This is for older people who remember the old days and who can't or won't move on.

If you folks could really listen and hear this old school stuff, you would put this LP junk to bed. Of course you can't as your hearing has retreated to a point of your great, great grandpa's.

Maybe a private blog is where this LP kiss feast could be. But this 'my record is better than yours or better than your CD' is sickening and silly.

You old guys and gals (in age or spirit) need to find better uses of the precious time and money.

The little time you have left on this planet could be used to volunteer your efforts and money to the less fortunate. Now that's saying something.

Now let us click, pop and crackle off to better things.

(you hate mongers need not PM me...just post your poison here for everyone to see) Marly

What an IDIOT. Go crawl back in your hole where you came from. If you don't like vinyl fine...but this response was totally uncalled for. Based on this post I know for a fact there in nothing that you have to offer that would have even a shred of interest to me. The ignore list just gets longer and longer.

Is this a public enough response?

hearingimpared

I would imagine that you will probably be commiting suicide before you get to the "older people" years because you won't be able to deal with some young idiot punk like yourself waving his **** at some people who want to share some really good stuff.

Hate mongering? You seem to have invented the word. Go back to you video games little boy.

engtaz

Before these people speak bad of LP's, they should try listen to a CLEAN record on their newest setups to hear how it sound now. I personally had crap audio setups when I had a record player before. I can listen to LP's for hours with out be bothered by the music. I cannot last a 1/2 hour listening to CD and MP3's.

hearingimpared

jm1 wrote: »

It will be nice to have the LPs readily available for listening, but I am unsure I like having the shelves within the room as I do not know how it affects the room acoustics. From my brief listening sessions, all appears to be fine.

I was checking out your pictures again and I was wondering if the tube traps where they are currently placed really makes a difference in the room acoustics.

TroyD

It's strictly an elitist endeavor.

How do you figure?

The cost is prohibited.

First of all, moron....the correct phrase would be 'cost prohibitive'. Second, for reference level sound, I would agree. However, you can spin vinyl at a reasonable level for not a ton of coin. In fact, entry level players are a. very reasonable and b. offer a level of performance that entry level decks of the past couldn't compete with. However, you wouldn't know because you probably haven't done your homework.

The time needed is overwhelming to enjoy any provided benefit

I timed myself, it took me less than 45 seconds to clean an LP and get it spinning. About the same time it takes you to toss off in one of your mother's towels, I suppose. As some unfortunate girl is bound to inform you, that ISN'T a long time.

If you folks could really listen and hear this old school stuff, you would put this LP junk to bed. Of course you can't as your hearing has retreated to a point of your great, great grandpa's

Any time you'd like to compare or let others compare.....I'll bring my pile of **** and you can bring yours and well see who can really listen and hear.

I'd keep going but in the battle of wits, junior, you are competely unarmed and frankly, I'm getting bored.

Why don't you just run along now.

BDT

mulveling

I'm 28, grew up on CDs, drink Bud Light, drive a Honda, and love vinyl's sound quality. There goes another stupid theory :rolleyes:

pearsall001

I think that fellow joined the Polk forum by mistake. I believe he meant to join the BOSE forum. It's a shame he actually believes all the utter garbage that he posted. If he feel's that strongly about it...that's his decision. Just because others have a different opinion & enjoy a different format is what makes this hobby so fascinating. This fellow needs to come to grips with life in general. I think maybe he's a wee bit off upstairs!!!! :eek:

jm1

hearingimpared wrote: »

I was checking out your pictures again and I was wondering if the tube traps where they are currently placed really makes a difference in the room acoustics.

Are you referring to the one between the LP shelves or the overall placement in general?

Yes they do. The tube traps are pressure differential devices and are placed in these areas. Refer to the thread I created on the subject. It also has links to several other sites with additional information.

hearingimpared

jm1 wrote: »

Are you referring to the one between the LP shelves or the overall placement in general?

Yes they do. The tube traps are pressure differential devices and are placed in these areas. Refer to the thread I created on the subject. It also has links to several other sites with additional information.

Thanks and yes I was referring to the one between the LP shelves. At my local high end shop they are very big on the traps.

How was your get-a-way?

jm1

The major TT upgrades finally arrived and have been installed. At this time, I still can not use the TT as I require some unexpected additional pieces in order to use the new platter.

Looks impressive sitting on the table. Maybe one year I will be able to enjoy this thing and play some of the 2000 records I have.

engtaz

Pretty

hearingimpared

jm1 wrote: »

The major TT upgrades finally arrived and have been installed. At this time, I still can not use the TT as I require some unexpected additional pieces in order to use the new platter.

Looks impressive sitting on the table. Maybe one year I will be able to enjoy this thing and play some of the 2000 records I have.

I am dying to hear your impressions of the platter. I believe you can use VPI's periphery ring on that platter.

PS: if you find yourself not being able to listen to the 2000 records you have, I'll be glad to relieve you of them!:D

madmax

Marly421. I hate this guy, I assume most people do. IMO he's hate filled, mean and an ugly person.
madmax

hearingimpared

madmax wrote: »

Marly421. I hate this guy, I assume most people do. IMO he's hate filled, mean and an ugly person.
madmax

He sure comes off that way.

jm1

hearingimpared wrote: »

I am dying to hear your impressions of the platter. I believe you can use VPI's periphery ring on that platter.

PS: if you find yourself not being able to listen to the 2000 records you have, I'll be glad to relieve you of them!:D

Yes, the periphery ring works on this platter. I almost purchased one, but decided to hold off for now.

I will let you know what I think of the TT if I ever get it up and running. Its been so long I don't remember what a LP sounds like.

If you ever visit my house, you will be frisked at the door before you leave.

hearingimpared

jm1 wrote: »

If you ever visit my house, you will be frisked at the door before you leave.

While you're frisking me, I'll have Sal back the truck up to your back door and start loading the LPs!:eek:

jm1

After three months, I still don't have all the correct parts to complete the turntable upgrade. I am waiting on a new motor pulley as the Scout platter is 11.55" diameter and the new platter is 12.25" diameter. The current 300 RPM motor pulley will not spin the platter at full speed. Everything sounds sssssssloooooooowwwww........

So, I improvised and made the the existing motor pulley larger by adding masking tape. Goofy, but it works. What an experience this has been.

The LP storage problem was solved for several weeks. Now there are over five boxes of LPs requiring a home WITHIN MY ROOM. I guess this will be a cyclical problem.

hearingimpared

jm1 wrote: »

After three months, I still don't have all the correct parts to complete the turntable upgrade. I am waiting on a new motor pulley as the Scout platter is 11.55" diameter and the new platter is 12.25" diameter. The current 300 RPM motor pulley will not spin the platter at full speed. Everything sounds sssssssloooooooowwwww........

So, I improvised and made the the existing motor pulley larger by adding masking tape. Goofy, but it works. What an experience this has been.

The LP storage problem was solved for several weeks. Now there are over five boxes of LPs requiring a home WITHIN MY ROOM. I guess this will be a cyclical problem.

Hmmmm I wish I had that problem!:D

jm1

The upgrade process for the Scout has taken over three months and required three separate parts mailings from VPI. All the necessary parts have finally arrived and are installed on the table.

The standard Scout is an excellent turntable. I started with a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge and was content with the results. Wanting more now that I had a taste, I decide to continue along the path with the Scout.

A ZYX cartridge was a significant addition to the Scout. I also added the 300 RPM motor upgrade at this time.

The one comment I have for Scout owners is don’t be afraid of placing a several thousand dollar cartridge on the tonearm. The JMW-9 will embrace the cartridge and reward you with improved sonics from your LPs. As with any tonearm, ensure the cartridge/tonearm are compatible.

The addition of the JMW-9 Signature tonearm and Super Platter has taken the Scout to an entirely different level. All performance characteristics have been improved on. There is more detail and texture within the music. The leading transient and subsequent decays make the music much more believable. Bass has better pitch and definition while the midrange and beyond is smooth as silk.

Some commented it may not be a good idea to spend much money upgrading the Scout and a more expensive table would be the wiser choice. Having been through the changes, I can say without a doubt I have no regrets upgrading this table. The final results speak volumes for themselves.

Any changes from this point forward will be additions to the table. The new platter can accept the periphery ring clamp to hold down records. This would allow me to flatten all but the most stubborn records. As much as I would like to flatten down the records, an electronic speed controller may be the next addition to the TT as this would allow me to make a minor change to very significantly improve the sonic characteristics.

JM

hearingimpared

Great write up John I know you've done a lot of work and tinkering to acheive the level of performance you have and exhibited lots of patience with VPI. When I was looking to improve on my HW 19 MK II, which had the SME V and Dynavector 10 X 5 on it, I was advised to go for a higher end cartridge. But I felt I needed to get more solid performance out of the turntable first. The purchase of an HW 19 Mk IV with the TNT platter, SAMA motor, TNT plinth and sub plinth improved the sound by leaps and bounds mainly in lower noise floor and the extended bass, ticks, pops and surface noise were reduced in volume. Once I achieved that level, I then added a VPI power line conditioner with 33 1/3 & 45 rpm variable transformers . . . needless to say the PITCH is perfect. After that, the next and best move I've made thus far is to purchase the ZYX cartridges. What a breathtaking improvement it is.

On your cue I've started messing around with the belt. I've always hated the belts that required powder to make them perform properly. With a high gloss black plinth and a black platter top it is virtually impossible to keep the powder from showing as little dust spots. I hate the white belt, it is a piece of junk. I've a few bags of the powder that VPI provides with their belts. I have to keep reapplying the powder every four or five plays. I've also noticed that these belts although they are supposed to be better at vibration isolation than the prior HW 19 black belts, they don't last as long. I've been through two belts since I've purchased this platter. I appreciate the research you've done on belts and their alternative. I've written to VPI to find out if there is a different or better belt I can us.

I think the next most important thing I think you can do to improve your Scout is to purchase a better clamp. Screw down clamps just don't cut it in my book and they have no mass to help kill the resounance, stylus charged energy and airborn vibration.

wingnut4772

...powder?