stevoz Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 10:19 AM, tntman said: Thank you so much for all your valuable information! @Gryffles @spin33 @dwbasement @jt301 @aussievintage @Wimbo @eltech So today, I went to pay for my speakers and had a demo of two price points of a TT. $1k and First is the MusicHall MMF 2.2 - on special for $499 ..plus they installed an upgraded cartridge which brought the price up to about a 1k setup.. which made it sound organic...but unexciting... There wasnt any real WOW factor in it. We then swapped over to an Acoustic Signature Primus with a TA-500 arm. I forgot to take note of the cartridge they used. Put on the same track and I was BLOWN away by the difference. Voices had much air and finesse. That organic feel and realism came out. The speakers sounded totally different! Night and day difference. This demo was to purely differentiate two price points. 1k vs 3k.. I now understand that I would be wasting my money if I was to purchase anything new for under 1K. I feel that a Rega Planar 3 with a ORTOFON QUINTET BLUE MC cartridge would be a good starter kit? Any thoughts on this setup? Expand If you're prepared to spend nearly $2k on the above set up, why not save a bit longer and get the $3k system that you heard first? Then it's guaranteed OMG every time! 5
LogicprObe Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 11:06 AM, stevoz said: If you're prepared to spend nearly $2k on the above set up, why not save a bit longer and get the $3k system that you heard first? Then it's guaranteed OMG every time! Expand It's hard to argue with that.
wen Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 agree with @stevoz , keep the OMG factor going every time you listen to vinyl, it will save you big$ in the long run, ? which speakers did you choose? 1
mloutfie Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 10:19 AM, tntman said: First is the MusicHall MMF 2.2 - on special for $499 ..plus they installed an upgraded cartridge which brought the price up to about a 1k setup.. which made it sound organic...but unexciting... There wasnt any real WOW factor in it. Expand is that with the same phono as the the expensive comparison On 22/04/2017 at 10:19 AM, tntman said: I feel that a Rega Planar 3 with a ORTOFON QUINTET BLUE MC cartridge would be a good starter kit? Expand It's a great start but does your phono support LoMC cartridge?
eltech Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 10:19 AM, tntman said: First is the MusicHall MMF 2.2 - on special for $499 ..plus they installed an upgraded cartridge which brought the price up to about a 1k setup.. which made it sound organic...but unexciting... There wasnt any real WOW factor in it. We then swapped over to an Acoustic Signature Primus with a TA-500 arm. I forgot to take note of the cartridge they used. I'd be asking them to put whatever cart was on the Accoustic signature onto the Music Hall, just for comparison sake.Comparing turntables with different cartridges isn't a fair comparison. It's like comparing amplifiers with different speakers. It's a folly. 1
dwbasement Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 11:37 AM, eltech said: I'd be asking them to put whatever cart was on the Accoustic signature onto the Music Hall, just for comparison sake.Comparing turntables with different cartridges isn't a fair comparison. It's like comparing amplifiers with different speakers. It's a folly. So true, you might get the same wow on the music hall. Sometimes sales men are tricky...Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
tntman Posted April 22, 2017 Author Posted April 22, 2017 Oh.. didn't realise that.. But to be fair, he was showing how different it could sound..Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk
stevoz Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 12:02 PM, tntman said: Oh.. didn't realise that.. But to be fair, he was showing how different it could sound.. Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk Expand I would assume he was being above board, his demo certainly met the above criteria. The same cart on the Music Hall could still be an interesting comparison though.
tntman Posted April 22, 2017 Author Posted April 22, 2017 Can you guys give me an approximation in terms of percentage of how much each component affects the overall sound quality... Example: Turntable = 10% Tonearm = 30% Cartridge = 40% Phono Preamp = 20% Am I totally wrong? on this?
AussieMick Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 I agree with Wimbo, going a better TT now means cartridge upgrades will be a lot more fun and worthwhile in the future. It's the thing about playing records, you've got four areas of tweaks and upgrades! TT, arm, cart and phono stage. I know plenty of people who've gone hard on the TT first and then worked towards a better cart. That modular approach can be fun.However, I also agree that going straight to the $3k option if you can is worth waiting a little longer for. The differences sound really important to you. After all, it's you who has to enjoy it.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
dwbasement Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 12:55 PM, tntman said: Can you guys give me an approximation in terms of percentage of how much each component affects the overall sound quality... Example: Turntable = 10% Tonearm = 30% Cartridge = 40% Phono Preamp = 20% Am I totally wrong? on this? Not sure about % but they all important.However, i would say on oeder of importance CartPhonoArmTtSent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk 1
tntman Posted April 22, 2017 Author Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 1:16 PM, dwbasement said: Not sure about % but they all important. However, i would say on oeder of importance Cart Phono Arm Tt Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Expand Awesome! Thats exactly what I wanted to know. So most people would upgrade carts and phonos... so its wise to invest in a good stable TT and arm right off the bat... then tweak the sound by changing phono and carts? 1
dwbasement Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 1:16 PM, dwbasement said: Not sure about % but they all important.However, i would say on oeder of importance CartPhonoArmTtIt doesnt mean you can have a crap tt with good cart will give you good sq, they all interconnected.Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Full Range Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 (edited) On 22/04/2017 at 12:55 PM, tntman said: Can you guys give me an approximation in terms of percentage of how much each component affects the overall sound quality... Example: Turntable = 10% Tonearm = 30% Cartridge = 40% Phono Preamp = 20% Am I totally wrong? on this? Expand Design and component matching is key in all your purchase decisions Good mechanical design is critical and this will lead to easy setup and trouble free running Won't lead you astray between turntable drive types and I will let you choose what best for you - but think of mechanical design in your decision Tonearm is also critical - just go with a recognised performer and you will have no issues Cartridge - This is both hard and easy to answer It mostly depends on what music you like MM and MI carts are good all round performers and some can equal an MC carts finesse They also have lower service costs and a user can replace a stylus MC carts have greater finesse and bring out the subtle background information, can be as expensive as a used car High repair costs also follow and a professional will need to re-tip when your stylus wears out Phono Stage Same applies to this component as stylus selection Edited April 22, 2017 by Full Range
dwbasement Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 1:18 PM, tntman said: Awesome! Thats exactly what I wanted to know. So most people would upgrade carts and phonos... so its wise to invest in a good stable TT and arm right off the bat... then tweak the sound by changing phono and carts? You can say that is right path.And then once you have upgraded tge cart and phono, you might start thinking upgrading the tt...you know never end.To me is that you need to know where to stop and at some stage, you should be able to say to ypurself this is it.Most important thing is the MUSIC!Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk 1
dcathro Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 12:55 PM, tntman said: Can you guys give me an approximation in terms of percentage of how much each component affects the overall sound quality... Example: Turntable = 10% Tonearm = 30% Cartridge = 40% Phono Preamp = 20% Am I totally wrong? on this? Expand I think they contribute different things. The TT is all about stability and lowering all the grunge, resonances and noise. The arm has to be compatible with the cartridge, and be able to respond to the groove without bearing friction. The cartridge will definitely impart it's character to the sound - tonality, dynamics, musicality, but only if the TT and arm let it through. Martin Colloms uses a $2K cartridge on a $4k arm on a $40K Turntable - go figure! I also remember that Linn dealers used to demonstrate that a cheap arm and cartridge on a Sondek sounded better than a good arm and cartridge on a Rega RP3. I would suggest that you spend some time listening to different combinations before splashing your cash. I would also, like others, recommend that you investigate the second hand option. Good analog playback is expensive new, but bargains can be found in the s/h market 1
aussievintage Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 1:16 PM, dwbasement said: Not sure about % but they all important. However, i would say on oeder of importance Cart Phono Arm Tt Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Expand Agree with the order, and to guess some percentages Cart 50% Phono 30% Arm 10% Tt 10%
seymour Posted April 22, 2017 Posted April 22, 2017 On 22/04/2017 at 12:55 PM, tntman said: Can you guys give me an approximation in terms of percentage of how much each component affects the overall sound quality... Example: Turntable = 10% Tonearm = 30% Cartridge = 40% Phono Preamp = 20% Am I totally wrong? on this? Expand Yes you are totally wrong. I started in 1961 (12 years old) and have had turntables ever since. Order of importance is Turntable Tonearm Phono Preamp and Cartridge What price you allocate to each item can vary. The turntable is the base.It has to run at perfect speed with no bearing wobble and be acoustically stable,the engineering costs. Tonearm and cartridge have to be compatible And more important the cartridge has to match the rest of your system. I come from an era when a dealer would lend you 6 cartridges so you go home and test them in your system,spent may weeks doing this and the most expensive one did not always tun out to be the best fit. On 22/04/2017 at 2:17 PM, dcathro said: Martin Colloms uses a $2K cartridge on a $4k arm on a $40K Turntable - go figure Expand Martin has been around for a long time and knows his stuff so he has probably got it right for himself. I have owned micro seiki rega.thorens,logic,linn,luxman and currently an Alphason Sonata
Snapper() Posted April 23, 2017 Posted April 23, 2017 Dont forget to keep some money aside for the actual vinyl ... [emoji2]Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1
Andrews_melb Posted April 23, 2017 Posted April 23, 2017 Plus the one percenters: record cleaning products, anti static tools, anti vibration products, gauges/protractors ect! They add up and are pretty essential for quality listening. I reckon anyway 1
tntman Posted April 23, 2017 Author Posted April 23, 2017 This is my new inheritance! Some are like made in the 80s! Omg..Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk 2
dwbasement Posted April 23, 2017 Posted April 23, 2017 On 23/04/2017 at 7:52 AM, tntman said: This is my new inheritance! Some are like made in the 80s! Omg..Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk I used to have heaps of cantonese vinyl when i was young...gave them all away after I moved to oz Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
tntman Posted April 23, 2017 Author Posted April 23, 2017 Is the quality any good? Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk
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