Updates: After returning the old Thorens TD-150 mk2, decided to take up my dealer's beautifully restored Thorens TD-165 mk1 (initially thought it was 160 mk1). He helped me upgraded the power cable and the phono out cables with Ampenol plugs! Brought the TT home and immediately set it up with the used NAD PP-2 with the Grado Grey series MM cartridge. With all the cables and switch all set, I put on Eva Cassidy's Songbird (analogue press, 180gm)...No music came on. Tried other lps, still no sound. What a downer! Called my dealer and check if there is sound emitting from the rotating platter. Very faintly, it did. I was quite amazed that there is actually music enjoying from the tip of the cartridge on the LP.. Wow! So at least we know that the TT is working. Then he asked me to switch to MC on the NAD phono stage and it worked. The MM channel on the phono stage was faulty. Later that evening, he came by my place and lent me a Project phono box MM while he took back the NAD to check on it further. I think if this NAD cannot be fixed. I am going for the Cambridge Audio 640p.
Next horror story: I put on my favorite Jazz at the pawnshop LP (2007 reissue) and after listening to the first side on LP 1, I removed it to blow off the dust on the LP, thinking that that might clean up the static. Using my camera blower, I successfully blowing clean side A, I carefully flipped it over to side B blow clean it. As I was turning it, the LP slipped and in my attempt to catch it from failing to the ground, the tip of my rubber blower accidentally made contact with the LP and made two long scratches on side B! I was super pissed and very very upset! One one hand, I was angry at my own clumsiness and on the other hand, I ws glad that i had not bought the original 1977 orange Propius version of the same LP!
Took a minute to mourn about it. Decided to put it back on the Thorens to see what was the damage. Surprisingly, the two scratches did not affect the sound quality of the LP! No ticks or skips. So, now, at least, I am not so paranoid about getting my first scratch on my LP, and relaxed about handling LP for future. Hold it firm. Initially I was afraid of breaking it and so I held it quite gentlely and lost my grip on it, causing the fall. A not too expensive lesson in handling LP.
That was my first day with TT! Other than the mishaps, I am pretty happy about the analogue music flowing through the air. I did a A/B test with the LP and SACD of Jazz at the pawnshop. In very simple words, sacd is much cleaner, clearer and brighter as most would say. The LP sounds mellow and warmth (honestly, i am still trying to understand what this word actually mean musically). I do like both. They are just different. But there was something which stood out very obviously when I compare both formats. As I increase the volume for sacd, I feel the music to be loud and jarring and it sort of hits hard on my head. When I increase the volume for the LP, it does get louder, but it is not jarring and it does not hurt my ears or my head. I guess this is what they call fatigue. Hmmmm...very interesting experience, nonetheless.
I am still loving my Rega Apollo and do not have the intention to sell all my CDs and buy only LP. But I am enjoying the two distinct sound from two great music players.
Thanks audiogoners for your time and advice. I'm on my way to more music discovery. Focus on the music, not the gadgets!
