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Heavy Kit / Power Supply upgrade for Nottingham?

I have been so happy with my new Nottingham Spacedeck that I am contemplating the Heavy Kit and Power Supply upgrade. If I had known how well the Nottingham would work in my system I would have bought the Hyperspace. (had no way to audition Nottingham TTs so bought it based on what I had read) The upgrades are a bit pricey but after 3 months with the Spacedeck, I don't think I will be putting any more money in digital for some time. The Spacedeck is way more fun than my old ARC transport / DAC 1 which I let go.

My system is comprised of the following components which were purchased used over the last few years, except for the Nottingham:

ARC PH2 phonostage
ARC Ref 1 Preamp
Soundlab Dynastat Speakers
2 Golden Tube Audio SE-40s vertically bi-amped.

I am torn between upgrading the GTA amplifiers to Rogue M-120 monoblocks or doing the turntable upgrade. My listening room is small and don't really feel the need for more power but I think I need balanced in amps to take full advantage of the ARC Ref 1.

So do I do the turntable upgrade first or the amp upgrade? I can audition the Rogue monoblocks in my system but not the Spacedeck upgrades. The Spacedeck upgrade would be a leap of faith. (but then so was the Spacedeck purchase) Any ideas?

vannorm
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
First, let me say upfront that am partial to the Spacedeck, having owned two different ones. Further, it is my opinion after having compared the two, that the original Spacedeck with the original platter is superior to the newer version with the thicker platter. I find that the original is much more lively and spacious (testing both with the same arm and cartridge).

With respect to the units mentioned. I have not tried the Walker with the Spacedeck, though the Walker is a very fine unit and I have heard it used with great success on other tables. I have, however, tried the NA and SDS units with my Spacedeck and with my friend's Spacedeck with thicker platter. Neither of us could tell ANY audible difference when used with my table. The NA unit DID improve the timing and "space" (if you'll excuse the term) on his thicker platter. The SDS was so-so in our estimation. In either case, the original Spacedeck bested the thicker platter version (even with the control). Whether the Walker would improve things further, I cannot answer.

Were it me, and I was buying a Spacedeck, I'd opt for the original and eschew the expense of a controller in favor of upgrading something else or buying a hundred or so LP's.
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rauliruegas
13,077 posts
 
Dear Vannorm: What are you looking for ? what do you think
yours system needs ?. If you want a better quality music/analog reproduction, then you have to re-start at the begining: tonearm/cartridge combo ( I don't know what is yours ), if you don't have a top quality combo here it's the place to do a change for an improvement in the quality sound ( you can improve the reproduction in some other audio system areas: amp, preamp, speakers, room, etc..., but the original signal in the recording you can only improve through a better tonearm/cartridge combo, anything you do with the signal after this combo step reproduction only can degraded the signal ).
Regards and always enjoy the music.
Raul.
soliver
67 posts
 
Thanks for your thoughts 4yanx on the power supplies.

I actually recently ordered the Mystic Mat with Michell record clamp so will be able to report in the near future on my experience with it, as well.

I am currently using an original Spacedeck with the Hadcock 242SE tonearm. Adding the Mystic Mat will be one of my four eventual planned upgrades, the others are 1)adding the Walker PMC (6moons review has my interest perked), 2) adding either a Nueance shelf or a maple butcher block underneath the Spacedeck or maybe even both, 3)getting the Music Maker MM cartridge
john_tracy
341 posts
 
As an owner of a Hyperspace you should try a bottle of Tom Fletcher's new oil. At $100 a pop it's a little pricey; but it will make a difference and is a lot cheaper than a heavy kit. I'm using the Hyperspace without a mat. I have Bob Benn's Insider weight to help control resonances in the vinyl and should have his Outsider ring weight by next week to try also. I'll post a report on its performance if anyone is interested.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
John, please tell us about the new oil. The oil I have is red/orange in color and smells like a refinery from at least 20 paces? Same stuff or different?

I shouldperhaps mention, FWIW, that I have changed my mind with respect to the mats and wholly prefer the Mat1 to the Mystic Mat on the Spacedeck original after extended listening.
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