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Pro-ject 12 xtension TT vs Meridian 808.2 CD player..and the winner is!

DISCLAIMER--This is my OPINION / IMPRESSION . I am just having some fun with this because I was so happy to be able to do it and it was an eye ( or ear ) opener for me. I never had a TT so I was surprised by the results.

Wow, this was really close.  Pro-ject 12 Xtension with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation catridge  vs Meridian 808.2 Cd player

The TT...by a hair. They both sounded exceptional!  Almost identical.

 I had the same CD/LP running at the same time. Easy to do A/B comparison. Incredibly, I did not have to adjust the volume when I switched inputs. They sounded dynamically the same.

The judgement was not easy but after quite a while it became clear. Instead of attempting to explain why Vinyl came out on top I will give you this analogy:

Picture a beautiful shiny diamond in a case. Now picture the same beautiful shiny diamond in the same case ..resting on a velvet pad.

I went to Barnes and Nobles today. They had a great 20% off for members ( and I had coupons and gift cards.. I was fully armed! ). Plenty of 4.99 CD's with a vast variety compared to the limited amount of LP's priced all the way to $45

I came home with 6 LP's. That has got to mean something.  Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Test Equipment: martin-logan 13a,   audio research ref6,  krell duo 300,    parasound jc3+,   mit cabling

mike



128x128mikepaul
mikepaul's avatar
mikepaul OP
223 posts
 
tablejockey... i did a quick search on the Fosgate..that is reeeally sweet looking piece......the VPI Classic?..niiiiiiice... i actually had my eye on that. i wasthisclose to buying VPI...i called them directly a few times and they are very cordial on the phone and very attentive to your needs. i love their tables and they are a stones throw from me in nj. 

i do love tube stuff. i would love a tube amp one day but i have my reservations.
 i don't know if i am up to it yet.

my friend just bought preowned BAT monoblock tube amps...loves them. but he also says they warm up his room! lol

if ever i  was to consider the tube phono stage i am going to check back with you . i would appreciate your opinion for sure.

 mike


robd2
45 posts
 
Great shootout! What music?
mikepaul's avatar
mikepaul OP
223 posts
 
Hi robd2....I played dire straits ,brothers in arms A/B comparison
madavid0
214 posts
 
I bet you would find the difference more pronounced if you dial in the rake angle properly.
mikepaul's avatar
mikepaul OP
223 posts
 
MadavidO yeah you are probably right .I did not do the full “Michael Fremer” yet..lol

i felt comfortable enough to do the basic setup with the protractor and digital tracking force gauge

I do not have the microscope for the 92 degree angle yet.and I was also going to check the azimuth.....in due time.....

that was also part of my surprise that it sounded so good without all the tricked out adjustments......
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