2. analog
  3. 153341-81414

Breakdown of Turntable Performance

Over the years I've read numerous reviews of turntables, arms, platters, and plinths.  I always wondered how much these individual components contributed to the overall sound.  Here's my take:
Cartridge - 80%
Arm - 10%
Platter - 5%
Plinth - 5%
128x128jmarini2
spindoctor0470's avatar
spindoctor0470
17 posts
 

Many years ago I attended a demonstration by Linn. They had two Identical Linn Sondeks, one fitted with their previous top tonearm the Ittok. The second sondek was fitted with the more expensive Ekos tonearm. to emphasise the tonearm's contribution relative to the cartridge, the Sondek/Ittok was fitted with their top mc, the 'Troika'. The Sondek/Ekos was fitted with their budget K9 mm. The cost of the Ittok/Troika and Ekos/K9 were similar so it wasn't a question of spending more money but simply what priority to give to the arm or pickup. Anyway, the majority consensus was the the Ekos fitted with the cheap K9 was sonically the winner! The Ittok/Troika was a tad more 'polished' in the treble and a bit more extended in the bass. The Ekos/K9 was superior in sound-staging, Imaging, dynamics, etc etc.







boxer12
8,656 posts
 
Spindoctor, That has been my experience with arms as well. The thing is... That more expensive cart on the more expensive arm (Ekos) would have brought things to an entirely higher level. It all matters. 
gavman's avatar
gavman
135 posts
 
That's interesting, i would have bet money the Ekos/K9 rig would have better bass than Ittok/Troika one
russmaleartist's avatar
russmaleartist
52 posts
 
Personally, I believe your playback is as strong as the weakest link. There is no perfect equipment . . . otherwise, there would come a time when no improvements and the industry would come to a point where their “new models” would cease. Think about it, this is never going to happen, because it would be like all disease and aging were eliminated -- how many medical and pharmaceutical companies would go out of business? You do not cut off your nose to spite your face . . . at least not among the wise and intelligent.

Let's face it, the tweaking and the updating is part of the charm and frustration of the hobby. Without it, hobbyists would have to seek another hobby to satisfy that endeavor. Contentment, as is the case with those with LIMITED wallets, would have to become a mental acceptance that there is no more updates or improvements to be had . . . perhaps all that would be left to do would be to replace that which would wear out or got damaged.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,602 posts
 
All... I've updated my ad for MyMat.

Here's the main thing....Turntable manufacturers have a big hurdle to overcome when using a mechanical bearing. This is trying to keep the bearing' vibration (no way to overcome this with a mechanical bearing) from reaching the platter. In addition, just in the act of playing a record, the stylus is vibrating. These two BIG issues keep us from hearing a turntables ultimate performance. The easiest way to solve these two big problems is with an effective platter mat. I've developed one. Check out my revised ad on USAM. If you respond to this ad, I can answer any questions and take care of any order.

Happy Listening!
More to discover