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Need some turntable guidance

Hi,

I'm new here, so let me give you some background.

I'd say I'm more of a record collector than audiophile.  About 15 years ago, life happened and I had to re-purpose my dedicated listening room, so I put most of my gear in storage.  I now have my listening room back and I'm putting my system back together.

Here's what I have:

TT 1: VPI TNT 4 with TNT 5 bearing and flywheel, Eminent Technology ET 2.5 Tonearm, Supex SDX-1100 cartridge

TT 2: Denon DP-1250 with Magnepan Unitrack tonearm, Grado Reference Series cartridge

Phono transformer: Supex SDT-722

Preamp: PS Audio 5.0 preamp

Amp: Bryston 3B

Speakers:  Apogee Duetta II

The Denon was used to evaluate the condition of new purchases and some casual/background listening, so I'll probably leave that alone for now.

I'd like to "modernize" my system a little bit, but as a record collector, my initial focus is on the turntable.  I've been looking around, and seems I have several options.

1. Leave well enough alone, keep the table and arm as is.

2. Upgrade the VPI, I see there's an inverted bearing and platter upgrade available for TNT models, and sell off the current platter and bearing.

3. Sell off the TNT, and get something a bit less fussy as leveling the air suspension can be a bit of a pain.

If I sell, I'll probably want to keep the ET.

I'd appreciate any guidance I can get on this.

Thanks,

Ctor


ctor
elliottbnewcombjr
5,303 posts
 
I suggest

set it up again as is, find needed tools or get missing tools, rediscover your tt alignment skills,

listen to it

tt is about speed, I agree with chackster, no problem = no problem.

and if the suspension/bearing transmits vibration into/out of system. sounds like you know about this.

is your floor solid walking around? my floor is springy, my beloved thorens td24 amazing machined bearing very subject to vertical motion, not good, had to trade it.

my new to me jvc-victor very heavy plinth cl-p2, (dual arm) heavy TT81 direct drive spinner, plinth’s factory adjustable feet, still needs and sits successfully on isolation blocks, no problems approaching ...

not these, but similar

https://www.amazon.com/Turntable-Equipment-Tuneful-Cables-Audiophile/dp/B076DGD3X2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=isolation+blocks&qid=1594745516&s=electronics&sr=1-3
ctor OP
23 posts
 
elliottbnewcombjr ,

I'm in the course of setting it up.  The speed controller (vpi PLC) is dead, and I'm waiting to try and get schematics for it from VPI.  In the mean time, I did cobble together a DIY speed controller but my audio signal generator isn't great, I'm waiting on a new one to come in.  I can't bring myself to spend over a grand on an SDS or ADS and other syncronous motor speed controllers on the market won't provide enough current to drive the motor.

Right now the table is on a wall shelf.  Floor is carpeting over concrete (ground level basement).  I may build or buy a floor stand, but that's a question for later.  Either way, I know the current TT is sufficiently isolated.

Thanks for the link, those may work if I have issues with the Denon for any reason.
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,292 posts
 
The only thing I would do is when your ready to get a new cartridge get one .You have great stuff ,enjoy .....
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
I only asked as both idler and dd offer some different qualities, I am however not making any sweeping 'this is best' statements. For 'dd vintage' chakster uses the excellent Luxman and elliotbnewcombjr mentions the also excellent Victor tt81 (which I have had and is excellent albeit perhaps not as reliable as some). There are some modern choices as well. Then there is the vintage idler direction ;)
Agreed you have nice stuff enjoy it! Also can easily imagine your comment re the Bryston to be a factor...
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I bought the Supex cartridge as NOS a few months before I stored the system, and looking at it under a microscope, it looks fine. The Grado does not have a user replaceable stylus assembly, but it too looks good.

Then you're good.
Grado can do the replacement job when it's time.
Some Grado models have user replaceable stylus. 


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