Spend major bucks get a big improvement.
Does a turntable make a DRAMATIC difference?
I purchased some analog gear in the hopes of making my analog side (a Sutherland 20 20 phono preamplifier and a Hana ML cartridge) at least the equal of my digital side. Although it has markedly improved the sound of my records it has not equaled the SQ of my digital sources. I know my turntable ( a heavily modified Rega RP3 with two power supplies and many other internal tweaks) is the weakest link. My question is, will a new improved turntable make a MAJOR difference, or just incrementally improve the sound. Or do I have to spend major bucks to achieve what I want.
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- 65 posts total
Whenever vinyl is discussed, the importance of VTA and VtF are discussed, but not the #1 issue - effective length and mass. Tracing error is 100% a function of arm length. Shibata and Microline styli with their very thin stylus profile simply cannot perform, optimally on a shorter tonearm like a Rega. The geometry prevents it. For those arms, stick with a more forgiving elliptical or even conical (Denon DL103). If you want to use a Shibata or Microline stylus, the the tonearm needs to be at least 10+ inches. My VPI JMW 10.5 is a marvelous match with a Hana SH both in lower tracing error and arm mass. I have not heard the Hana sound as good when used with shorter or lower mass arms. Conversely, the higher mass of a 12" transcription tonearm requires a low compliance moving coil cartridge to get the resonance in an acceptable 8-10 Hz range. Back in the day the ADC XLM was the epitome of a high compliance cart, and would not match well with the very popular SME III arm. But, in the pencil-thin ultra low-mass Grace 707, it could be great. Once you get those fundamentals under control, then tweaking VTA, stylus rake, and azimuth can be set properly. Long answer but yes, you can make big improvements in your turntable, but only if you approach it as a whole system. |
@newbee …”ghprentice, I suspect I might, just might mind you, be much more anal than you when it comes to vinyl.”
😊👍… I think everyone is!… what is the opposite of anal? That is me. |
Yes. Without starting a direct drive vs belt drive debate, just the facts as I have witnessed in my system and during demos. Started return to serious vinyl about 8 years ago, bought a very good high mass belt drive table and low output mc cartridge. Sounded very good but it was occasionally disappointing. Sound could be dull, thick and an occasional note waver. Did full on research, dealer and audio show visits. Wanted more dynamics and energy in the sound. Tried the low mass belt drive highly regarded table and was severely disappointed. Soft sound, good dynamics but occasional speed waver. About that time the new Technics 1200 were released. Read about the high energy sound that breathes life into tired vinyl. Tested the 1200 G and GR, bought the GR on the spot. Fast forward to my vinyl destination system, 1200 GR, Lyra Delos cartridge and Sutherland 20 20 phono stage. The speed, energy, dynamics, detail and stability of my best digital sources with the smoothness of vinyl. Dramatic improvement. Cartridge is very important too. For the past several years I do not even think about speed wavering, low energy vinyl. I just enjoy the music and the sound. Every time I put a record on. |
- 65 posts total