ZYX "House" Sound

Dear @kevemaher : Well, I’m not against your choices but only trying to help with a different points of view.

This is the DD20 that’s " almost " the same DD40 where bothare true entrey level by any standard in the DD MS models of that time where the top of the line was the DQX 1000, the DDX 1000 was inferior to the DQX:

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/micro-seiki/dd-20.shtml

I’m not saying that you are wrong, no one can do it, because that’s what you like.

Now, you own the 57L by Denon and if you use the DD40 over the 57L then for you the DD40 is better than the Denon. Which " characteristic/problem " mades that you prefer the MS over the 57L?

Today TT are not exactly high price ones if you know what to look for:

https://us.technics.com/products/grand-class-direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1210gr

If you want or needs references of vintage products specs the vintage knob it’s very good site with some comments to take in count. No it’s not a reviewer site but along VE gives you a " entry level " information for those products.

Well and only for me. What you measured on FR with the PS/SUT is really bad because MUSIC in a home system belongs to the bass range. Ok, I know that the Nova RIAA eq. is +,- 0.25 db on deviation but the whole FR of that products combination in the bass range is a " little " inferior and it’s that quality level of what you are accustom too. Maybe you need to listen several other systems with better whole quality performance levels and you must do becaus e if not then: how will you know that your new cartridge really performs in the big league?

R.

@rauliruegas Thanks for showing me the Technics table. Very good example of good value. If I didn't already have four tables, I might seriously consider it.

I don't use the Denon as much as the DD-40, primarily because I don't like the look. The big blockiness of the arm pivot area is a turn off for me. But the specs on the table are very good, in fact great. Much better than the DD-40, I agree. One test I will do Is to use a different arm in a stand alone "pod". 

It is very difficult for me to audition other systems. There aren't any people around here with good systems and high end shops are non-existent. And I find it hard to make a thorough, honest evaluation in the store.

My only recent experience has been at a show. I didn't hear any system that was significantly better than mine, but shows are not the place for critical listening.

Could you explain you comment "MUSIC in a home system belongs to the bass range"?

I appreciate your comments. You've stimulated a bunch of thoughts.

I don't want to set up an argument between those who favor measurements and those who do not. Nobody wins that argument. I am troubled by the comments that say my system is not "high end" enough for the cartridges I have. It's not because I disagree but because I don't have a means to test that argument. I wish I could listen to a different system.

@rauliruegas  The Technics Sl-1200GR you post a link to has grabbed my interest. It does look like there's a lot of value for a very reasonable price. Thanks for the reference.

Will the Koetsu, the Shelter and the ZYX cartridges shine on this table?

Dear kevemaher, you are an audiophile extraordinaire, and you merit admiration by nearly all of the rest of us. What I think you’ve revealed is that traditional measurements, such as those you have made, don’t tell the whole story. Else why can we yet hear difference among cartridges, turntables, tonearms, and all the rest of the gear that measure so similarly? You also in passing reveal the “dirty little secret” of audiophilia, that in fact we often don’t know what we’re doing. One reason the DQX1000 should be obviously superior sounding compared to the DD40 would be that the former TT incorporates a quartz crystal reference which ought to enhance its performance vs the DD40. Have you assessed speed constancy? Virtually every DD table made since the heyday of the DQX1000 uses a quartz crystal reference. I think Denon were the first to do that, in their DPXX series.

@lewm  That is the slyest compliment I've ever heard. Gave me a chuckle. Thanks.

I do agree that the components with moving parts will affect the sound and sound a bit different as they age. I consider speakers, phono cartridges and the listening room to be the primary influence on sound. The tonearm and turntable are secondary, and all the others have a very small influence (as long as measured performance is in spec). Preamps and amps (except for tubed models) have little influence.

So my Denon DP-57L is a keeper?

It would be wonderful if there were more "guidelines" for matching equipment as it is difficult for me to separate good from bad advice.

Is the Technics SL-1200GR a good match to the Koetsu RS, the Shelter 901 and the ZYX Omega or 4D cartridges? What would be the entry level table for these cartridges?