it's a question, which mc-5 cartridge?
Seeking opinions on the Luxman PD151 and EQ500 combination
Merry Christmas to all!!
Interested in feedback on the Luxman PD151 turntable, MC5 cartridge and EQ500 equalizer phono amp combination. Several years ago I got back into the music scene and bought a Project S-Berycxx with a Sumiko Songbird cartridge. Combined with that I added an Audio Research PH-9 a couple years later. I have enjoyed vinyl more than I thought I would and have a nice collection Jazz music, primarily. I'm considering adding the above Luxman set up but before I do, would love feedback from fellow Audiogoner's. Currently, I feel that my weakest link is my turntable but my PH-9 makes it sound so much better.
My current set-up is Audio Research 160S amplifier, REF6SE pre-amplifier, with Wilson Alexia V speakers and 2 REL S812 subs. I have a Grimm MU-1 Streamer and a Nagra Tube Dac with separate PSU. I use Roon exclusively and have subscriptions to Qobuz and Tidal. Cabling is mostly Transparent Reference with some Audience Front Row and Black Cat cables as well. I feel that my digital section is superb, for me, but would like to take up my turntable and analog section a notch.
Appreciate your insights in advance.
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History of one arm Luxman PD441 and two arm version PD444 I found out about PD444 after I got my JVC TT81 in Large PL-2 Two arm Plinth. In my setup deeper worked better than wider, but it is still tempting to have one. Less wide allows me to keep my promise to let Donna keep her plants on top. One tray moves to/from Tape Player to TT depending on which one is in use. I insist on a Dust Cover, so many high end TT’s do not include one.
Luxman Dust Cover is hinged, you can use it closed or left up/open during play, or, my friend leaves his unattached, lifts it off during play. My Large Heavy Dust Cover must be lifted/played off (my preference), you need a designated place for it during play, notice mine on it’s edge in front of the Tape Player (felt dots on contact points). I miss Chakster, found this about the Luxman PD444 he thinks it's the one to get/keep. " chakster6,144 posts @xaak I could buy whatever turntable, but I use two PD-444 and my Denon DP-80, Victor TT-101 and Technics SP-10 mkII (and many more turntables) were near and easy to compare to PD-444. I use so many different tonearms and cartridges, but I hate belt drive turntables believe it or not, over 20 years ago I had enough time with belt drives (never again, i came to Direct Drive for a good reason), also I think vacuum pump is inconvenient. I prefer Direct Drive and already have the best of them (not all, but some of the very best). I wish I could buy Denon DP-100 in the next 10 years. ................................ IF not going to add a second arm, then the PD441 is a better choice than the PD151 I think. Smaller size and price, great technology concealed in simple elegance. An arm like the Micro Seiki 505 gives you performance, adjustments, removable headshell for a variety of cartridges. 213cobra, Phil, member here, has had great things to say about the PD444 over the years.
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The Luxman PD 151 is a modern belt drive turntable, which you can buy new from a dealer without concern about its functional capacities. Whereas, if you invest in a vintage direct drive turntable such as a Luxman PD 444 or 441, you must also be prepared to deal with functional issues that may affect performance just due to age or mis use. Some of us do not have the intestinal fortitude to put up with that. If you do have the guts, then yes I agree a vintage high-quality direct drive turntable is certainly a way to go. As you know, I love them and own several. But it’s a whole different kettle of fish for a person who casually wants to get into vinyl. The OP might be better off with the PD151 or similar. |
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