My Analog Journey - Opinions Sought

Soundsmith has great info about cartridges

I’ve never heard the Hana ML, I see many here choose it. Someone: bring yours to Plainfield, NJ, let’s hear it here!!!!!

For my 1st Moving Coil I chose and highly recommend an Audio Technica AT33PTG/II (what an odd name). Similar Microline stylus tip, but it has a stiffer cantilever made of tapered boron rather than aluminum. Half the price of the $1,200. Hana ML at $600. (eBay new $470). I wish it had threaded fittings like the Hana ML for initial mounting ease.

If you play a lot, and take a long view, then Soundsmith’s retip service can be a big advantage

https://www.sound-smith.com/services/phono-cartridge-repair-restoration-tip-repair

Imaging: I always find and compare channel separation/channel balance specs knowing you need to read about/ascertain/judge it’s sound characteristics separately. AT33PTG/II channel sep 30 db; channel balance 0.5db. those achieved performance specs provide exceptional imaging.

AT has a trade in program, I sent my worn one to them, they sold me a new one at half price, I like it’s sound so much I didn’t even consider anything else.

Cantilever Stiffness: I believe my ears/experiences as well as what I have read about the benefits of light/stiff cantilevers, the pinnacle material was beryllium.

A big advantage is lighter tracking, advantageous to both your stylus life and your lp’s grooves, and (readily heard and enjoyed) improved quality of bass notes. Hana ML and AT33PTG/II both track at 2.0g.

Shure’s beryllium V15Vxmr tracked at 1,0g. (beryllium use for cantilevers was halted for health concerns): I just bought a Vintage AT160ml microline on beryllium to join my collection of sapphire tube, boron, aluminum. I have to concentrate to hear subtle differences between the sapphire tube and boron, the AT160ml difference is discernible easily, it is wonderful, I am so glad I took a risk and bought it based on the memories, and happily it tracks at only 1.25g.

Why does it always come down to "what is better"?  Neither are better or worse just different.  

I go back and forth between vinyl and streaming.  No cd player, but have 2000 cd's in boxes in the garage, my collection is digitized on an HDD. Also have around 2k records. When I want to really listen to something, usually it's a record. When I want background music, or not sure what I'm in the mood for, it's streaming. 

Sound quality always comes down to the source recording. Some of my records sound better over streaming, some streaming sounds better over vinyl.  For me, vinyl listening is usually more emotional, more focused. 

Downside of records will always be the time investment, also that everything is a wear item. Everything needs to be clean/cleaned, storage of LP's, the entire analog, manual process.  Listening to vinyl is deliberate, streaming is always more convenient. 

Viewing your virtual system, it is so much easier to offer advice,

my comments are based on concentrating initial soundwaves, controlling/eliminating too soon reflections, for two reasons: the purer imaging you will experience, and once rear sound waves minimized: move the TT into the top of the stand in the recess behind/between the speakers, away from it’s current side position. Perhaps also cover the recess surfaces with absorbent material, or a sliding curtain/panel to cover the recess during play.

My advice is to consider changing your speakers, getting rid of the rear ports and then: what makes enough bass that you would not need subwoofers?

If subwoofers, I would recommend front firing, not bottom firing, a stereo pair as you have now, as any mono note’s overtones become directional rather quickly, giving imaging clues to the origin of the fundamentals.

I love JSE Model II’s, and for your space their smaller Model 1’s would sound terrific, I helped my friend with his in a NYC Apt, and my son has a pair, they include both of Richard Modafferi’s patents.

JSE Infinite Slope Model 1 Review

Here’s two pairs, 1 black, 1 wood veneer, both would need replacement tweeters (easy), new grill cloth (easy). Either local pickup you would pay UPS Pack and Ship yourself, just have seller drop them off unpackaged/

After you fall in love with them, change them to 3 wheels, not 4, (anti-tip rear corner blocks) have a woodworker cover them in a beautiful veneer or ...... they would look as good as they sound.

JSE Model 1, black

JSE Model 1 Walnut Veneer

add it all up, still not a lot of money and good luck equalling their amazing sound, the Infinite Slope Crossover is amazing.

.....................................................

Joseph Audio still uses Modafferi's Infinite Slope Crossover

System impedance indicates whether the speaker presents a "hard" or "easy" load on the amplifier. True 8 ohm speakers are less amplifier and cable sensitive, and partner well with a broader range of amplifiers, including tube designs.

Crossovers:  Asymmetrical Infinite Slope Crossover at 2 kHz.

Constructed of specially selected components, Each individual network is precisely adjusted, resulting in a virtually perfect match to the original prototype.

The steep filter slopes ensure good acoustical behavior in the crossover regions, with a minimum of acoustical interference, along with low distortion and wide dynamic range. Driver acoustic responses are in-phase throughout the crossover regions.

@elliottbnewcombjr I really appreciate your input. Right now I'm pretty knocked out by these little Elacs. I've had more than a dozen or so speakers come through this room - some costing upwards of $9k - and this is some of the best sound I've experienced.

If and when I grow tired of them or get upgrade-itus, I have my eye on the Ascend Sierra's. As for the subs, these bookshelves put out good bass down to 40Hz, so often times I don't even use them. Maybe they're next on the chopping block? :)
 

@bipod72  great post.  As one just getting into vinyl (i’m set on dig rig) I’m still in very early stages deciding on weather to make the jump as it is very $ to match a good dig rig, but your approach is really spot on.  One doesn’t need one format/medium, it’s not a competition between formats.  Use them all (if you can).  
 

I like the idea of compiling some albums on vinyl that the counter part in other formats are just plain crap and vice versa.  There’s more to it than that of course, but no reason to be strictly all one format.  
 

Having invested a ton into dig and a good size local library, I’m enjoying the alternate format, shopping for albums, learning all about the analog side of things etc..  no doubt vinyl rig is or can be depending on one’s goals.