Littlite-Which one to buy?

I've never had hum problems from my Littlite. It wouldn't be from the rheostat anyway. It's just a simple resistance pot like a volume control. It's not like a wall dimmer. The only source of hum might be the wall wart (transformer) itself, but I have mine plugged into a non-system wall outlet and never had a problem. It's ohly putting out 12V AC so it's not radiating much of a field anyway.

You'll have to ask Doug about the LED version, but my understanding is that it's either white light (high) or red light (low) and that's it. But that shouldn't be a problem either, because that's pretty much the way you would use it anyway (high or low but not in between.)

What I'd like to know (Doug) is whether the LED version (on high/white) is brighter than the halogen version on high? If it is, I'm going to get one of those because I'd like a little brighter light.

Doug, what is the size of the base on the L-18-LED gooseneck? I'm trying to figure out if it would fit on my stand. (sorry for the interruption, Mark)

No Problem Zargon, I'd like to learn as much as I can before I make a purchase, and would be interested too, in the Base's dimensions.If you goto the Littlitestore.com site, and click on any of the Lampsets, they do show the numerous available options for mounting. No doubt the standard base is probably most versatile, as one could use it on any table for doing close up meticulous work.A Clamp version, Velcro-Double Face Tape, or Magnetic Base are the other options.The Littlite Store has about the best prices I've seen so far, as it appears others are charging a minimum $20 more for the basic L3-18 Lampset. Mark

My experience with various Littlite mounting systems is they all suck, that is if you're planning to yank the gooseneck around a lot (trust me you will!)

Other than the panel mount (BNC plug) the weighted base is your best bet. However, there's a DIY alternative which I hit upon and it works the better than all the other attachment methods. You just need to plan where you're going to want it:

Take the chassis apart (that's the little box at the other end of the goosenck with the rheostat) by removing the two screws on the top (either side of the rheostat knob) That will release the subchassis on the bottom. (This has nothing on it, it's just a piece of metal.) Screw the subchassis down to your shelf (it's predrilled) and then slide the main chassis with goodseneck over it, secure the two top screws and you're done. Really solid, and it doesn't matter where you position the gooseneck.

The reason I mention this, is because although you can get the 18" gooseneck with the weighted base, it can tip over if you're not watching the position of the gooseneck relative to the base. Plus the base may limit placement.

I bought my Littlite from Northern Sound. Best price I found and excellent service. I use the spring clamp which I attach to a rolling cart I have my RCM on.

http://northernsound.net/Sales/hardware/littlite/lampsets.html

For turntable illumination, I use a nifty battery powered LED unit from Garrett Wade (great company). I attached it to the wall above the turntable with heavy duty velcro tape.

http://www.garrettwade.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=106922&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&iProductID=106922