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Littlite-Which one to buy?

Hi folks, I've considered buying a Littlite Lamp w/Base as it would sure make it easier to play LPs during the evening hours.

I understand that they make two output types, one with a 5 watt lamp, and one with a 2 watt lamp.

I would think that having a variable Rheostat on them for light output, that the 5 watt model would be the better choice?

Which do some of you folks use, and why? Which length Gooseneck?

I just want a basic model with weighted Base to sit alongside my Turntable, and I'm assuming the 12" Gooseneck should be suitable, and long enough for my VPI HW-19 Table? Mark

markd51
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
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.
randyk
70 posts
 
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
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
I agree with Dougdeacon re: the Littlelite LED version, no rheostat (even though I never had any issues with the dimmer on my older incandescant version), but less is more. The red beam is OK, but for the night vision purposes only. The white LED is a different white than the incandescant, but less beam-y, more like a flood light. Just fine for illuminating the arm/platter. I do use the weighted base, but it is a tight fit on my TT shelf to avoid touching any part of the table, and plugged into an electrical circuit not occupied by electronics
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