Low end TT vs. Hi end CD

Alex, I've mellowed a bit in my old age. No longer am I bashing it to the depths. I am thankful that some people are again trying turntables, and am more careful with my words now. Or at least I try to be.

There's always 1200 bashers in every audio forum. The problem is they can't back up their thoughtless comments and just make fools of themselves. These same people are also unable to look at something rehardless of brand and get some idea of how good it is. No wonder I get e-mails from people wanting to mod 1200s but who are uncomfortable publicly posting their views...

In my previous posts I have expressed some serious, valid and coherent points. A few hours ago I got the dual mono power supply for my Monolithic phono stage. The sound has changed drammatically in all areas: soundstage, dynamics, bass, PRAT, noise floor, etc. More than ever, I still think phono stage is more important than TT. I called member Jahaira and my 1200 was playing. He said to me--"It's sounding faster!" My reply was that PRAT had substantially improved, as well as the bass. He could hear that vocals were clearer, too. And this was over the telephone!

These are exciting times!

Good grief, now we've got audiophiles hearing "PRAT" over the telephone...Psychic, you would be terribly unhappy (but no less insecure I'm sure) if you didn't have anyone to pick a fight with over your beloved 1200, so what I think the other good members have done here is simply to help ensure for your continued well-being. ;^)

DTM, I'm not implying other TT's are hard to use, but then as I say I've never lived with one of those you mention. But I do find it nice to be able to push a button for practically instant start or stop, and the same thing for speed change. It's physically small and basically maintainance-free (no belt to change or go astray, no motor positioning, no springs to adjust), and so is easy to set up. It has the basics you need: leveling feet, calibrated adjustments for VTF, VTA, and anti-skate, as well as an armrest and lift, plus a couple of things I appreciate, like a hinged dustcover and a removable headshell. It runs at the correct speed irrespective of AC line conditions (but has a strobe readout anyway), and has a pitch-change control which is useful to a musician. It exhibits no bearing play in either the 'arm or the platter, is quiet in operation, and is designed and built to be insensitive to high ambient SPL's. Besides which, I just like using DD TT's - it's nice to be able to spin the platter freely in either direction when trying to cue 30+ tracks for a compilation recording, for instance. The idea of belt-drive has always seemed conceptually inelegant to me (although it may be eminently practical) - but I don't plan on ever owning a Rockport either. What I think I'll ultimately do is have KAB perform the 78rpm mod on my 1200, which will give me an excuse to keep it around forever after I finally succumb and get myself something more audiophile-approved. (I am using the Glider M2, and have not heard any Goldrings.)

Thomas - So I'd noticed. :-)

I think I can hear the PRAT through the internet.

Seriously though, my old roommate wants to buy my Technics. Before I upgrade the table to non-DJ cartridge, I think I might just sell it to him, and look at a belt table. I just realized I have a couple grand coming to me on my tax return.

I'm goin to mull it over...

"Good grief, now we've got audiophiles hearing "PRAT" over the telephone..."

Caribbean audiophiles--that is. Jahaira & I have been raised listening, singing and dancing Afro-Caribbean music. We have an unbelievably good sense of rhythm and timing. When I was in grade school we used to piss off the teachers by using the desktops as drums and improvising rhythms(descargas). Where I come from people bring their drums and instruments to the beach and happy hours on the street and sing and play for hours and hours. It's not coincidence we have the highest number of Latin Grammy nominations.

What I wrote might be impossible for you, but not for us. I mean, there's people in Fiji that walk barefooted over red hot rocks...good grief!

Since you like proof, dear Zaikes, I'm giving you some:

When Columbia records decided to record their first crossover album with the Fania All Stars (1976-77) they sent one of their executives to the first rehearsal. Fania All Stars is composed of pretty much the top salsa players in each instrument--and most of those are percussion instruments--even the string bass is played upbeat! Anyway, the record executive showed up with a *metronome* --so that the Fania All Stars could "keep their rhythm!". Such is the ignorance level out there. If a Columbia Records executive did that, I'm not surprised nor offended by your comment. Next time you get to go to a Caribbean party for Anglos watch how they dance--maybe you'll understand. Because of that incident w/Columbia, the album was titled "Rhythm Machine".

Regarding my unhappiness if I didn't "have anyone to pick up a fight", I have forwarded you a copy of an e-mail between Kevin and I, where I state that I was glad that the 1200 bashers were gone--and directing him to this thread. I was wrong.

Will you also be "sure" about me being "insecure"?