Low end TT vs. Hi end CD

"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"?

Gentlemen,
First let us remember the question at hand.
Low end TT vs. Hi end CD
Do you think a technics 1200 can sound better than a wadia 860x?
This question was asked by a man who owns a $6000 CD player, VAC amp, Martin Logans etc. He has little analog experience, and is asking a serious question. Can a $500 turntable, better a 6k cd unit, used on a very revealing system.
The answer to this question is only common sense.

In my first response, I explained that the turntable itself, is most important in the analog chain. This is not only my opinion, but I quoted 2 highly acclaimed hi fi manufactures as references. Only to be put down by a self proclaimed turntable expert that stated, and I quote, "The above mentioned references are from turntable equipment manufacturers--and biased, of course". Psych do you honestly think you are giving Denis the best advice based on his equipment. Or your personal preference for your beloved turntable. I know he said he was broke and you are trying to hot rod his rig. The rest of us think he would be better served saving his money for something more complementary to his other components. I know only to well, what a revealing amp and speakers, can make a entry level front end sound like.
I am sorry I hurt your feelings with my thoughtless comments, but I do not think I am the fool here.

Oh Lord! Now because we were magnanimous, we get hit with the "white men can't dance" routine. For somebody who claims to be a "psychic", you certainly have a poor perception about what people will think about your statements.

Last night, I started looking to see waht kind of vinyl is available, and realized I could almost replace my entire CD collection with vinyl. I was amazed. I never knew they were still manufacturing current music on vinyl.

It has me thinking, along with the offer I got for my Technics, and the coming tax return, that maybe I should shoot for somekind of decent analog setup. I could even sell the Wadia (which I was going to do, but the winner of my auction backed out, and I ended up keeping the player), and take the proceeds to get something great.

I looked at Teresaudio.com, and yes, the TT look great, but I gotta admit, I hate when I see rare woods used. It's just a line I won't cross -- supporting rainforest destruction. That stuff kills me.

So then I started lookin at Basis, Nottingham, Michell, and VPI. goin to mull it over some....

"Psych do you honestly think you are giving Denis the best advice based on his equipment."

Yes, I think so. It was him who mentioned *purchasing* a 1200 to begin with. If he's got such an expensive rig he should know a little bit about audio--or risk falling prey to unscrupulous salesmen.

********
"Can a $500 turntable, better a 6k cd unit, used on a very revealing system. The answer to this question is only common sense."

I think the thread's title pretty much answers the question were in not by the fact that I have ordered two "Wadia Killer" CD transports (AIWA XC-35M & XC-37M, less than $100 each). There's simply too much overrated gear in *high end*. Therefore, I don't look at equipment in "$500 vs 6K" terms...

********
"The rest of us think he would be better served saving his money for something more complementary to his other components."

He already has the TT! Like Deano taught me, "Never pass up an audition." I bet "the rest of us" haven't auditioned a modded 1200 vs other higher priced decks. Like it always happens. I wrote I might do the Wadia/1200 comparison in the future--once I've done all the mods.

********
"I know only to well, what a revealing amp and speakers, can make a entry level front end sound like."

Just because amp and speakers are revealling does not necessarily mean more musical. I do have revealling and musical amp and speakers (Melos SHA-1 linestage, Forté 4A amp & Modwright Swans M1 speakers). I purchased the Forté 4A per Sean's recommendation. He said if my front end was good enough I would be able to reap the Forté's benefits. After letting it run for three days straight I e-mailed Sean what I was hearing. His reply was that I had given "a pretty accurate description of how that amp sounds". Therefore, my front end is up to speed...

********
"you guys are throughing good money away, trying to polish a turd. I guess you guys are dj's, in that case DD Turntables and Stanton cartridges are the ticket. good luck!"

"I am sorry I hurt your feelings with my thoughtless comments, but I do not think I am the fool here."

No, you haven't--how could you?

********
Oh, not all this Planet's caucasian men are Anglos, BTW. For example, 80% of the Arab world is caucasian--so much for the "sand n*****" stereotype. Anyone seen recent pictures of blonde Afghanis with green eyes? I was referring to "conditioning" to rhythm and timing as we grow up (that's what the grade school reference is for). No intention to attach racial stigma. Much of our musical heritage is Arab--not just African. The Arabs conquered most of Spain for some 800 years.

Have a great weekend and...

POP UP THE VOLUME!!!