2. analog
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Need better sound from my records, where to start?

I'm disappointed with the sound quality I'm getting from my current analog setup, and would appreciate some input on where to start making it better. I currently have a Music Hall MMF-2 turntable with an ortofon om 3e cartridge. I have an NAD PP-1 phono pre-amp feeding into my main system. My listening is almost exclusively with headphones through a tube headphone amp. The majority of my albums are bought used, in moderate to good condition. The problems I'm having are with excessive surface noise, and a slight breaking up of high frequencies.

My feeling is that I should go to a better cartridge first, along with the proper set-up tools, and an allsop oribitrac cleaner. Does that make the most sense? I was thinking of either the Shure V15VxMR or a Dynavector 10x5, with the intention that a cartridge in this range could last me through a turntable upgrade, maybe in the next year. Thoughts? Should I go after something other than the cartridge? Spend less on a cartridge? Thanks!
jed
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 

To bad the old Nad pp-1 has no mc input.
So I agree wit Viridian go for the Audio-Technica AT440ml I was going to recommend it also, but thought the pp-1 had a mc input. The thing I like about the oc9 is it is much quieter than the Shure v15 in my experience.

You need to get a new cartridge to save your lp's from damage so 88 bucks for the Audio-Technica AT440ml is a good stop gate till you can save up to get a new rig, that would include a new phono that supports low output mc's.

This will be a sizable upgrade in the sound for you.
You will also need a cartridge on this turntable if you plan to sell it when and if you get something different.

Straight out of the box the 440 was great at tracking difficult passages clearly...There was none of the harshness or constrictedness usually associated with an unbroken-in moving coil cartridge. -Absolute Sound Sep/Oct 1994, Vol. 19, #98.

Hi-Fi World Aug 01
Bright, fast sounding and detailed, with fulsome bass.

List Price $219.99
Price: $88.29

http://www.needledoctor.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.363/.f
Cheers
Ron
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Unless you plan to collect older records that are not on CD or have an existing collection, you'll be better off with a great digital setup. Why? Because you will not split your budget on two formats. Most of my collection is in vinyl (900 vs 300), so keeping a good TT is of primordial importance. In went with a modified quartz locked direct drive deck, which delivers proper speed/rotational stability, something most belt drives have real issues with. I had to go through certain mods and noise control measures in order to get my digital sounding right--and I did. Now my dgital and analog rigs sound close to each other.

I do own an Ortofon X5, it is an outstanding
and classic cartridge and can be had for ~$150 in Hong Kong...

***
jed OP
10 posts
 
Ok. Thanks for all the help. I've ordered the AT 440ml. I was going to order the Shure, but quieter tracking would make a world of difference to me. I played with cartridge alignment more last night, and got things quite a bit better, including reducing surface noise and high frequency breakup. However my alignment tools were a limiting factor, so I ordered a stylus pressure gauge, and the alignment protractor from turntablebasics.com, as well as a test record and some additional cleaning supplies. I'm hoping that this setup will improve things tremendously, and teach me a lot about setup so that I'm more prepared when I make the big jump to a better table and cartridge. Better to learn on the cheap stuff! Thanks again for everyone's help.
jed OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the input Psychicanimal. I have a couple hundred albums already, and like to buy albums for a couple of dollars that I'd rather not spend 15 on for cd. At this point, I don't need top of the line for vinyl, because most of my records are in mediocre condition, I just want it to be musical and enjoyable. I might find that this setup is good enough for me for many years, and will have less than $500 into my vinyl setup, including tools and cleaning supplies.
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