Turntable Tips - Buying, enjoying and upgrading your vinyl sound
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Thursday April 20, 2023
David Mellor
David Mellor is CEO and Course Director of Audio Masterclass. David has designed courses in audio education and training since 1986 and is the publisher and principal writer of Adventures In Audio.
Lyle Francis Delp replies to Lyle Francis Delp: @Audio Masterclass Brilliant reply!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Audio Masterclass replies to Lyle Francis Delp: @Lyle Francis Delp Cleanliness is next to godliness. DM
Lyle Francis Delp replies to Lyle Francis Delp: @Audio Masterclass I resisted for many years for the same reason….cost. But about 15 years ago, I broke down and bought the VPI…paid about $500 IIRC.
Audio Masterclass replies to Lyle Francis Delp: I don't know why cleaners are not a bigger thing. The only reason I never had one was the cost. The only one in those days as far as I was aware was the Keith Monks machine and it was way out of my price range. DM
Mike Unsworth: I bought an Oracle MK VII, SME V, Benz Micro Ebony and Nordost cables. Yup, at $30K it's grossly expensive, BUT, I also run a $30K CD player. The CD player is absolutely incredible, however, the turntable is simply sublime. Given a proper vacuum operated record cleaning and 220 gram records, there is simply more depth, more "air", more of nearly everything (and no surface noise either).
Stefan Zantes: Buy a vinyl washing machine with inbuild fluid suction. Well cleaned vinyl sounds much better. Most of my friends can't tell CD or vinyl apart in respect to cleanliness of sound, when I play cleaned records on my Yamaha PF 800 with Vinylmaster System, it doesn't need more Investment😊.
Grumpy Git: Something about vinyl that is captivating. Digital audio is so much better than it used to be and I'm happy streaming from Qobos most of the time. Question is - why am I likely to listen for longer periods to vinyl? It's a pain getting up to find and prepare the next record. I suggest it is the addition of distortion components that I like - just as the best SET valve ampliers have a higher 2nd harmonic content and all but the very best reel to reel decks add something. The owner of a hifi shop told me he knew when there was a demo of a vinyl system. All his salesmen were in the dem room. If buying vinyl players buy second hand - Pink Triangle PT1 around £300 and you're on the path to pleasure. Going to cost you though in the long run.
Roland Rodgers: Ha ha ha ha Ha😊
Steve Price: Pretty amusing vid. I've ended up with a 401 with a decent tone arm and selection of cartridges, old shure thing for tatty vinyl and better ones for the less trashed or occasional new records acquired at the local record emporium.
Probably never need to get anything more than the 401 , my ears are too knackered to make it worthwhile and having a selection of cartridges keeps it fresh, ... the previous planer 3 would do the same job but the 401 fell into my possession for 25 quid from a junk shop.... with a spare arm and mc cartridge... as my kids used to say
"Get jealous losers" 😂
Mikhail Kulkov: No, thanks. Loose time of my life to get a bad turntable for to understand that it is bad, then sell it for buying a better one and so on... I think it's worth to buy a best vinyl setup that can and want to afford and listen to best quality of music even understanding nothing in it.
Audio Masterclass replies to Mikhail Kulkov: I don't disagree. When you have a system you like it's a pointless effort to try to go further. Time to sit back and enjoy. DM
Richard Singer: You have convinced me. Digital all the way!
Kenneth Eis: Tongue in cheek at its best. Bravo!
Carl Sitler: I upgraded my record player. I bought a CD player in 1985.
Mathew Boyce: Problem is once you've heard something higher end it is impossible to go back
ßøňël: Instead of the Rigas, I would defenitely suggest buying a used high end model from the 80's and 90's. For the same price you'll get an incomparably better device in every way. Like quartz controlled, direct drive, with heavy platters, and usually a very sophisticated tonearm. My 2 cents...
Richard Singer replies to ßøňël: But risk the possibility of it being faulty, shabby or in need of periodic servicing. Second hand probably isn't the way to go for the beginner.
None of your Business: When it comes to analog, it is sometimes difficult to tell your transition point between seriousness and irony.
This is one of those examples.
Artur Hawk: I like your English sense of humor!
Hoplita: Excelent, Mr. McCartney...!
analogkid455: I still have my B & O turntable from the 80s. I also have most of my record collection from then too.
Wolfgang Pointner: The Linn LP12 is just an expensive Thorens 150, don't buy it.
Mario Krizan: Very good information and advice David 👍👍👍 I didn't know the benefits of Rega capsules. What do you think of Ortofon's 2M and Audio Techniva's VM lines! Thanks in advance and greetings from Buenos Aires.
Rock And Roll: "Pure perfect digital music" 😂
George Ogrady: Dont see dj use them lol
Kevin Riley: Wasn't it a Shure M95 rather than a V15 David ? Keep the videos coming by the way!
Not Insane: I'm guessing that video was tongue-in-cheek. Very well done!
scsitransfer: You forgot about including pre-amp in your upgrade chain, just another way you can go wrong too as it has to match your cart as well especially if upgrading from an MM to an MC cart.
Rock And Roll replies to scsitransfer: You didn't get the video. DM is not being serious.
whssy: This English bloke who lives in Denmark had a good giggle at your pronunciation of "Ortofon". The correct pronunciation is more like "oar-toe-phone".
Audio Masterclass replies to whssy: I think my attempt at genuine pronunciation might be even more amusing. DM
NathanOakley1980: Excellent advice ❤
Mark Moore: I always listen to vinyl, but it's easy to fall into the upgrade path. That's ok if you have the money. I just find digital sources fatiguing after a while. I must have analogue ears.
nagy endre: To me, vinyl is all smoke & mirrors.
Hi-res digital audio is the way!
At the studios, music is being recorded and saved into computers, not on tape!
Mixing & mastering, both, are digital processes.
So why downgrade all of that to vinyl?
erwin vb: Well “pure perfect digital music” requires a DAC and unless you’re going to spend a lot of research and money on that subject it’s hard to compete with good analog material where either the whole process was analog or somewhere in the process a very high end DAC was used in the process. Streaming is great for music consumption and discovering new music, but consumption and active listening are different.
Simon Blandford: One application where 2x db expansion really works well is in FM radio mics where the level and frequency response of the received signal is predictably good and the noise level is quite low to begin with.
Tara Lewis: I love my LINN and tube electronics. But most of all my growing record collection.
Ian T: Started with Planar 3 and now have the Planar 6, it is a good improvement on the 3 but does it justify almost twice the price, probably not but that is the upgrade path you choose I suppose, I have just added an Audiolab CDT 9000 CD Transport, that also sounds good through my Rega Elex 4 amplifier, was always just a vinyl guy, but it is nice to have both as some music you can only get on vinyl and some only on CDs.
Luckily I enjoy listening to the MUSIC and not the equipment like some folks, it's those folks I think that probably have the NEED to constantly upgrade and change components to get the holy grail of perfection, which never seems achievable to the audiophiles golden ears.
I am enjoying these videos though as the tongue in cheek style I have to say does amuse me somewhat lol.
As long as you enjoy your music, you have all you need.
Dean: When you said DJ decks. Put a Rega Arm on the Technics SL1200/10 and fit an MC cartridge 👌
Dean: The issue with analogue gear is cheap sounds awful (borderline un-listenable) as opposed to cheap digital equipment which sounds half ok (bearable anyway)!
phwodehouse: thank you for your sound advice. pun intended.
Dead Andburied: Collarogram>Hacker Grenadier>JVC>Project Debut 3>Fluance RT85>Technics SL1200GR.
John Smith: I bought a Keel in 2009 brand new for £1500, it makes an LP12 project sound into a room like CD......😂
John Smith: I started off with a Rega Planar 3 in 1981 with R100 cartridge. It was £148 including VAT for the 3.
frogandspanner: I still have my Conoisseur BD1 with Acos Lustre and Shure M75ED which, bought second hand from a friend, served well during my PhD years in the '70s. It runs using a pink rubber band kindly left on the ground by my postie. But for show, and the occasions when I dare listen to my early record collection, I use my Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference (yes - SME 3009, but a modern cartridge). It sits next to a Nagra III in my library. I am converting the BD1 so I can play dad's collection of 78s.
Most of my listening these days is from my file server.
Giancarlo Benzina: The Rega P1 can be your first and last turntable. To ensure that is the case you can get a P2 or P3, don't need any model above. Rega comes with the right arm and cartridge, nothing shouting to bemodified - perfect. Don't use project, they're alike but effectively build with lesser engagement.
The Crosley is sheit. Better not listening to it, but to a Tivoli Radio only instead and a cheap digital player plugged in the back.
Choose a good cheap amplifier that does apply the same first and last concept, i.e. a NAD for 300-600eur, or a Marantz alike.
Speakers can be found for the same pair price from a variety of Brands 2-way small box speakers from Monitor Audio, Wharfedale, Tannoy, Dynaudio, Adam, ..., especially Elac B5/B6, ...
Good higher quality cables and especially connectors will do the job, 50-60eur each ready-made will be a good budget to apply if they should stay. Listen to them first, as they make a difference already with the targeted system.
Think of digital, too, if the features are not included in your amp, yet, ifi, rme do a great endgame job for a reasonable budget. there are more like them.
As said, a system you can listen to the ends of listening. Many professional audiophile designers (speaker, amp, etc.) use similar simple but effective systems in their homes (i.e. an australian loudspeaker designer and electronic engineer uses RP1, a chinese tiny bluetooth tube amp, alternating with commonly unknown antique amps he goes through for pure collective reasons. Another only used his portable Sony CD Walkman and whatever amp was around, to listen to music, to refine his speakers and to present them on shows (R.I.P. Bernard S.). Everything beyond double this engagement get's into spheres that try to force real music into the home-box, not achievable.
Gogogeegee Aloupos: And always remember, the real bottleneck is your ears. So invest in good quality earplugs.
Mark Hayman: Another great interesting video, I miss my rega planner 2 with linn k9 cartridge, one day hope ti get a rega just using a pro-ject primary e at the moment. Regards mark
Robbie Perry: Paul McCartney’s looking well!
Robbie Perry replies to Robbie Perry: @Abcde Ahhhhhh well done! I didn’t realise that😂
Abcde replies to Robbie Perry: @Robbie Perry It's funny that Eric played Paul in the Rutles video. Did a pretty good job too.
Robbie Perry replies to Robbie Perry: @Abcde very feasibly! 🤔 if Eric and Paul had a kid!
Abcde replies to Robbie Perry: You are thinking of Eric Idle.
Rock And Roll replies to Robbie Perry: An unaligned McCartney I'd say.
barryhall7: 👍🏻
Zeh Netto Oficial: We are in the same track! Great video!
free的man: I am a proud owner of a Riga P1 Plus. Great turntable, hours of vinyl enjoyment. If I want something better? Easy! I just use my Compact Disc player and play those magic silver discs.
ThewayICit: What you do is you look at YouTube recommendations, most favour the Technics, some like here favour the Rega. Then you buy the Technics because you find the strobe light mesmerising, and it's fun to adjust the pitch of the music, and also you need a direct drive turntable for pretending you are a DJ.
Phillip Kelly: Crap lol. I use tube monoblocks with a cheap dac and preamp and cd player. It gives the distortion and warmth back without any of the downsides.
Sly Foxx: I use vinyl because that's what I have the music on!
Somebloke: Hmmm. I bought a Rega Planar 2 in 1986 and some years ago I transferred all of the components over to a second hand Planar 3 plinth. It looks great but does it sound better than CD ? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Few records are perfect. My reference one would be Tideline By Darol Anger and Barbara Higbie on Windham Hill Records.
Audio Masterclass replies to Somebloke: Thanks for the tip on your reference record. I'll take a listen, but probably on Spotify. DM
Rob McCarthy: As a now retired Electronics lecturer in an Australian TAFE college, audio and sound equipment was one of my specialties. I developed one of the first CD servicing courses back in the 80s. One day I had a group of students in our sound lab with a Linn Sondek turntable, a top end Ortofon cartridge, a 100Wx2 pro Meridian amp and monitor speakers. I played a mint vinyl (European) pressing of "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits. They were mighty impressed. I then connected a then brand new Philips CD player to the same setup and played a mint CD of the same record It was a 'DDD' recording. The young adult students nearly fainted when they heard the difference. Huge dynamic range, wide freq response, no noise. tighter bass, stereo imaging to die for etc. It was setup to do A-B testing between the 2 signal sources. Of course that CD was a Philips 'showpiece with optimum specs. I had a room full of converts. 😎
Rock And Roll replies to Rob McCarthy: It was a thing back then that everything branded as DDD were gold. Everyone strived for DDD, to get rid of the "noisy" analogue (A). But do you know what? Brothers in Arms is not entirely DDD.
Rod Salka replies to Rob McCarthy: do you know any good books or programs for electronics learning and repair? I watch videos but I'd like something in a structured format
Johnny Toobad: I still have..and am still using my SME 3009 tonearm on a re-built Thornes 125 MkII. Also still have a Shure V15-V w/ oem styli. No need to replace.
Kobus Bender: Die LINN is 'n kakhuis vol geld.!!!!
Jay Em: I found Corn Shop in London from a hifi magazine. I faxed them and they sent me an Elys cartridge. It's grey, but not for 78's. It was great. A couple of years ago I got an Elys II (BLUE) and an Exact (YELLOW) for my Planar 3. ( Forgot to mention the Hz in Shizuoka is 50hz cycles. The Rega requires 60hz). Added tape to the pully to get it up to speed. The Rega cartridges have 3 holes. The one in the center assures perfect mounting.
Jay Em: One day while shopping in Shizuoka I came across a Micro-Seki DXQ 1000. If was equipped with 2 tone arms. The rubber feet were squashed, but that didn't deter me. If was fun. Two tone arms and 2 different cartridges. On vacation in my home town I got a Rega Planar 3. The original 3. It was better than the M-Seki. I gave it away to one of the other Japanese Assistant Fire Chiefs. This was the guy who bought a Mercedes because I got one. Keeping up with the Yamadas.
Jay Em: If I may. Try a good record cleaning machines such as a VPI 16.5. That vacuum sucks up all the grit and whatever else is in those grooves getting in the way. Thank you
No Self: I’ll admit up front that I generally consider CDs to sound superior to vinyl. That said, I’ll also admit that turntables and vinyl still have a strong appeal. They offer a fun upgrade path for audiophiles, and high quality setups can sound superb, occasionally even rivaling CD players. Then there is the nostalgia angle. When I was coming of age from the late ‘60s into the early ‘80s, the ultimate in sound quality could only be achieved with a high end turntable. That appeal remains in spite of the fact that I switched to an all-CD music collection years ago. And finally, regardless of one’s opinion on the sound of digital vs vinyl, a nice turntable is undoubtedly the coolest, most beautiful source component in the rack!
John Smith replies to No Self: @Charlie Messing Yes prior to January 1983 the CD format was generally unavailable with digital recordings & the accompanying digital recorders residing only in recording studios, at hifi shows & R&D departments. Good analogue replay was the only available source to the music lover via vinyl or tape.
Charlie Messing replies to No Self: @John Smith Yes, CDs are made much better now, and the results are great - at times as good as any vinyl - but as you know, it takes a small fortune to have truly clean sound - but it can sound the best. Some have ears, some have taste, and some have neither - but plenty of opinions. It also depends on the analogue source, or the digital source...
John Smith replies to No Self: Modern CD players can make CD sound like good analogue. A fine example is the mid priced Denon DCD900NE which once burned in and matched to a lean cable sounds beautifully textured with a full bass, dimensional too with a large soundstage. A record player offering this kind of performance will cost you much more.
Greg Fox: What you really need is a Denon DP-57L Turntable, Simply for the really cool buttons. I’m at Saab guy, so I love buttons :)
Henry Cheng: I agree with your assessment…. I have 2 Fluence, 1 linear tracking Technics and 1 Denon DP-7F. I set the over hangs on the two Fluence TTs and use AT-95E and Shure m97xE, not quiet as the Shure Type IV but both sounded great. The Technics definitely goes head t head with them even though it is a vintage. But the real surprise came in from the Denon DP-7F, which I have an Ortofon OM T4P cart with OM 20 stylus. I have built a TT platform to cut down resonance, no adjustment and fully automatic and I feed it in a small tube preamp. It sounded great and definitely bring a load of enjoyment on my work desk albeit it doesn’t have the classic TT look and style to it. It’s an ugly duckling that keep performing but it does look a bit more organic than the Technics and performs in the same league and above.
Chris Wood: Made my way over 35 years or so through Audio Technica, Project, Thorens and finally last year to a Linn Klimax with a Kiseki Purple Heart. The journey was awesome.
Hans Jørgen Kristensen: Rega 1 is a very good place to start the "vinyl journey", I have an older NAD C555 – similar to a Rega 2 and Rega 1 combination. What is missing compared to direct drive is easier switching between speeds. I have over time upgraded from Goldring Elektra to High Output Ortofon MC 1Turbo. Moreover, a counterweight with a tight screw. Turntablemat is updated from felt to acrylic plate mat. Some drops of oil onto the spindle.
The main reason was some experienced deep rumbling from the records before the music starts. It is important that there is no noise coming from the turntable, the tonearm should be with the least possible movement, only the needle in the pickup should move.
There are a few more changes on my turntable, the main adjustment point is to make sure the pickup sits JUST right, it's not enough with lines and level to stabilize. Find something in the sewing box or tool case that can be used for an accurate pickup adjustment. Once that's done, there's barely an audible difference between pure LPs and clean CDs on the stereo.
Easy to control if the amplifier har Source Direct - if clear sound in both channels, it's probably right.
kadaad: Безумный путь прошлого, как верно о виниле! The crazy way of the past, how true about vinyl!
laika25: Here's another suitable contender (to the popular REGA P1) --->
Fluance RT85
Dead Andburied replies to laika25: Or RT85N
laika25: "Near" hifi shop... mostly Amazon (not the forest, hehe)
Audio Masterclass replies to laika25: I used to live in a town that had an audiophile hi-fi shop in the high street. It isn't there now but the fish and chip shop still is. DM
laika25: Another noted maker: Grado.
laika25: Another setback (for me at least)... where to get/buy REAL (analogue) records, not digital copy-pastes onto plastic......
Rock And Roll replies to laika25: Thrift stores.
Audio Masterclass replies to laika25: It is an interesting point that much vinyl audio has passed through digits before getting into the grooves. If you remember the old AAD, ADD, DDD identification system (maybe not worldwide) then an AAA identifier might be a useful thing for today. DM
laika25: Replace that entry-level cartridge for a mightier 1 but fail at properly aligning it and oh oh Houston we have serious drawbacks.....
laika25: Rega p1 + proper entry level phono amp, mind you....
But wait, I'm enjoying this video sooo much. Back later....
laika25: ...and, yes, i have the REGA P1
laika25: Here i am...... (i really -really REALLY-) want to some day really enjoy vinyl. So far it's just been a constant struggle (vs CD sea of tranquility n joy)
Steven Rubin: Agreed, started with Technics backs in the 80s..moved to Cd. Started again in 2020 with a Rega Planar 3 under covid lockdown. Now Kuzma Stabi turntable and Hana SL cartridge. I am done! Enjoy the analogue route.
Ado topp: I started with a JVC turntable and went to a RP3 . I've listened to records for over 50 years. I now have a Michelle Orbe.
Zockopa: Well,regarding turntables, a decent Dual - its a 1249 for over a decade now - was always good enough for me
when equipped with a DV Karat MC. Although since the eighties they got realy up in price....
CHRIS LJ: It took me awhile to realize what the artwork is on your wall: "American Gothic" and "Nighthawks". Rather unusual selections, lol.
Audio Masterclass replies to CHRIS LJ: Well spotted. They're not the originals. DM
/// Archaeologist ///: You are the voice of reason 😂 Loving every bit of this.
Johnny O: In the process of building my own turntable,already have one,and it's a good one,atleast to me it is,but needing to get a motor speed controller(accurate one) for the 12v DC motor I am going to use for my DIY turntable,so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Борис Дмитрий: Not satisfied with a rega 1,2,3 which a vintage, well refurbished Pioneer pl12d with even just a shure m75ed or m97xe can go toe to toe with
Jim's Rega Turntables mods +hifi jukebox: It's "enjoyment all the way" for me 😉
I also listen via digital too though.
Jim 🏴🙂
Alberto Marcos Vásquez Schubert: Sound, and the human process of listening to it, are analog processes. There is no "digital sound", although there are digital sources. Getting sound out of digital sources is affected by, effectively, more steps than getting sound from analog sources (LPs, tapes). Regardless of relying on digital or analog sources, each step that works to get sound out of them introduces errors, let's say "noise". For any given sound system, there are as many parts that can be upgraded in 100% analog chains, as there are in analog-digital chains (again, there are no digital chains to hear sound, there are ALWAYS analog parts, by definition, in fact most of the chain HAS to be analog, no escape here, not for now, not ever I think). Listening to music is to me the objective, it is what I aim at. Doing it with the best possible sound (to my ears-brain system, that is, which is different from yours) is also an objective, simply because the "better" it sounds the more exciting listening to music is to me. Now, in achieving that "better" sound I change some aspect of my set up from time to time, and experimenting and doing that is a lot of fun, not at all a hassle or a "stone in my shoe". Having said this. I have digital and analog sources. Sometimes the former sounds better, sometimes the latter does. And the same happens to everyone else, either they accept it or not. Oh, and it is so much fun to set up the turntable, clean the LP, clean the stylus, and see that thing spin while I listen to my music. Also, the TT is so handsome, the DAC is.. well, boring (outside, that ism, inside, where it is almost 100% analog, it is a lot of fun).
Abcde replies to Alberto Marcos Vásquez Schubert: @Charlie Messing Study this bruh:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_potential#/media/File:Blausen_0011_ActionPotential_Nerve.png
Abcde replies to Alberto Marcos Vásquez Schubert: @Charlie Messing Nerve impulses are 0 and 1 just like a computer. The signal of 0 or 1 is carried along the nerve fiber by electrons from potassium and sodium. That is the definition of digital. Why do you think digital is numbers? Because numbers are digits? I can say fingers are digits, do you think I'm saying the human hearing has fingers? Digital code looks like this 01001101001110010100101001010
Charlie Messing replies to Alberto Marcos Vásquez Schubert: @Abcde Umm...human hearing is digital? Made of numbers? Well, Mr. Alphabet, I have no idea where you found that information. Everything I've ever read explains the digital world as a construct independent of our senses, and our brains. If there is a book explaining why your brain is digital, I'd like to look at it. Cheers!
Abcde replies to Alberto Marcos Vásquez Schubert: Human hearing is digital. The nerve impulses are 0 and 1 just like a computer, and your brain is digital. But the eardrum is analog so there you go.
John Smith replies to Alberto Marcos Vásquez Schubert: Vinyl is a more tactile medium & the music lover can have a 'relationship' not only with the record but also the replay equipement. Old records bring back the memories of who you were, who you were with & what you were doing, a real nostalgia trip. I don't get this with CD.
Krypton Son: This is an expensive hobby, no doubt about it, but I couldn't imagine throwing down almost $30,000.00 for a turntable. Obviously you get what you pay for with quality, but at some point you have to reach a level of dimiinishing returns.
Rock And Roll replies to Krypton Son: @John Smith But a turd will always be a turd. You can keep trying to improve that turd. It will still be a turd.
John Smith replies to Krypton Son: @Audio Masterclass Improving your room accoustic can be more cost effective than splashing out on expensive high end gear.
Krypton Son replies to Krypton Son: @Audio Masterclass good point
Audio Masterclass replies to Krypton Son: An audiophile might possibly say that as you upgrade, your ears become more and more finely tuned and compensate for those diminishing returns. Certainly in music production, you never stop learning and there's always more and more fine detail to hear. DM
Mondo Enterprises: Turntables now come with a bottle of aspirin. 😁
Rock And Roll replies to Mondo Enterprises: And CD player comes with a rope.
agx502: Until we get down to the quantum level its an analogue world. The clock circuitry and the analogue output stage of digital equipment also suffers from many sources of degradation etc. Its a question of degree. I have spent a lot of time doing DIY mods on CD players and DACs (improved clock modules, passive components, power regs etc etc).
AT1272: I can't imagine this guy liking anything. This isn't even about turntables. He's upset because he knows what's best for everyone and can't handle it when people make different choices.
AT1272 replies to AT1272: @Audio Masterclass If that's the standard you set, you should have no problem meeting it. Its like people working at McDonalds saying they make great food because they didn't have any complaints. No one complained about your video so it must be good.
You may also want to take into consideration youtube now blocks the dislikes, so no one even uses it anymore. So you're happy with censored results? It doesn't surprise me.
And yes, you do look upset. That's why I made the comment in the first place. You're upset that someone can see things differently than you, so you made a video that makes you look spiteful and arrogant.
Audio Masterclass replies to AT1272: 100% likes on this video so far. Do I look upset? DM
adam ant: I've been using the same Dual 506 turntable since I purchased it new in 1981. I've managed to tweak it with upgraded interconnects, Shure Me97he and isolation pods. Somewhere in time, I've managed to disable (break) the players ability to play 45 rpm singles. Fortunately, I don't own 45's anymore so I really don't care. It's my hope that this reliable turntable outlasts me. In the event that it doesn't I'll be looking for another one just like it. As far as the vinyl revival well.... what revival?
Abcde replies to adam ant: I'm here to brag about my old Dual 1216 (a higher number than yours!!) with a Shure V-15 RS cartridge, the RS stands for Radio Shack but don't let 'em kid you. It's a V-15 type III in a Radio Shack box. Maybe the type IV was coming out and Shure had to dump the old type IIIs on Radio Shack or something. The sound is incredible and unlike yours, it still plays 45s. I mostly use it for 78's though, which can sound good if they are post WWII in excellent condition. I threw out my LPs many years ago and got the CDs
Henry banbelle: good evening you are rather beatles or rolling Stones😊
Audio Masterclass replies to Henry banbelle: Beatles, but I don't begrudge Stones fans - they made many great recordings, and live music fans have enjoyed their shows over decades where, other than the rooftop concert, the Beatles didn't perform at all after 1966. DM
Sven Schwingel: There is no reason not to get a DJ turntable. Cogging is no longer an issue, neither is excessive rumble and the low W&F of a quartz locked direct drive puts most belt-driven turntables to shame.
David Bland replies to Sven Schwingel: No it does not. Please explain why the most expensive and best sounding turntables are always belt drive.
Sven Schwingel replies to Sven Schwingel: @AT1272 glad we could sort that out. Enjoy your vinyl :)
AT1272 replies to Sven Schwingel: @Sven Schwingel Your post wasn't that clear. You made your judgement seem absolute. And you're allowed to do things your way, and don't need my approval. But I made my comments based on what was not in your post. Not that it matters, but I do agree with most of what you are saying. The info you just gave in your last post can really help someone make a decision. It was worth the effort.
Sven Schwingel replies to Sven Schwingel: @AT1272 if you quote me, quote me properly, please. The "putting to shame" part was directed at W&F only. Which undoubtedly is a part of the listening experience, albeit not the be-all, end-all, of course.
Also, I would never try to compare a DJ deck like one of the Hanpin Super OEMs (which aren't bad at all) like the Reloop RP-7000 MkII or an Mk7 Technics (or even an M7G which is pretty amazing, but also freakin' expensive) to some 20000$ high-end turntable with a low-resonance ultralight carbon tonearm, expensive MC cartridge, high-end phono preamp and whatnot.
But within the entry-level price range up to 600-800€, most belt-driven models simply get outperformed by their similarly priced direct drive counterparts.
These DJ decks usually offer better dampening of the plinth, rock-solid W&F (entry-level Pro-Ject or Rega sit around 0.25% mind you), adjustable VTA, non-cogging motors, dampened platters and really decent tonearms with inner rubber lining for low resonance. Plus, they are easy to setup with different cartridges.
What I was trying (and failing, obviously) to point out is that I would actually buy a belt-driven turntable. But my personal entry level would be a Rega Planar 3 with a cartridge upgrade and a dedicated phono preamp which would put me in the ballpark of around 1500$. If my budget were below 1000$, I'd go for a direct drive DJ deck (which I have, after careful consideration and a few listening tests at dealers).
AT1272 replies to Sven Schwingel: Have you ever listened to a DJ turntable? Or a good one, for that matter? I'm a DJ and have 4 1200's. I've put them next to one of my good ones. There's an old saying. Its hard to screw up vinyl. Do the 1200's set up properly with a good card and preamp sound good? Yes. Are they better than one of my high end TT's? Nope.
I'm not trying to be an ass, but when you make statements like this. "direct drive puts most belt-driven turntables to shame.", we both know you can't back that up. If what you say is true, they why isn't everyone making direct drive turntables? Quartz lock has been around for decades.
At this point, you're probably going to say something like, "audiophiles won't buy a direct drive or DJ style turntable." And my answer to that is, it depends. If you can prove its better, they will buy it. Either way, some audiophiles do buy them. There's nothing wrong starting out with a quality DJ TT. Or they just don't have enough records to justify something more expensive. It can be a great option. But they're not going to put Rega or VPI out of business anytime soon.
Fred Brunetti: I was thinking the Crosley is awful
Rock And Roll replies to Fred Brunetti: You didn't get the sarcasm and irony of this video.
Jerry Taylor: I don't get this, why spend your time attacking records? He doesn't like them .. I get it. Enough already! Some of us like records.... I understand... in your opinion I am an idiot... actually you would not say it's an opinion... you would say it's an obvious fact..why go on and on about it? It would be great if this pleasant fellow could spend his significant talent sharing what he enjoys versus his tounge in cheek denigrating what i like. WHY? He is on a mission to be the anti vinyl messiah? I repeat ... WHY? Tell us about good quality fish and chips!!! Wouldn't you enjoy hearing about the perfect malt vinegar?
Andy’s Audio Krapp: Love it! I’m a fan of all formats! But I stay clear of the “one format rules them all” snobbery. I love your approach man… bring the monkey out and talk about it! The theology of vinyl is similar to trying to figure out who’s farts smell better. Ohhh ohhh I ate “shure” and “mint vinyl” today… come smell this one!
Brian Lee: Good entry level turntable and phono amp is capable of excellent sound. You don't have to up the ante just to continue enjoying excellent sound. Its almost like he saying you need to upgrade in order to continue enjoying the sound. Simply not the case. Imagine how he would explain the laws of diminishing returns in the audio world. SCARY!
Sal Morreale: Thank you for posting.
fabrizio: thanks
william sarver: Love the head nods lol— from a 70s audio salesman
william sarver replies to william sarver: I had a Technics 1100 — SME 3009– ADC XLM CARTRIDGE
Mike Mahoney: And lets not forget the capacitance loading of the cartridge and how that can put a dash on all that nuanced rubbish ...why one phono cartridge will sound differently on different TT's and preamp combinations. At some point, hopefully before you go insane or permanently cripple your piggy bank, you wake up and determine enough is enough. And you refuse to be enticed by the lyrical and soft spoken voice goading you to "upgrade"!
Chunksville: I detect a bit of "tongue in cheek" 🤣
sk22ng: Well done! When CD's came out my wife & I migrated over to them and eventually put the JVC QL=5 turntable away. I dug it out a month ago and gave it a good cleaning, then installed a new Audio Technica VM 540 ML cartridge and also dug out our 540-album collection and rediscovered heaven on earth. We invested ten grand in new speakers, preamp, & amp and now spend a lot of time rediscovering the audio treasures in our fantastic album collection.
Charlie Messing replies to sk22ng: @David Mander Some people buy boats, cars or guns - whatever, you know? No one is burning their money.
John Smith replies to sk22ng: @Charlie Messing I knew a record dealer who cleaned some of my records with a VPI. It left no residue & the records were as good as they could be keeping in mind their age & usage.
Charlie Messing replies to sk22ng: @John Smith They must be good, eh?
John Smith replies to sk22ng: @Charlie Messing VPI record cleaning machines are actually sold out on their site & original spares are now difficult to get hold of.
Charlie Messing replies to sk22ng: @David Mander It's nothing compared to true audiophile setups! Turntable for $40,000 alone? It gets much madder - this isn't cheap, but it's not the top level - or the burning money level. Now, spending $7000 on a record cleaning machine does seem mad to me...but that's because I can't afford the really great stuff - and where would I put it?
Richard Elliott: I can't tell if this guy thinks a condescending tone is humorous, or if that's his speed and he is trying to be nice for the camera. A friend should advise him that digital is not without flaws, unless god built his equipment. every source is subject to the subjective filter of human hearing, so taking listening beyond fun might be a mistake.
Abcde replies to Richard Elliott: @Rock And Roll Most of those first pressings had a master that was 1/2" analog tape, and now they are trying to digitally remaster from the original tape, my first thought is, how the hell can anybody improve on the sound of 1/2 inch tape moving at 10 feet per second or whatever it is? You can digital this or digital that, but you can't make it better.
Rock And Roll replies to Richard Elliott: I have plenty of original first pressing LPs that still beats every digital remaster of a specific album. I don't care about the specs. I find people doing remasters struggle to improve something or whatever they strive for improving, but the fail, and fail and fail, over and over again. Same with the content on Spotify - so many odd sounding versions of the same album. Wonder what these people are doing.
FL660: Great channel. Love it. Very watchable and easy going. From a 54 year old vinyl head 😃👍.
Coastwalker: I know you are being somewhat tongue in cheek with this video and I get it. But this is a good perspective to have on vinyl. As an experience that can change your relationship to music slightly and to make that a fun experience. I note that matching the cartridge to the speakers and to the room gets you to think about the sound you are hearing and that is something that might be missed when just using a "perfect" digital experience. There are other factors involved with vinyl other than the deficiencies in the equipment - such as the acquisition of a record which you have not heard, the first play - hopefully in company so that the music itself can be discussed whilst listening to it with a drink. It is all retro but it is a different experience to just streaming a background.
Hello Meat Robots: I have never felt less enthusiasm for listening to music in my life.
Luke Roberts: Album Length
When does a project technically become an album? Generally speaking, any project over seven tracks is considered an album. Length should be considered when creating a piece of work - more established artists may be able to present larger bodies of work without the art feeling over-saturated, but emerging creators might be best off keeping things short and to the point. What is the first track of an album called?
The first track of an album is often called a lead-off, intro, or opening track. The first song can help set the tone for the rest of the project, so it's key to think long and hard about your introduction.
Sequencing an album is a key part of the process. From the opening song to the last song, make sure that your decisions are intentional. When in doubt, take a listen to your favourite albums for inspiration. Have fun building a dream sequence for your art. Why is album sequencing important?
The best albums are intentional throughout every step of the process, especially when considering how multiple songs tie together. Album sequence can change the whole perspective of a project, shifting the perspective from one song to another. In your own words why album sequencing is really important when making a studio album 💿 and also why is dream sequence has to be included as part of album 💿 sequencing and in your own words why album sequencing does deal with album length and in your own why why album 💿 sequencing start from the opening song 🎵 to the titled track if a song to the closing track?
Luke Roberts replies to Luke Roberts: @Doc Delete where I can find it?
Luke Roberts replies to Luke Roberts: @Audio Masterclass I understand.
Audio Masterclass replies to Luke Roberts: I think you watched a different video. DM