bpoletti

Responses from bpoletti

Denon DL-110 HOMC
The phono input differences are really about cartridge output matching.    Generally speaking, the MC phono inputs are for low output cartridges, the MM phono inputs for high output phono cartridges.  The DL-110 is a little light at 1.6mv for a MM... 
Best TT under $1k
My opinions and observations...The AR-ES was stock, including a stock arm.  The regas were beaten using both a Shure V15/IV and an Audioquest 404.  As I recall the AR-ES arm needed some blue damping material in the headshell for both carts and mor... 
What's your definition of analog smell?
Depends on who's upwind. 
Twist the cartridge phono cable
He might have been referring to the dreaded Robarts Frambular parasites that can accumulate near RCA plugs.  These nanocytes are mostly composed of multi-spin Quantum electrons that exist simultaneously near the connectors and in inside the sendin... 
When to replace preamp tubes?
My opinions, partially based on experience from 55+ years of using tubes, building tube electronics (mostly from kits) and tweaking tube electronics.  I'm no expert, but I saw one on TV about 20 ago.How to tell if a tube needs replacement?Increase... 
Phone Stage and DAC for PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium
My opinions.... Wait.... Everyone already knows my opinions. I would look for a used Herron Audio VTPH-1. Keith Herron might have one available that was traded in on a new VTPH-2. It would be your very best bet in a phono stage in that price range... 
Home grown turntable platform/base?
@bdp24    +1  I might also suggest substituting THICK maple butcher block, 2 1/2" or greater, for the baltic birch.  It would require two of the butcher blocks to accomplish your goal, but it would work.  Thin sorbothane sheets between the layers ... 
VPI Prime or Scout or ???
@gochurchgo - My opinion....Everything else being equal, my opinion on the listed tables is that it would be either the Clearaudio Performance or the Prime / 3D arm.  I think the 3D arm on the Prime would push the VPI ahead.  IMO, a good arm seems... 
VPI Prime or Scout or ???
My opinion based on years of experience....Let's compare rega tables against similarly priced competition.  Sine they are mentioned above, we can look at the RP8 and RP6 as examples using Acoustic Sounds web site as a reference....RP8 ($3000 - $42... 
What is the average lifespan of a phono cartridge?
Agree with @chakster .  Different stylus profiles have different lifespans.  Also, the construction quality of a stylus can impact lifespan (crystal structure alignment).  The various line contact styles / profiles listed by chaster have a larger ... 
Best TT under $1k
@elubow - My opinion.Once burned, shame on you. Twice burned, shame on me. Three times burned without any success is a significant enough sampling for me.  rega?  Never again..I've had three VPI tables and two AR tables that all worked and sounded... 
What is the average lifespan of a phono cartridge?
How long a cartridge will last is a kind of vague question.  More specific reference to components in the cartridge might be necessary.Stylus shape, stylus composition, crystal orientation, tracking force, record condition, user habits and other f... 
VPI Prime or Scout or ???
@mayoradamwest - Yes, it will sound much better than a similarly priced rega.   
Best TT under $1k
@elibow - You asked....I have had a particularly bad experience with a couple of rega tables.  Cheap parts, poor qc, substandard performance.  Silk purse / sow's ear.  The ONLY redeeming quality I found was that it was fairly easy to set up becaus... 
Best TT under $1k
There is a Denon DP6000 for sale $790 on another site related to an audio asylum.