Schroeder vs. Triplanar VII Sonic Differences

You guys will probably think I'm crazy, but I'm planning on sandwiching a few of my extremely warped specimens between a couple pieces of plywood and setting a 50lb. weight on top and leaving them for several months. Naturally, these records aren't prime collectors items, but I'm hoping this works well enough to salvage a Doors first album and U2's Joshua Tree. Both are so bad I can't play them now anyway.

I'm sure the commercial product is faster, safer, less work, etc.

Rwd,

The Calypso does sound a bit sterile in stock form. If you can get a couple of good 12ax7's in there you will be greatly surprised by the improvement. I know that is tough to do with a demo unit. I was able to do this and the results with the Calypso was every bit as good as the BAT VK50-SE plus better detail and dynamics.

Hi Rick,

I found some telefunkens for the 12ax7's and some Amperex White Label 7803 for the 6922. Not cheap, but a big improvement over the stock Sovteks. I agree that the 12ax7 has the most impact, but the 7803's picked it up a bit more in combination with the tele's. Once I had these in place this pre was every bit as good as my BAT VK50-SE but with more dynamics. So far, these are the only other tubes I have tried.

Best,

Dan

I hope to be in Denver that weekend listening to Galibier and Teres tables. However, if it doesn't come together on that date I may try to join you guys for VTV.

Speedy, if I get my hands on an Allaerts I won't be trading for ANY lp! Not even that Doors first issue. But we could mount up the cartridge for a spin.

Doug, I'd really love to hear your system. It has been on my "things to do" list for quite some time. I'm guessing you're just about 1/2 way between me and Piscataway. OOOooooohhh. Single malt.

This would make a great weekend. My wife is always bugging me to figure out a way to go some where. Now she's gonna' pay! :)

Just a bit of perspective. I'm used to Project, Rega and Vector tonearms. Fotzing is inherent with these arms so I've learned to accept it and look for techniques to make each task simpler and as repeatable as possible. Personally, I can live with just about any arm since I've built a set of tools to make most any adjustment I need to regardless of what the arm has built into it.

I do admit that there is an ease to use of arms like the 2.2, except for the issue of tuning the fluid as you guys have mentioned. I still have not taken my Triplanar out of the box but I can see that there are similarities in some adjustments to the 2.2. The issue of the VTA "slop" does not concern me as I liken it to the same issue I have when I use a pipe or cresent wrench. You learn to feel for the engagement of the teeth. This is much more known to me than the technique of adjusting things by ear which takes time and experience to learn. For me that is an issue no matter what arm I use.

I think I'm just re-inforcing what Thom posted before. To paraphrase, the "right" arm is the arm that works best for you. I'm still having fun fotzing with all the arms I can get my hands on. That's not to say that I don't listen to a boat load of music while I'm at it.

BTW, I'm breaking my silence here. I'll be in Denver the week of May 13, 14 if anyone would like to join in. All the plans are not finalized yet, but it will be a great time.

Bob Graham,

I'm just up the road in New Hampshire. I'd gladly carry a Phantom to Denver for you if you could not make the trip. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more)

I have to say that Thomas has me thinking of moving from my 2.2 to the Phantom. After looking through the features of the Phantom I can see why many are so impressed with it.

Andrew, I sincerely hope that I have not lent a hand in hijacking this thread. (Yeah, like I'm innocent!) Through recent posts I gather that events are turning toward something very close to the spirit of your original posts.

To those who might be following this thread I want to make it clear that I'm having absolutely no issues at all with coordinating plans with Galibier Design. Thom and I have been in constant contact, but we are both professionals and as much as we'd like it otherwise, work takes precedence. So, for anyone interested, the quasi-planned trip to hear the best available in Dever trip probably won't happen before the middle of May. This whole thing is going to be slightly hit or miss ( for lack of a better description ), but I really believe that when it does come together it will be worth it in spades!

After thoughtful negotiations over Mexican food, Marguaritas (me, not her. Oh my gawd, what did I say I would to?), and the calender of events, my wife has agreed to put up with me for a weekend of gleeful, geeky discussions and encounters concerning all things audio. She really means that we have to keep her entertained or she's gonna say "Screw you guys, I'm goin' home!"

(Really, she's a great person and a good sport! After 30 years I should know!)

Doug, I have to echo Speedy's praise that it is very good of you and Paul to offer your hospitality. I would have considered flyin down to Philly and then driving over for the VTV weekend but I would not pass up the opportunity to visit with you guys and hear your system.

All the best to everyone,

Dan