2. analog
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matching tt to music

The other day I started a post about bad sounding classic rock lps. It suddenly occured to me, that I had enjoyed them some months ago with a different tt setup.

On my current VPI setup these lps sound lousy. In my previous setup, totally modded Thorens TD 160, Pete Riggle modded Rega RB250 with Incognito wiring, Sumiko Blue Point Special and/or Dynavector 20XL, Cayin Phono-One preamp these sounded relatively musical.

I listened almost exclusively to the very classic rock lps I now complain so much about. I was happy enough with the sound I didn't play digital once in perhaps a month.

I installed the Thorens back in the system yesterday, and voila, these recordings again sound like I recall from the previous listening, I enjoy listening to classic rock recordings again.

I conclude you need the right tool for the job. The VPI is simply too detailed for these albums, it illuminates all the warts (especially with the Valhalla tonearm wire). The Thorens is just veiled enough to hide most of those warts. The Thorens also has a fuller tonal balance, ie. sounds
more musical with these albums.

At this point, I'm planning a dual tt setup, the VPI for the quality recordings, the Thorens for the crappers. The only problem is, I will need a new cartridge for the Thorens/Rega setup. I will need to use a MM cartridge, which will allow both setups to be used together (VPI uses the MC input on Cayin, Thorens will use MM input). At this point I'm looking at purchasing either a Shure V15 III or VHR, AT 150MLX, Grado Gold or Silver, Pickering XVS, or Ortofon 2M Bronze. Any suggestions on which of these (or another) that will work well with this combination? I'm looking for a fuller tonal balance, want something on the warm side, but don't want bloated bass.
sns
sns OP
653 posts
 
Dan ed, interesting to note. At a recent audio show I spoke with perhaps 20 audio dealers/distributors about whether I should purchase a VPI or Nottingham tt. I specifically asked which would be the more musical sounding. About 70% of them (most did not sell either line) favored the Nottinghams.

So, are the VPI's inherently relatively analytical? It seems that at least some people think so. Not having heard a wide variety of tts in my setup I can't answer that. To me, the VPI sounds great with great recordings, not so great with lousy recordings. Some would say this is perfect neutrality.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,243 posts
 
Coldn't you get away with the high output version of the Dynavector 20X? It has as high an output as most mm carts. That is a pretty good cart and very musical. I might suggest you consider upgrading the cart on your Scout to the next step up in the Dynavector line. Especially if you are thinking of playing the better recordings on it. It is startling how much clarity and detail the 17D cart reveals compared to the 20XL or 20XH.

By the way this is a great idea you have to just have 2 setups. I've thought this was ideal myself but I don't have enough room to deal with it.

Oh and though I have never heard the VPI scout I can attest to the musicality of Nottingham tables. My first table was a Nottingham Horizon with a Dynavector 10x5 on it. I paid 800 used here on Audiogon. I was shocked by how much more I enjoyed the sound than CDs. I've been a convert ever since, though of course I still listen to and highly enjoy digital too.
sns OP
653 posts
 
Tvad, Ejlif, my next upgrade to the VPI will be the XX2.

I don't think hooking up any MC cartridge to the MM inputs on the Cayin would be to my liking, I do know there is enough gain, and the loading would be correct. I'm just not sure I'm looking for the sound of high output MC cartridges on these lps, I think the MM's will give me a warmer, fuller midrange. It is a possibility, however.

Ejlif, nice to hear someone else can enjoy both digital and analog, we seem to be in the minority.
sns OP
653 posts
 
I seem to be getting a number of recommendations, both from here, and another forum for the Dynavector 10x5 over the MM cartridges. Anyone disagree? I can get the Dyna's for a very good price, so this works for me. I just wonder about MC's going through a phono stage minus the transformers (which I can't use since the other tt will be going through here, the MC input), I always thought transformers warmed up the sound to some extent. On the other hand, the Sumiko Blue Point Special sounded ok going through the MM input (no transformers)on Cayin.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
The 10x5 sounds warm and full on its own, without any transformers or whatever between it and the first amplification stage. I listened to it on a Roksan Xerxes with a Rega 250 or 300 and IIRC a Kora phonostage.
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