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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
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I have plenty of 70s era LPs that sound like junk (and are mint condition), and
many that sound excellent.

I also have plenty of CDs that sound like junk (SACDs too), and many CD's
that are outstanding.

It's a function of the recording being exacerbated by the uber-high-fidelity
of audiophile gear.

Funny thing...I can remember back in the 70s, 80s or 90s when I owned
mid-fi gear (Pioneer and Philips TT, Kenwood integrated amp, JVC CD player,
Rogersoundlab speakers) that ALL LPs or CDs sounded great!
sns OP
653 posts
 
Tobias, it may have been the tt, the lp, the rest of the setup, your perception. Its hard to tell in a demo room at a show.

I've heard claims the VPI is not musical. If this is true, why are all these people buying VPI, are they fools, inexperienced, or tin ears. Many VPI owners claim they are very satisfied with their sound, perhaps they have attained synergy through careful choices in partering equipment. Or perhaps their perceptions are different than those who don't like VPI. Possibly they are fools, inexperienced and tin ears.

VPI owners should stand up and make their voices heard.
Some comparison and contrast may help us in determining just what the truth is.

As for me, I have no agenda, this is only my second tt setup since over twenty years ago. I'm not particularly bothered that lower quality recordings sound lousy on my VPI. I'm disappointed and bothered by the software, perhaps I'm wrong. For me, lousy software, just like lousy equipment, is replaceable and/or disposable.

I do know there are VPI owners claiming to be ok with their lower quality recordings. I've heard them over the past couple of days, they suppose its the rest of my setup and/or system. It seems they believe their VPI setups to be both highly musical and resolving. Are they wrong, or am I wrong, who knows?

As for my isssues, I think it is me, my perceptions simply don't match my expectations. This is a sociological issue, I'm in a state of anomie with my vinyl setup. Audio nervosa has me by the balls, at least in respect to lower quality lp recordings.
sns OP
653 posts
 
Tvad, almost in complete agreement with you! The only thing I disagree with, is the mid-fi gear thing. I had a nearly full Dynaco setup with Thorens TD160, later Linn Lp12, in the mid to late 70's, wonderful warm sound! Got away from audio, sold it all off. A number of years later, early 80's, got back into audio at a relatively low price point, bought into the solid state and direct drive tt silliness, NAD with cheapo Garrard, later Harman Kardon T60 tts, Dahlquist DQ10's. Thought I was doing good for a moment or two, usually when I was stoned or drunk, or stoned and drunk!
jallen
502 posts
 
The Shure is not impressive to me. It is dull and lifeless, tracks well, but has a fragile stylus which disentegrates into powder...I have seen this twice. The Ortofon Black and the Audio Technica 150 have good things said about them. Jallen
sns OP
653 posts
 
Jallen, this is my exact experience with a Shure V15 II. I've heard the later models are better. I've also received advice from a couple of other Thorens owners with similar problems, to use a highly colored, ie. plenty of technicolor and warmth, cartridge. Both didn't tell me which cartridge they use, duh... Hoping to get that information.
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