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!
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.
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.
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- 24 posts total
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. |
Here's an invaluable tool (IMO)...the MintLP Best Tractor protractor. After having set up my XX2 MK2 cart with this protractor, I can say without question my analog system sounds the best it ever has. Completely free of tizz and high end distortion, including inner groove distortion. Heck, I wonder if the AT150MLX I sold would have been free of its high frequency distortion if I had set it up with the Best Tractor? I imagine so. You might consider ordering one and setting up your existing arm/cart using the Best Tractor and see if the objectionable recordings diminish in number. |
- 24 posts total