Clearaudio Concept - Used - Careful

Appreciate your very helpful note Viridian. I should have read the instructions inside that red box.

During a cartridge purchase, I first saw this deck at my dealer and discussed buying new from them. My comment on showing up with a used one was directed at their displeasure in my not buying new from them. Yes, they will set this table up for $185 plus tax.

Clearaudio sent me detailed instructions on how to setup this deck up myself. I have all the instructions needed to get the anti-skate up and working which I have done.

I'd like Viridian to tell me how much to turn the anti-skate dial and how he would know what the setting was before he turned it. I forgot, the instructions in that "red box" were so detailed.

Pdjmwj -- the standard arm is (a sort of) unipivot and you can choose to skip on anti-skating adjustment, which is fiddly. I set one up for a friend a few days ago -- he is using an expensive Lyra and the a-skating was set by ear & test record; not very scientific! We set the TT at the edge of the table to have easy access under the arm.

With all due respect, you have a very decent TT there and, as you note, you have plenty of TT experience. You don;t need the dealers' expensive input!

Pdjmwj I always set bias by ear, starting at the manufacturers recommended setting. In your case, that would be the pre-set amount. Often, I find that the recommended amount is too much, and in many cases end up with no bias compensation at all.

But I set VTF the same way, starting at the recommended setting and then listening for the best sound quality.

185.00 is a lot better than 95.00 per hr min of 4 hr for a Linn Sondek LP12. Take your time and set it up yourself, or at least try it first. I rebuilt 2 Linns and saved a lot of money that way. Just be careful with the cart while installing it. You'll love vinal. Good luck.

I agree with you all and take it on the chin. I have things all setup and it was worth the time. I did just as recommended, trial and error. I've swapped out several cartridges for practice and messing around. Feel pretty good about dialing this in now.

One thing to be very careful with is to not turn the anti-skate more than a couple of turns. Even that is too much and could bind the wires. Wish there was a way to know what dead center is as a reference point but there is no way to determine this that I can find.

I've gone overboard since getting this TT. I now own a new Conrad Johnson ET-3 preamp and Jolida JD-9 phono preamp with mods. Combination is working for me and I love the sound after everything is warmed up.