I have a Pro-ject 2.1, I think with a Grado needle.
I've been looking around for a new turntable and I'm kinda leaning towards a VPI Scout.

What about you?

Rega Rp3. This is my first and only TT so I do t have much to compare but it did outperform the Rp1 significantly in my opinion.

I currently have a VPI Scout Master. Before that I had a VPI HW-19 and a Systemdek IIX. Going from the Systemdek to the HW-19 was a big change. The VPI was much quieter. The Systemdek had a very low level rumble that I did not notice until I went with the VPI.

VPI are built like tanks and are upgradable.
You may have a hum problem with the Grado since they are not shielded.

I have a Sota Star Saphire vacuum, Fidelity Research FR-64 and a Shinon Red low output MC. The Sota table is an amazing piece of engineering and completely dead quiet with regards to any acoustical feedback. I cannot see ever changing out my table/arm but  a new cartridge is in my sights after I get my bike back from my mechanic. Let us know what you settle on, lots of great used gear out there since Sony gave us Perfect Sound so many years ago….ha, ha. Happy Listening, Chris.

AR XA, Elac Miracord 50H, Dual 1019, Garrard Lab 80 & Pioneer PL-6A.

They've all been restored, and in the case of the XA, lightly modified. And they all sound great.

I've owned previously tables from VPI and Music Hall, and while I enjoyed them, these tables are for more enjoyable.  They're as musical as any piece of gear that I've ever owned.

Hello all,
Got a new ZP3 in house, and a new table and arm, so I thought I'd post some very early impressions.

Old table that was replaced ( and soon on the chopping block ) was a Feickert Blackbird. Great table. I used it with the 12 inch Jelco that came with it, and my Fidelity Research FR66s. While we all know aural memory is nothing to rely on, this set-up did things I don't ever recall my VPI Aries MK1 doing. Really great analog set-up. Was completely happy, with no thought of ever changing anything.

Then a great deal on a really upper crust table fell into my lap that I could not turn down. I've got the new Amazon Grand Referenz table here, and I mounted a Moerch DP8 on it. Right now, since I'm using the ZP3, I'm using an Audio Technica AT150MLX, as it's the only high output cartridge I have. I've got some microphone input transformers in house that I'll eventually wire up so I can put my Midas bodied Denon DL103r and Koetsu Rosewood into play.

Until then, all I can say is that my vinyl rig is sounding sublime, and I know I'm no where near optimal set-up. I aligned the cartridge with my
MF Geodisc, and while its close, I know there's room for improvement. I ordered a Mint protractor, but Yip sent me the protractor for the 9 inch wand, and I've got the 12 inch version here. A new one shipped out today. After that arrives I'll attempt to really dial in the set-up.

The point of all this rambling is two-fold.

First, The Amazon Grand Referenz/Moerch DP8 combo is a significant step up from the Feickert/ Fidelity Research combo. I'm going to have to make an arm board to mount the Fidelity Research on the Amazon to compare to the Moerch. Should prove interesting.

Second, while I've got some hum in the ZP3 I've got to track down, there is something going on here that is hard to describe. I guess the best way to put it is that I get totally lost in the music. I put a record on, lower the arm, and the next thing I know is the side is done, I'm lifting the arm, and I've got a smile on my face and no recollection of the details of the music. Just lost.

Will have to compare the ZP3 to my Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 w/ SE+ upgrades and see what gives. But based upon my memories of the SF, and what I hear from the ZP3, I don't expect the SF will stay in the mix long.

More to follow,

Cheers,                 Crazy Bill          

hdrider,

thanks for the insight.
The first thing I'll try is obviously the infamous ground loop. While I'm feeding everything into a Burmester 648 power conditioner and that should't be an issue, you never know. I'll play and see what happens.

After that ( which I have to try but I don't believe is the culprit ), I'll have to address rack placement. A much more probable cause for the noise. My rack is very busy with a lot of stuff, and placement could very well be the issue.

I'll do some playing around and see what happens.

Cheers,                      Crazy Bill

Bill- It's been a month, did the ZP3 get settled in ok? I had my usual Friday night vinyl listen with my buddy and played through some Pink Floyd, Refreshments (Roger Clyne) and a few others and just got totally lost in the music. My buddy loves coming over (next door) and listening, claims the whole systems is actually an art project but for the ears (also for the eyes, he loves the tubes glowing). What's new? Happy listening, Chris.

I'm using a 1978 Thorens 160mk2, an upgraded Mission 774 tonearm, upgraded with silver wire, cardas RCA connectors. A 2m black cartridge that suits the ZP3 very nice. The deck have been upgraded for less noise.

Was supposed to be just a cheap intro to vinyl... now I can't even consider selling it, way to much invested compared to selling value.. but no worries I like what I'm hearing. Somewhere down the line I want to try a VPI or Dr.Feickert or similar, but at the moment I can't defend the extra cost vs quality. Need more vinyl more.

Rega P5 with Groovetracer mods (spindle and counterweight); Dynavector 20X2L cart going into a Parks Audio budgie, then that goes into a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II.  Very, very happy with this setup.  I'm amazed with every record I play in my collection, which spans 40years of collecting.  In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm on my fifth hour of spinning vinyl.  This going into my Rachael and Omega speakers makes me a very happy Audiophile.

Sonic- Nice looking table, let us know your impression when it arrives. What cartridge are you putting on it? Happy listening, Chris.

I will be using a 2M black.
I hope some day to try a moving coil but I would need the ZMC also to do that and I have totally shot my audio funds for a while.
New table should be here this week.
This was my dream table also.
I am glad I was able to get the Rosewood because once they are gone I guess they won't be making them anymore and there are apparently only a few left according to soundstage direct.

LOL...I feel your PAIN!  ;D

They are up!
First spin, Roxy Music Avalon.
The sound so far, Clear clean tight and full, lots of air and space in the music, music is all around me.
I have many new things at the same time, ZSTAGE, VPI, and new interconnects but the sum total seems to be working quite well.
Much better so far than where I was.
I really like the simplicity of my system with the TORII JR the ZSTAGE and the modded ZP3.
So incredibly clear and clean, I guess already said that.

Sonic -

Congrats! Looks awesome, I bet it sounds incredible. Have you compared with and without the ZSTAGE?

I am starting with Thorens TD-150 > ZP3 > TORII JR > HR-1... deciding CSP3 or maybe just ZSTAGE...

Anyway, congrats and happy listening!

-Ron

Hey Sonic,  awesome looking system. I have a Zstage coming soon. Would love to hear your thoughts on how it impacts your system. What cart do you have in the TT?
acetone

Acetone go to the ZSTAGE section for my impressions.

I thought I'd point out that a Rega RP6 with Exact II cart is for sale on audiogon.  I use a black one that I paid  $1500 plus $50 shipping for.  My only question for the seller would be how much use has the cart had.  I haven't tweaked mine yet but it does a great job.  I might first buy the belt upgrade. Oh, lastly, I'd offer the seller less that he's asking  ;) Mark.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-rega-rp6-includes-cartridge-free-sh...

Hi All! Finally posting for my Christmas present. Wife let me get a VPI Prime, now have probably 200 hrs on it.  Playing just about everything you can think of. FANTASTIC! My old table was Technics SL1200 which I bought in '93 and I thought was actually quite good.  But the Prime blows it out of the water and makes it sound like a child's toy. Using a ZP3 through a Torii 4 with a Soundsmith Zephyr 3 cart and just amazed! Crazy how good vinyl sounds even old used stuff.

Paul64,

Wow, you just went from SL1200 to a VPI Prime and I just sold my VPI Scout 1.1 with Soundsmith Zepher and bought a SL1200GAE with an Audio Technia ART9. As good as the Scout is the new SL1200GAE with ART9 blows it away. It looks like the old SL1200 but under the hood is another story, the coreless direct drive motor is dead quiet and consistent.

Hey Archie.  My SL1200 is stock except I did add the tone arm dampening trough and also upgraded the feet....but neither made a big impact. Last few years I have looked at rewiring the whole table but decided against that route and went with the Prime instead.  Not knocking the original SL1200 but the Prime in my system was an amazing upgrade and no regrets. Lots of great turntables out there for sure!

Regards,
Paul

When I bought my 1200 in 1993 I paid $295.  Definitely a steal and thoroughly worth it. I think those days are over when a company can produce a million units and thus keep the price down for a high quality audio component.

I think you are asking about the cart I'm using on my Prime...it's a MI...2mV output.

Here is Michael Fremer's recent review of the new Technics 1200G TT.

http://www.analogplanet.com/content/technics-direct-drive-sl-1200g-turntable#hxM...

He liked it a lot.  

I have a ClearAudio Concept with Dynavector 10x5 Cartridge with Clearaudio phono.

Does anybody use the Decware Gain Stage connected to a Turntable?

Regards

Similarly, I use the Ultra preamp after my phono stage for added gain with the benefits that Archie mentioned.  The ZSTAGE would add nice tube-based gain, but would not have the same level of "tube love" and sonic benefits of say a CSP3.  If you are simply looking for additional, neutral gain without mucking up the signal, the ZSTGE would be a fantastic addition.  I have one myself, and have placed it after my phono stage when I was running everything off my ZSB to my ZMA directly.  It performs excellently.  Shortly after purchasing my ZSTAGE I decided to insert my Ultra ahead of the ZMA and that is where my system currently stands.

I have three.

Two old Dual and one Technics.

Honestly I listen to the one with the lowest "ratings" most often.

It is a direct drive, semi-automatic Dual from the early '80s.
I had to add some car door deadening material to its innards to keep the low frequency feedback from annoying me after I discovered real low frequencies.

I intend to upgrade my pre-amp, before I even consider looking at any other turntables.
They all work well.

I have a VPI Scout 1.1 with an Ortofon Quintet Bronze. Phono stage is Aqvox Phono 2Ci mk ll, running balanced.

Nottingham Interspace w/ heavy platter, modified Rega RB300 arm and Dynavector 20x2 LO cartridge.  I have this paired with a Dynavector P75MKII phono preamp and iFi Micro iTube2 Tube Buffer/Pre-Amplifier (just use the buffer setting).

HK

Photo of the Grado Sonata V2

I have a Dual 1229 and a Thoren's TD-124. I just acquired a ebony Yamamota wooden headshell and would appreciate cartridge suggestions for the Thorens. It currently has a Audio Technica cartridge although I don't know which one that sounds pretty good to me. I have a Goldring 10-20 that was given to me that doesn't have a stylus. I hesitate to by a $300 stylus not knowing if the cartridge is good or not. Is there anyway to tell?

Thanks, I'm not to well versed in cartridge knowledge.

Jeff thanks for your response. I'll try to address a few of the questions. The two systems that have turntables both use Marantz receivers. A 2325 and a 2230. I'm 72 and so I listen to a lot of older music. I'm not too avant garde. Nora Jones, Boz Scaggs, Chris Isaak, Dire Straits etc. I wish I knew more about addressing your questions than I do but maybe that's a start. My other two rigs are tube amp setups with out turntables. One is a Zen with Betsy's playing CD's and streaming Tidal the other is a Scott 299D just playing CD's along with a tuner.

Hello all,
A lot has happened since the original musings about the Amazon Grand Referenz/ Moerch DP8 combo. Tried the Fidelity Research FR66S on that table, and to my ears, a slight improvement over the Moerch. Though I could easily see others preferring the Moerch. A taste preference, if you will.

Both the Moerch and FR66s are gone now. A new king has arrived.

I have a 12 inch Riggle Universal Woody tonearm mounted on the Amazon Grand Referenz, using the AT 150MLX. This is, without a doubt, the absolute best and most natural and realistic music reproduction I have ever heard. Listening to an early first pressing Island pink rim Traffic " John Barleycorn Must Die ", I am completely lost and immersed.
I'm done.

Cheers,                        Crazy Bill

I've got a MoFi StudioDeck with DL-103R cart.  I love it! It's got one little quirk with regards to VTA, but what do you expect for rev. 1.  Nothing a custom headshell shim couldn't fix.

AR XA with a Denon DL 103 MC cartridge.  Love the classic look and the Made in USA sound.

This is my front end set up that's delivering the goods to the Decware amps. Very nice it is too ! Well engineered piece of kit.

The zombie thread is back - cheers.

My main rig is simple - Pioneer PLX-1000 with a Ortofon 2M Black, herbies mat into a ZP3 with a range of NOS tubes. Sounds lovely - and a HUGE improvement over my previous Pro-ject table.

God bless direct drive tables .

SME 10 with SME V arm and Lyra Kleos cart.
Had the table for 14yrs, arm for 26yrs, no desire to change.
Had a Pink Triangle Anniversary before the SME 10 but it got trashed on the move to the USA.

Maplenoll Athena (air bearing) arm and 'table. Sumiko Pearwood cartridge.

I have a simple setup.

TEAC TN-300 > Ortofon 2M Blue > Schiit Mani

Not too fancy but it serves me well.

As stated in my previous post, I am learning the do's and don'ts one at a time. My old house unsteady floors as shown by record skips when i walk in certain areas around the TT. Wall mount was a great idea, and I believe that I like the sound a little better. No, there were not Vast Improvements before and after, but i did solve one problem and that satisfies me.

4K, how do like the Sol TT? I've used Schiit components in the past, and was intrigued by the Sol when it released. I believe Shiit subsequently made changes to the Sol based user feedback?

Rap, that's a lot of TT!

As a guy who has none, I am curious  - are all in use? Do different TT serve different functions? I'm not going to sleep tonight trying to figure this out.  :)

Tony

Currently in use:

Thorens TD 124 in slate/panzerholz plinth, with Kuzma 4Pt9 and Ortofon MC Diamond cart

Thorens TD 124 in Moldovan birch plinth, with two tonearms. [1] SME 3009 S2 Imp with Koetsu Rosewood Signature; and [2] Moerch DP6 with Aidas Durawood Bee

Thorens TD 125 Mk II, original plinth, with SME 3009 S2 Imp and Clearaudio Charisma cart.

Thorens TD 150, with TP16a tone arm (IIRC) and Grado cart.

Project T1 (son’s room), with Ortofon 2M Bronze

Not in use at the moment

SOTA Sapphire, with Sumiko MMT arm
Thorens TD 160 BC Mk II, with ADC LMF 2 tone arm
Clearaudio Champion

One beautifully restored Thorens TD125. I can only hope my Torii and ZP3 can match the Paduak.

Thorens TD124 rebuilt by STS Turntables (Tenn.)
SME 3009 Imp rebuilt by SMETonearms (Canada)
Shure V15 Type III

Another fan of the Shure V15III here. I am currently using a JICO elliptical on mine. I have several carts I use, but this is my primary cart. Tracks wonderfully and always sounds good.

Acoustic Signature Maximus NEO, ViV Lab Ridged Float 9", Hana ML, Herbies GrungeBuster mat and Wave Kinetics W8.

Linn LP12 that was about 20 years or more old, I bought it and within a week motor failed and the board, took out to a Linn specialist downtown Chicago and $6,000 later its working great
Completely upgraded

Have say I think it was worth it