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  1. jritchie1980

    How (not) to Buy Gear (or not)...

    I live in Chicago- when I go “hunting” most of the Estate sale co’s already have the system on and playing as a “sales tactic” the ones that don’t know what they are doing will have it scattered about- when I see this I know they don’t know and I assemble it or insert items needed from my...
  2. jritchie1980

    How do you listen to your system?

    When Testing a mod to current system, I listen in each position (Sweet spot, off left, off right) and see how it affects all areas. When listening while doing other things it tends to be cranked for cleaning, mid-level for computer work, and quiet for conversation and technical things like...
  3. jritchie1980

    How (not) to Buy Gear (or not)...

    I agree with previous poster's that "as is" should be looked at as salvage price- or less... I always bring a small amp and/or speakers to estate sales or CL meetups. Generally - especially at estate sales - they are professionals - and they have a policy. The price never goes up. It only goes...
  4. jritchie1980

    One thing you sold that you regret

    Arcam CD Player - sounded soooooo sweet, but I needed the $$ at the time and at least the rest of that system bought from an Estate sale remains with me. The gentleman really built a very synergistic system, and while he is gone - it lives on sans CDP
  5. jritchie1980

    Turntable??

    Big markets are great for craigslist, but I’ve also found wonderful deals in rural areas at thrift/pawn/estate sales. You seem to like to diy if you can solder a whole other level of “needs work” deals will get you close to your target ($70k sound) but getting all the way there requires $$$ and...
  6. jritchie1980

    The HomePod has landed

    No point really- just discussing the product and expressing my opinion
  7. jritchie1980

    The HomePod has landed

    Did it sound judgey? I have an Elite Pioneer Receiver that has room correction and I LOVE it- I could see how it would be great for a Novice-phile- Just saying that sometimes I also Like to defeat room correction, play w positioning myself etc. I feel like this is a site where a lot of people...
  8. jritchie1980

    Ortofon Quintet Red

    I was close!!! I run mine at 2.3-2.5 For what its worth... Sorry if anyone used my post as reference and ran theirs at .2g to high :oops:
  9. jritchie1980

    The HomePod has landed

    I like his Pre-amp. And THX (He's the T) was pretty good too... That being said, I (like most people on this site) will want for $350+ a little more than what this little speaker can offer. I would prob get a good DAC a used set of speakers, Chinese amp, and a chromecast for the same price...
  10. jritchie1980

    Ortofon Quintet Red

    QBlue owner here- many similar insights with the addition of a FULL and tight rhythm section from bass/bass drum to bongos and cymbals, like Gloria Stephan said "The rythym is gonna get you" with this cart. Furthermore acoustic guitar/piano/ Female vocal combo's really shine. I like it because...
  11. jritchie1980

    Amplifier Distortion, DC-Offset, and You!

    Bryston 2b Right - 6.2 mv Left - 11.1mv Does anyone know if/where the trimpots on this are?
  12. jritchie1980

    Grace 840-F tone arm problems.

    Thanks for the update and the info!! I’m very happy with my own 840F and Ortofon combo - and I found weight to be a big factor in getting the right sound. Both headshell/counterweight mass and stylus pressure/height.
  13. jritchie1980

    CONFESS!! How many on AK are like me audio cheapskates, dumper divers etc?

    I have learned which companies not to bother with, which companies can be bargained with, and which companies make a garage full of junk look like a house full of wonder (those are the worst- ugh!). If they show pics of individual albums I generally don’t bother. They will be overpriced. That...
  14. jritchie1980

    Best Vintage Turntables

    I’m also looking fwd to a good ole fully auto (and changer equipped) player eventually!!! I have a lot of 45’s that would be fun to let rip on an auto
  15. jritchie1980

    Stereo Rehab experiences

    My only experience is a phone call, but MAN was I floored by the experience. He talked with me for a while about various subjects, never rushed me, and even gave his honest opinion of other shops in Chicago. Also- It is a fairly well known “secret” that Casper ends up w some of the jobs...
  16. jritchie1980

    Best Vintage Turntables

    I like all my under $300 (purchased in the last year) TT’s Technics SL-D2 (w/ xlm imp II Cart) $30 Thorens TD-115 (w Shure V15 H-P and MR stylus) $150 Denon DP-1700 w/ Grace 840f and Dl-103 ($300-$350 w au-320 SUT) Denon is fav- but sometimes I like not having to get up at the end of every...
  17. jritchie1980

    CONFESS!! How many on AK are like me audio cheapskates, dumper divers etc?

    I’ll second this!!! Mom was a Journalist, dad was an English teacher, and grandma made us diagram sentences before we could play w dads old toy soldiers... As for dumpsters, no thanks. That said, if it is on top, side, or behind the dumpster I WILL give it a look. Estate sales have ruined me...
  18. jritchie1980

    Grace 840-F tone arm problems.

    Thank you for this thread! I have a Grace 840F and I appreciate all the tinkering and results- it has given me a lot of ideas.
  19. jritchie1980

    Thought I broke my receiver, turns out I'm just dumb...

    I’m glad you shared! Gave me a chuckle and you are Certainly not alone. An aside: Funny how many technical, serious threads have ZERO responses- yet this got immediate and numerous people jumping in to comment! Empathy is good for the soul.
  20. jritchie1980

    Recommendations for new catridge needed

    I have an SL-D2 and the Ortofon 2m Red sounds GREAT on it. You do not have VTA adjustability on your Turntable, and the 2m is tall enough to ride the arm right up where it needs to be. Having the tonearm at the right height can be achieved by other means, but it is crucial to hit the sweet spot...
  21. jritchie1980

    price of used vinyl?

    While there is a definite trend of gouging, I have found, in a major metro area, you can still get HIGH quality (esp Classical, some never played) in demand albums well under “ebay” or market, or discogs value. I go to the hipster shop where all that moves is 90’s music and Jazz and electronic...
  22. jritchie1980

    Grace 840f , Denon Dp-1000 (1500 plinth) Au-320 - MC cart?

    Just an update: after researching many many many hours, I tried a used AT Ptg II - it came w failed suspension, got my $$ back. Looked, and looked and looked, during which time I tried a demo 2M Red. Previously didn’t like Ortofon “house sound” but well broken in and loaded correctly I lost my...
  23. jritchie1980

    Grace 840-F tone arm problems.

    My grace 840 had a “stuck” counterweight that wouldn’t rotate. In an effort to get it moving again I accidentally took the black end cap off. Once off you can certainly add weight to the inside at either end, making the counterweight heavier. You could then glue the cap back on, as once loose...
  24. jritchie1980

    Please recommend my first MC cart.

    Recently I’ve had an infatuation with this song I guess even if it’s only chickens, said farmer might be just in his storming in armed and ready for an altercation. Louis Jordan is pretty awesome. Used MC cart’s for 50% or less than retail are even more awesome. Check Barter Town, check...
  25. jritchie1980

    The Audio "Bug" on a Budget - How do you Satisfy it?

    2nd speaker placement. Also record cleaning, DIY style. Two microfiber towels, DIY solution, edging paint pad, and a vacuum. Even really really good sounding nm albums can get better! And it's rewarding. Stylus cleaning and inspection under magnification (reversed binoculars, loupe, USB scope)...
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