Thanks.
I think the cartridge has a lot to do with how they sound.
The real problem with them is that they are not very heavy and are susceptible for vibration and bass. I have the one on the party system mounted on spikes. It helps some. I needed a TT to move around that I could test new to me gear. Not gonna use the SR-838 for that. Rob
Totally Agree.
For you guys just getting into turntables:
A regular TT is ok as long as it functions properly and can absorb vibrations and bass. 'Heavier, well constructed units' do this well. If someone doesn't have the cash availiable, or just want's a regular TT, get a regular one that works and keep in mind 'the heavier the unit the better'. At least you can spin the records and it will be fine. Your in business. If you can pick up the TT and it feels like no weight is there, maybe that's the TT you don't want, like a cheapo Sony or Technics. But it still may work fine.
The correct cartridge is " Absolutely Vital " for the sound reproduction. I mean...it's the cartridge, right!!!
Cheap cart, not so good of sound. Cheap is $70-$100, Maybe $125, unless it's $125 'on sale'). The cart is so super important. I've found, generally, that a cart costing in the neighborhood of $200 will sound fine. :thmbsp: Or...maybe get a $200 cart on sale somewhere for $150! Less than $150 and the sound is going to be ok, it will work, it will sound good, but for the extra $50 you do get a whole lot more finer sound. Avoid any cart less than $100 unless it's on super sale. Over $250 and it's kinda over-kill for a regular TT. That's the way I see it anyway.
A very solid, quality, stiff, headshell helps too. Headshells sell for cheap on eBay used. A good headshell can be bought for $20 used.
If you get an old TT, get new headshell wires. Why not??? What's the sense using a good cart, good headshell, with old wires? Just 'regular' new ones will function fine. Headshell wires are cheap unless you get into the gold 'lutz' ones.
The TT is the mechanical vehicle, the cart is the where the real sound ' action' is at.
Even if you upgrade your TT, you still have the Cart and new wires! The cartridge is absolutely vital.
Also, make the proper basic adjustments to the cart to the turntable. At minimum...the proper 'overhang' (supplied by the TT manufacture) and adjust the tracking weight (supplied by the cartridge manufacture), which are both very easy to adjust, and you will be just fine.
But then again you may get a cheap TT and it might work out just fine. The cartridge is vital.
I'd much rather have an old cheaper Sansui TT than a new Sony. About 8 years back I saw a new Sony being sold in a store and couldn't believe how 'nothing' it was, zero weight, just a piece of plastic...there just wasn't anything was there. My brother has a used Technics...it sounds good with a $100 AT cart. It's not 'heavy' in weight but at least they can spin thier LPs! Sounded ok really.
