How about some comparisons to the big Denon TT.
That was ... confusing.
Its only 48 degrees in the mancave this evening, but I needed to get this done so I moved in a couple of space heaters earlier and once the temp hit 55 I went on down.
I set up both tables on different phono inputs of my Yamaha C-2a, the Denon on the variable input set to MM specs. Amplification by my Yamaha B-2 driving Diatone DS-77HRX speakers. I find this pre/amp/speaker setup to be the best I've ever owned.
The Denon DP-62L has the factory straight tonearm and a Denon DL-160 cartridge that should be well broken in by now.
The Empire has a Rega RB250 arm and a NOS Grado F3+ that is freshly mounted.
I played the following three tracks as I am very familiar with each one and they make nice demo tunes.
"Another Country" Shadowfax, The Dreams of Children. Dynamic instrumental with exotic rythms.
"A Little Night Dancin'" John Cougar, self titled. Good old school JC.
"Donkey Jaw" America, self tltled. Acoustic instrumental highlighted by complex guitar rythms.
First was the Shadowfax tune on the Empire. Sounded very nice, very smooth. I could live with this. I hadn't heard the Empire on my Yamaha gear, only the flea powered tube setup. I moved over to the Denon and experienced more punch to the bass with a tad tighter presence, but the high flute notes were a tad shrill.
John Cougar up next, again first on the Empire. Nothing wrong with it but not too exciting. I was kind of wondering where the soundstage was. Moved over to the Denon and the thing just popped for me. Clearly advantage Denon.
America - I'm now convinced that the current character of the Empire is laid back and easy. Moving over to the Denon, again I was impressed with the liveliness of the soundstage - definitely more presence.
So, thinking this through I need to make the playing field more even. While I don't doubt that the Denon is a mighty fine table, I had not expected the differences that I was hearing. For now, I think I'm going to attribute the primary difference to the cartridge. The DL-160 on my Denon is a solid performer and has about 100 hours on it, the F3+ was a fine lo/mid fi cartridge in its day (late 70's) but would likely benefit from a significant amount of playing time.
Would more break in time make up the difference? I'm not sure but I'll give it a try. Or maybe look for something else. I also have a Linn Basik arm to try.........
