• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Should I upgrade my table or replace it?

AceTechHD said:
I do use the video inputs on the back of the receiver. Onkyo is known as a great manufacturer of audio components. The chance the issue is my receiver is slim to none.
Click to expand...

Wait, hold up here... I'm having a hard time finding specs on that table but does it include a built in RIAA phono pre? If not, then you're never going to get proper sound out of it unless you are hooking it to the "phono" inputs on your receiver.

That said, that does not explain sibilance or surface noise. Sibilance could easily be cartridge setup; surface noise may mean you need to step up your vinyl cleaning game.
 
If you are serious about that $500 budget, there are Denon's on the auction site like the DP-37F avalible for that kind of money that will blow the American Audio or any of the new belt drive turntables away.
 
Alternately, also in budget: AR XB or similar, a very well regarded but silly basic table - good for learning basic setup on. I think I've learned more setting up an XA than I have doing minor repairs on my Technics. However, given the hard choice between the two, I'd keep the Technics. I think. Grudgingly. Don't make me choose.
 
If you have a local dealer to work with, take in your 'table and some problematic records and let him help troubleshoot the problem. He should be able to fit a different cartridge to see if that solves your immediate issues. If you don't have a dealer to work with, I'd start by trying a new cartridge. I've never heard the Nagaoka, but if that's what you have your heart set on, go ahead and see if it solves your problems. I also think the LP5 could be a great choice; What HiFi thought it sounded good, and I've learned to trust their judgment over the past several years.
 
N8Nagel said:
Wait, hold up here... I'm having a hard time finding specs on that table but does it include a built in RIAA phono pre? If not, then you're never going to get proper sound out of it unless you are hooking it to the "phono" inputs on your receiver.

That said, that does not explain sibilance or surface noise. Sibilance could easily be cartridge setup; surface noise may mean you need to step up your vinyl cleaning game.
Click to expand...

The American Audio VTD-1000 does't have an internal preamp, My Onkyo TX-DS494 AV Receiver has a phono stage that takes care of that issue. As for my vinyl being dirty that's a non issue, I clean my albums very well with a micro fiber cloth and water. Here's a sample of what my table sounds like, you'll hear Sibilance within the first 30 seconds: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4yETdJ-P_rFOTA5YU9zbDJZZGs/view?usp=sharing
 
Last edited:
N8Nagel said:
Alternately, also in budget: AR XB or similar, a very well regarded but silly basic table - good for learning basic setup on. I think I've learned more setting up an XA than I have doing minor repairs on my Technics. However, given the hard choice between the two, I'd keep the Technics. I think. Grudgingly. Don't make me choose.
Click to expand...

Technics is a good choice, I'm just curious would it really be better to buy a used SL-1200 or just get a brand new AT LP5. I've heard incredible things about the SL-1200, but is it really that good of a table?
 
AceTechHD said:
Technics is a good choice, I'm just curious would it really be better to buy a used SL-1200 or just get a brand new AT LP5. I've heard incredible things about the SL-1200, but is it really that good of a table?
Click to expand...

I'd be reluctant to try that Audio-Technica LP5. It carries a wow and flutter spec of 0.2% WRMS. That's eight times what the Technics SL-1200 spec'ed out at and high enough to be quite audible as a "watery" coloration on solo piano. There's a reason that the SL-1200 enjoyed such a strong following among audiophiles and DJs alike.
 
Dr Tinear said:
I'd be reluctant to try that Audio-Technica LP5. It carries a wow and flutter spec of 0.2% WRMS. That's eight times what the Technics SL-1200 spec'ed out at and high enough to be quite audible as a "watery" coloration on solo piano. There's a reason that the SL-1200 enjoyed such a strong following among audiophiles and DJs alike.
Click to expand...

The Technics SL-1200 is now on my radar. I had done some research on them but they seemed to be very expensive (over 1 grand). I certainly never checked the used prices and they seem to be relativity affordable. Thanks for the suggestion N8Nagel & DJ Tinear.
 
Before you dive in, do a search for "buying a used SL-1200" or something like that. There's plenty of good information on how to test for loose tonearm bearings, etc.

A cueing damper that has lost its fluid is not an insurmountable problem, I wouldn't let that stop you from getting one that otherwise checks out OK.
 
If we are gonna troubleshoot this it's best to start at the beginning.
Which type of cartridge alignment are you using?
Has the table sounded like this since you've owned it?
If not when did you first notice the problem?
Do you have any means by which to get a good look at the stylus tip (i.e. Jeweler's loop? cell camera magnifier? microscope? )
 
AceTechHD said:
The Technics SL-1200 is now on my radar. I had done some research on them but they seemed to be very expensive (over 1 grand). I certainly never checked the used prices and they seem to be relativity affordable. Thanks for the suggestion N8Nagel & DJ Tinear.
Click to expand...

The SL 1800 MK2 is almost identical to the 1200. Unless you can find a 1200 that has not been used professionally, i.e., dragged around town to clubs and events, the consumer 1800 would be a better option, in my opinion.
 
chaz said:
If we are gonna troubleshoot this it's best to start at the beginning.
Which type of cartridge alignment are you using?
Has the table sounded like this since you've owned it?
If not when did you first notice the problem?
Do you have any means by which to get a good look at the stylus tip (i.e. Jeweler's loop? cell camera magnifier? microscope? )
Click to expand...

I used the Stevenson's protractor as my AA VTD-1000 table has an s shaped tonearm. The table has sounded mostly the same since I've owned it. I'd only say that over time the sibilance issues began to become more relivant. I noticed the problem a few weeks ago. I'll take a picture of the stylus when I get home.
 
malden said:
The SL 1800 MK2 is almost identical to the 1200. Unless you can find a 1200 that has not been used professionally, i.e., dragged around town to clubs and events, the consumer 1800 would be a better option, in my opinion.
Click to expand...

I'll keep the sl 1800 in mind as well. I just feel I'm ready for a really nice table, I'm tired of the cheap tables I've owned since I started collecting vinyl. It really just ruins the experience (expecaly when you know vinyl can sound better). If I just need to spend 1 or 2 hundred more dollars to get a kickass table then so be it.
 
Ok, so did the Shure cart. Come with the DJ deck, or was it from your old 'cheap' Dennon?
Do you have any other cartridges that you could swap the M44 with?
 
chaz said:
Ok, so did the Shure cart. Come with the DJ deck, or was it from your old 'cheap' Dennon?
Do you have any other cartridges that you could swap the M44 with?
Click to expand...

The Denon had a cartridge that couldn't be removed. The Sure M44E came with the AA VTD-1000 table. I don't have any other cartridges.

kObQTBI.jpg


7SGEV34.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom