I currently own an AT 120X BT USB turntable and a pair of Klipsch R41 PM speakers. I’m looking for advise on an upgrade path and learning form fellow music lovers’ experience. Would that upgrade path be an alternate phono amp, cartridge, stylus, TT mods, EMI line filter? Not a ton of money but looking forward to one or two upgrades a year.
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There are soooooo many paths you could take. Your offering little background on your system, room and what music genre and volume you listen. Goals, budget and what you think needs to improve. Difficult for me to comment. Would be a shot in the dark.
Spend some time reading threads and audio articles. Do you have friends or local audio groups or clubs, to hear different gear. Find out what you like in sound.
Spend some time reading threads and audio articles. Do you have friends or local audio groups or clubs, to hear different gear. Find out what you like in sound.
Thanks for an answer. I don’t have a listening room per se, I just listen in my living room. I like mostly jazz, contemporary with a bit of classics. I’m dusting my old college LPs which are like 35 years old, yet still most sound superb. I did take care of my stuff back in the days, I had a Rega 3 and a British mini integrated amp... can’t remember the speakers. My yearly budget would prob be $500 to $1k. I’ve lost track of the local audiophile shops (there aren’t many) and I mostly read what available online. I am glad I found this board; it’s very good.
I wrote about a new phono amp bc buying an integrate amp would mean I have to buy another set of speakers since mine are powered. Not ready for that yet. I’ve done some listening with the tt phono amp and the Klipsch’s phono amp and I find that the tt’s is noticeably (and surprisingly) superior esp with metals and string instruments. I was wondering if getting a Shiit Main or Emotiva XPS-1 phono amp (around $149) would be even more noticeably better. I’ve also read about several modes to the tt, like dampening the platter and plynth which I do agree need lots of TLC. Since I have more time than money I’m inclined to do the tinkering. I’ve seen that some folks have these dampening mats behind their speakers... that’s new to me.
Also read about power like filtering, from fancy $1k boxes to simple suppressor/UPS ones. The AT’s cartridge also accepts stylus upgrades and that might also be an avenue to explore. Just wondering what fellow posters might suggest.
I wrote about a new phono amp bc buying an integrate amp would mean I have to buy another set of speakers since mine are powered. Not ready for that yet. I’ve done some listening with the tt phono amp and the Klipsch’s phono amp and I find that the tt’s is noticeably (and surprisingly) superior esp with metals and string instruments. I was wondering if getting a Shiit Main or Emotiva XPS-1 phono amp (around $149) would be even more noticeably better. I’ve also read about several modes to the tt, like dampening the platter and plynth which I do agree need lots of TLC. Since I have more time than money I’m inclined to do the tinkering. I’ve seen that some folks have these dampening mats behind their speakers... that’s new to me.
Also read about power like filtering, from fancy $1k boxes to simple suppressor/UPS ones. The AT’s cartridge also accepts stylus upgrades and that might also be an avenue to explore. Just wondering what fellow posters might suggest.
Posters like to see pictures of setups and the listening rooms. If your ok with that. Placement changes are no cost way to possibly improve sound. You might get some usable suggestions. Multipurpose rooms can't always accommodate optimum placement. But maybe compromises can be found.
Since your into vinyl, possibly some DIY or other low cost record cleaning process tools. Record and stylus brushes. If you don't have.
For instance, I found an idea to isolate turntables. Useing a $20 IKEA bamboo cutting board with silicone feet under. I stained and tung oiled mine. I like the improvement for little cost and some labor.
I use Wagner brand Blue foam and rubber sandwich isolation pads and cork under gear. Low cost.
I have a Schiit Mani phono preamp. Also have that Emotiva model. Don't know if either would be an upgrade for you. I would think so, but can't say for sure, not knowing your TT. The Mani has a few fine tuning dip switches which are nice feature at its price point. Emotiva has only one setting for MM and a few for MC carts. I bought both of these preamps used from AK members on the Bartertown thread. For Subscribers, which costs $25 a year. I don't know if Bartertown would work for you on your island.
You might check the (AK) Events and Happenings thread for any local member get togethers. Networking can be a good way to hear different gear and maybe buy or trade.
BTW, I'm another jazz listener. There's a Jazz Playlist thread on AK in the Music Forum.
Since your into vinyl, possibly some DIY or other low cost record cleaning process tools. Record and stylus brushes. If you don't have.
For instance, I found an idea to isolate turntables. Useing a $20 IKEA bamboo cutting board with silicone feet under. I stained and tung oiled mine. I like the improvement for little cost and some labor.
I use Wagner brand Blue foam and rubber sandwich isolation pads and cork under gear. Low cost.
I have a Schiit Mani phono preamp. Also have that Emotiva model. Don't know if either would be an upgrade for you. I would think so, but can't say for sure, not knowing your TT. The Mani has a few fine tuning dip switches which are nice feature at its price point. Emotiva has only one setting for MM and a few for MC carts. I bought both of these preamps used from AK members on the Bartertown thread. For Subscribers, which costs $25 a year. I don't know if Bartertown would work for you on your island.
You might check the (AK) Events and Happenings thread for any local member get togethers. Networking can be a good way to hear different gear and maybe buy or trade.
BTW, I'm another jazz listener. There's a Jazz Playlist thread on AK in the Music Forum.
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So an AK friend has a non-airconditioned condo in Hawaii. He claims the humid salt air corrodes audio gear. He says the mostly plastic gear holds up better for him there. Have you noticed such issues where you live, with AC or not?
Like you say an amp and speakers would be a matched purchase. Speakers to a great extent determine best amp choices. Speakers sensitivity, size of room and volume, influence the amp power desired.
Like you say an amp and speakers would be a matched purchase. Speakers to a great extent determine best amp choices. Speakers sensitivity, size of room and volume, influence the amp power desired.
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Inter
As for record cleaning, I bought the Mofi Super Record Wash and their microfiber brush but I must say I’m not very impressed. My small brush and distilled water, alcohol and some drops of Dawn liquid are at least their equal. I don’t think the Mofi brush does much cleaning at all, seems it’s mostly superficial. Dusting, yes; cleaning, not much. I don’t see myself buying an ultrasound cleaning machine. I’ve thought about the Spin Clean, maybe. But, if they recommend the Mofi fluid I can’t see how it can be any better than my method. Audiophiles swear by it (the Spin Clean). 
Thanks for the replies.
Interesting suggestions that I will definitely look into. My TT is an Audio Technica LP X 120 BT USB. I’m not interested in ripping CDs or hearing LPs via Bluetooth, but after weeks of reading and watching videos it seems like the best TT for $299. I haven’t perceived the distortion from the phono circuit that is described by users of the previous LP120 versions, and actually it sounds better that the built in phono amp in the Klipsch’s. The Shiit seemed a possible path if I can upgrade the TT to a PJD Carbon EVO or a Rega 1 in the near future. I guess some might suggest a speaker upgrade instead of TT upgrade, and that might be also possible, but, as I wrote, a notable speaker upgrade will prob mean an integrated amp also.
As for record cleaning, I bought the Mofi Super Record Wash and their microfiber brush but I must say I’m not very impressed. My small brush and distilled water, alcohol and some drops of Dawn liquid are at least their equal. I don’t think the Mofi brush does much cleaning at all, seems it’s mostly superficial. Dusting, yes; cleaning, not much. I don’t see myself buying an ultrasound cleaning machine. I’ve thought about the Spin Clean, maybe. But, if they recommend the Mofi fluid I can’t see how it can be any better than my method. Audiophiles swear by it (the Spin Clean).
Thanks for the replies.
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I live less than a mile
I live less than a mile from the ocean, but I haven’t noticed adverse effects in my computer or TV. Cheap Chinese metal stuff will definitely foul up fast. I can’t afford 24/7 air cond. as our electricity is pretty expensive, second to Hawaii’s. At night, yes.
I’ve read about what you say that speakers determine amp and maybe even TT. Some videos tell you to decide on the speakers first, taking into consideration the room, of course.
I live less than a mile from the ocean, but I haven’t noticed adverse effects in my computer or TV. Cheap Chinese metal stuff will definitely foul up fast. I can’t afford 24/7 air cond. as our electricity is pretty expensive, second to Hawaii’s. At night, yes.
I’ve read about what you say that speakers determine amp and maybe even TT. Some videos tell you to decide on the speakers first, taking into consideration the room, of course.
For record cleaning. I use a Spinclean for cleaning. A clone called Studebaker to bath rinse. Distilled water in both. Then a vacuum wand, spinning disc manually on a non functioning TT to pull off water. Then dry on dish rack. Probably over kill.
There are threads on record cleaning methods here.
I have solid state and a few tube integrated amplifiers from 6 to 100 wpc. In my opinion, very important to match amp and speakers. And to your room size and music. A 6 watt amp has its limitations.
There are threads on record cleaning methods here.
I have solid state and a few tube integrated amplifiers from 6 to 100 wpc. In my opinion, very important to match amp and speakers. And to your room size and music. A 6 watt amp has its limitations.
I
I believe my manual method is pretty much the same as what the Spinclean does. What cleaning liquid do you use?
I just use the Spinclean fluid. Bought a quart bottle. One capful in tank of distilled water.
Not tried any other formulas. Tergisol is used in many of DIY formulas. To reduce surface tension.
There are other DIY formulas in the "Vinyl Cleaning..." thread of 640 posts. It is pinned in General Audio Discussion thread.
I’ve read tens of pages of suggestions on how to clean records. The one on this board is quite thorough and authorarive. A bit too complex for me but I can appreciate the effort. I hate guru advise with no backing evidence; so much of that for equipment. I miss a Consumer Reports type of evaluation for equipment. I was watching a few videos by the Audioholics on YouTube and they do present evidence for their evaluations. They say the audio industry refuses to establish and publish useful speaker data, for example. Saying a speaker is capable if 20 to 20k hertz is next to useless info. Watch their video on cabling, it’s very eye opening. Thanks for the pics on your cleaning outfit, the vac wand is quite cool, I was checking it out on eBay.
The owner of Devore (speaker co.) has one Utube video. He says it was deceptive specs of speaker sensitivity that inspired him to design and sell his own speakers. Which sound lovely.
The fabric on my wand is worn at contact. I need to try a fabric store for more. It is glued on.
The fabric on my wand is worn at contact. I need to try a fabric store for more. It is glued on.
Welcome to AK! We do have a couple of AK members living on the island, @reydelaplaya for one. My sister and I be heading there late June to deal with my father's property.
Regarding your system, I think you would get the most bang for your buck if you purchased a nice powered sub first. The frequency response from those Klipsch speakers is 76Hz - 21kHz, so your ears are missing some music in the lower frequencies. You'll be surprised at what you've missed.
Regarding your system, I think you would get the most bang for your buck if you purchased a nice powered sub first. The frequency response from those Klipsch speakers is 76Hz - 21kHz, so your ears are missing some music in the lower frequencies. You'll be surprised at what you've missed.
Than
Thanks for the welcome and for the tip but I’ve already noticed my faulty ears!! I did buy the subwoofer... the less expensive one, yet for my setting it sound very good.
If you’re new to the island I can give you a few must see items.
Thanks for the welcome and for the tip but I’ve already noticed my faulty ears!! I did buy the subwoofer... the less expensive one, yet for my setting it sound very good.
If you’re new to the island I can give you a few must see items.
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There’s GR -Research on YouTube. They specialize in tweaking speaker internal electronics to make their specs flatter. I hope it’s not a gimmick, as I find it quite interesting that even expensive speakers are way off. I guess the manufacturer might say it is their “signature” sound. I’d rather have the flattest signal possible and then again maybe all speakers would sound the same. ???
Thanks for the kind offer! I'm not really new to the island, having visited family there yearly for over 20 years. We'll be staying at the southeastern part of the island in Patillas while taking care of family business.
I'm glad you have a sub and noticed the benefits! As far as speakers are concerned, everyone's ears are different. I've owned 4 pairs of Klipsch speakers, and they usually do a pretty good job with their speakers. You may regret changing their sound, but I digress. The "Speaker" forum here would be the best place to discuss tweaks to your speakers. Many talented folks there who can assist you with an answer.
Do you
You probably know a few good places to eat around the Patillas area. I discovered road PR 184 into Patillas while working with the SBA right after hurricane María, great sights along the way. For great eating can recommend you Bocata, in Humacao which is excellent and Los Makos in Naguabo.
I’ll check the speaker forum also, thanks for the suggestion.
You probably know a few good places to eat around the Patillas area. I discovered road PR 184 into Patillas while working with the SBA right after hurricane María, great sights along the way. For great eating can recommend you Bocata, in Humacao which is excellent and Los Makos in Naguabo.
I’ll check the speaker forum also, thanks for the suggestion.
reydelaplaya
Super Member
Hi, saludos and welcome to Audiokarma. Yes, @eiraved is correct. I live out west though I started off in San Juan near Pda 18 in Santurce.
Hey I know that area, the 184 is the road to get to Charco Azul near Guavate... and lechon asao too
I noticed in the thread a mention about salt air and humidity eating electronics. I can attest to this first hand. I lived next to the beach in SJ for about 11 years. The salty humidity (salitre) devoured basically all of my electronics within a few years of purchase. The only thing that emerged unscathed, minus a little rust on the cabinet, was my old Sony D990 receiver I'd bought new back in 91 or so. That thing spent my first college decade providing music for a number of 'wholesome get-togethers'
, its second decade was directy opposite the seaside window with a steady ENE sweet salty breeze. And only after a few years of entering its 3rd decade of use did it finally slip into protection, and that was over here when I lived way up in the mountain far away from salty breezes. From what I've learned here on AK with the wealth of knowledge its members provide, it turns out it could've probably been fixed, but that was prior to me finding out about AK. RIP little Sony you were awesome!
Hey Rey, you've got my mouth watering now with the memories! Guavate was always our first stop off the autopista on the way to my dad's home, where we would pick up a great lechon meal. We'd have them pack up enough food for a couple of days worth of meals, and those meals were inexpensive compared to what it would've cost in the states.Hey I know that area, the 184 is the road to get to Charco Azul near Guavate... and lechon asao too
