BUZZARD437
New Member
Awesome, thank you for a direct example! I'll check it out!
Yamaha YP-B4 for my first turn table (Help Thread).
BUZZARD437
New Member
Thanks everybody! Just so I have a few more eyes on it, here's my cart set up. Would you guys agree it's a AT15Sa? Beeko, what is your set up after the TT? Preamp, speakers, ect.
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Yep the stylus holder looks just like the one I linked to.
But to beside you can remove the cart from the head shell and the model number should be on the top.
Athanasios
BUZZARD437
New Member
Just took a peak at your recommendation, is that really all the more that a stylus cost? I see 28$. I was expecting it to cost substantially more for some reason. What would you say that stylus rates on a quality scale? 1 being a cheap ass Victrola suitcase TT - 10 being a Linn Klimax LP12 lol?
its a good stylus. Nude mounted which most prefer . Finding the Quad styli or ( Shibata) are difficult but there are replacements , not original , that many like from LP great, Turntableneedles, etc .
But the VOM have a great reputation and sometime he gets in NOS styli so its worth checking in every so often . So for 28 bucks its worth it to give one a try. Im sure it will sound great. I have bought many from VOM of the Swiss made and the others and have not had any duds .
Athanasios
Crab33
Super Member
It looks a beautiful turntable and well worth resurrecting, although I was a bit concerned when I looked at the first photo, as it looked like it had just been dug up 
I have the YP-511, which is a direct-drive with a similar arm and similar wooden plinth.
It would be worth trying that aftermarket stylus for the cartridge, especially at only $28. Depending on your expectations, it may be fine for you, although it wouldn't compete with an original AT stylus, especially a fancier one such as a MicroLine or Shibata. If you want to move to these stylus profiles, I suggest you look at the AT-VM95ML (MicroLine) and AT-VM95SH (Shibata) cartridges, or perhaps the AT-VM540ML which is very popular. Even one with an elliptical stylus, such as the VM95E or VM95EN, may be a good investment, as you can always upgrade the stylus at a later date.
I have the YP-511, which is a direct-drive with a similar arm and similar wooden plinth.It would be worth trying that aftermarket stylus for the cartridge, especially at only $28. Depending on your expectations, it may be fine for you, although it wouldn't compete with an original AT stylus, especially a fancier one such as a MicroLine or Shibata. If you want to move to these stylus profiles, I suggest you look at the AT-VM95ML (MicroLine) and AT-VM95SH (Shibata) cartridges, or perhaps the AT-VM540ML which is very popular. Even one with an elliptical stylus, such as the VM95E or VM95EN, may be a good investment, as you can always upgrade the stylus at a later date.
BUZZARD437
New Member
It looks a beautiful turntable and well worth resurrecting, although I was a bit concerned when I looked at the first photo, as it looked like it had just been dug up
It would be worth trying that aftermarket stylus for the cartridge, especially at only $28. Depending on your expectations, it may be fine for you, although it wouldn't compete with an original AT stylus, especially a fancier one such as a MicroLine or Shibata. If you want to move to these stylus profiles, I suggest you look at the AT-VM95ML (MicroLine) and AT-VM95SH (Shibata) cartridges, or perhaps the AT-VM540ML which is very popular. Even one with an elliptical stylus, such as the VM95E or VM95EN, may be a good investment, as you can always upgrade the stylus at a later date.
Thank you so much! Yea I have her cleaned up and replaced the belt last night. Have yet to put a record on it (donor record lol). But all looks good to my surprise. All the buttons function and are crisp! How are prices for needles and parts right now? Inflated with everything else? Since I'm new to the game I guess I'm just curious how they compare to prices 3/4 years ago. Cheers!
Crab33
Super Member
Yes, the prices of cartridges and styli have shot up in recent years, but this has been largely down to the success of the vinyl revival, rather than the present cost of living crisis. Perhaps the latter will cause further price increases although one would hope that with the already inflated prices, cartridge and styli manufacturers will absorb the extra costs. That price of $28 for the aftermarket stylus really is low. I pointed out the AT-VM95 range of cartridges as these have remained competitively priced. What happened is that a few years ago, AT effectively relaunched their existing range as the VM500 range (with some tweaks) and almost doubled the prices in the process. But they then introduced the VM95 range at cheaper prices - this range came from the very popular AT95E cartridge in a redesigned form with a range of stylus options.
BUZZARD437
New Member
Very interesting! Yeah, I hope the prices stay down! I found a post with a picture of my stylus and cart from the 70s and it appears it was 100$ back then!
Thanks for all the info. This forum is blowing my mind with the support!Attachments
It's in my signature, but that doesn't show on the mobile version of the website:
yp-b4 with ortofon red cartridge -> schiit modi phono preamp -> schiit sys passive preamp (the next thing to likely get upgraded) ->Harman Kardon HK 870 power amp -> IMF TLS-50 mkii speakers
I've been running this turntable for 6 or 7 years, I think. been steady and reliable although the automatic return function is stuck ON.
noticeable to me now is the audible noise floor that starts as soon as the tonearm is lifted and brought towards the platter, I'm considering swapping the thin RCA cables for plug jacks.
we'll see!
BUZZARD437
New Member
ok ok ok, royally confused now lol. Why 3 amps? I am guessing one is for the receiver or something and then the "power amp" is for those monster speakers? Sweet set up though!
haha, thanks!
ok so, while in danger of going off-topic, in that photo from top to bottom:
HK FL8350 cd changer (black)
HK 870 power amp (black)
HK 460i receiver (silver, on the floor, not connected)
the three small silver boxes on top of the cd changer are all from Schiit audio
left to right: Mani phono preamp, Sys passive preamp (selects from two sources, has volume control), Modi DAC (selects from three digital sources, currently only using coax for the cd changer and usb for an ipad sometimes)
ok so, while in danger of going off-topic, in that photo from top to bottom:
HK FL8350 cd changer (black)
HK 870 power amp (black)
HK 460i receiver (silver, on the floor, not connected)
the three small silver boxes on top of the cd changer are all from Schiit audio
left to right: Mani phono preamp, Sys passive preamp (selects from two sources, has volume control), Modi DAC (selects from three digital sources, currently only using coax for the cd changer and usb for an ipad sometimes)
BUZZARD437
New Member
So, my next question is based around preamps. What should I be looking for this? Does the cartridge play into my choice? What are some of the features I'll miss on the lower/mid end price range? I plan to just run to some cheapish edifer speakers for now. Not looking to break the bank but don't want to be forced to upgrade shortly. Also, could someone point out the biggest bottle necks in a system? For example, does it make sense to buy a 150$ stylus when your speakers are only 100 powered cheapos?
Crab33
Super Member
Yes, the cartridge determines the choice of phono pre-amp, as it will have particular electrical requirements, especially in terms of load capacitance - this is the total capacitance of the phono pre-amp and the phono cables between the turntable and pre-amp. Without going into too much detail, if you've got an AT cartridge, these prefer a low load capacitance, so buy a phono pre-amp with low internal capacitance - preferably 100pF or less (actually less is difficult to find). If you want a good cheap phono pre-amp to get started, look at the ART DJ Pre II, which actually has selectable capacitances of 100pF and 200pF.
I would question whether you need an expensive cartridge/stylus if you're going to be playing the music through $100 active speakers, even though I believe Edifiers are good. You could go for that aftermarket stylus in the first instance or an AT-VM95E.
I'm inclined to agree, buy the stylus to use with the cartridge you currently own.
how do you want the turntable and the rest of the stereo to fit into your life?
like is it background music while socializing or is it your constant companion while studying/working from home?
do you live with family/roommates/neighbors in the downstairs apartment that don't share your taste in music?
you will need a phono preamp to use the turntable with the self-powered Edifier's (if that's the model I'm thinking of), but I wouldn't spend a ton of money there unless you're ok with the idea that the sonic potential of a nice phono preamp won't be fully explored with your current speakers -- most of us are often in this position, where we upgrade part of the chain and it's now it's better than the rest.
planning out the upgrade path is part of the fun! what can I find and afford now? what makes sense to buy next?
what's the ideal speaker, amplifier or turntable that I'm going to patiently hunt for?
how do you want the turntable and the rest of the stereo to fit into your life?
like is it background music while socializing or is it your constant companion while studying/working from home?
do you live with family/roommates/neighbors in the downstairs apartment that don't share your taste in music?
you will need a phono preamp to use the turntable with the self-powered Edifier's (if that's the model I'm thinking of), but I wouldn't spend a ton of money there unless you're ok with the idea that the sonic potential of a nice phono preamp won't be fully explored with your current speakers -- most of us are often in this position, where we upgrade part of the chain and it's now it's better than the rest.
planning out the upgrade path is part of the fun! what can I find and afford now? what makes sense to buy next?
what's the ideal speaker, amplifier or turntable that I'm going to patiently hunt for?
BUZZARD437
New Member
Well dang, this 25$ turntable is going to turn into a 500$ one real quick
. We have a huge record collection so its a good investment I suppose. So what speakers should I be on the look out for? Anything to look out for in the used field? Ideally nothing huge. The footprint of the edifiers ( R1280DB) is ideal but I could sacrifice a little more shelf real estate lol!
bigtuna
Well-Known Member
Not sure if I missed something somewhere.. but. Since you have the belt on. I'd test out all functions. Get you a sacrificial vinyl, and put the tonearm down and see what happens.. if all functions well then drop some more coin of your amp preamp, or receiver. And your in buidness!!
BUZZARD437
New Member
Great points! Should I be able to hear it without a pre amp though?