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1: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Sounds More Like A Cartridge Issue (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-12-12, 18:04:34 (107.189.35.59)
They can have internal grounding problems...unless you've tried multiple cartridges with the same result. .......
2: Digital Drive, It Always Amuses Me (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-11-14, 20:00:14 (107.189.35.59)
That people will admit others can have a better sense of smell, or taste, or sight, or touch, but when it comes to an ability to hear things others don't...nope, not possible, snake oil, deluding your .......
3: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Looks Like A Sota Reflex Clamp (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-11-06, 19:41:52 (107.189.35.59)
Link here. .......
4: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Have it, sounds great to me. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-10-07, 09:16:01 (107.189.35.59)
I also had the original MFSL release to compare it to. The MFSL was way tipped up in the treble to where it sounds spitty. The original ABC sounds natural. JohnK .......
5: Vinyl Asylum, RE: The Holland-pressed London Calling rivals an original UK (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-09-26, 19:27:08 (107.189.35.59)
Having had both to compare, I sold the UK for a very good price and kept the Holland with no regrets. JohnK .......
6: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Anyone try or use VPI ADS with a MoFi Ultra Deck? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-08-18, 21:33:53 (107.189.35.59)
As I understand it part of the demise of the second forum was due to bugs and spam, which no one wanted to take the time to fix. JohnK .......
7: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Who makes GaN FET Amps ? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-08-14, 11:02:51 (208.168.255.136)
I just replaced a PrimaLuna Evo 300 amplifier with a pair of the Atma-Sphere Class D amps. The Atma-Sphere's are the first Class D I've had that truly do the tubes thing of air, 3D, and timbral weight .......
8: Films/DVD Asylum, One of those whiney reviews, basically "That's not the film I would have made" nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-08-13, 09:09:08 (208.168.255.136)
.......
9: Vinyl Asylum, RE: It's the Apple Effect (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-07-08, 15:52:17 (107.189.35.59)
Since Jony Ive's company was involved in the design. JohnK .......
10: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Handling vinyl (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-06-15, 19:53:42 (107.189.35.59)
That's the one I was going to recommend. I just got a couple of the new DG remastered LP releases, and they included one of these things branded as the DG Record Butler. I'd say if it's OK for the LP .......
11: Vinyl Asylum, RE: The Skin Cell Thing Is A Myth nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-03-22, 15:19:57 (107.189.35.59)
.......
12: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I hope they correct some of the inverted polarity boo-boos (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-03-10, 15:24:15 (107.189.35.59)
that made many of the originals sound dull and diffuse. JohnK .......
13: General Asylum, RE: Microsoft Stock --- or Apple (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-02-23, 15:18:16 (107.189.35.59)
I had a friend who, instead of buying a new computer every couple of years invested it in Apple stock starting back in the '90s. Needless to say he's not had to work for a while.... JohnK .......
14: General Asylum, RE: Agree, but using them was indeed a pain (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-01-31, 21:22:40 (107.189.35.59)
So I moved on. Still miss them, though. JohnK .......
15: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Degritter: Me too! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2023-01-18, 18:26:56 (107.189.35.59)
Yes, just got one a couple of weeks ago. Biggest surprise for me was LPs I bought originally 40 or even 50 years ago and have cleaned with vacuum (VPI Cyclone) or hydro (GEM Dandy) and various fluids. .......
16: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yes, pivot-to-spindle is 300mm nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-12-20, 16:14:23 (107.189.35.59)
.......
17: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI 12.5 arm upgrade/change to 12" 3D drop in ? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-12-12, 16:47:28 (107.189.35.59)
The pivot-to-spindle distance should be the same (300mm), but you can check with a good ruler. It also should be a drop-on exchange, UNLESS the 12.5 has the bearing cup for using silicone oil. If so, .......
18: General Asylum, RE: He started it back up after he sold Analog Planet (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-11-02, 15:54:58 (107.189.35.59)
The Tracking Angle was a Fremer magazine years ago. .......
19: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Bought the debut when it came out... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-10-21, 20:51:24 (107.189.35.59)
despite the annoying mime on the cover. Lots of catchy tunes and the sonics were very good. To this day I still use it as one of my references to judge new setups. It was a very popular LP in the Bost .......
20: Vinyl Asylum, Had one back in the day, too (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-10-16, 17:00:21 (107.189.35.59)
With various turntables. If I remember correctly it had its positives and negatives. I eventually went VPI and had no need for a mat, but the Music Mat hung around in my audio pile for a long time. I .......
21: Vinyl Asylum, RE: That guy was running a... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-10-04, 08:10:29 (107.122.189.16)
The Ref3 is available in high and low output versions. The low is, what, 1mv? That fits fine with the low gain setting on many MC stages. JohnK .......
22: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Pot, Meet Kettle (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-10-03, 20:35:52 (107.189.35.59)
I've been a member of this forum and SHF about the same length of time, 20+ years, maybe longer here, and you can pick and choose any amount of crazy at both places if your only goal is to tear one or .......
23: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Have any of the owners... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-10-03, 16:17:12 (107.189.35.59)
I haven't fiddled with loading, but I did try it into a VAS SUT at the low gain setting. Worked fine, but lost something in the change--maybe it was the cables, as I didn't have a decent additional pa .......
24: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Define "better" then re-ask the question. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-10-03, 15:33:48 (107.189.35.59)
Otherwise it's a meaningless poll. JohnK .......
25: Inmate Central, RE: Always amazing to me they get anywhere. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-10-02, 07:32:50 (107.189.35.59)
I had a job selling Mariners season tickets in the early '80s, to businesses who you figured would want to entertain customers. Even they didn't want to touch them. Lost money on that job. Of course t .......
26: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Wonderful Cartridge (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-09-29, 21:20:39 (107.189.35.59)
On my VPI Classic Signature with 12" Fatboy Gimbal I've had Dynavector XX2 MK2, 20x2L, VAS Ebony 103, a Benz Ebony L and Soundsmith The Voice, but much prefer the Grado. It was neck-and-neck with the .......
27: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I like them okay too, because (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-08-19, 17:21:22 (107.189.35.59)
all the ones I've heard serve as a kind of compressor, which tends to make music more lively. But for full enjoyment I personally have to have the "more" that expensive analog brings. JohnK ::: TOPIC: .......
28: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Kinda right (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-07-25, 16:15:48 (107.189.35.59)
At times it was trying way too hard dialogue-wise, but there were some pretty good action scenes, and the plot was not wholly stupid. JohnK .......
29: General Asylum, RE: Some Quality Control Issues (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-05-09, 12:45:56 (86.43.201.28)
I have found that when PS Audio products work they work flawlessly for years. I had a P300 and a GCPH that never had any issues over five years. On the other hand...their regenerators do seem to be a .......
30: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Not quite sure I understand... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-05-08, 15:25:04 (86.43.201.28)
...your comment. PS Audio only sells direct now, and has since 2019 when they got rid of their dealers, so no such thing for them as "wholesale." JohnK .......
31: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: PS Audio SALE (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-05-07, 14:09:42 (86.43.201.28)
I'd rather be a listener for life than a sucker who takes Amir's advice and then regrets that because even though Amir and his measurements tell me it shouldn't be so I no longer enjoy music on my sys .......
32: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Maybe, but... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-05-05, 15:52:39 (107.189.35.59)
The discounts are pretty much (exactly?) what you got prior to the sale if you took advantage of PSA's generous trade-in program, so really no change. I guess they just wanted to make it easier for pe .......
33: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: PS Audio SALE (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-05-05, 15:50:10 (107.189.35.59)
It is good you can drink the cool aid from Amir. He has a champion reader for life. Best wishes. .......
34: Inmate Central, RE: I didn't realize the cops out there were all soft lefties. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-04-26, 16:47:24 (107.189.35.59)
In any case, in the videos I saw the neighborhoods the truckers were driving through were what I call upscale and in no way run down. Maybe California has different standards? .......
35: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Got it. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-04-06, 15:59:59 (107.189.35.59)
I haven't had any issues with noise or hum in my setup, using Grover, Audience, and now VAS Audio cables from my VPI Classic Signature to a PrimaLuna preamp. I will say that PS Audio does have a somew .......
36: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-04-04, 21:30:17 (107.189.35.59)
Not sure which review you are referring to. The ASR one is typically focused only on measurements, which shows some distortion aspects that the reviewer says probably aren't audible during use--but th .......
37: General Asylum, RE: If you are a regular ASR reader (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-03-31, 08:57:26 (107.115.17.134)
then you probably will forego a P12. There's a couple of long back-and-forth threads on the subject at the PS Audio forum. Me, I bought one and listened, and it made an improvement, so I kept it. John .......
38: Vinyl Asylum, RE: MFSL - "Now Shipping on SuperVinyl: Electric Light Orchestra - Eldorado" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-03-22, 17:10:04 (107.189.35.59)
Already have the DCC version. I'd love to compare the two, but not enough to buy another copy. JohnK .......
39: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: That's the way I started, with a Cambridge CXU as the player. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-03-19, 15:16:12 (107.189.35.59)
An inexpensive an uncomplicated way to see if you can hear a difference and if it matters to you, before getting more complicated. For me the stick is enough. As noted, it looks like the CD6007 can ha .......
40: General Asylum, RE: They Are Everything You Say (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-02-05, 16:36:17 (107.189.35.59)
Had a set for a couple of years, but ergonomics of using them in a short run and WAF finally resulted in moving on to something more traditional, and, frankly, less satisfying. If if you can put up wi .......
41: Digital Drive, RE: ANK is no longer affiliated with Audio Note (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2022-01-07, 19:16:42 (107.189.35.59)
They apparently can still use the name, but took aspects of the designs and have modified them to some degree. I built one of their preamps and it was very nice sounding, but the build experience tota .......
42: General Asylum, RE: Need to spend on an ethernet switch? Maybe... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-12-18, 10:09:50 (107.189.35.59)
That's an insane amount, but typical of Synergistic prices. Their original power cords were reasonable, but they've really priced themselves out of my range. Back when I was exploring high end streami .......
43: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Find one that is least bad and, unfortunately, sell the rest (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-11-27, 09:10:07 (73.68.59.17)
Mine is a kind of pressure that builds to eventually become uncomfortable. For me it's NOS EL34 tubes in my EVO 300 that are the best solution; other tubes such as KT 150, KT88, and even Winged C 6550 .......
44: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Find one that is least bad and, unfortunately, sell the rest (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-11-27, 08:13:08 (73.68.59.17)
My tinnitus has been growing over the past few years, but it doesn't really affect my listening. What does is occasional hyperacusis in my left ear, the type where the sound of clattering dishes is qu .......
45: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI 2nd Pivot (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-11-21, 19:36:12 (107.189.35.59)
Yes it does add stability, and improves bass performance. I used one for a while, but I expect that installation and accurate setup would be challenging for someone with tremors. JohnK .......
46: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI unipivot/gimbaled (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-11-21, 19:34:00 (107.189.35.59)
On a Classic Signature SE I went from a JMW 12 3D to a 12 Gimbal Fatboy. Certainly more stable, slightly deeper and better controlled bass, and perhaps a bit less midrange air, but I wouldn't swear to .......
47: Vinyl Asylum, RE: *I like it, but... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-10-22, 07:52:49 (66.30.32.183)
..it was very trendy when it came out, and I suspect it's one of those LPs that a lot of people got and played only once. JohnK .......
48: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Second the Hagerman (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-08-28, 07:48:43 (107.189.35.59)
They used to make a reverse Riaa filter for use with a CD player as the signal, but this new product is much more useful. JohnK .......
49: Vinyl Asylum, RE: The Cartridge Man Isolator Has Been Around For At Least 15 Years (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-07-22, 19:40:03 (208.199.26.229)
https://www.audioasylum.com/reviews/Accessory/Cartridge-Man/Isolator/vinyl/549415.html .......
50: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Which Fatboy? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-07-21, 10:36:36 (208.199.26.229)
.......
51: General Asylum, RE: More Perspective (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-07-11, 20:50:24 (107.189.35.59)
Sgt. Pepper's was closer to WWII than today is to the Vietnam War--or The Gulf War, for that matter. JohnK .......
52: General Asylum, RE: Jefferson Airplane, Hartford, CT, August 1972 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-06-29, 20:40:42 (107.189.35.59)
I had recently turned 14 and was taken by some friends. I had no idea who they were, but I do remember (or think I do--many substances were ingested prior to and during the concert) a certain young wo .......
53: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Same here, plus the guitar line throughout the second half of Mountain Jam nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-06-08, 16:05:54 (107.189.35.59)
.......
54: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Power Boost for GoldenEar? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-05-19, 14:52:24 (107.189.35.59)
With my 2+ I've gotten the best results with normal power PrimaLuna amps--ProLogue 4 and 5, and now an EVO 300, all at about 40 watts per channel. I had a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP amp for a whil .......
55: Speaker Asylum, RE: My Recommendation is No Longer Made: VMPS RM40 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-05-02, 07:44:32 (107.189.35.59)
I heard that same Oscar Peterson track at Clark Johnsen's loft on his RM40 setup. An amazing rendition that I have been trying to replicate ever since. JohnK .......
56: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Not Exactly MM, But Grado Wood? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-04-01, 16:09:04 (107.189.35.59)
I recently switched from a Hana ML to a Grado Platinum 3, and then because I liked it so much a Reference 3. Even though the Platinum is an elliptical stylus, I had no more sibilance or IGD than with .......
57: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Why LP? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-03-26, 14:43:13 (107.189.35.59)
A couple of reasons. The original was one of those recorded at a 50.4 kHz sampling rate, so it had to be converted for the CD. It's been released at least three times on disc, for the original release .......
58: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Bandwagons (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-03-24, 19:53:56 (107.189.35.59)
I always appreciate reading opinions about products that the poster has never heard. Informative! The Maglev is a great product if you don't mind wow-and-flutter that is probably off the charts due to .......
59: Vinyl Asylum, RE: There is a VPI one (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-03-09, 18:13:26 (107.189.35.59)
If you want to try it. Some do, some just twist the wire. Some combine it with the 2nd pivot. There's all the information you need at the VPI forum. .......
60: Video Asylum, RE: In My Experience This Is Bogus Advice (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-02-21, 20:31:12 (107.189.35.59)
Most 4K displays only upconvert on some formats, and it can be disabled. I went from one of the last, best Panasonic 1080p plasmas to an LG 4K OLED, and the improvement with all sources is clearly not .......
61: Video Asylum, RE: "I don't own a TV yet..." (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-02-19, 20:39:45 (107.189.35.59)
And so you are basing your opinion on what your friends have without really knowing how their sets are adjusted, or just playing around with adjustments? Either brand you mention, if time is taken wit .......
62: General Asylum, RE: America "A Horse With No Name" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2021-01-28, 15:21:09 (107.189.35.59)
Which surprises me, because I didn't think the song was that old. I'm not sure what it says about me. The other thing about looking at the replies is how old everybody is! JohnK .......
63: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Uneven with a terrible ending, plus: (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-12-12, 07:37:10 (107.189.35.243)
Most of the time I found myself wondering how much plastic surgery Kidman has had (way too easy given how many closeups she had), when or not her brow would overcome the Botox and actually furrow, and .......
64: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Bunch of Old Guys (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-12-03, 19:43:59 (107.189.35.243)
(and I'm one myself) A perfect example of why high end audio will eventually die out. JohnK .......
65: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: He's Also The Mandalorian (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-11-23, 06:55:17 (107.189.35.243)
or at least his voice. Not so sure who's under the helmet! .......
66: Vinyl Asylum, RE: John Coltrane Ballads, the Acoustic Sounds Series (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-10-12, 19:50:32 (72.108.59.31)
I have the 1995 remaster by Wally Traugott, which sounds really nice, so I bet the AS treatment is a winner. JohnK .......
67: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Did so last month with a PS Audio Stellar 300 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-10-10, 16:17:47 (72.108.59.31)
I was looking for a summer option so that I wasn't driven out of my listening room by the heat from my tube amp. The Stellar is a really nice little amp, and I can see how if you ran an SS system and .......
68: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: I enjoyed it quite a lot. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-06-23, 18:45:27 (72.104.6.146)
I'm looking forward to where it ends up at the end of the season, as I think it turns more mainstream after that. JohnK .......
69: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I Haven't Looked to See What Prices Are Like These Days (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-06-14, 07:53:49 (72.104.5.128)
They were poo-poo'd for a while since they were digital recordings, but their reputation seems to be growing as people reevaluate them. I was fortunate to come upon a stash at a record store a few yea .......
70: General Asylum, RE: I like the Tivolis, but... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-06-14, 07:44:32 (72.104.5.128)
I think this is what was previously sold as the Music Hall RDR-1, but I don't know if it was a simple re-badging, or if Sangean bought the rights from Music Hall, or whatever. It did get some good rev .......
71: General Asylum, RE: REVIEW: V-Cap ODAM Passive Components (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-06-07, 07:52:56 (72.104.5.128)
Since these are of reasonable size compared to most other upgrade options, I've used them to replace the cheap output Solens that come in lower end PrimaLuna preamps (where space is at a premium). I s .......
72: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Not Too Dark For Me (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-06-06, 09:45:58 (72.104.5.128)
But then I watch in a room I can fully darken, on an LG OLED. I can see everything as intended, and do appreciate efforts to make it look more natural. JohnK .......
73: General Asylum, RE: The Boston "Globe" takes note of Clark Johnsen's Passing (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-04-18, 18:22:07 (107.77.194.157)
I remember fondly listening sessions at his loft in Boston, and what sound he was able to produce from components both humble and astronomical in price. More than 20 years later I'm still chasing the .......
74: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Washer (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-04-08, 10:07:02 (72.108.62.252)
Yes, any washer will basically do, but there are variations in thickness, so you might want to try a few. IME a little thinner is better, vs. thicker. JohnK .......
75: Vinyl Asylum, RE: You may have been had (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-02-16, 13:00:17 (72.104.4.220)
The whole point of the "2" is it's supposed to have a 2" thick aluminum platter. Now, some major sellers often put together a "package"and use the same nomenclature. For example it looks like Music Di .......
76: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: PrimaLuna preamps. Use of 5R4GY valves instead of 5AR4 / GZ34. Yes or no? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2020-01-27, 19:58:58 (72.104.3.162)
I've been using the Philips 5R4GYS in my ProLogue Premium preamp for about 6 months with no issues. A significant upgrade from the stock PrimaLuna. John K. .......
77: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Music Maker 111 vs Hana SH (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-12-26, 14:37:11 (72.104.1.149)
I had a Music Maker 2, a Hana EH, and now a Hana ML, so not exactly the same comparison. I love the Hana ML, the easiest cartridge I've ever had to align, and no distortion that I can hear. The MM on .......
78: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Probably the Mag-Lev (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-12-01, 06:34:37 (72.104.3.5)
They seem to be having some issues with their business model, as for a short period it seemed they were going out of business, but now they say they can ship, but at a much higher price. Those who sup .......
79: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: LP Definitely Released (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-11-24, 17:44:35 (72.104.2.82)
But, yeah, haven't seen the SACD. .......
80: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Mag-Level Turntable (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-11-15, 14:48:16 (72.104.5.49)
Their updates as to status and reasons for not shipping any more turntables are available only to people who backed them on Kickstarter. I'm only passing on what someone said on another forum. JohnK : .......
81: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Mag-Level Turntable (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-11-15, 08:20:14 (107.77.223.129)
I believe the company has gone out to f business, because the cost of making them is much higher than anticipated, or so they say. JohnK .......
82: Vinyl Asylum, RE: 9 versus 12-inch tonearms (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-09-18, 20:00:58 (72.108.62.145)
With VPI 'tables I have had their 9" metal, 10" metal and 3D, and now 12" 3D. In general I'd agree that the shorter arms are livelier and quicker, but there's an engaging seamlessness and effortlessne .......
83: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What's the point of rehashing this yet again? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-08-25, 19:33:35 (72.104.3.126)
.......
84: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Interested to hear how they compare to your previous ICE amps (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-07-04, 11:26:45 (72.104.1.91)
I had a pair of the the 500M and while pleasant, they were just kind of Meh. John K. .......
85: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: 'Hellboy': Just ain't the same . . . (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-04-26, 10:16:33 (107.77.224.213)
On a scale of 1 to 10 it's a minus 1. Absolutely no reason to waste money on this turkey. .......
86: General Asylum, RE: Movie Trivia - Equalizer II (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-04-18, 09:02:13 (72.182.98.18)
I noticed that, too. The first was a classic. The second one sucked and was clearly a cash grab, or at least an attempted one as I don't think it made money. .......
87: Vinyl Asylum, RE: New Rega Planar 8 - what mat? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-04-07, 16:13:51 (72.104.1.149)
Not a Planar 8 but a P5: I used the Merrill RCC Mat (also have one now on a VPI TNT with the Classic platter). No lessening of dynamics, better bass definition, no downsides for me. Of course on the R .......
88: Hi-Rez Highway, Cambridge Audio CXU (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-03-26, 20:54:44 (72.104.3.186)
It also plays Reference Recordings HRX discs. John K. .......
89: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I Use A M.O.B.I.E... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-03-25, 16:55:25 (72.104.3.186)
...Maximum Overdrive Burn In Engine, that was a low-cost alternative to a Cable Cooker years ago, and a special cable from Origin Live, to do the tonearm wires as well as the phono cable. (Do a search .......
90: Vinyl Asylum, RE: JMW 10.5i on VPI Scout (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-03-02, 19:56:40 (72.104.0.210)
It will fit on the plinth, but you'll need to move the pivot tower further away from the spindle. The spindle-to-pivot distance on the 9 is 223mm; on the 10.5 it's 258mm. John K. .......
91: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: ANK AudioNoteKit Preamp Line: ?Sweet spot (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-02-21, 22:03:20 (24.62.182.187)
The L3 Mk 2 is a very nice sounding kit preamp, particularly with the C-core transformers and an upgraded volume pot and NOS tubes. That said, building one is very likely to be an exercise in frustrat .......
92: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Because It's Built To A Price Point (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-02-06, 04:42:46 (72.104.3.4)
The Solen caps aren't known particularly for their high end performance. I'd think about replacing the input caps first, but there are few options in that requirement (10mf/630V) and every one I've se .......
93: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: 60 dB of Gain Is Fine (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2019-01-23, 18:25:42 (72.104.1.7)
That's what my Moon 310LP is set to for a Hana EL. Sounds great. John K. .......
94: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Any thoughts on the Pima Luna Prologue 4 power amp (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-12-20, 06:42:06 (212.2.7.197)
The Four is a good introduction to PL amps, but I'd go for the Five instead, as it's got a few upgrade parts and is more suited to using KT88 tubes than the Four. John K. .......
95: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: Acoustic Dimension (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-12-08, 14:24:29 (72.104.6.128)
I replaced the Alps Blue in my Audio Note pre with the Acoustic Dimension 100K. Some may find it pricey but it is very nice sounding--open and accurate without being in your face. John K .......
96: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Saw Fantastic Beasts 2 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-11-25, 17:12:35 (72.104.1.71)
While I guess I enjoyed it overall, I felt a bit bludgeoned and brain tired at the end trying to follow all of the hinted-at connections and genealogy from the seemingly endless exposition. I fear tha .......
97: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Tingstad and Rumbel (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-11-03, 18:59:58 (72.104.5.163)
The Tingstad/Rumbel LPs on Narada are well worth searching out. Great music and well mastered. I have three, two mastered by Doug Sax, the third by Bernie Grundman. John K. .......
98: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yes but.... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-10-18, 12:15:14 (194.158.44.14)
The videos I've seen show visible wobble that would be clearly audible. Even a decent thrift store TT would beat that. .......
99: Vinyl Asylum, RE: The MCA was notorious for having non-fill issues nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-10-11, 10:54:35 (72.104.6.144)
.......
100: Vinyl Asylum, RE: REM "Reckoning" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-08-08, 21:02:48 (208.168.230.76)
It's well worth seeking out the 12", 45 rpm single from this album. The sonics of "Voice of Harold" done to the tune of "Seven Chinese Brothers" will blow you away. There's also a 12" of "Don't Go Bac .......
101: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Best SACD albums (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-07-13, 21:21:57 (72.104.4.151)
Problem is so many of the good ones are out of print. But since you asked, these are just some where I find the SACD an improvement over the CD: Keb Mo' James Taylor Terry Evans Peter Gabriel Sting Fr .......
102: Vinyl Asylum, The Brand is in the Title: Korvet nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-06-28, 13:15:01 (109.125.118.184)
.......
103: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Grado Marketed A Three-Point Spacer Back in The '70s (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-06-05, 18:25:35 (72.104.3.95)
At least I think it was Grado, and it came with an 8MZ I bought. John K. .......
104: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: I'm done with feminist science fiction (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-02-25, 17:39:31 (72.104.3.122)
So if it was five guys in combat gear with assault rifles you'd be OK with it? John K. .......
105: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Picked up mine at B&N of all things (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-02-12, 10:58:54 (64.208.165.2)
Took a chance since I didn't have a copy. I agree, it's a very nice pressing. .......
106: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Pono Player (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2018-01-29, 11:14:30 (72.104.7.93)
Definitely not a mainstream choice, but if your preamp has balanced inputs you'd be surprised at the performance of the Pono. It can take up to a 400GB card, so no lack of storage. Yes, it's a dead fo .......
107: Films/DVD Asylum, Thumbs Up Here (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-12-31, 06:31:35 (72.104.1.12)
Both my wife and I liked it very much. One of those unfortunate films that gets lost in the noise around all of the big-event releases. John K. .......
108: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Cambridge Player (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-12-31, 06:01:49 (72.104.1.12)
Perhaps you're thinking of the CXU? Having owned a Sony 5400es, an Ayre C-5xeMP, an Oppo 83, Oppo 105, a Marantz SA-8005, and the CXU, I stuck with the CXU. The Ayre bested them all, but the CXU gets .......
109: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: 200gb card (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-12-02, 06:46:35 (72.104.6.195)
The official word from Pono was that 128gb cards are the limit, but I and others are using a 200gb with no issues. In posts Hansen wrote that 256 cards will work, but I didn't want to spend the money .......
110: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Pono As A Dedicated Player for Home System (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-11-29, 19:21:36 (72.104.6.195)
What got me thinking about the Pono was a comment by Charles Hansen in another thread, where he mentioned that people were replacing kilo-buck players with Ponos. I can see why. I've got a 200gb card .......
111: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Never Mind, Figured It Out (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-11-28, 09:48:05 (72.104.2.10)
I didn't realize that "Fixed Line Output Level" doesn't apply to balanced out, and that you have to raise the volume control. BTW, this thing does indeed sound fantastic as an alternative to a disc sp .......
112: Hi-Rez Highway, Pono Player Balanced Mode Output Level (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-11-28, 06:56:52 (64.208.165.2)
Picked up a Pono to use with my home audio system, for playing high resolution files in balanced mode (using Surf Audio cables into a Parasound Halo JC2). Surprisingly, the output level from the Pono .......
113: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: NSMT A100 First Impressions (of a very small amplifier) (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-11-06, 08:57:00 (64.208.165.2)
Surprised there isn't more buzz on this little amp. I bought one for my son to use for his computer audio, but of course had to try it out first in the Big Rig. It is a very capable performer, committ .......
114: Speaker Asylum, RE: The First Ones Were VMPS. Yamaha way late to the game. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-09-19, 10:04:07 (64.208.165.2)
.......
115: Vinyl Asylum, RE: You should always wait at least until the "issuing authority" responds (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-08-12, 06:15:53 (72.104.6.183)
Which could take three or more weeks to find out there is no such entity. As noted, your bank will accept it and pass it along as they aren't taking any risk for a bad transaction. I once got $3500 in .......
116: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Thinking you were sarcastic I started to laugh (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-08-07, 17:45:12 (208.168.230.76)
then I realized you were serious. Sad! .......
117: General Asylum, Which Made The Subtitle of "The Audio Critic" Quite Ironic (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-06-30, 06:40:15 (64.208.165.21)
"Accountability in audio journalism." .......
118: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Anyone have knowledge/experience with the VAS Nova MC cartridge? NT (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-06-18, 08:22:54 (72.104.6.110)
Owned two. The first was returned because the suspension was faulty. Unusual in a low-volume, hand-built cartridge? Who knows. I haven't seen any other reports of the same. I liken its sound to a slig .......
119: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: I'm not Hiredfox, but I'll butt in (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-05-02, 10:39:24 (64.208.165.21)
Just as one can get used to the sterility and flat representation of much digital reproduction and the electronics used to create it. I can't remember the wag who penned it, but: "The best way to enj .......
120: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I Had The Same Thing Happen (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-04-04, 11:14:21 (64.208.165.21)
I was using the treatment regularly on a Dynavector XX2. At one point I thought I had bent my cantilever, but it turned out it was this powdery build up. All LPs cleaned on a VPI Cyclone with AVIS flu .......
121: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Question #2 : Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Cart. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-04-01, 07:46:36 (72.104.6.238)
I just got one to compare to my Dynavector XX2-MKII that has been retipped by Peter. Only about 15 hours on the Star so far, but it sounds to be one really nice cartridge. I would pretty much concur w .......
122: Digital Drive, It's The 8005 DAC That's Discounted, Not The SACD Player. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-03-17, 21:16:49 (72.104.1.84)
.......
123: Vinyl Asylum, Vinyl Still Sounds More Real to Me, Too (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-03-10, 19:41:38 (72.104.6.25)
But maybe I haven't spent enough on my digital rig? Still, I remember one wag who said, "The best way to enjoy digital is to never listen to vinyl." John K. .......
124: Tweakers' Asylum, Free Sample with Order of Black Discus/nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-03-10, 19:38:35 (72.104.6.25)
.......
125: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Close Contacts (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-03-10, 11:06:00 (64.208.165.21)
The literature that came with the enhancer states that MS hasn't seen an issue with shorting out, e.g., with silver paste, but I haven't been bold enough yet to check out the claim. John K. ::: TOPIC: .......
126: Tweakers' Asylum, Mad Scientist Graphene-based Contact Enhancer (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-03-09, 12:38:28 (64.208.165.21)
Anyone gotten a sample of this yet? Not mentioned on their website, but with my recent order came a very small vial and brush of the stuff for testing. Given my experience in the past with many contac .......
127: Speaker Asylum, RE: Read The Patent. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-03-02, 20:05:47 (72.104.5.4)
As I said, "basically." Yes, Claim 1 is very general, but as it reads in the specification (para. 0006), "For example: a woofer is designed to be highly compliant with very low moving mass and a low r .......
128: Speaker Asylum, Read The Patent. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-03-02, 17:52:45 (72.104.5.4)
It's basically claiming that his drivers that have low mass, are highly compliant, and have a low resonant frequency, are novel and inventive. It may be; I'm not versed in loudspeaker IP. But it seems .......
129: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Exactly. It seems people occasionally need to be reminded about this. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-02-19, 15:48:13 (162.17.118.188)
.......
130: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI Static (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-01-19, 09:16:46 (64.208.165.21)
I use a similar solution, with a ground lug under the spindle bolt, and run the wire to the ground lug on the junction box. Not sure it makes any difference where it goes. BTW, since you have the Phoe .......
131: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Another VPI collaboration - Mark Levinson Turntable (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2017-01-05, 08:41:55 (64.208.165.21)
The motor appears to be a significant upgrade with what sounds like an integrated ADS, so that may be some of the cost increase. .......
132: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Very wrong. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-12-20, 13:34:43 (64.208.165.21)
The original recording was to DAT. John K. .......
133: Vinyl Asylum, RE: RX-2 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-07-22, 05:01:19 (72.104.6.48)
Having owned an RX2 from back in the '90s until recently, as well a modern Rega I'd say go Rega. Still, it depends on how you're going to use it. The RX is good entry level, but be aware that its meta .......
134: Inmate Central, RE: Reminds Me of the Old SNL "Claudine Longet Invitational" Video (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-05-25, 11:37:45 (64.208.165.21)
Unfortunately can't find it on Youtube. .......
135: General Asylum, RE: Open and not Open (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-05-14, 20:41:16 (72.104.3.148)
The main halls downstairs were open in the usual manner of most trade shows; a few exhibitors had stand-alone rooms set up for demos in their display area. The "Atriums" upstairs were side-by-side ded .......
136: General Asylum, RE: Question on sound isolation from room to room (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-05-13, 15:33:01 (72.104.3.148)
Sound bleed was a big issue, as many times it was difficult to tell whether bass was coming from the system in the room or from a setup next door. Some exhibitors had room treatments, but a surprising .......
137: General Asylum, RE: Surprising How Much Bad Sound There Was (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-05-12, 17:35:07 (72.104.3.148)
And not just because of poor rooms. Much of what I heard was aggressive in a bad way. Maybe three or four rooms that I could have listened to for a long time, but of course I couldn't to it all. What' .......
138: General Asylum, RE: Friday, Saturday Packed, Sunday not Bad At All nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-05-12, 17:25:48 (72.104.3.148)
.......
139: Vinyl Asylum, RE: 10,000 Maniacs - In My Tribe reissue -one song MIA (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-04-29, 16:11:59 (72.104.3.148)
Yes, missing. I have a promo copy of the original release from 1987, with two stickers on the front. One proclaims "Pressed on High Quality Audiophile Vinyl," which I assume means Quiex; the other "Fe .......
140: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Classic Passive-Agressive Move (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-04-16, 07:41:33 (72.104.3.148)
to post the video link with an "innocent" question and then step back and say, "Who me? I didn't mean anything." I don't think either manufacturer comes out well in this ongoing feud. John K. ::: TOP .......
141: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What's your budget? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2016-04-11, 11:26:12 (64.208.165.21)
The 19 was frequently partnered with the Eminent Technology ET-2. These can still be sourced from the manufacturer but are expensive. Used examples appear fairly regularly. Another linear arm option i .......
142: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Haven't noticed any comparisons to "Rare Exports" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-12-09, 13:25:15 (64.208.165.21)
which was a very entertaining Finnish film on kinda the same subject. .......
143: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Well, I've had my new toy now for a week (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-10-07, 05:42:33 (64.208.165.21)
That Classic 3 appears to have the ceramic coated Classic Platter, which was only offered for a short time. That's a special one and a keeper. John K. .......
144: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Did no instruction come with it? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-10-05, 19:44:58 (72.104.5.210)
You can always check their website for guidance. Or, contact them. .......
145: Vinyl Asylum, RE: "LAST" Sticker on vinyl?? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-10-05, 19:42:29 (72.104.5.210)
.......
146: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hmmmm (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-09-15, 04:44:15 (72.104.2.61)
Discussion over at VPI forum. It would appear VPI uses an AC motor, among other things, and not the typical DC-plus-controller, which I think would have an impact on design/cost. John K. .......
147: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: I didn't Say One Was More Superior (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-09-09, 16:08:46 (72.104.7.24)
I was merely pointing out the inherent contradiction in your argument, which you either don't see or willfully misunderstand. And, you are at least as pushy as anyone else in putting forth your prefer .......
148: General Asylum, RE: thanks for the insight... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-09-09, 11:15:39 (64.208.165.21)
I've had one for eight years. It had some teething problems when I first bought it and had to go back for repair three times in two months, but then worked flawlessly until recently when it stopped re .......
149: Amp/Preamp Asylum, "People buy the Merrill ncore amps because, plain and simple, they like how they sound" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-09-09, 11:02:57 (64.208.165.21)
So it's OK to buy on sound alone an amp that measures well, but not OK to buy on sound alone an amp that may not meet your measurement standards. Thanks for clarifying your biases. John K. ::: TOPIC:: .......
150: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Stainless Steel nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-26, 11:46:30 (64.208.165.21)
.......
151: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I Have One For "Saturate Before Using" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-19, 10:15:12 (72.104.2.160)
Though I think it must be a fold-down; I can't imagine they'd do a mono mix just for promo copies. Am I wrong? John K. .......
152: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Modern SS Power Amp for Vandy 2ce (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-17, 19:09:05 (72.104.2.160)
Second McCormack recommendations, the 0.5 or the 125. If you go that route you can upgrade the amp later with SMc when you've got the cash and get some serious world-class performance for a reasonable .......
153: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Further... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-11, 17:41:54 (72.104.2.160)
If it's electronic hum you'd hear it under the following condition: the belt disconnected, the motor running, the platter not spinning, and the needle sitting in the lead-out area. John K. ::: TOPIC:: .......
154: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Possibly Motor Vibration Transmitted Through the Belt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-11, 17:03:25 (72.104.2.160)
I understand. That's the way motor-belt noise/hum acts. You can also hear it at the lead-in groove. John K. .......
155: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Possibly Motor Vibration Transmitted Through the Belt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-11, 09:07:16 (64.208.165.21)
I've had this before on VPI 'tables. It drove me crazy until I figured it out. Different resonance characteristics of your new setup have brought it forward. How old is your belt? The noise can be le .......
156: Vinyl Asylum, RE: MCA Heavy Vinyl (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-05, 20:10:55 (208.168.230.76)
That MCA "Who's Next" was notorious for poor fill-in on the beginning of the 2nd side, leading to to severe crackling. It took me three copies to get a good one. .......
157: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Going to order the Bob Latino ST-70 next week (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-08-04, 07:32:05 (208.168.230.76)
The Latino amp chassis is stainless steel, not plated. Do yourself a favor and order a Genelex reissue GZ34 rectifier from Jim McShane. John K. .......
158: Vinyl Asylum, Amazing That This Still Qualifies As "News" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-05-01, 07:38:35 (64.208.165.21)
It's only been around for, what, 15 years? .......
159: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: DC on the line? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-04-09, 07:48:59 (64.208.165.21)
As already noted. The transformer core will saturate over time and start to buzz. Could try one of these, though the amount of silicone caulk is kind of off-putting: .......
160: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI, Because the Pioneer is Ugly nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-04-03, 16:37:45 (70.215.16.102)
nt .......
161: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Why Not Dynavector's? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-03-25, 15:31:35 (70.215.14.252)
I have a 10x5 now playing with Dynavector's P75mk3. Very synergistic combination (no surprise), punchy, tight but deep bass, and a very nice top end. I don't judge on soundstage width or depth, or on .......
162: General Asylum, RE: I'd Say You're Overreacting, But That's My Perspective (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-03-19, 11:06:03 (64.208.165.21)
which comes from growing up in a time when there was no internet, no e-mail, no FedEx, no Fax, no cell phones, so I would say I'm a little more used to delayed gratification. Case in point, last year .......
163: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM 100 - record review. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-03-16, 19:44:19 (70.215.17.235)
I just bought a Cyclone and find it a great machine. It was between this and the SOTA, but since I'm a dedicated VPI fan a Cyclone was the choice. I commend your fortitude in cleaning. I currently do .......
164: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Forgot to Add (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-02-26, 18:02:47 (70.215.1.237)
Running it with a Dynavector P75 mk3. Otello is medium compliance, 100-200 pf version. .......
165: Vinyl Asylum, Soundsmith Otello on VPI Scout: Should It Be That Difficult to Set UP? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-02-26, 17:35:39 (70.215.1.237)
I was running a Soundsmith re-tipped Dynavector 20X2L on my Scout with JMW 9T when I trashed the cantilever. It's gone back for a re-re-tip, but in the interim I got an Otello for standby. As with the .......
166: Speaker Asylum, SVS, HSU, Adire, ACI (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-01-25, 07:31:46 (70.215.12.238)
Those were generally the price/performance leaders. John K. .......
167: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Any experience using Cardas 4x33 shielded tone arm cable? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-01-20, 10:28:02 (64.208.165.21)
If this is the same stuff of theirs I used years ago it is a pain to work with because the individual strands are enameled and difficult to solder. I finally had to get a solder pot to get the ability .......
168: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Does This Guy Know Something We Don't? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-01-16, 08:00:27 (64.208.165.21)
Higher priced sales are in the NM area. What this ad describes is not, and those are going in the $5-600 range. John K. .......
169: Vinyl Asylum, Does This Guy Know Something We Don't? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-01-15, 16:06:07 (70.215.17.167)
You can now get better masterings and at least as good pressings for 1/4 the price. While I don't think early pressing originals of good quality have gone down in price, I can't imagine that the MFSL .......
170: Speaker Asylum, RE: If you like them now (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2015-01-10, 10:46:43 (70.215.2.212)
Wait until they've got 100 hours on them. My T3s were good out of the box, but truly impress after break-in. .......
171: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Although one could argue (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-12-24, 19:07:06 (72.50.65.121)
that the reason most people picked the cheap MM is because that is the level of what they are used to hearing, and they preferred the sound with which they are most familiar. John K. .......
172: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Interesting Point About a Shibata Stylus (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-12-10, 19:11:55 (70.215.9.98)
"To further complicate matters, a Shibata or Shibata-like stylus, which Cotter feels is the only type that will track highly-modulated records correctly, must have its tip rather precisely vertical in .......
173: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Well Worth It (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-11-06, 05:46:54 (64.208.165.21)
IME all motors on VPI 'tables vibrate to one degree or another (counting, I realize that through the years and three different 'tables I've had six motors), even on the SAMA, and even the 300 rpm vers .......
174: Vinyl Asylum, RE: 732-583-6895 nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-10-16, 08:45:04 (64.208.165.21)
nt .......
175: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Grover (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-10-08, 15:54:45 (70.215.44.129)
Check out Grover Huffman's cables. $210 with shipping. John K. .......
176: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Sad but not surprised. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-07-17, 19:08:22 (70.215.16.136)
Saw him a few years ago. Clearly in poor health and he had to be helped across the stage to his seat. But once he started playing it was as if he dropped 20 years in an instant. John K. .......
177: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Some Would Say the Track Deluxe with "Bilbo" in the Dead Wax (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-05-18, 08:37:37 (70.215.5.243)
I've got the Deluxe, a Decca W1, the Classic, and the MCA, and I can't say I prefer one over the other (even the MCA has some aspects to recommend it, though it is clearly the most messed with), but t .......
178: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: I think you are correct... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-03-14, 17:13:14 (70.215.13.38)
That in some cases speakers can be the exception to the rule, but in my own case I have never found that to be so. But then I have gone through many more components than I have speakers. In the case o .......
179: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Oppo 83 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-03-14, 17:09:08 (70.215.13.38)
Oh yes. The improvement in the breed, so to speak, was very obvious. Much more refined, greater instrument definition, depth, timbre, etc. But, as noted, something lacking for me that's more difficult .......
180: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Yes, and regarding break in... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-03-14, 07:35:11 (64.208.165.21)
In my experience break in never makes better something that you don't like the sound of initially, it only improves on aspects you already find positive. All the times I've worked diligently on break .......
181: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: No, it's not. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-03-14, 07:22:15 (64.208.165.21)
Leaving aside the snide aspect of your reply, I still have the 83 connected, and when I want to play one of my nine or ten DVD-As I just flip the selector on my preamp. I'd have more DVD-As if I felt .......
182: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: You're Not Alone (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-03-12, 11:42:55 (64.208.165.21)
I ran mine continually for almost the full 30-day break-in before deciding it wasn't for me and sent it back. Impressive in a sort of hi-fi way, but emotionally it left me cold. Since I listen exclusi .......
183: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: "loose" Downton daughters (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-02-13, 20:50:03 (70.215.28.194)
Your 19th century morals are showing.... John K. .......
184: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: JC 2 and Dynaco (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2014-02-03, 19:24:27 (70.215.13.156)
Funny, I'm doing pretty much the same thing, but my amp is a Latino ST-70, a re-imagining of the original Dynaco. John K. .......
185: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Broken DV 20XL (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2013-11-18, 17:05:14 (70.215.8.96)
I have a 20XL2 with the option 2 rebuild. I can't say how it compares to the other levels or to the original since I bought it 2nd hand, but I can say that it sounds fantastic and a huge improvement o .......
186: Films/DVD Asylum, I Couldn't Care Less As I've Never Seen One Episode (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2013-11-01, 22:15:26 (70.215.3.117)
I don't doubt that it's good, but there's only so much time in life to devote to TV. What highly acclaimed shows have you never seen? .......
187: Films/DVD Asylum, Jack Nicholson's Demise in "Easy Rider" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2013-11-01, 22:13:19 (70.215.3.117)
Maybe it was the fact I was 12 when I saw it during its initial release (I had a very liberal mother), but the axes cutting into the sleeping bag and what seemed his character getting decapitated stay .......
188: Vinyl Asylum, RE: PS Audio GCPH (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2013-03-22, 20:07:40 (208.168.230.76)
Particularly if you get the version with Underwood mods. You also get remote control as a bonus. It does make a significant difference to remove the preamp from the chain. John K. .......
189: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Picked up the Supertramp About 10 Years Ago... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2013-02-15, 18:47:10 (70.215.7.59)
For $25, IIRC, at a store in the "Boston area". They had some other UHQRs that I thought were overpriced at $50. Stupid me, I should have gotten them all. And yes, the Supertramp is fantastic. John K. .......
190: Vinyl Asylum, All these replies and no one thinks it might be a joke? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2013-02-13, 14:23:12 (70.215.17.194)
.......
191: Vinyl Asylum, RE: at 96k, which according to math is a higher sample rate than 44.1 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-11-08, 16:01:35 (70.192.14.193)
Some people think that the higher sample rate transferred to an LP without the downconversion to redbook CD will result in a better sound. Only listening will tell. John K. .......
192: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Since you're obviously connected to the internet a few minutes of searching would answer your questions. n (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-11-08, 15:59:00 (70.192.14.193)
.......
193: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Halo JC2 with Latino ST-70 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-10-14, 19:48:32 (70.192.0.134)
I started out putting the money into the preamp, thinking I'd pick up something used along the way, but frankly the Latino is easily the equal of the Halo and costs less than a quarter of it. You need .......
194: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: "faint pulsing." Perhaps it's the desert sun waves? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-10-10, 18:52:35 (70.192.3.12)
If you search for Robert Harris's posts over at Home Theater Forum you'll find out lots of info about the restoration. The "pulsing" is warping of the original negative due to the desert heat. They di .......
195: Vinyl Asylum, Should Have Said Just Gyro; it's not clear what version. ntaulic Reference (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-10-02, 05:06:56 (70.192.9.235)
. .......
196: Vinyl Asylum, Gyro SE; For CO it's the Hydraulic Reference (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-10-02, 05:04:37 (70.192.9.235)
It's actually in at least two scenes, as he takes it with him to China. The Clockwork Orange question's been answered at least 100 times. John K. .......
197: Vinyl Asylum, Dark Knight Rises (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-09-06, 17:58:41 (75.194.63.98)
Just received my copy from Amazon. A really nice pressing. Very quiet, especially important given the many quiet passages. Impressed so far with the sound without being particularly critical. Anyone e .......
198: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: The Latino Amp is an Under-the-Radar Champ (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-09-02, 20:04:28 (75.194.209.165)
Powerful enough for most real-world applications, reliable, extremely quiet, and its sound can be easily tuned with a number of reasonably priced tube rolling. EL34s will indeed give you what some con .......
199: Films/DVD Asylum, A Classic Case of Guilt By Association (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-08-30, 21:38:11 (75.213.36.240)
Which I thought had gone out of fashion when McCarthy was booed of the national stage, but conservatives keep resurrecting the tactic since it can prove so effective, especially when the majority of v .......
200: Vinyl Asylum, What, No Comments on the NYT Article On Vinyl Collecting? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-05-30, 18:16:30 (75.213.117.178)
nt .......
201: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Plenty of Power, and Sleepers In Terms of Sound (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-05-20, 21:53:18 (75.194.51.112)
QSC amps are quite capable performers in a home system. John K. .......
202: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Latino VTA ST-70 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-05-15, 05:52:30 (64.208.165.21)
An updating of the old Dynaco design. It can be used with EL34, KT88, KT66, 6N3C. Plus it can be switched from pentode to triode on the fly. Fantastic performance for the money. John K. .......
203: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Funny, I pulled that one out last night. I didn't think I was playing it that loud. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-03-31, 20:41:32 (75.194.231.145)
.......
204: Vinyl Asylum, RE: "Problem was we couldn't stop putting new cool things into it!" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-03-30, 14:47:48 (75.213.74.46)
Which some see as a problem with VPI because they never seem to leave well enough alone or hold to a price point. On the other hand, some blast Rega because they hold so firmly to the "built to a pric .......
205: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Moerch has had different mass arms for years. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-03-30, 14:45:27 (75.213.74.46)
.......
206: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Current 1st on the list is a direct drive lol nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-03-27, 18:10:05 (75.213.255.4)
. .......
207: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yes, I'm surprised no one else pointed out the resonance problem.. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-02-09, 15:37:04 (75.194.115.63)
While it may look cool, one thing the video shows is that the arm/cart dancing around points to a less-than-ideal match. When I play the same LP on my P5 with Exact 2 cart there is no movement of the .......
208: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Supposedly Many of the DGs are Pressed in Inverted Polarity (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2012-01-16, 19:08:52 (75.213.39.122)
Which makes them sound dull and distant. I have found that inverting polarity (I can do this on either my phono pre or regular pre) can sometimes make a significant improvement. John K. .......
209: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Second the Latino Amps. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-28, 11:43:47 (75.213.94.199)
.......
210: General Asylum, RE: Big one in high school (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-27, 11:45:28 (75.194.215.31)
Circa 1975, I remember giant McIntosh amplifiers and speaker cabinets that each took up most of a wall, but not being an audiophile myself at the time I didn't note specifics. John K. .......
211: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Rega spec alignment is almost always further back (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-21, 15:33:44 (174.252.32.56)
than any other type (e.g. Baerwald). That said, I have found that Geo-Disc alignment usually puts the cartridge further forward than other alignments. As noted, there's no perfect one for a pivoted ar .......
212: Vinyl Asylum, RE: You can try this one for not much money (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-20, 17:46:46 (75.194.52.5)
if you want to experiment. It provides a bit of clamping without the deadening that a firm or heavy clamp brings. I moved to Rega from the VPI world of periphery ring and center weight, so I find it d .......
213: Vinyl Asylum, How Low Does A Rega Exact Ride? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-16, 18:50:27 (75.226.113.243)
Just curious. It's my first Rega cartridge. Previous was a Benz. Compared to the Benz the Rega body is much closer to the LP, but sound seems fine. John K. .......
214: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Ditto... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-15, 18:30:51 (75.213.210.228)
Well, my normal speakers have a passive radiator, so no surprise that woofer pumping is more obvious. When I substitute a pair of AR-3aX speakers, a truly classic acoustic suspension design, and using .......
215: Vinyl Asylum, RE: No, wrong again. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-15, 11:11:56 (64.208.165.21)
Any speaker, unless it has a subsonic filter ahead of it, will still attempt to replicate low bass, even if there is roll-off in the specs. What the roll-off shows is volume relative to the rest of th .......
216: Vinyl Asylum, RE: It's definitely a cart/motor interaction (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-12, 14:58:52 (75.194.114.209)
No hum with motor off; with motor on hum increases as cart gets closer to it. From reading more posts here apparently this is a problem with some Rega tables/carts, not with others. I'll check all con .......
217: Speaker Asylum, RE: Other speakers have bitten that tale in the shorts (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-11, 21:01:47 (75.250.185.123)
For example the old Boston Acoustics A400 speakers. They were even wider than the a/d/s/ cabinets, 21 inches, built that way to help minimize room interaction. They imaged like crazy and had decent de .......
218: Vinyl Asylum, Rega P5 + Exact = Hum (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-10, 15:18:46 (75.213.238.15)
I just got a new Rega Exact 2 for a new P5 I bought a month ago. The 'table/cart combo is very nice, clearly showing the value and performance of all-Rega synergy, but what is surprising is how much h .......
219: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Your sample and conclusion is flawed (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-12-07, 11:00:50 (64.208.165.21)
You really can't conclude much from your "experiment" since you hadn't listened to both copies before you flattened them. For all you know one pressing was better before. And "the molecular structure .......
220: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Had both; currently prefer pivoted (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-11-25, 06:47:29 (75.213.222.92)
I think the comparion is best made at the same price point with both. For linear trackers I've had Eminent Tech (twice, on two different 'tables) and the Trans-Fi Terminator. Pivoteds are MMT, OL1, Ha .......
221: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Check out some turntable design theory. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-11-15, 06:05:26 (64.208.165.21)
It's done for the same reason VPI now hard mounts their motor to the plinth on the Classic: better timing, PRAT, and less smearing of notes. Some designers believe that on a belt drive turntable the b .......
222: Vinyl Asylum, RE: A New Turntable--Rega P5 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-11-02, 20:59:51 (75.250.189.248)
I downsized about six months ago, selling off a tricked-out TNT with Terminator tonearm. Despite its fantastic sound I just felt like simplifying. I've been making do with an old Sony Biotracer (PS-X6 .......
223: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Joshua Judges Ruth (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-26, 06:07:29 (64.208.165.21)
A bit back I got of Ebay what apeared to be an NM copy. Cleaned it up and played it: first side was quiet and pop free; second side sounded like someone had poured sand in the mold before they pressed .......
224: Vinyl Asylum, RE: It took a while... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-26, 06:02:01 (64.208.165.21)
I didn't know it was rare. I picked mine up new at Newbury Comics when it was first issued. John K. .......
225: Speaker Asylum, RE: Martin Logan Depth (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-21, 11:44:10 (64.208.165.21)
Can be had for less then $1000 used. Over the years I've had two RELs, one ACI, one Adire, and one Velodyne. For me the Depth has had the best combination of flexibility, bass output, and integration, .......
226: General Asylum, Me too! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-19, 06:05:43 (64.208.165.21)
I was out of town when they came to my college in the '70s. Of course all my friends said the show was fantastic.... John K. .......
227: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Aluminum platter (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-17, 11:21:49 (75.213.187.252)
Take the platter off the spindle and hold it with a pencil through the hole and tick it with your fingernail. What does it do? In the real world that thin aluminum platter resonates and adds additiona .......
228: Vinyl Asylum, Yes, very obviously. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-16, 15:24:34 (75.194.159.160)
.......
229: Vinyl Asylum, RE: B&O TX-2 vs. Music Hall MMF 5.1SE-Cartridge Opinions (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-14, 12:41:33 (75.194.158.70)
I've never heard the MMF, but I have the radial arm version of the TX and IMO its weak point is its aluminum platter, which rings like a bell. Plus it doesn't handle 180-200 gram LPs particularly well .......
230: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Stuff It! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-07-06, 12:12:34 (64.208.165.21)
The AirTech is filled with some poly-fill filter material (for aquarium filters), at least mine was, so that's what I stuffed my gas can with for my Terminator. I think the theory is to add further re .......
231: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: thanks for all the responses (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-06-02, 16:37:29 (75.226.69.35)
And three power/price options. If you're DIY there's a part-finished kit up for sale on Audiogon at a great price. Source the upgrade coupling caps from Bob and you're all set. John K. .......
232: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Neither. Go Latino. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-06-01, 21:17:48 (75.194.24.145)
Bob Latino, that is. His tube amps are built to look like old Dynaco designs, but are actually newer circuits and one hell of a tube bargain. I have the ST-70, which replaced an SMc Platinum McCormack .......
233: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Herbie's Mat (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-06-01, 12:39:33 (64.208.165.21)
Agreed on the Herbie's. A vast improvement over the stock rubber mat on my Sony PS-X600. John K. .......
234: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Kind of like your post? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-05-18, 12:41:18 (64.208.165.21)
.......
235: Video Asylum, RE: 42" 1080p (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-05-06, 07:17:51 (64.208.165.21)
Unless you're sitting 6 feet or less from the screen, 42" 1080p might be a waste. I had one for a while at about 7 feet distance and eventually went to a 50". From the standpoint of color gamut 1080p .......
236: Amp/Preamp Asylum, GreenStreet Counterpoint SA-100 Upgrades (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-05-03, 18:26:28 (75.194.65.201)
Anyone here had part or all of the GreenStreet upgrades done? There's one review over at A'gon, but that's all I can find. John K. .......
237: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: counterpoint NP100 - modified SA-100 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-04-24, 09:08:53 (72.28.255.12)
Full-boat modification was unbelievable. Got rid of it for more power. BIG mistake. John K. .......
238: Vinyl Asylum, RE: And while we're on the subject... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-04-24, 06:03:30 (72.28.255.12)
I have the 33-1/3 version which is the same mastering. To my ears wonderful sounding, but it s definitely a Hoffman/Gray mastering in that they go for a very natural, warm sound, which some might say .......
239: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Just Got My Kit Yesterday (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-04-13, 10:42:16 (64.208.165.21)
And can't wait to start building. As I understand it, it is pretty much a new design made to look like an old Dynaco (even down to the Stereo/Mono switch on the front panel, which in this amp is non-f .......
240: Vinyl Asylum, VPI Periphery Ring Users: How Many LPs do you Find Are Too Small? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-04-12, 18:14:08 (75.213.10.99)
Curious. I've only found about 4 or 5 out of a couple thousand. John K. .......
241: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Stravinski's Firebird (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-04-03, 16:39:52 (75.194.6.170)
I picked this up with a bunch of other Telarc vinyl at Dynamite Records in Northampton, where they kept the Classical stuff on a lower shelf toward the back of the store. Judiscious digging yielded ma .......
242: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock Aftermarket Counterweight (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-03-29, 12:21:44 (64.208.165.21)
Thanks for the info. I got mine mostly because I want to experiment with a Fozgometer, and figure that anything that makes azimuth steadier on a uni-pivot is a good thig. And it is a bonus that I don' .......
243: Vinyl Asylum, Hadcock Aftermarket Counterweight (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-03-29, 07:01:14 (64.208.165.21)
Anyone tried one of these? I just received one and am dialing it in. I'll eventually post some comments, but just curious if other Hadcock owners have tried this. John K. .......
244: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I sold a Decca Jubilee cart. The new owner says it is defective. Any thoughts? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-03-14, 05:53:21 (64.208.165.21)
It had been sitting for a few years and you did not test it before you sent it out. Is that correct? I guess if I were you I'd have it shipped back to me to look over and test, and then probably refun .......
245: Vinyl Asylum, RE: cartridge for a second TT (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-02-26, 19:05:08 (75.194.198.187)
If you can stretch by $50 you could go with the Soundsmith SMMC4. The Denon is great, but I think the Soundsmith is just that more refined. A true bargain. John K. .......
246: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock 242SE vs Integra (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-02-16, 11:52:40 (64.208.165.21)
I've owned three Hadcocks, and the terminology with regard to wiring options has changed so much over the years that it's really difficult to know what each means, as a current SE used to be an Export .......
247: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Increased mass = increased inertia. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-02-13, 19:33:58 (75.194.177.21)
I suspect it might hasten stylus/suspension failure. Resonance issues, too. John K. .......
248: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI Superlube (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-01-21, 06:01:02 (64.208.165.21)
Is not white lithium, as least as far as I can tell. It is relatively expensive, but you don't need much and you could probably re-lube your bearing every six months or more and never run out of one s .......
249: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Trans-Fi, Cartridge Man, MG-1 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2011-01-13, 11:56:36 (64.208.165.21)
You have access to the internet for pricing. John K. .......
250: Vinyl Asylum, Clamp vs. Ring (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-12-20, 22:01:27 (75.213.224.118)
I got the ring primarily because I was using an air-bearing am at the time and flatness was important. But what I found is that the real benefit of the ring is in the stability it adds to the music be .......
251: Vinyl Asylum, RE: An YOUR comment is worth what I paid for it. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-12-03, 17:01:47 (75.213.117.178)
That is the internet, after all. The movie was a rehash of cliches of better movies that came before it. The writer director seemed to be struggling mightily to recapture the magic of his Love Actuall .......
252: Vinyl Asylum, RE: How they kept the needle tracking. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-12-03, 10:50:43 (64.208.165.21)
4 grams (or lots more probably!) tracking force. You couldn't have paid me to take those LPs. Crap movie IMO. John K. .......
253: General Asylum, RE: Eden Sound Terrastone Platforms (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-11-23, 17:50:13 (75.194.161.65)
I have one under my VPI TNT turntable. I had gone all SRA platforms for my preamp and amplifier, plus the VPI HW-19 I had before the TNT. When I sold the HW-19 I also sold the SRA and considered getti .......
254: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Rather than speculating (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-11-18, 07:31:59 (64.208.165.21)
You could deal with real facts by calling up Ric and finding out what's involved in his mods. I've had three (or is it four?) components either modded or supplied as new pieces from him and can say th .......
255: Vinyl Asylum, RE: 1800's?! Heck, our neighbors were doing it in the 1970s! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-10-12, 12:29:58 (195.50.186.163)
I suspect a lot still do. John K. .......
256: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: The Top (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-08-04, 21:46:52 (66.30.68.139)
My interpretation is that he is still dreaming. The top is the key: --It was his wife's totem first. The point is made that you should not touch someone else's totem because it leaves you open. --You .......
257: General Asylum, RE: SCE Harmonic Recovery System Observations Please? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-08-01, 21:04:42 (66.30.68.139)
I used one for a few years for impedance matching between a Placette passive control and a Counterpoint power amp. I never noticed a downside with the SCE, but maybe that was because the Placette was .......
258: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Filters (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-07-28, 13:07:37 (64.208.165.21)
These are the ones that Eminent Tech recommends with their air bearing arm. You can also use the D-13, though I don't know what the difference is. John K. .......
259: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Looking for ultra-flexible tonearm wire for rotary headshell (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-07-26, 16:46:51 (75.194.7.213)
This stuff is very good and flexible--the guy uses it for his air-bearing tonearm, where flexibility is key. The price is very reasonable, too. John K. .......
260: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Perhaps you're confusing this with the MCA Heavy Vinyl version? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-07-13, 17:17:47 (75.236.108.232)
Apart from questionable EQ choices, that MCA reissue has known pressing problems (bad side fill), particularly on side 2. John K. .......
261: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock and damping (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-07-06, 17:51:27 (75.237.209.37)
I've always wanted to try damping on my Hadcock 242 but have been scared off by comments from the supplier and the distributor that fluid isn't necessary and in fact "drains the life" out of the cartr .......
262: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Some Measurements (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-07-06, 17:48:30 (75.237.209.37)
Eminent Technology published some figures showing the improvements from judicious damping. Go to the main page below and the link for "ET-2 Damping Trough." John K. .......
263: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Again -- I intended no offense (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-06-26, 08:15:07 (69.98.98.147)
Yet you titled your post "xenophobic," when you could just have easily said, "Odd eBay Shipping Requirements" or some such. Your word choice clearly indicated to me what your opinion was off the bat. .......
264: General Asylum, RE: Nope. Crap is crap. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-06-23, 12:23:43 (64.208.165.21)
It sounds like you're saying everyone should listen with the aural equivalent of "beer gogles." Of course, no one ever goes to bed with an ugly woman/man, but that doesn't make them any better lookin .......
265: Vinyl Asylum, RE: MCA Heavy (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-06-20, 18:50:14 (75.194.141.12)
A lot of the copies of this have issues with poor side-fill on one side leading to distortion in one channel on a couple of songs. It also had some serious EQ tweaking done to it to make it punchier. .......
266: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yup, had a 103 with my GCPH, no problem. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-06-16, 12:49:59 (64.208.165.21)
.......
267: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Little Feat Recordings (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-06-12, 06:27:42 (75.236.255.149)
None of my original Feat LPs have all that much sparkle or openness up top. They tend toward the darker side of things. Down on the Farm is particularly atrocious and just plain muddy, but I don't kno .......
268: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Damping Trough (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-31, 06:10:14 (75.237.220.22)
For me, one of the issues with the T3 is that as you increase air pressure you get more front-to-back movement of the sled on the carriage when an LP plays. It's difficult to see--in the right light, .......
269: Vinyl Asylum, You forgot one important point: How's it sound?! nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-22, 05:56:06 (75.236.5.212)
.......
270: General Asylum, RE: Sounds Like A Jilted Lover! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-20, 06:10:07 (64.208.165.21)
Bad Audiogon experience lately? In my ads I include many of the things you deride because of the response of potential buyers. If I don't say why I'm selling it most people ask. If I say why, many peo .......
271: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Trans-fi (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-20, 06:01:11 (64.208.165.21)
This stuff is very flexible, nice sounding, and reasonably priced. I used it to rewire a Hadcock. Like much litz wire it is enamled, so it can be a pain to solder unless you have a very hot iron or a .......
272: General Asylum, RE: "That is theft..." (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-11, 11:27:22 (64.208.165.21)
Considering the degree of your displeasure I have to assume you never read in full the PayPal User Agreement. The actions they took in this case seem to be one of the options delineated in their User .......
273: Vinyl Asylum, RE: G.E.M. Dandy (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-08, 05:28:11 (75.194.227.135)
Comes with fluid to get you started. If you're already used to the "soap and water" routine it will be a snap. John K. .......
274: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I use this. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-04, 11:15:01 (64.208.165.21)
Expensive, but it is drilled for placement over the spindle. Not always helpful though, e.g. on VPI 'tables where the spindle is extra tall. John K. .......
275: Vinyl Asylum, RE: OTOH (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-05-03, 20:52:18 (75.195.175.224)
I went from a 103 to the 440mla and much preferred the latter. As always, interaction within the total system is a big factor. John K. .......
276: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Agree About Personal Preference (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-27, 15:47:07 (75.194.23.118)
I've had the Era Gold V, a Cornet2, and Bottlehead Seduction, but prefer the GCPH (admittedly with Underwood mods). I jump between MM and MC a lot and find the GCPH better meets my needs. It doesn't h .......
277: Vinyl Asylum, RE: MintTractor (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-27, 12:02:05 (64.208.165.21)
When I got a MintTractor I was surprised at how I had to move the cartridge back compared to the Fieckert or DB alignment protractors; however, the proof was in the use, as the inner grooves are much .......
278: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Similar situation but for different reasons. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-22, 19:49:38 (75.236.5.51)
You remind me that I forgot to mention the ergonomic issues. I use the VPI periphery ring with Super Platter. The extra width is no issue with the Hadcock, but since the T3 hangs out over the platter .......
279: Vinyl Asylum, RE: AT33ptg (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-22, 19:44:27 (75.236.5.51)
That is one I have thought about. Thanks! John K. .......
280: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yes nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-22, 17:57:14 (75.236.5.51)
.......
281: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Both Arms on the TNT (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-22, 17:56:34 (75.236.5.51)
Yeah, I think I can swing it with the TNT layout--but that way lies madness! John K. .......
282: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Maybe the fourth or fifth will be the charm? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-22, 08:38:36 (64.208.165.21)
I listed three carts and the tendencies seemed pretty consistent over both tonearms. I also have had a Shure V15VxMR on the Hadcock as well as an ET-2. Same basic results. I would say, however, that I .......
283: Vinyl Asylum, Stuck Between Two Tonearms (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-22, 07:56:02 (64.208.165.21)
I’ve been going back-and-forth between two tonearms on my TNT, on the one hand a Trans-fi Terminator T3 Pro, on the other a Hadcock 242. Cartridges in the mix are a Denon DL-103, an AT 440aML, and a B .......
284: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Opinions Wanted (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-17, 17:03:58 (75.195.226.187)
If the TNT MK-1/2 has the tri-pulley system then I think it is a step back. I had a fully-modded 19 MK-IV and fortunately lucked into a very reasonably priced TNT-3. I transferred most of what was new .......
285: Vinyl Asylum, RE: And The MFSL UHQR Is the Masterpiece Pressing (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-09, 10:27:59 (64.208.165.21)
Fortunately I picked up an unplayed copy a number of years back for about $25. John K. .......
286: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Similar Alternative (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-08, 16:46:45 (75.195.81.91)
SRA Tremor/Less. Though they are somewhat weight limited. John K. .......
287: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI Parts (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-07, 17:53:58 (75.236.136.117)
I wondered about that. The way it is described it is unclear whether it is as you say or whether it doesn't come with an armboard. The picture I posted is from my original MK-IV. John K. .......
288: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI Parts (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-07, 17:05:52 (75.236.136.117)
I believe this is what they mean by the sub chassis. The armboard--standard or "Super"--goes to cover the right side. John K. .......
289: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yes, but I got an answer to a phone call immediately. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-04-03, 06:50:43 (66.30.68.139)
Not everyone thinks e-mail is the primary form of communication. John K. .......
290: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Victory At Sea Box Set (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-03-29, 13:43:01 (64.208.165.21)
I saw this in a shop in San Fran a few weeks back for $40. The box was beat to hell but the LPs looked unplayed. I passed, but now wish I hadn't. John K. .......
291: Vinyl Asylum, RE: "the VPI platters are slightly concave" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-03-28, 20:44:17 (75.236.93.252)
I don't believe the current crop of platters intended for use with the ring clamp are concave--at least mine isn't, it's flat. I don't think my old TNT platter was either, though I can't swear by it; .......
292: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock specs dodgy? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-03-23, 06:25:58 (64.208.165.21)
I see your quandry. Although all dealers mention the difference in length between arm tubes for the 228 and 242 (and I think this is the only thing that differentiates them), I cannot find what the ac .......
293: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Help needed from Hadcock GH242 owners (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-03-22, 19:57:49 (75.236.207.41)
First of all, I think you mean mm, not cm. In any case, I've never seen that measurement given in specifications. Usually it's pivot to turntable spindle, which is 226mm, or pivot to stylus point, whi .......
294: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Millennium Audio VTA Block (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-03-20, 21:16:12 (75.195.79.131)
I use one--sprung for it when I was feeling flush. It certainly makes it easier, but careful parallel lines on a card will serve the same purpose. But, the Millennium block is very nicely made. John K .......
295: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I sold my 242SE Super Silver last year... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-03-09, 19:17:45 (75.194.34.243)
I know a bit about what you mean. One of the wire solder joints on my 242 came loose, and not from rough handling. Like you I was directed to Len and his first response was to accuse me of abusing the .......
296: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Ha. Ha. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-23, 12:59:36 (64.208.165.21)
Have you tried shoving it? Scared of posting under a registered name? John K. .......
297: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Underwood Mods of PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-23, 11:03:23 (64.208.165.21)
I have one with the Underwood mods, bought new that way so I can't speak to the improvements over the stock unit. I've also added some additional damping and Marigo tuning dots. What I can say is that .......
298: General Asylum, Aren't you that a**hole who still hasn't provided any concrete examples? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-21, 17:20:26 (75.193.49.45)
Gross generalizations do not an argument make. They do, however, make you seem like a troll. Maybe you have a point, but until you present actual examples to back it up your posts don't accomplish muc .......
299: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I Have the Petco Version (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-14, 21:16:06 (75.236.219.53)
$29.95. It is adjustable. Turned down all the way it is the right amount of air and very quiet. John K. .......
300: Vinyl Asylum, BTW, I Assume You've Seen the Terminator Review at Lenco Heaven? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-14, 21:14:17 (75.236.219.53)
. .......
301: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I was going to let you make the rec first. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-14, 14:56:13 (75.236.219.53)
Admittedly I haven't spent a lot of time listening to arms that cost $3k or more, but the Terminator sure is sweet. John K. .......
302: Vinyl Asylum, RE: From readily available to more involved (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-13, 08:51:59 (75.237.157.98)
Many people use plasti-clay or Blu-Tak but I don't find it very effective. I have had good results with multiple layers of IsoDamp judiciously applied. John K. .......
303: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Time for the Latest Terminator Post: Cartridge Matching (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-12, 13:00:58 (64.208.165.21)
Supposedly linear arms, due to their large differences in horizontal vs. vertical mass, can be used with a wider range of compliances. I'm temporarily running a Denon 103 and felt I needed to add some .......
304: Vinyl Asylum, RE: That's not going to be an easy task.... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-12, 08:06:47 (64.208.165.21)
I know what you mean, but it would be nice just to have *some* general guidance. John K. .......
305: Vinyl Asylum, Time for the Latest Terminator Post: Cartridge Matching (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-12, 07:12:14 (64.208.165.21)
Maybe I have missed it on Vic's website, but while there's a broad range of cartridges shown being used with the arm, there doesn't seem to be a lot of information with regard to matching cartridges t .......
306: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Gauge (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-09, 04:24:54 (75.236.248.59)
nt .......
307: Vinyl Asylum, RE: You want to connect the surge to the gauge and then to the valve. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-08, 20:19:51 (75.194.66.96)
I understand that either way will work. The gauge and valve Dave recommended are accurate enough to dial in very fine changes. For me, I prefer to know what's on the arm side, since that's the way I d .......
308: Vinyl Asylum, RE: A few things I've noticed... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-08, 20:16:22 (75.194.66.96)
I'm using a Denon 103 for the first time while I wait for my Benz to be retipped by Soundsmith. The 103 was a bit more tizzy in the highs than I was used to, but a couple of small pieces of IsoDamp on .......
309: Vinyl Asylum, RE: My gauge doesn't have fine enough markings on it. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-08, 18:16:16 (75.194.66.96)
I had a 0-15 gauge also, and was dubious as to the low readings I was getting, but the more fine gradations seem to prove it out. John K. .......
310: Vinyl Asylum, Terminator Air Pressure: How Low Can You Go? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-08, 17:34:52 (75.194.66.96)
So, I got a valve and gauge like the ones shown in this post below, though I went for the version of the gauge that reads 0-3 psi. Hooked it all up, turned on my pump, and found that I've been running .......
311: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Did you check the link I posted below? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-06, 11:48:07 (75.195.240.159)
It discusses how a tonearm can have a large effect on timing. Of course, it's the distinction between a pivoted and linear, but having made the change numerous times with different arms (Audioquest, R .......
312: Vinyl Asylum, 1200 Speed Accuracy a Great Deal Better (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-02-06, 05:47:41 (75.195.240.159)
On what do you base this claim? I'm not trying to start a 1200 vs. all-comers debate, I just am curious. The specification that Technics/KAB publishes? The link below is to an old paper from Eminent T .......
313: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Platter Diameter (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-30, 06:51:12 (75.236.37.73)
I made some careful measurements and I think you could get away with it. You'd have to line up the arm a bit to the right of where Vic recommends: instead of the second hole on the manifold being perp .......
314: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Terminator (and other stuff) update, or "Whew! What a Week!" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-29, 17:27:19 (75.236.60.160)
I am finding that because of its free-floating saddle the T3 is very sensitive to air pressure, as compared to a captured air bearing. Contrary to what some people seemed to say in a thread a couple o .......
315: Vinyl Asylum, RE: How does it do on Mahler and Brahms? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-29, 17:05:21 (75.236.60.160)
The T3 mirrors my experience with another air bearing arm, the ET-2, in that it imparts a tremendous sense of spaciousness, layering and depth to well recorded symphonic music; the same with well reco .......
316: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Platter Diameter (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-29, 16:54:38 (75.195.118.135)
I figure you can use the T3 with platters up to perhaps 14" in diameter, if not a bit more. I'm using one with my VPI Super Platter and ring clamp, which is 13.5" diameter, and there's still room betw .......
317: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Link to review of an LP cleaning system showing before/after photos of the grooves? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-27, 05:15:31 (64.208.165.21)
All of the reviews of LP cleaning systems that I've ever read--including reviews of vacuum systems--are subjective. Why bash only the G.E.M. review? Vigorous scrubbing can further embed debris into th .......
318: Vinyl Asylum, RE: T3 Pressure (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-26, 08:06:27 (64.208.165.21)
I am surprised at how sensitive the T3 is to subtle pressure changes, but then my only other experience with an air bearing was the ET, which seemed consistent over a much wider range of pressures. I .......
319: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Maybe you do. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-26, 06:57:46 (64.208.165.21)
The design of the ET means that if you lose pressure the arm stops moving in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions; insufficient pressure makes it bind unpredictably. And with my ET, I always fe .......
320: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I've been researching the same question (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-25, 12:34:33 (64.208.165.21)
I'm making do with an unregulated pump that I can at leaast adjust flow on, but it would be nice to have more exact control and read-out. I haven't really found anything appropriate, however. JohnK. : .......
321: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Are you fucking serious?! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-24, 20:35:58 (75.236.183.48)
Poor by choice?! Including "toddlers" who display traits of being "lazy, drunk, drug-addicted"?!!!! Sure, there are those who do play the system and pass such behavior on to their children, but if you .......
322: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Terminator ups and downs.... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-23, 21:42:24 (75.236.11.133)
The Terminator seems especially sensitive to proper set-up, and more difficult to set up optimally compared to my old ET-2--even compared to the Hadcock uni-pivot that came off my TNT for the T3. I've .......
323: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Do you have a pic or a link? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-15, 07:25:21 (64.208.165.21)
nt .......
324: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Nevermind--I was spacing out last night! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-15, 04:21:14 (75.236.232.3)
Of course if you have adjustable feet on the TT you can use those. That's what I use to do with my ET-2 on my VPI MK-IV. D-oh! And with them a half- or even quarter-turn would be enough to change the .......
325: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I got mine from the local hardware store. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-14, 18:45:48 (75.236.21.59)
Yeah, we've got a great one near where I live. Below was what I was thinking about. John K. .......
326: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Arm running downhill... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-14, 18:36:43 (75.236.21.59)
I think so, yes. But the difference in height from one end of the arm to the other is less than the difference between the thickness of a 150gm LP and a 200gm LP. I don't change VTA when I go from a t .......
327: Vinyl Asylum, RE: PS Audio GCPH (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-14, 15:47:15 (75.236.21.59)
With remote control, and mono and polarity switch from remote. The modified version sounds fantastic directly into my McCormack amplifier. John K. .......
328: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Where did he source the ball valve? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-14, 11:33:35 (64.208.165.21)
I see some not very expensive ones at Grainger. John K. .......
329: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What pulls the arm across the record (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-14, 11:31:43 (64.208.165.21)
By differential pressure do you mean air pressure in the bearing acting on the slide? If so, that is incorrect. What moves the arm is side-force from the groove combined with the angle of the arm. If .......
330: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Interesting. Where do you get these variations on the DL103/R ? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-14, 11:03:06 (64.208.165.21)
The UWE is a DIY project. You de-nude your 103/103R and then put the cartridge in a wood body you source from Uwe. John K. .......
331: Vinyl Asylum, RE: To me, it sounds digital...maybe because it is... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-13, 21:08:22 (75.194.145.181)
Yeah, I got it first on CD, then found a mint original LP. Whenever I listen to the LP it reminds me of the CD; nice sound, but as you say, still digital. John K. .......
332: Vinyl Asylum, My T3Pro shipped yesterday! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-12, 16:54:35 (75.195.5.139)
But given the weather in England who's to say when it will arrive! In the meantime I'm keeping a nice spot on my TNT warm. John K. .......
333: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Where did you locate it??? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-10, 13:54:27 (75.222.205.13)
Sorry, forgot about the second part of your question! They used it at a place where I used to work, so I just took some of the extra. I've never had to find it retail. John K. .......
334: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yup, That's The One. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-10, 13:08:57 (75.222.205.13)
.......
335: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Mapleshade Brush w/Grounding? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-10, 09:12:56 (75.237.117.99)
I tried it. I don't use it any more. Maybe the grounding connection to my outlet wasn't working properly or something, but I never saw much difference using it. What I do now is to use a piece of ind .......
336: Vinyl Asylum, RE: No. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2010-01-05, 17:39:22 (75.195.108.166)
Maybe third time is the charm as the system ate two other posts... Phono pres seem to be the one that most people have strong opinions about and are most system dependent. I had a Slee Era V Gold, a H .......
337: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Best Material/Construction For A Motor Pod? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-31, 16:21:36 (75.195.222.115)
It was an older pod with a two-wire plug, and I initially suspected a ground problem, so the first thing I did was to install a three-wire cord with a ground to the pod just like the SAMA. It didn't c .......
338: Vinyl Asylum, RE: The air bearing arm is going to hamper that ring..... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-31, 05:44:48 (75.195.222.115)
I did have an ET-2 that I used for years but that I had to forego because of the ing. You can't mount the ET far enough away. On the Trans-Fi website there is at least one picture of the Terminator wi .......
339: Vinyl Asylum, Best Material/Construction For A Motor Pod? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-30, 19:54:16 (75.236.194.241)
I've been playing around with an older 20-pound VPI motor pod--the solid steel version (not stainless, as a magnet will stick to it)--and have come to the conclusion that this much steel is a crappy m .......
340: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What a good cartridge... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-30, 18:12:21 (75.236.194.241)
I've never understood the OTT love for Shure cartridges, and I had my first about 1969. Competent performers but, ultimately, boring for me. I had a V15 VxMR on an Origin Live arm, an ET-2, and a Hadc .......
341: Vinyl Asylum, Trans-Fi Terminator with VPI/Periphery Ring (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-30, 14:28:51 (75.238.78.53)
I'm strongly considering getting a Terminator arm for my TNT. I have the Super Platter with periphery ring. If anyone has this arm with that combination, how much of a hassle is it to get the ring on .......
342: General Asylum, Which is One of the Reasons Huskies Don't Freeze (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-25, 15:40:08 (75.237.48.117)
They dig themselves a nice little hole for wind protection and insulation. John K. .......
343: General Asylum, RE: Something. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-25, 15:37:55 (75.237.48.117)
We just can't measure what it is yet. John K. .......
344: Vinyl Asylum, Damping Tonearm/Armboard Interface (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-17, 14:31:53 (75.223.224.48)
I've got some EAR isoDamp and was wondering what would be the benefit/downside of using it between my tonearm mounting plate and the armboard. I know that the only real way to know is to try it, but I .......
345: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Interesting. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-17, 05:49:04 (64.208.165.21)
Unfortunately I do not have multiple platters to try this out. Given your tendency toward the investigation of quantum effects on vinyl playback I assume you are aware of Peter Belt's efforts? John K. .......
346: Vinyl Asylum, Not just after a number of plays... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-13, 07:28:16 (75.237.179.81)
...but also after purchasing the latest "best" cleaning fluid/solution. There are some of my LPs that may have been cleaned four or five or six times. Many don't improve, but a surprising number do. J .......
347: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Couple Of VPI Motor Questions (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-10, 11:04:16 (64.208.165.21)
The motor is silent without the belt. It seems the noise is being transmitted through the belt to the platter, as I only hear it when the needle is lowered, which is why I'm uncertain about the issue .......
348: Vinyl Asylum, Couple Of VPI Motor Questions (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-10, 07:30:36 (64.208.165.21)
First one: I picked up an older TNT-III with the big steel motor housing. I updated the TNT a bit (removing the tri-pulley system and putting in the Super Platter with inverted bearing, using an SDS i .......
349: General Asylum, RE: Harshest review ever? Far From It (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-10, 05:38:05 (64.208.165.21)
If I'm reading the series of articles correctly, the reviewers didn't like the speaker because of what they speculated was incorrect wiring, not because it was a terrible product, and in fact the foll .......
350: Vinyl Asylum, Maybe It's Because You Don't Know How To Spell? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-08, 20:53:26 (70.198.245.243)
.......
351: Vinyl Asylum, Are We Living in the Golden-Freakin'-Age of Vinyl or What?! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-07, 19:52:42 (75.195.174.238)
I was thinking as I was packing up a copy of the MFSL Sinatra "Sings Only for the Lonely" to return for an exchange due to a pressing defect that, while I was annoyed at having to return it, how amazi .......
352: Vinyl Asylum, RE: They do have a function. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-05, 17:56:02 (75.237.40.96)
To reduce resonances to some degree. I've been using my ring for about a year. I haven't had a band snap yet. Don't know why you do. John K. .......
353: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: Boy, you didn't understand that film at all. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-03, 12:40:34 (64.208.165.21)
.......
354: General Asylum, RE: Garden hose thick and cool blue fabric inside the amp (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-03, 12:27:35 (64.208.165.21)
Well, one of the theories posed for aftermarket cords is the reduction of the effects of RFI/EMI and other noise carried in the line--heck, most computer power cords come with ferrite cores as an iteg .......
355: General Asylum, RE: By "Isolation devices" do you mean (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-02, 17:32:22 (75.194.230.179)
such things as Aurios, Stillpoints, Ginko Clouds, etc.? If so, they can effect major improvements, but do need to be auditioned to hear the exact effect on your particular system. I employ Silent Runn .......
356: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Me Too (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-12-01, 10:54:08 (64.208.165.21)
I'd always wondered what his music was like, and now I have about as many of his recordings as you. John K. .......
357: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock tonearm and damping (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-11-09, 17:22:43 (75.237.13.139)
I haven't read much about people using damping either. I don't think the mfr. says much about it, and the U.S. distributor recommends against it IIRC. I'd be up for trying it just for fun in my 242 (t .......
358: Vinyl Asylum, RE: PS Audio GCPH vs. Slee Gold V (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-11-07, 16:49:19 (75.236.182.39)
It is, often, system and listening tastes dependent. I had a Slee Era Gold V but found it sterile and uninvolving. The GCPH OTOH--admittedly the Underwood mod version-I find much richer and more music .......
359: Vinyl Asylum, RE: A+ here, too. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-11-05, 17:25:12 (75.193.147.103)
I had a used SDS that started going wonky. I sent it in for a check-up and since they were busy and a bit slow getting to it they just sent me a new one in return. John K. .......
360: Vinyl Asylum, RE: You liken Chinese audio manufacturers to Christ killers? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-11-02, 19:47:30 (75.222.22.225)
Seriously? I think your metaphor is a bit off-kilter. John K. .......
361: Shady Lane, RE: "people with Italian names" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-11-02, 19:42:14 (75.222.22.225)
You have got to be kidding. John K. .......
362: General Asylum, I'll have to spin Bonnie Raitt's "Runaway" In His Honor (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-11-02, 18:35:01 (75.222.22.225)
His harp break in that still amazes me every time I hear it. John K. .......
363: Vinyl Asylum, RE: It is neither (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-11-01, 08:00:07 (75.194.0.199)
It is a moving iron design. Why don't you just check out the Grado website? John K. .......
364: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What Belt to Use with TNT 3 if I Don't Use the Pulleys? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-10-27, 05:06:53 (64.208.165.21)
I have been wondering about using it, but have not thought about where to purchase it. John K. .......
365: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I've used this stuff. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-10-26, 20:47:08 (75.237.12.99)
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=606&idcategory=0 $16. As noted, essentially the same thing as Krytox. I've also used the VPI Super Lube. I thought it might be the same .......
366: Vinyl Asylum, What Belt to Use with TNT 3 if I Don't Use the Pulleys? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-10-25, 16:48:29 (75.222.79.228)
I just picked up a TNT 3. I will be putting a Super Platter with inverted bearing on it and from reading here I gather that it is best to not use the tri-pulley system. What belt (e.g Aries?) should I .......
367: Vinyl Asylum, RE: had a Slee, now have a GCPH (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-10-17, 17:53:27 (75.237.69.109)
The Slee in my system was boring and uninvolving. The GCPH (with Underwood mods) definitely engaging. YMMV, but I was surprised at how underwhelmed I was by the Slee. System synergy is the key, I thin .......
368: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI HW19 mk2 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-10-09, 07:02:17 (64.208.165.21)
I believe that for the Super Platter you would also need the Super Armboard, or one of equivalent height. In any case VPI would know straight off. If you actually do get the SP, then I would start sav .......
369: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Can only speak about the Underwood modified version (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-10-05, 12:16:40 (64.208.165.21)
Before the modified GCPH I had tricked-out Seduction and CornetII stages. It is true that the GCPH does not quite have that tube magic, but I have never felt the loss of the other two. I like the GCPH .......
370: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Good / Bad (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-09-17, 06:16:48 (64.208.165.21)
I had one for a few years. The clarity was refreshing but it did ultimately lack the body and drive that I like. I tried it in a number of configurations and with a couple of buffers. Eventually I wen .......
371: Vinyl Asylum, 45 rpm Classic EP of Louis Armstrong Doing St. James Infirmary (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-09-15, 18:55:03 (75.193.7.230)
As well as the flip side, with I Ain't Got Nobody. Spooky in-the-room-with-you presence. John K. .......
372: Video Asylum, RE: Try This Link (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-09-09, 08:27:34 (64.208.165.21)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1168342 You can probably find something that you won't mind owning. BTW, most people think House of Flying Daggers is a sub-par Blu-Ray. John K. ::: TOP .......
373: Vinyl Asylum, A bit more specificity (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-09-01, 16:49:34 (75.195.24.241)
.......
374: Films/DVD Asylum, RE: "Taking Chance" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-08-13, 06:39:54 (64.208.165.21)
A very good movie. Coming back from vacation two weeks ago I was on a plane that was carrying a serviceman's body home. It was quite moving to see the respect paid to the fallen at the airport when th .......
375: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What tool do I use to make sure my tonearm is parallel.. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-08-10, 06:33:08 (64.208.165.21)
It depends on how much you want to spend! http://m-puck.de/interanlageblockseite.htm John K. .......
376: Vinyl Asylum, A slightly off-topic question about the springs (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-08-01, 20:44:34 (75.193.201.243)
I'm running the sorbothane pucks on my MK-IV, too, and have thought about doing another comparison to the springs. But I now notice (and didn't when I took them out) that two of the springs are silver .......
377: General Asylum, RE: That's not DBT, that's BT (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-07-10, 17:09:20 (75.221.185.151)
Very different methods. Blind Testing just hides the identity so it doesn't influence the decision. John K. .......
378: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock also has offerings in the same range. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-07-10, 13:00:31 (64.208.165.21)
Audiofeil has some nice deals on new arms on Audiogon, with both the 228 and 242 under $1000--the 228 can be had for $775. John K. .......
379: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: You could have your present amp modified by SMc (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-18, 15:25:01 (75.193.138.195)
And add the balanced option. You'd end up with something that has a sound you already like, but greatly improved in a lot of ways, and get great bang for your buck. John K. .......
380: Vinyl Asylum, RE: GEM Dandy update "How long does it take to clean both sides of a record (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-16, 19:30:43 (75.221.160.183)
The GEM system is: spray, wait 1 minute, rinse, dry. It's maybe 4 minutes per LP since you spray 2 sides before rinsing. Given how many people with vacuum RCMs seem to go through multiple steps (enzym .......
381: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Scary tiny... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-16, 18:17:51 (75.221.160.183)
You were very lucky with your stylus. I bought one of the last MMC4s to go on this table, used it for a month or so, then put it away. I took it out a couple of months ago because I had bought a Sound .......
382: Vinyl Asylum, RE: GEM Dandy update (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-16, 18:10:57 (75.221.160.183)
My experience mirrors yours, especially the fact that extra scrubbing is rarely needed and that it does seem to have improved LPs previously cleaned on my NG. I got some high-quality micro-fiber cloth .......
383: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: I believe he does do mods on these. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-16, 06:13:44 (64.208.165.21)
Mods may not be listed on the SMc website, but there was a 500 for sale on A'gon a while back that had been modded by SMc--at least according to the seller. I think there was the confirming signature .......
384: Vinyl Asylum, RE: If I were to get a mat... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-16, 06:07:45 (64.208.165.21)
I would look to the Herbie's offerings, since he offers thin ones that don't weigh too much. One problem with the RX-2 is that heavy LPs (e.g. 180-200 gm pressings) can compress the suspension enough .......
385: Vinyl Asylum, RE: That suspension was great for parties! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-15, 20:06:17 (75.222.227.177)
It takes a lot of dancing to make that player skip, but the metal platter leaves a bit to be desired. I still have one but it's been relegated to the back bench. John K. .......
386: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Compared to Vacuum Systems. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-05, 17:49:13 (75.192.184.215)
Ah, I see. The thing about vacuum systems that always worried me is that many encourage you to really scrub with a brush, which I imagine sometimes embeds dirt in the vinyl rather than getting it out. .......
387: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Compared to Vacuum Systems. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-06-05, 11:52:36 (64.208.165.21)
I don't understand why you wouldn't A-B this with a vacuum system since they both have the same goal of a clean LP. In fact, in my experience the GEM system works as good as a vacuum system and has im .......
388: General Asylum, RE: I'm on my second pair after wearing out the first. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-05-29, 10:56:45 (64.208.165.21)
And before that a pair of Etymotic ER-4S that I played into the ground. I use them with an iPod line-out into a Slee Voyager. Addictive. John K. .......
389: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: QSC RMX as home amp? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-05-26, 06:20:27 (64.208.165.21)
They can be quite useable. Check the reviews section here under Amplifiers (SS). John K. .......
390: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I had one of those Grado plates. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-05-15, 16:55:17 (75.192.100.74)
It was the first thing I thought of when I saw the Mapleshade piece. And yes, their hyperbole is annoying, but many of their products are quite good. John K. .......
391: Vinyl Asylum, RE: The DCC CD of Endless Summer (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-05-13, 08:01:50 (64.208.165.21)
The Hoffman remaster. As close as you will get. But it can be difficult to find and it will set you back some $$. If you are determined for vinyl pick up a copy of the original double LP. They can be .......
392: Vinyl Asylum, RE: A couple of other non-vacuum options. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-05-05, 16:58:28 (75.222.78.44)
http://www.gmanalog.com/gm.aspx http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/deepcleaningsystem.php And less expensive. John K. .......
393: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Incorrect (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-04-22, 06:26:36 (64.208.165.21)
The last iteration of the EVS amplifiers used ICE modules. EVS supposedly modifed the modules--a fact not widely publicized since the supplier gets a bit titchy when this is done. John K. .......
394: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: class D ??? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-04-20, 07:03:43 (64.208.165.21)
Instead of market inertia it could be that there is just something missing sonically with most class D amps. For example, I bought a pair of EVS 500-watt class D monoblocks with the hope that they wer .......
395: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: McCormack DNA-500 nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-04-20, 06:58:39 (64.208.165.21)
.......
396: Vinyl Asylum, Second That. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-04-17, 18:01:04 (75.220.186.65)
It does as good a job or better than a vacuum RCM, provided your water isn't too hard. It improved LPs that I had previously cleaned on a Nitty Gritty. John K. .......
397: Vinyl Asylum, RE: List of Hungaroton vinyl releases? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-04-16, 17:18:30 (75.195.245.87)
Can't help you as the only Tatrai on Hungaroton I have is the Opus 77 1/2. I picked it up for a couple of bucks on a whim and was pleasantly surprised at the impressive sonics as well as the performan .......
398: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Head Over to the Hagerman Forum at Audio Circle (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-04-09, 17:48:46 (75.222.99.61)
Hum/buzz is a common problem, and someone there (even Mr. Hagerman himself) will be able to help. John K. .......
399: Vinyl Asylum, You've Got That Right (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-04-03, 15:39:58 (75.193.200.121)
As big an upgrade as the SDS was, it was the Periphery Ring that locked everything in. The increase in speed stability and its effect was not subtle. If you're diligent you can SDSs for $650-750 used. .......
400: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Oh, I don't deny the appeal of the convenience that digital affords... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-03-24, 19:01:10 (66.30.68.139)
...but I don't think that was a main driver for the development of the technology. I think a large part of it was the technical challenge, and after that it was a question of what to do with it and ho .......
401: Vinyl Asylum, RE: John Mellencamp on the music business (and vinyl) (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-03-23, 20:27:23 (66.30.68.139)
I never find anti-Reagan comments tiresome, especially with regard to the BS of the trickle-down theory of economics. As for CD, I agree that one of the largest drivers was the intent to re-sell every .......
402: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Bottlehead VS Hagerman phono stages (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-03-18, 12:49:40 (64.208.165.21)
I can. .......
403: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hey Muzikmike!....... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-03-13, 13:11:40 (64.208.165.21)
White lithium is supposedly what VPI used to recommend. I used synthetic oil and it was fine, but then I splurged and got the VPI super lube, and I have to say it is a lot better. John K. ::: TOPIC:: .......
404: Vinyl Asylum, Hadcock, TechnoArm, ET-2, TransFi Terminator, ? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-03-13, 10:40:43 (64.208.165.21)
You could add just about anything else for number 5. John K. .......
405: Vinyl Asylum, Obviously posted by someone kicked off of Steve Hoffman's forums. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-03-11, 19:25:18 (75.192.65.203)
Kind of nasty. John K. .......
406: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What's interesting is the sub text, (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-03-04, 16:23:43 (70.198.140.61)
that Playboy was a big promoter of a quality stereo system as a positive lifestyle choice. God knows how many reel-to-reel tape machines sales they were responsible for! I couldn't say if they're stil .......
407: Vinyl Asylum, Or the SRA Tremor/Less nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-19, 13:06:36 (64.208.165.21)
.......
408: General Asylum, Interesting that many of these seem opposite to the SRA list. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-19, 07:56:37 (64.208.165.21)
.......
409: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Do YOU think there is??? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-18, 15:55:13 (75.193.180.241)
So they look the same. You could also put a Reson Reca next to them because it looks the same--what does that mean? The Reca is sourced in fact from the Goldring but with a different stylus and I thin .......
410: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: In-Line Balanced Attenuators (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-13, 18:28:34 (75.222.202.107)
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html Would these work? John K. .......
411: Vinyl Asylum, RE: It's driving me nuts and has been for years...I gotta write things down! VPI feet... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-10, 15:29:15 (75.222.182.210)
yeah, it does seem a gauge no one else uses. I thought I had it right way back when when I ordered some Audio Points but was wrong and never tried to fix it. Let me dig out my old 19 rubber tipped fee .......
412: Vinyl Asylum, RE: The Latest John Hiatt is Quite Nice. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-06, 19:52:06 (75.223.16.226)
.......
413: Power Forum, RE: PPP buzzing? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-02, 08:27:42 (64.208.165.21)
Could be DC on the line, just as Paul mentions. Or another possibility: Is the unit warm to the touch at the right front corner, over the transformer, and is the transformer hold-down bolt on the bott .......
414: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Jeez, I got one off ebay for $75 a couple months ago. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-02-01, 14:08:05 (75.193.115.202)
It, too, appeared NM and unplayed. Unfortunately half of Side 2 sounded like someone had poured sand on it--a bad pressing fault. But Side 1 does sound really nice! That's the problem with only visua .......
415: Power Forum, 2.5 Signature nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-26, 06:47:15 (64.208.165.21)
.......
416: Power Forum, RE: power plant premier and plasma TV too much for Power Plant Premier? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-25, 20:50:18 (75.220.15.117)
The PPP replaced another BPT in my two-channel system. It was a definite improvement. And with the plasma? Oh yes. But rather than afford another one I put money elsewhere, and as I noted, the heat si .......
417: Vinyl Asylum, Nice. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-25, 16:50:33 (70.198.109.237)
Although I can't redit my title, I think I misunderstood your comment. Please ignore. John K. .......
418: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Eminent Technology ET-2 on a Oracle Delphi? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-25, 16:08:37 (70.198.109.237)
There's an old Stereophile review that says this: "The SOTA, VPI, and Delphi also work synergistically with the new air-bearing arms. The Eminent Technology Two, for example, provided outstanding perf .......
419: Power Forum, RE: power plant premier and plasma TV too much for Power Plant Premier? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-25, 16:01:34 (70.198.109.237)
I have a PPP that i use for my main stereo but did try it for a while in my HT setup, which is almost exactly the same as yours in terms of power demand, just to see how it compared to a BPT balanced .......
420: Power Forum, Sounds Like You Need To Send It Back nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-25, 15:56:56 (70.198.109.237)
.......
421: Vinyl Asylum, You do realize (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-22, 19:52:32 (75.194.90.61)
that you can run the GCPH straight into your amp without the M3 in between. That brings its performance to a whole new level, and is one of the aspects that sealed the deal for me. In normal use I hav .......
422: Vinyl Asylum, Yes, from 1984 to about mid-1986. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-21, 21:28:24 (75.221.36.79)
Fortunately I eventually trusted my ears and not all of the pro-CD hype and realized that despite the convenience of CDs, vinyl still had --and still does--the edge for me in terms of musical enjoymen .......
423: Vinyl Asylum, Reson Reca (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2009-01-17, 05:52:43 (68.36.176.113)
An improved version of the Goldring 1042. I owned a V15 VxMR for a while, and while it tracked great it was one of the most uninvolving cartridges I ever owned. John K. .......
424: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Static electricity & carbon fiber brushes. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-31, 15:56:13 (70.198.72.95)
I've used both the AQ and the Hunt with varying degrees of success. I finally broke down and got a Mapleshade Iconoclast as well as their anti-static stainless steel brush. While it is a bit more work .......
425: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Mine is the rectangular (actually a 5-sided polygon) one. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-31, 10:39:00 (70.198.72.95)
.......
426: Vinyl Asylum, RE: SAMA (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-31, 05:41:42 (75.221.153.221)
The SAMA is easy to place--unscrewing the old motor, hooking up the wiring. But, you may have to "clearance" your base--cutting out some of the inside wood--to get the SAMA in the correct position and .......
427: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Not Comparable (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-27, 07:08:40 (75.222.236.104)
Among other things the Sapphire is suspended while the Comet is not. I owned a Comet, and while it is a nice entry level deck it is not in the same league as even an old Sapphire. John K. .......
428: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Mine has what is purported to be a MKIV platter *pic* (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-23, 17:35:44 (75.220.209.209)
I can't quite tell from the pic, but it looks as if the lower half of the platter is metal. If it is, it is a later version of the Mk-IV. In no incarnation of VPI platters that I know of was the platt .......
429: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I notice the seller (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-23, 14:33:06 (75.223.139.30)
in his description was careful to say it had the TNT bearing and suspension, but said nothing about the platter. I suspect it is a MK-IV base that has a MK-III platter on it. It is definitely not the .......
430: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Price Range? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-19, 08:02:51 (64.208.165.21)
I might look for a used Black Cube. The interesting thing there is that it also can be configured for MC, and you could use it to compare with your internal Counterpoint stage as a useful way to gauge .......
431: Vinyl Asylum, Price Range? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-19, 06:12:17 (64.208.165.21)
.......
432: Vinyl Asylum, So the OC-9 Isn't Working After All? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-18, 19:08:31 (75.193.221.129)
Actually, this is what I was going to recommend in the thread you started below: Go back to basics. Switch the 3000 to MM and get a decent but not expensive MM cart like an Ortofon 2M or a Soundsmith. .......
433: Vinyl Asylum, Yup, I listen to this every year. A classic. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-15, 20:13:09 (75.194.42.12)
.......
434: Vinyl Asylum, RE: This one didn't work for me. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-13, 17:59:51 (75.220.190.104)
Well, I now run a Benz L2, so you can see that it didn't quite have what I was looking for either, but some people love it, As always, YMMV. John K. .......
435: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Music Maker (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-11, 17:15:32 (70.198.247.104)
I owned one. Very nice and somewhere in between MM and MC but with a presentation all its own. A bit fussy to set up though. John K. .......
436: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Forgot to Add (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-11, 08:58:59 (64.208.165.21)
They have a 30-day trial period. If you don't like it, send it back. John K. .......
437: Vinyl Asylum, RE: $700 PS Audio Phono stage questions. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-11, 06:52:10 (64.208.165.21)
I own one, with the Underwood mods, and can't compare it to the unmodified one. That said, what I like about it: Flexibility. I have run both MM and MC cartridges with it since I have interchangable .......
438: Vinyl Asylum, See, sarcasm can be a useful response! (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-09, 17:21:35 (75.220.12.138)
It saves time typing so you can spend more time listening! John K. .......
439: Vinyl Asylum, What Surprises Me... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-09, 06:04:52 (64.208.165.21)
…is how many people miss such things as sarcasm or hyperbole. OK, so the internet is a poor medium for conveying these since it is difficult to impart inflection or emphasis via a keyboard. Let’s try .......
440: Vinyl Asylum, RE: pinging Muzikmike-VPI superplatter question (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-08, 21:03:23 (75.223.217.42)
I have the MK-IV with Super Platter, SAMA, and periphery ring, but I replaced the TNT platter which was 22 lbs. the last time I weighed it. In any case, the new spindle fits fine, assuming you note t .......
441: Vinyl Asylum, Easy to Have An Opinion When You Don't Have the LP (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-08, 20:53:42 (75.223.217.42)
Go ahead: keep convincing yourself that the 45 RPM really isn't worth it and you'll be happy that you have one of the original Fantasy issues. Of course, if you have one of the original Fantasys and c .......
442: Vinyl Asylum, RE: "Feickert had indicated my effective length was too long by about 1.5 mm" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-05, 18:33:17 (75.220.150.25)
Perhaps, but part of it could also be sloppiness in the pointer for the Feickert on the pivot end. I have found with my Feickert that tightening the lock-screw on the pointer changes its alignment. Th .......
443: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Bonnie Raitt--Sweet Forgiveness (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-05, 18:24:16 (75.220.150.25)
Actually quite a well recorded LP, and Runaway is killer! Norton Buffalo rules the harmonica. John K. .......
444: Vinyl Asylum, REVIEW: MintLP Best Tractor Accessory (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-12-05, 08:08:35 (64.208.165.21)
Model: Best Tractor Category: Accessory Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 Description: Cartridge Aligment Protractor Manufacturer URL: MintLP Model Picture: View Review by thegage on D .......
445: Cable Asylum, RE: Power Conditioners/Surge Protectors that do not use MOV's (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-11-26, 15:51:30 (75.221.212.201)
Well, you could try the PS Audio Duet--significantly below your price point. It has MOVs, but I also have a Power Plant Premier and a BPT 2.5 Signature and the Duet is no more noisy than either of tho .......
446: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI HW19MKIV platter upgrade? Pinging Muzikmike (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-11-23, 07:34:59 (75.221.138.82)
I had a MK-IV of your vintage, with the TNT platter and SAMA, and went this route: SDS, then Super Platter, then periphery ring. I was glad I did the SDS first because the Super PLatter was different .......
447: Speaker Asylum, RE: A200? nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-11-03, 18:53:56 (75.222.231.245)
.......
448: Vinyl Asylum, Reson Reca (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-10-31, 22:06:20 (75.220.246.166)
It is a Goldring 1042 with a better stylus. I used one on a VPI 19 MK-IV with the modified OL arm that you have. A very nice combination for an MM cartridge. I eventually sold it to go MC with a Benz .......
449: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Common with DGs (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-10-29, 07:39:09 (64.208.165.21)
Yup, I find that most DGs have reversed absolute polarity, to a startlingly audible degree. I made sure that my current phono stage has polarity reversal, and am always amazed at the improvement in DG .......
450: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Kottke Release (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-10-25, 16:21:45 (75.192.7.123)
Why does it matter where it was recorded? I have the Kottke and it sounds very nice. I have an original Takoma to compare it to and it is a definite improvement. John K. .......
451: Vinyl Asylum, Classic Has Already Contacted Me to Say my 45 Clarity Cannonball Adderley is "Defective" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-10-25, 10:06:42 (75.223.243.124)
They want me to return it for a new copy, but didn't say what the defect is. Anyone know? John K. .......
452: Power Forum, PPP Transformer (?) Questions (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-10-19, 07:39:29 (70.198.213.146)
I'm on my fourth PPP (details why in earlier threads). This one has a couple of issues that the previous ones didn't. There is what I assume to be audible transformer hum. Also, the area around the tr .......
453: Vinyl Asylum, RE: hmm...looks like its riding higher than mine (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-10-08, 16:05:52 (75.192.229.169)
I've had two L2s. Yours looks low to me. John K. .......
454: Power Forum, PPP "Clicking of Death" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-09-17, 04:37:25 (75.105.198.161)
So I go to power up my system this morning and after I push the amplifier power button I get the ominous signs of PPP death: output voltage higher than input voltage, no change in THD, running fan, an .......
455: Power Forum, RE: VPI - SDS (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-09-15, 20:18:18 (75.106.189.11)
I use an SDS plugged into my PPP. No problems at all with the combo! John K. .......
456: Vinyl Asylum, PS Audio GCPH with Underwood Mods (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-09-02, 20:57:51 (66.6.177.23)
I like it because of its sound and flexibility to easily run MM and MC cartridges. I also like the fact that for really serious listening (and a noticeable improvement in sound) I can go direct from i .......
457: Vinyl Asylum, Music Maker III, Benz Micro L2 nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-08-29, 20:20:50 (66.6.177.96)
.......
458: Vinyl Asylum, Little Feat's "Fat Man in the Bathtub" off of Waiting for Columbus (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-08-20, 04:18:46 (141.154.145.77)
WIll tell you pretty much everything you need to know about your system, bass to cymbals to tone to dynamics. Plus it's just darn fun to listen to. Others: --45 rpm single of REM's "voice of Harold". .......
459: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Cartridge hours (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-08-04, 13:11:52 (216.204.11.230)
I don't know how junkboy does it, but my VPI SDS motor controller has a feature that tells you how many hours your motor has run. John K. .......
460: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Wet/mold on vinyl, how do you clean it off? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-08-03, 17:01:16 (66.6.178.8)
The GEM Dandy system/process clean the mold off without contaminating your rcm. John K. .......
461: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Classic Records Quadrophenia Reissue? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-08-03, 16:58:53 (66.6.178.8)
I have the 200g reissue as well as an original MCA promo copy. The reissue is an improvement in terms of clarity with a wider soundstage, while the original is muddy and dense. Interestingly, the orig .......
462: Vinyl Asylum, RE: VPI Magiclube,,,what else is there to say... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-06-28, 08:58:58 (66.6.177.37)
The DuPont DTBG is still available. I sourced some from the following link. Took two days to ship. I would guess the VPI stuff is this lube, just rebranded and repackaged, but I would need to order th .......
463: Vinyl Asylum, PS Audio GCPH with Parts Connex Upgrade (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-06-20, 18:00:01 (66.6.177.71)
The most recent in a long list that includes (in reverse order): Bottlehead Seduction (modified), Hagerman Cornet2 (modified), Counterpoint SA-1000 (heavily modified to be stand-alone stage), Graham S .......
464: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock damping (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-06-20, 17:52:17 (66.6.177.71)
Sorry, can't help. I've got a 242 with a Music Maker 3, and the mfr. recommends no fluid. He says it "kills the life." John K. .......
465: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Upgrading VPI HW-19jr (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-06-12, 18:11:35 (71.255.134.66)
Some people like the sorbothane pucks but I hated them on my 19 MK-IV. They seemed to take some bit of the "life" out of the music. I pulled 'em out and put the springs back in but you may not have th .......
466: Vinyl Asylum, REVIEW: George Merrill Analog G.E.M. Dandy Hydraulic LP Cleaning Aparatus Accessory (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-05-28, 05:45:44 (216.204.11.230)
Model: G.E.M. Dandy Hydraulic LP Cleaning Aparatus Category: Accessory Suggested Retail Price: $149 Description: LP Cleaning System Manufacturer URL: George Merrill Analog Model Picture: .......
467: Vinyl Asylum, As one who actually owns a G.E.M. Dandy... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-05-28, 05:04:50 (216.204.11.230)
...and so can make comment on it based on experience, I'd say try it out. Sure, you could build one pretty much like it yourself for a lot less money, but you could say the same about your house, or a .......
468: Vinyl Asylum, Try Something Different (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-05-23, 06:09:33 (216.204.11.230)
If you can spare the cash (it's not that much really) try the G.E.M. Dandy cleaning system. Since you already dry with a cloth it won't be that much of a shift, except for finding a good sized sink. M .......
469: Tweakers' Asylum, I've made the same point there a number of times. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-05-20, 19:25:25 (66.6.178.241)
That the people who say "use your ears" to hear the best sounding remaster, claim that there is no validity to using your ears to hear differences between tweaks, cables, amps, etc., and that since it .......
470: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Best 'woofer amp' with adjustable voltage gain (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-05-08, 06:57:28 (216.204.11.230)
I'm not sure how much you're going to be able to judge "musical" below 105 Hz, since the frequency range that affects what most people think of as musical tends to reside in the midrange and into the .......
471: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Output Impedence of Counterpoint SA-2000 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-05-05, 07:22:51 (216.204.11.230)
Anyone know what this is? I'm thinking of changing amps and want to make sure I aim toward a more copacetic match. John K. .......
472: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Auricaps vs. Hovlands (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-04-18, 17:57:13 (66.6.178.57)
IME the Auricaps are a significant improvement over the Hovlands. In my Seduction I finally preferred VH teflon caps, but it's nice to be able to try different "flavors". John K. .......
473: Vinyl Asylum, Live: Secret Samadhi (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-04-18, 17:54:04 (66.6.178.57)
On white vinyl. You can tell by the imperfections that it's recycled vinyl, but still not too noisy a pressing. John k. .......
474: Power Forum, RE: 3rd try, Help, need advice before I purchase a PPP. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-04-04, 20:13:42 (206.15.137.194)
I used a pair of EVS Class D monoblocks (the EVS500M) with a PPP and they were dead quiet, reagrdless of the wave setting, amazingly so. My PPP currently powers a McCormack DNA-125, also without any h .......
475: Vinyl Asylum, RE: cartridge consensus for Eminent Tech ET-2? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-03-10, 09:11:32 (64.208.165.5)
When I had mine I used a V15VxMR, a Benz L2 MC, and a Music Maker III. All were stellar performers, and I didn't find the Shure a bad match. John K. .......
476: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I fourth that. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-03-07, 17:48:54 (206.15.137.84)
Some of the QSCs can even be a surprisingly good main amp in a pinch. John K. .......
477: Vinyl Asylum, RE: are there any vintage sony turntables that are worth a tinker's d*mn? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-02-28, 14:21:44 (216.204.11.230)
I can vouch for the PS-X500/600 'table. I owned an X500 for a number of years. It was bullet-proof and indeed made great sound. I gave it away when I got a VPI and now wish I hadn't. John K. ::: TOPIC .......
478: Vinyl Asylum, RE: How many of you with phono pre kits have heard more than one? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2008-02-22, 17:51:44 (206.15.137.249)
I have, linked here. John K. .......
479: Bottlehead Forum, RE: Solen Teflon vs. V-Caps (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-11-24, 14:37:33 (206.15.137.134)
I have upgraded a couple of my Bottlehead projects to V-Cap teflon caps, and the improvement over the Solens is stunning--but you do pay for it! John K. .......
480: General Asylum, There is Also Endler (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-11-09, 20:35:36 (199.232.231.52)
Endlers are adjustable in gain and come in two impedence values. Similar in construction to EVS Ultimate Attenuators. I had Rothwells and the Endlers are far better, without the same flattening. I had .......
481: Power Forum, RE: Anyone using a VH Audio Flavor 4 PC or Audience powerchord with the Premier? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-11-03, 17:26:56 (199.232.231.121)
I just switched amp setup (from dual mono to single chassis) and now have an extra Flavor 4. I'm going to swap it into the Premier and will report back. John K. .......
482: Bottlehead Forum, "Pulsing" Seduction (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-11-01, 08:47:02 (64.208.165.5)
I was listening to LPs the other night and suddenly became aware the the volume of the music seemed to be "pulsing"--growing quieter for about 5 or 6 seconds, then raising in volume again for another .......
483: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Style, yes, and... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-10-28, 18:37:29 (140.186.161.94)
From reading at the site it seems that Steve has a number of systems, ones for pleasure and ones for mastering. As I understand it the latter are assembled to be neutral, but I don't know the exact co .......
484: Vinyl Asylum, Style, yes, and... (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-10-27, 05:56:21 (199.232.231.23)
...the system he masters on. I would guess that it's very neutral. And since he aims for a natural "breath of life" sound, on a playback system built around CD and/or bight LP recordings (i.e. one tha .......
485: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yup, Thtat's The One. nt (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-10-20, 18:17:04 (199.232.229.76)
.......
486: Vinyl Asylum, Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-10-05, 18:53:22 (199.232.231.71)
plus a German "Please, Please Me"--the good pressing. John K. .......
487: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Sony Biotracer ps-x600 (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-10-03, 09:38:07 (64.208.165.4)
I had a PS-X500 (one level down) for a number of years and found it a very good table for the time. It should give you a fair slice of the "Vinyl Feeling" assuming it is in operational condition and t .......
488: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Alta Vista counterpoint rebuilds (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-09-30, 15:59:05 (199.232.230.140)
I've had three pieces done by Alta Vista and all were transformed by the upgrades. I've since sold two of them--not because of problems--and now wish I had them back. I still have my modded SA-2000 pr .......
489: Vinyl Asylum, RE: "Joshua Judges Ruth" (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-09-06, 09:50:32 (64.208.165.4)
One just went for $135 (plus $18 more for shipping) on eBay this week! John K. .......
490: Power Forum, RE: Protection/Clicking Failures. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-09-03, 05:42:57 (66.30.38.101)
Yes, I've had two different ones fail this way. Third time was a charm, however, and no issues so far with my current PPP. John K. .......
491: Power Forum, RE: No More Black PPP :( (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-08-16, 12:23:14 (75.202.217.170)
Well, when I bought my PPP I picked silver because that was the only option. If there had been black I would have bought that color instead. Doesn't this quick run on black PPPs show you that there is .......
492: Vinyl Asylum, Norman Blake: Home In Sulphur Springs (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-08-12, 19:11:42 (199.232.231.101)
An early Rounder, number 0012. John K. .......
493: Shady Lane, RE: I just got one of these, too. (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-08-12, 06:25:01 (199.232.231.85)
> TO: Thegage > > I am a successful eBay member,i need this item so much to get across to my son > that is on a church mission in Africa,i would like you to sell this item for > me,i will pay $950USD .......
494: Shady Lane, Got a good one hooked! (Long) (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-08-10, 14:44:50 (199.232.229.204)
Got the following reply to an Audiogon ad: "Hello Friend I am very much interested in your item. Let me have the total price including shipping to 101 Harborside Drive ,Boston, Massachusetts 02128. Pa .......
495: Vinyl Asylum, "Why Won't You Stay" from American Music Club's 'Everclear' (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-08-08, 12:59:40 (216.204.11.230)
This one plumbs the depths, as do many other cuts from the album. John K. .......
496: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Cornet II--tube all the way, (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-08-01, 14:35:00 (199.232.228.201)
In my post below I was going to mention, but forgot to, that the Hagerman sounds a bit more "transistory" to my ears than the Seduction, even though the Seduction as you mention has solid state rectif .......
497: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Bottlehead phono preamp? (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-08-01, 09:14:38 (64.208.165.5)
In my system I am using either a Music Maker III or Shure V15VxMR on a VPI 19 MK-IV. I have built both the Seduction (with C4S, and parts upgrades--Audicaps, Vishays, etc) and the Cornet2 (with V-Caps .......
498: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hadcock 242 questions (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-07-28, 16:43:13 (199.232.231.36)
Mine has the same hole, doesn't seem to be for any purpose. Use of damping fluid would theoretically depend on the cartridge match; however, I have corresponded with Len Gregory (the Cartridge Man) wh .......
499: General Asylum, RE: My System Sucks - Bad Power (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-07-16, 19:35:16 (75.68.34.63)
http://www.psaudio.com/products/quintet_power_center.asp .......
500: Vinyl Asylum, RE: CAPs (0.00)
Posted by thegage on 2007-07-04, 17:07:05 (66.30.38.101)
I initially built mine with Auricaps in key locations, then swapped them out later for VH Caps (a combination of the oil and Teflon caps). As good as the Auricaps were, the VH caps were a definite imp .......
Found total of 500 records, Query: , Author: thegage in All Forums, Time: 2 sec.