New user from Utah, USA

[skriefal]

I discovered the AOS forums recently though a Google search. I've been following other audio and hi-fi forums for a decade or more and decided to join here.

I've recently become increasingly interested in vinyl playback. Although I first purchased a turntable in 1991 or thereabouts (a low-end Technics belt-drive unit), it was rarely used until recently. I've since upgraded and now own both a Technics SL-1200 MK2 and a Denon DP-59L.

I've also been haunting the thrift shops for used vinyl and have built a collection of about 800. About 75% of those were obtained for $1/ea at the thrifts, with the rest being purchased new/used from a variety of online and offline sources.

I've also recently gained interest in vacuum tube amplification. I alternate between the amps in my Onkyo home theater receiver and a JWN-built 6L6GC-based tube amplifier... and occasionally a few other stray amps that are sitting around the house.

I listen to a little of (almost) everything. Rock, metal, jazz, blues, and a bit of classical.

[Alex_UK]

Hi Scott, and welcome to AoS. I reckon 1991 was about the first time I purchased a CD player! :eyebrows: Still not sure if I should have bothered! ;)

Sounds like you've acquired quite a record collection in a short time, and at a bargain price! More fools those who are chucking this stuff out, I say - but great that we can recycle it for them! (By the way, I think the math needs checking on your fraction back there! ;) Maybe a typo!)

Well you have certainly come to the right place for SL-1210 info - have you modded it yet at all? If not, this could become a very expensive forum for you! But don't worry, we'll be planting ideas in your mind that will cost you money whatever - even if it is some new music for you to buy! Mind you, it already sounds like you're in the danger zone moving toward those glowing bottles... :)

If you get a chance, could you post some system pictures in the Gallery? We love seeing them, always ask nicely, but hardly anyone ever does, or so it seems? :( ;)

Enjoy the forum, look forward to "chatting" with you.

[skriefal]

Replaced the fraction with a simpler % figure. :)

About 90% of the vinyl collection was acquired within the last 18 months. At $1, I'll happily "recycle" for my use almost any LP in VG+ or better condition that has even the smallest chance of interesting me. It's a good way to build a collection and to find new artists that might interest me -- or albums I haven't heard before from artists with which I was already somewhat familiar (e.g. Fleetwood Mac's "Heroes Are Hard to Find"). I'll probably need to buy another Ikea Expedit soon.

My SL-1200 has not been modded. But I'm seriously considering sending it to KAB soon for a few things -- the 78-rpm mod, threaded record clamp, and Cardas tonearm rewire with RCA connector box/plate. I can add the fluid damper later if I decide that I want it.

My DP-59L lacks the correct counterweight for the S-type armward, so I'm using it with the small counterweight (meant for the straight armwand) plus a few washers to add mass. It's still only 71 grams, but that's enough to balance the Signet TK7E cartridge that I'm currently using. Looking to get a custom counterweight to replace this "counterweigh + washers" lash-up; perhaps "speedy.steve's custom counterweight service" can help with that. I don't know of anyone closer who could help.

I'm trying to pick up good used US and European tubes when I can find them for good prices, while still possible. That's relatively easy with 6L6GCs, as I can get those in almost-NOS condition for $15/ea or so with some diligence on eBay. I've given up on reasonably-priced old-manufacture KT88s (for a pair of Dynaco Mark IIIs that I also own). I'll stick with Chinese or Russian power tubes for those.

High-end cables of any kind don't interest me -- analog, digital, or power. I stay away from the super-cheap stuff, but am happy with the step-up stuff. $10 premium interconnects from Dayton (Parts Express), etc. But I'm interested in most other things.

Perhaps some photos after a round of cleaning...!