TT Drive Catagories in Analog Art

[synsei]

I thought it might be a sensible idea to include three stickies in the Analog Art section dedicated to the three distinct drive systems found on turntables. This would make it a lot easier for those with a specific type of TT to find advice tailored for their needs. Of course, it would be even more useful if there was an entire sub-forum dedicated to this cause. Could this be implemented? :cool:

[The Grand Wazoo]

I'm not sure how it could work - for example, where do you draw the line for threads about direct drive TT's? Just discussions about drive systems maybe, or all threads where they are discussed. I wouldn't want people to miss valuable info about an arm or a cartridge just because it appeared in a thread about someone's Technics TT.
I'd suggest it might just help perpetuate the myth about DJ turntables just at the time when it's beginning to be dispelled.
Personally, I'd like to keep the DD crowd reminded that other equally valid options are available (heh heh heh heh!)

[synsei]

Take a look at Vinyl Engine Chris and you'll see it actually works very well. Arms and stuff tend to be dealt with elsewhere on the forum. If a sub-forum could be devised then stuff common to all TT's could be easily catered for anyway ;)

My feeling on the matter is that those with TT's other than Technics won't feel entirely left out in the cold if this idea is implemented... :cool:

[sq225917]

Don't most regulars just 'view new posts' so categorisation makes little difference?

[morris_minor]

Don't most regulars just 'view new posts' so categorisation makes little difference?

Yes, I do. Or Today's Posts from the quicklinks.

[synsei]

I fear my point is being missed :eyebrows:

[The Grand Wazoo]

I fear my point is being missed :eyebrows:

That could well be the case!
When you say:

My feeling on the matter is that those with TT's other than Technics won't feel entirely left out in the cold if this idea is implemented...

Do you mean that you think non Technics owners already feel left out in the cold?

[Bwaze]

I think the forum really doesn't need even more subdividing into (more or less) vague categories. What would be really useful is a sticky FAQ about Technics Sl1200 MkII, with short answers and links to threads that debate the issues in detail. This forum has wealth of informations about Tecchie, but most of it got buried into several categories or hidden inside very long topics...

[synsei]

That could well be the case!
When you say:


Do you mean that you think non Technics owners already feel left out in the cold?

To an extent Chris, yes. Permission to be blunt. Even though I now own an SL1210 mk2, as a Thorens owner I've occasionally felt that belt drive decks are frowned upon somewhat on here. This forum is called The Art Of Sound and there are many, many ways and means to enjoy that sound. As someone who will soon be enjoying a wander along one of the various paths which ascend the SL upgrade mountain, I do worry that potential members browsing AoS as visitors just might perceive us as somewhat of a one trick pony, rightly or wrongly.

The vast majority of TT advice dished out on AoS by some very experienced and knowledgeable people refers to the SL series. This is great, if you own an SL. The problem as I see it is that all this advice rather dominates the Analogue Arts section and it can get quite overwhelming. Placing TT advice into dedicated drive system categories creates a one stop discussion shop for that particular type of TT, thus making it more convenient for those browsing the forum for TT advice to easily identify where the best place might be to search for it. Sure, one could use the 'search' facility but it still leaves the forum looking a little inelegant. As it stands, first impressions of the Analogue Arts section are skewed towards Technics TT's and the SL in particular. I suppose the question I am posing is whether we are all comfortable with that or whether, perhaps, we'd like to see a slightly less partisan approach? If this system is employed then Analogue Arts will be able to breath, after all there are amps, tuners and other non digital bits and pieces to discuss as well ;)

[synsei]

I think the forum really doesn't need even more subdividing into (more or less) vague categories. What would be really useful is a sticky FAQ about Technics Sl1200 MkII, with short answers and links to threads that debate the issues in detail. This forum has wealth of informations about Tecchie, but most of it got buried into several categories or hidden inside very long topics...


Which would be fabulous for Techie owners, but what if you own a Pink Triangle, Linn, Systemdeck etc?

Bwaze's post illustrates the problem perfectly...

[freefallrob]

Hi Dave,

I'm not sure it would work, although the Technics is very popular on here for various reasons (and for techy users it's a good place to meet, and hence more techy users...), other analogue bits do get discussed.

For instance the thread I started for the Heybrook TT2 (actually titled 'Bearing oil and it's effect on speed') is now about 5 pages long I think, maybe it should be retitled actually, if it was would it have had so many responses??:scratch:

I personally think if you split up a forum to much it becomes less 'homely', but people do adapt to change!

[synsei]

I see your point Rob but in the main I believe it would add an extra layer of usability to the forum.

There is no denying that Technics, and particularly the SL series is predominantly the TT of choice on AoS and there is a lot of expertise dedicated to it, but I feel that if we make the tools available we would attract knowledgeable experts on other TT's who would add even more to the already excellent resources available on the forum. We just need to provide a means for them to be able to impart their knowledge and above all, help them to feel comfortable in doing so. It is a matter of perception, and as far as perception goes and in relation to TT's, AoS has a reputation for being a Technics oriented forum. I think we need to widen our scope somewhat to change that perception. By implementing changes along the lines I've suggested we could challenge this perception.

Vinyl is on the way back and although it is most definitely still a niche market, that market is expanding. This is demonstrated best by the number of new turntable and vinyl releases over the last few years. This is an exciting time to be into vinyl and it is personally wonderful for me to see youngsters experience the magic of vinyl for the first time. My own stepchildren are staggered by how much better my records sound to their equivalent CD releases and they can often be found sitting listening to material with myself and Jo. Kids such as these are vinyl's future and we need to nurture them and offer them the best advice we can. To achieve this we need to be accessible to new adopters and drop the sometimes insular nature that has defined the scene since the rise of CD back in the early 1980's.

[Audioman]

I'm sure that it would be a good idea to have a dedicated SL1200 or DD section. Add to that an idler drive section and a belt drive section. I also think other analogue sources such as tuners and tape decks deserve a seperate sub section.

I think it is an illusion that the majority here are SL1200 owners due to the fact that the forum owner and several of the most frequent posters own heavily modified models. I do think a few too many have jumped on the Technics bandwagon without confirming this is the best route for them.

My take is there are good reasons to look at alternatives now that the said deck is no longer in production and spare parts / great used examples will become increasingly scarce. Even at the current elevated prices I am beginning to think Garrard 401 or Thorens TD124 are a better bet.

[synsei]

What needs to happen Paul is for somebody to wrest the intellectual rights for the 1200/1210 off of Technics if possible, or perhaps for Technics to farm production off to a specialist outfit. I now own a 1210 and so far I have been very impressed, it certainly does most things far better than my TD160 mk2 with the same arm and cart and when it comes down to ease of use there's really no contest.

[Marco]

I think it is an illusion that the majority here are SL1200 owners due to the fact that the forum owner and several of the most frequent posters own heavily modified models.

Completely agree... Indeed there is plenty of evidence to prove that this illusion is indeed no more than, well, an illusion! ;)

Hi Dave,

What we discussed recently should shortly become a reality :)

Marco.

[synsei]

Awesome Marco, let me know when you need me to do 'ought ;)