PDA

View Full Version : MY System



kcc123
28-05-2009, 20:56
My analogue system:-

Denon DP80 turntable
http://i42.tinypic.com/2ziochf.jpg

Technics SP15
http://i40.tinypic.com/2dkh6ki.jpg

AR The Turntable
http://i42.tinypic.com/2nhdzfc.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/bx4t4.jpg

JVC QL-A7
http://i39.tinypic.com/24kxc8w.jpg

JVC QL-7
http://i39.tinypic.com/28lb67q.jpg

Unfinished project with JVC TT-71 motor unit (no arms fitted yet)
http://i39.tinypic.com/34so4cj.jpg

Linn LP12
http://i44.tinypic.com/zmnqea.jpg

Technics SL150 mk1
http://i40.tinypic.com/2qnawxu.jpg

The Grand Wazoo
28-05-2009, 21:08
Wow,..............that's quite a collection!
Some folks on here don't even own that many records!!

Hi & welcome, by the way.

Barry
28-05-2009, 21:30
My goodness - I thought I was OTT having four turntables and eight tonearms!

I suppose the next question is what cartridges do you use? And, of course, what are your tastes in music?

Barry

kcc123
28-05-2009, 21:57
My goodness - I thought I was OTT having four turntables and eight tonearms!

I suppose the next question is what cartridges do you use? And, of course, what are your tastes in music?

Barry

Hehe!
Many people may think I am mad but I have seen some ones who own more turntables than I do. By the way, I have more than thirty cartridges and about nineteen tonearms.
The cartridges I am currently using are Entre EC-1, Denon 304, Denon 103/103R, AT 37E, AT OC9, AT33 ANV, JVC X1, Ortofon MC15 mk2 and Technics 205C mk3. I listen to all sorts of music including rock, folk, country, jazz and......

Barry
28-05-2009, 22:19
Hehe!
Many people may think I am mad but I have seen some ones who own more turntables than I do. By the way, I have more than thirty cartridges and about nineteen tonearms.
The cartridges I am currently using are Entre EC-1, Denon 304, Denon 103/103R, AT 37E, AT OC9, AT33 ANV, JVC X1, Ortofon MC15 mk2 and Technics 205C mk3. I listen to all sorts of music including rock, folk, country, jazz and......

There's no way any of us are going to beat that! Thirty cartridges! - I think thats more than all the cartridges that have ever been through my hands/arms. May I ask why you have such a lot of vinyl replaying equipment, or is it simply that, like me, you find this aspect of music reproduction fascinating? Good to see that you enjoy a wide range of music.

There are many fans of the Denon 103, AT33 and AT OC9 in this forum. The Technics 205C III - now there's a 'sleeper' of a cartridge if ever there was one.

Barry

kcc123
28-05-2009, 22:26
Some more pictures of my gear
http://i41.tinypic.com/nr0z2f.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/24o9frd.jpg

Modified Cambridge 640P phono stage with DIY power supply
http://i42.tinypic.com/2a0ew43.jpg

Salience/Jasmine LP2.0SE
http://i39.tinypic.com/14joi2p.jpg

Pioneer C21 preamplifier modded with Blackgate non polar and Rubycon capacitors
http://i44.tinypic.com/1zo9h5z.jpg

DaveK
28-05-2009, 22:38
Hi Kcc,
Welcome. Nice bits of kit, to put it mildly !!
If you find youself running out of space for your TTs, please put my name at the top of the list for putting one on permanent exhibition in my lounge/listening room.It will be extremely well looked after as only friends and family will be permitted to see or hear it. :lolsign: Temporary loan only, of course ;)
:cool:

kcc123
28-05-2009, 22:57
There's no way any of us are going to beat that! Thirty cartridges! - I think thats more than all the cartridges that have ever been through my hands/arms. May I ask why you have such a lot of vinyl replaying equipment, or is it simply that, like me, you find this aspect of music reproduction fascinating? Good to see that you enjoy a wide range of music.

There are many fans of the Denon 103, AT33 and AT OC9 in this forum. The Technics 205C III - now there's a 'sleeper' of a cartridge if ever there was one.

Barry

Hi Barry,
When I was a lot younger, I kept buying and upgrading equipment but however the old ones were still remained in my possession. So over all the years, I have piled up different pieces of junk which I call treasure.
:lol::lol:

chris@panteg
28-05-2009, 23:00
Fantastic collection those JVC decks are really interesting ,do you have a favorite ' that looks like an sds mat on the LP12.

kcc123
28-05-2009, 23:23
Fantastic collection those JVC decks are really interesting ,do you have a favorite ' that looks like an sds mat on the LP12.

You are correct; it is indeed a SDS mat on the LP12. My favorite JVC deck was a QL-70 fitted with a Grace 707arm but, sadly, I sold it to a friend years ago. That is why I have salvaged a motor unit from another damaged JVC deck and fitted on a custom plinthless base with the potential of fitting three tonearms.

kcc123
28-05-2009, 23:44
Hi Kcc,
Welcome. Nice bits of kit, to put it mildly !!
If you find youself running out of space for your TTs, please put my name at the top of the list for putting one on permanent exhibition in my lounge/listening room.It will be extremely well looked after as only friends and family will be permitted to see or hear it. :lolsign: Temporary loan only, of course ;)
:cool:

Hi,
My garage still has room for more, however I will put you on my list if the time comes - that is when my wife finally finds out my secret in the garage.

Marco
28-05-2009, 23:56
We won't mention the high heels and ra-ra skirt if you don't :eyebrows:

Marco.

Beechwoods
29-05-2009, 05:38
Wow... a fantastic collection of turntables. It seems you have a penchant for flying saucer-type DD decks :) Your collection is completely understandable to me (I'm the same about reel to reel machines, though have less space!). I love your DIY JVC in particular. It looks like a really professional plinth job.

And very neat shelves too... ;)

Do you have each deck matched with a particular phono stage, and switched into your amp, or do you re-connect your decks depending on which one you fancy listening to at any given time?

REM
29-05-2009, 07:59
Simply stunning....even my partner is impressed and she is usually completely indifferent to all things audio, well done.
The SP15 intrigues me, the plinth looks great, it's acrylic I take it, if it sounds half as good as it looks you've got a real winner there,:smoking:

Cheers
Ralph

DSJR
29-05-2009, 08:11
The AR deck looks the same as the UK "Legend" model (and was a wolf in sheep's clothing once the bearing was sorted out as I recall).

On a personal note, how does the SL150 fare in this company? In the next few months, I'm intending to get my Rega "Lustre" R200 sorted out and fitted to mine. I understand that it will need careful siting and remember it sounding fairly gentle, rather than resonant...

Spectral Morn
29-05-2009, 10:11
Hi Kcc123

I am really glad I asked you to post some photos......very nice:) Thank you for taking the time to do it.

Nice to read that someone else doesn't get rid of old gear (I keep mine too).


Regards D S D L

DSJR
29-05-2009, 14:08
If I still had all the "old" gear I used to own, I'd need a VERY big house and if I sold all this un-used stuff I'd be a rich man :(

Sentimentality can be a bad thing............................................. ...................

Spectral Morn
29-05-2009, 15:30
If I still had all the "old" gear I used to own, I'd need a VERY big house and if I sold all this un-used stuff I'd be a rich man :(

Sentimentality can be a bad thing............................................. ...................


Hi Dave

Yes what you say is very true. However I do use a fair bit of it quite regularly and a lot more now since joining AOS and writing reviews for the forum. Anything that really did not work out for me in the past has gone, so I don't keep everything just most of it.


Regards D S D L

kcc123
29-05-2009, 18:04
Wow... a fantastic collection of turntables. It seems you have a penchant for flying saucer-type DD decks :) Your collection is completely understandable to me (I'm the same about reel to reel machines, though have less space!). I love your DIY JVC in particular. It looks like a really professional plinth job.

And very neat shelves too... ;)

Do you have each deck matched with a particular phono stage, and switched into your amp, or do you re-connect your decks depending on which one you fancy listening to at any given time?

Hi,
First of all, thank you for your comments!
Regarding to phono matching, it all depends on the cartridge being used. I always try different phono stages or preamps and get a sonic picture first before the final decision to be settled, not easy though.
Most of the time I tend to partner my self-built passive preamp (DACT CT1 10K attenuator) with one of the phono stages for serious listening, it provides me a more transparent insight into the music. Of course, many people are probably not very keen on the idea of using a passive preamp in their system; they think the dynamics will be compromised. But their poison is my meat and I don’t really care.

kcc123
29-05-2009, 18:09
Simply stunning....even my partner is impressed and she is usually completely indifferent to all things audio, well done.
The SP15 intrigues me, the plinth looks great, it's acrylic I take it, if it sounds half as good as it looks you've got a real winner there,:smoking:

Cheers
Ralph

On the contrary, the SP15 sounds better than it looks. :eyebrows:

REM
29-05-2009, 18:59
Niiiiiiiche:wow::wow:

Ralph

scoobs
29-05-2009, 20:31
That's an Aladdins cave that is!
I bet Marco is scratching his head wondering how someone could enjoy fruitbox and heavyweight DD running side by side, it hints at an interesting perspective on your viewpoint of hifi v music.

What speakers are you running Kcc?

chris@panteg
29-05-2009, 20:37
You could say its a celebration of the turntable art ' isn't vinyl such a wonderful way to listen to music ' and to think at one time i nearly gave it up to my eternal shame.

kcc123
29-05-2009, 21:28
The AR deck looks the same as the UK "Legend" model (and was a wolf in sheep's clothing once the bearing was sorted out as I recall).

On a personal note, how does the SL150 fare in this company? In the next few months, I'm intending to get my Rega "Lustre" R200 sorted out and fitted to mine. I understand that it will need careful siting and remember it sounding fairly gentle, rather than resonant...

I used to think those two decks were both called “The Legend” until one day I saw the back of the decks where it says AR “The Turntable”.
Despite I have had the two “Turntables” for years I still do not know the difference between the Legend and The Turntable. Can any one enlighten me, please!
My SL150 is fitted with an AT1010arm which plays a major role to its overall sound. As a combination, it provides a very good performance comparable to or even better than one of its siblings, the SL1210s, if not the SP10s or SP15s. I think it is best to put it on a solid foundation for the benefit of a better sound. And in my case, it is sitting on a piece of slate which is also on top of my Spider shelf.
My SL150 does not have a gentle or soft sound because I like to use the Denon 103 on this deck as the AT1010 is a medium to high mass arm with a 16 grams effective mass ( plus an additional 4 grams by using a heavier Audio Technica AT-LT13a headshell), which is perfectly ideal for the 103 cartridge. The sound is lush with romance in the mid and very powerful in the bass, not bad at all.

kcc123
29-05-2009, 23:03
That's an Aladdins cave that is!
I bet Marco is scratching his head wondering how someone could enjoy fruitbox and heavyweight DD running side by side, it hints at an interesting perspective on your viewpoint of hifi v music.

What speakers are you running Kcc?

It is a pair of DIY speakers built from a kit. I also have another pair of MF MC 2 speakers in storage.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2njy9at.jpg

kcc123
29-05-2009, 23:05
Here are some more pictures of my toys:-

Denon AU 305 transformer
http://i43.tinypic.com/5otfsl.jpg

Croft Super Micro preamp
http://i43.tinypic.com/59y6fm.jpg

Yaqin MS-12B phono preamp
http://i40.tinypic.com/2zdr3ix.jpg

Nakamichi 600 cassette deck
http://i43.tinypic.com/orqn3n.jpg

Denon DR-M44 cassette deck
http://i39.tinypic.com/14ky4qq.jpg

Luxman L85V amplifier
http://i39.tinypic.com/jue07c.jpg

chris@panteg
29-05-2009, 23:33
Some wonderful kit there i see you have CA640p 'how do you like it ' i use one of these ' seems to be great VFM , although i will at some look for something better 'buts its fine for now.

Beechwoods
30-05-2009, 05:04
Cor! It just gets better. The Nakamichi 600 is beautiful :)

The Grand Wazoo
30-05-2009, 09:23
I used to think those two decks were both called “The Legend” until one day I saw the back of the decks where it says AR “The Turntable”.
Despite I have had the two “Turntables” for years I still do not know the difference between the Legend and The Turntable. Can any one enlighten me, please!



I had a "The AR Turntable" which I bought new in about 1986/7. Soon after, it was rebranded as "The Legend". A year or so after that, came the EB101 & both sold alongside each other till AR pulled out of the UK - I don't think there was any difference between "the AR TT" & "the Legend" though.

Marco
30-05-2009, 10:18
Awesome stuff! I'd happily use any of it, except perhaps for the LP12 (although yours seems like a nice 'classic' one) ;)

It's just the kind of system I like to see, as it shows that you're not a slave to 'flavour of the month' equipment, are able to think outside of the box and get away from the usual run-of-the-mill mainstream nonsense! :)

Btw, what's your first name and where do you come from? We like to know a little about each other here :smoking:

Marco.

DSJR
30-05-2009, 10:55
Lovely to see some wonderful old "legacy" gear being loved and enjoyed still. That Luxman amp brought tears to my eyes with nostalgia - very creamy and smooth with a kick in the velvet glove as I remember.

The original AR "The" turntable in the UK had a wobbly main bearing which smeared the sound up no end (the later XB77 did too, so I suspect that some of the tooling may be shared perhaps?). A year or two after, a client bought in a deck with improved main bearing (this may be the "Legend" version) with absolutely no slop at all and once set up it sounded superb, the light platter with heavier sub-chassis working very well and rather in a PT mold - light, bright and breezy sounding, which I rather like in LP playback as long as it's clean and clear as well.

The EB101 is, in my opinion, an absolute bargain, as it hasn't yet got the "cachet" of other budget decks like Rega's and Systemdek IIx's. This latter deck came with a Linn LVX standard Jelco made arm IIRC and a reasonable cheap cartridge. Whether any EB101 owners have replaced the cartridge and possibly the arm too I don't know.

The MC2 speakers were a Martin Colloms concoction as I recall. At the time, he was inclined to boost the treble in an attempt to mask midrange colourations (Dean Mini Monitor and Monitor Audio MA3 and 10 come to mind). I think he did much better with speakers like the Tannoy Mercury's and a Sony speaker or two, which were good budget products.

kcc123
31-05-2009, 00:32
Some wonderful kit there i see you have CA640p 'how do you like it ' i use one of these ' seems to be great VFM , although i will at some look for something better 'buts its fine for now.

Hi Chris,

I love my 640P and I rate it highly against some of the phono stages I have compared, including a Salience LP2.0SE, a Tom Evans Micro Groove, a Yaqin MS-12B, a FM Acoustic FM122, an Era Gold V & ESP combination, an Edwards Audio MC1 and my trusty Pioneer C21 preamp.
It has been modified by me extensively with some boutique parts which cost me a lot more than the 640P itself. I must be crazy but I am not alone. We live in a mad, mad world, don’t we?

Best regards!
King

kcc123
31-05-2009, 01:01
Awesome stuff! I'd happily use any of it, except perhaps for the LP12 (although yours seems like a nice 'classic' one) ;)

It's just the kind of system I like to see, as it shows that you're not a slave to 'flavour of the month' equipment, are able to think outside of the box and get away from the usual run-of-the-mill mainstream nonsense! :)

Btw, what's your first name and where do you come from? We like to know a little about each other here :smoking:

Marco.

Hi Marco,

It seems that you are not keen on the Linn, any reasons? It may not be the best sounding or looking turntable in the world but is decent enough for me to keep it in my collection.
My Linn is powered by a MOSS / Hercules external power supply at the moment and in the past I have also experienced an Origin Live DC motor plus Advance Speed Box and Lingo mk1.
I come from Hong Kong but have been here for donkey’s years.

King

Marco
31-05-2009, 06:34
Hi King,

The LP12 thing is slightly tongue-in-cheek. In the UK we have what are called "fanbois" (fanboys - diehard followers) of the LP12, to such an extent that they refuse to rate almost anything else through some blinkered notion there is no better turntable in the whole world!

These people also tend to be 'anti-Technics', for reasons that don't make any sense, so being a modified SL-1210 user I can't resist having a pop at them now and then :eyebrows:

However, more seriously, I'm sure your LP12 sounds fine and is a valid addition to your collection. I have a good friend who would use nothing else, but he's first and foremost a music lover and blissfully free from the blinkered dogma which afflicts the fanbois ;)

So are you living in the UK now; if so, where abouts?

Marco.

kcc123
31-05-2009, 13:04
Hi King,

The LP12 thing is slightly tongue-in-cheek. In the UK we have what are called "fanbois" (fanboys - diehard followers) of the LP12, to such an extent that they refuse to rate almost anything else through some blinkered notion there is no better turntable in the whole world!

These people also tend to be 'anti-Technics', for reasons that don't make any sense, so being a modified SL-1210 user I can't resist having a pop at them now and then :eyebrows:

However, more seriously, I'm sure your LP12 sounds fine and is a valid addition to your collection. I have a good friend who would use nothing else, but he's first and foremost a music lover and blissfully free from the blinkered dogma which afflicts the fanbois ;)

So are you living in the UK now; if so, where abouts?

Marco.

Hi Marco,

To be honest, although I have been a LP12 owner for years, unlike some, I still have not become a devotional fanatic who blindingly believes that LP12 is the best and only turntable I should rely on and disapprove of or simply ignore the others’ existence. We always have a different perception or believing that we cannot agree with each other so sometimes it is best not to provoke any altercations unnecessarily in case one may hurt the others’ feelings.
I am living in W-S-M, Somerset.

Best regards!
King

kcc123
31-05-2009, 13:54
Lovely to see some wonderful old "legacy" gear being loved and enjoyed still. That Luxman amp brought tears to my eyes with nostalgia - very creamy and smooth with a kick in the velvet glove as I remember.

The original AR "The" turntable in the UK had a wobbly main bearing which smeared the sound up no end (the later XB77 did too, so I suspect that some of the tooling may be shared perhaps?). A year or two after, a client bought in a deck with improved main bearing (this may be the "Legend" version) with absolutely no slop at all and once set up it sounded superb, the light platter with heavier sub-chassis working very well and rather in a PT mold - light, bright and breezy sounding, which I rather like in LP playback as long as it's clean and clear as well.

The EB101 is, in my opinion, an absolute bargain, as it hasn't yet got the "cachet" of other budget decks like Rega's and Systemdek IIx's. This latter deck came with a Linn LVX standard Jelco made arm IIRC and a reasonable cheap cartridge. Whether any EB101 owners have replaced the cartridge and possibly the arm too I don't know.

The MC2 speakers were a Martin Colloms concoction as I recall. At the time, he was inclined to boost the treble in an attempt to mask midrange colourations (Dean Mini Monitor and Monitor Audio MA3 and 10 come to mind). I think he did much better with speakers like the Tannoy Mercury's and a Sony speaker or two, which were good budget products.

Hi Dave,

I also had an EB 101 for a short period and I concur with you that it sounded beautifully and was up to my expectations, but on the other hand, it was ugly in terms of aesthetics. I think AR could have done much better than that.
Before I bought the MC2s I‘d been listening to a pair of Sony APM22 ES speakers which, I remember, had a more transparent and clean sound. But I am human so I make mistakes now and then.
I was not satisfied with the MC2s eventually, so I built a pair of floor standers based on The Hi-Fi-World design, the KLS9. They were with me for quite a while and then I got the itch and built another pair of speakers which have been using until now.

chris@panteg
31-05-2009, 16:18
Hi Chris,

I love my 640P and I rate it highly against some of the phono stages I have compared, including a Salience LP2.0SE, a Tom Evans Micro Groove, a Yaqin MS-12B, a FM Acoustic FM122, an Era Gold V & ESP combination, an Edwards Audio MC1 and my trusty Pioneer C21 preamp.
It has been modified by me extensively with some boutique parts which cost me a lot more than the 640P itself. I must be crazy but I am not alone. We live in a mad, mad world, don’t we?

Best regards!
King

Thats cool 'very interested in perhaps modding my 640p ' any tips ideas ' is it fairly easy to do.

Primalsea
31-05-2009, 16:57
King,

That's a lovely collection you have there and its good to see you have a real world perspective of what really makes the performance of equipment. I hate it when people get caught on this idea that just because it costs more it must be better.

I was told I was mad for owning 3 TT's at the same time!!

Beechwoods
31-05-2009, 17:46
They told Carl Craig he was mad for using 3 turntables at the same time :lol:

kcc123
31-05-2009, 19:02
Thats cool 'very interested in perhaps modding my 640p ' any tips ideas ' is it fairly easy to do.

Is it easy? Certainly not.
It took me tens of hours plus hard labour to accomplish the mission, but I am glad that it was worth all the efforts and time that I spent as a result. I think it is best for me to redirect you to a link below and you will find some information that you want to know and how.

http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9098&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=135

Marco
31-05-2009, 20:31
King,


To be honest, although I have been a LP12 owner for years, unlike some, I still have not become a devotional fanatic who blindingly believes that LP12 is the best and only turntable I should rely on and disapprove of or simply ignore the others’ existence. We always have a different perception or believing that we cannot agree with each other so sometimes it is best not to provoke any altercations unnecessarily in case one may hurt the others’ feelings.
I am living in W-S-M, Somerset.


Indeed! You have a very healthy attitude to hi-fi, my friend :)

Could you do me a favour and add 'Somerset, England' to the location details on your profile?

Cheers! Please continue to enjoy posting on the forum :smoking:

Marco.

kcc123
02-06-2009, 00:16
It may not be a surprise to you, though controversial, that I also own some digital gear. As you might have found out that I am open- minded, so I don’t devote myself only to analogue but also digital playback.

Here are some pictures of my collection:-

Audio Alchemy Digital Decoding Engine V 1.1 DAC
http://i40.tinypic.com/2jbk6d5.jpg

Audio Alchemy Ultra Dac
http://i40.tinypic.com/oaujix.jpg

Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 1 DAC
http://i41.tinypic.com/154txtj.jpg

Citypulse DA7.2X DAC
http://i41.tinypic.com/xmj13t.jpg

Spectro Acoustic 217 preamp
http://i42.tinypic.com/2lsckte.jpg

Mitsubishi DA-A15 power amplifier
http://i39.tinypic.com/jszytu.jpg

Cambridge Audio A75 power amplifier
http://i42.tinypic.com/2rzdnrs.jpg

The Grand Wazoo
02-06-2009, 06:59
Hi King,
I always loved the brutal look of those Mitsubishi power amps & the way that you could buy a docking fascia panel with meters on it as an optional extra.

How does it sound?

Primalsea
02-06-2009, 17:56
Digital equipment isn't controversial in my book. Buying a Music PC and connecting to my DAC was one of the best things I done.

kcc123
03-06-2009, 17:10
Hi King,
I always loved the brutal look of those Mitsubishi power amps & the way that you could buy a docking fascia panel with meters on it as an optional extra.

How does it sound?

Hi,
It looks brutal but, I am afraid, does not have the absolute transparency, power, impacts and control that rival a Krell or Mark Levision. It is actually a bit sweet and soft sounding to me.

kcc123
03-06-2009, 17:27
Digital equipment isn't controversial in my book. Buying a Music PC and connecting to my DAC was one of the best things I done.

On the surface of it, I have an array of turntables and should be considered a typical analogue guy who would reject any digital kit as in theory, but they are both serving me happily in a perfect harmony. Of course, I tend to listen to records more than CDs.

jonners
03-06-2009, 19:37
Hi King -

I'd be interested to know your opinion of the Yaqin phono amp. Did you have any problems with it or make any changes to it?

John

kcc123
03-06-2009, 20:37
Hi John,

The Yaqin is an excellent MM phono amp in my own opinion, transparent and musical. I have not done anything to it except some tubes rolling and so far I've had no issues with it at all.

King

kcc123
03-06-2009, 21:10
Some more pictures:-
http://i41.tinypic.com/11rsw7q.jpg

One of the best phono stages between £250 and £1000, the Edwards Audio MC1
http://i43.tinypic.com/2r7o661.jpg

Another valve phono stage, the Muse PH-1, which is also from China, but it does not sound as good as the Yaqin.
http://i44.tinypic.com/2q3cjds.jpg

Marco
04-06-2009, 08:02
King, I think Yaqin make some fab products. As you probably know, they're a recognised 'high-end' manufacturer in China, and you can tell by the build quality and attention to detail of their equipment :)

Do you find it always safe for use with UK voltage, though? That's the only problem I've found.

Marco.

kcc123
04-06-2009, 08:55
Hi Marco,
As far as I know, there are some manufacturers in China who have a very loose or even non existent quality control. But if Yaqin wanted to join and compete in the world wide market then they should have their products complied with any safety standard. I have used the Yaqin for over a year and it has not caused a single problem. I assume that it is safe enough to use it in U. k. as it indicates on the box it is a 240V version.

King

Marco
04-06-2009, 09:37
King,

That's what it said on the box of a few people's Yaqin amplifiers I know of that caught fire...

I don't wish to alarm you unnecessarily, as your Yaqin has obviously worked fine for over a year, but internal components, such as capacitors, overheating due to being incompatible with the over-voltage imposed on the secondary circuits, as a result of some UK mains supplies being rated as high as 248V (not 240V), sometimes even higher, is a real issue.

That extra 8V, or so, may not seem much, but it can be quite critical when the tolerance of some internal components is unable to handle it, and if they 'pop' when the equipment is left unattended for a period of time, the knock-on effect on the primaries can be quite 'spectacular', and extremely dangerous. Someone more technically-minded than me will explain it better.

I just think it's important that you should know this, as the last thing I'd want to happen is for me to say nothing and then find out that something nasty has happened, so I'm sure you can appreciate my concern. If it were me, I would not leave it switched on for any length of time while you are not in the room, and make sure it's switched off at night before you go to bed.

My advice would be to measure the voltage on your mains supply with a multi-meter, and if it is significantly over 240V, then take your Yaqin to a qualified electronics engineer, get it fully tested for safety, and if recommended have some 'over-specified' higher-rated capacitors, etc, fitted to ensure that the circuit can safely cope with any over-voltage. It will probably improve the sound, too, and you'll have piece of mind knowing that you're safe :)

It's always better being safe than sorry where electricity is concerned!

Marco.

kcc123
04-06-2009, 10:03
Hi Marco,
Thank you for your warning! The voltage in my area is normally 238 volts and seldom goes beyond 240V. But I will take precaution and probably use a step-up transformer to drop the voltage down to220V just in case of any unforeseen happening.
King

Marco
04-06-2009, 10:11
You mean a step-down transformer ;)

No worries - like I said it's better being safe than sorry...

I used to have a Yaqin MC-100B valve amp, which I used with a step-down transformer. One day I stupidly unplugged it and ran the raw mains straight through (thinking that it was after all supposed to be safe with 240V UK mains, as stated on the box), and after about an hour, I heard a sizzling noise coming from the amp, and to my horror the power supply caps were bubbling up and smoking in front of my eyes...!!

So I quickly switched off the amplifier - it gave me a real fright! Then after that I had it properly modified to be safe on UK mains by Anthony Matthews, a qualified electronics engineer and equipment designer, here on the forum, and then everything was ok - plus is sounded much better too! :)

Marco.

kcc123
07-06-2009, 19:47
Over the years I have bought quite a few cartridges, some of them are considered vintage but still very competitive even amongst those latest creations. I have always been passionate with Denon cartridges since 1979 and am still using them now. One of the most popular cartridges of all time and truly a classic, of course, is the Denon 103. The 103D has not caught much of my attention, though I still consider it a better cartridge.

Denon 103
http://i42.tinypic.com/33vbudd.jpg

Denon 103D
http://i42.tinypic.com/2wqej9g.jpg
Close-up of 103D
http://i39.tinypic.com/2zemn8j.jpg

One of my favourite cartridges, the 103R
http://i43.tinypic.com/2zhijo9.jpg
Close-up
http://i40.tinypic.com/2cy2rh2.jpg

DL303
http://i41.tinypic.com/fd6n4l.jpg
Close-up
http://i43.tinypic.com/2igy8mh.jpg

DL304
http://i42.tinypic.com/2lmnb03.jpg
Close-up
http://i44.tinypic.com/szgz0j.jpg

jonners
07-06-2009, 20:13
King -

About the safety of the Yaqin MS-12B: Mine was also marked 240V on the box, though the amp itself has 220V on it. I checked the secondary voltages of the mains transformer, and with a 240V AC input they very closely matched the values marked on the circuit diagram - apart from the heater voltage to the 12AU7 valves, which was 1.2V high at 13.8V AC. (Not dangerous, but could shorten the life of the valve a bit). I have since added a power resistor to drop the voltage to 12.6V. The main supply capacitors on mine are rated at 400V, so there's a good margin there.

So it probably is a good idea, as Marco advised, to check the voltages. And I would also agree about not leaving the amp powered up when you're not around. (Come to that, I would probably feel the same about any valve amp.)

kcc123
07-06-2009, 20:42
Hi John,
I certainly agree that all valve amps should not be powered up when we are not around because of the danger it may cause. Actually I always turn off the Yaqin as soon as the listening session is finished.
Anyway, thank you for your caution!
King

kcc123
08-06-2009, 14:28
DL301
http://i41.tinypic.com/1clki.jpg
Close-up
http://i41.tinypic.com/5dkq41.jpg

DL110
Close-up
http://i41.tinypic.com/59u8w7.jpg

Another cartridge which I also adore is the Supex 900 Super; I used to partner it with the Grace 707 arm, a classic combination that most of us were using during that period due to the mighty effort and inevitable influence contributed by Linn, I guess.

Supex 900 Super
http://i41.tinypic.com/1zxwizn.jpg
Close-up
http://i42.tinypic.com/91gffr.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2m6ltfp.jpg

Supex 1000
http://i43.tinypic.com/4pa8h.jpg
Close-up
http://i40.tinypic.com/fu5ced.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/240yp6o.jpg

Marco
08-06-2009, 14:50
Hi King,

Superb photos yet again, and some of the cleanest looking styli I've seen! :)

You are a truly an enthusiast par excellence and have my deepest respect :youtheman:

Marco.

kcc123
08-06-2009, 16:58
Hi Marco,

Thank you for your kind and bounteous comments!
I will post more pictures when I have time.

Regards!
King

chris@panteg
08-06-2009, 21:55
I would just like to add ' your photo's are indeed quite superb ' and a lovely range of carts you have.

kcc123
09-06-2009, 16:24
Hi Chris,
Thank you!
They are still not perfect. If I had used a tripod my photos would have been better. I was using a prosumer camera, the Panasonic FZ28, which is not in the same league among those SLR Nikons, Canons and others.

King

jonners
11-06-2009, 19:43
King -

I'm just wondering what valves you are currently using in your Yaqin preamp? I had a lot of trouble with noisy or microphonic valves in mine, and I've just rewired the heater circuit to the 12AX7's and substituted some Russian 6N2P-EV's. These are very quiet and stable and I find they improve the sound significantly.
I'm currently using Philips JAN 5693's in place of the Chinese 12AU7's. I get a feeling that I can do better here, but there are so many kinds out there, some at silly prices....:confused:

RochaCullen
12-06-2009, 11:25
Hi King,

As someone who is looking to enter the retro world of turntables, I was wondering if you could give a newbie some directions. My system is mostly old linn stuff, part of which is a Majik amp with phono stage.

If I was to start looking around for a second hand turntable, what would you recommend, while bearing in mind a modest budget? These recessionary times are not HiFi friendly.

Nathan

kcc123
12-06-2009, 14:58
King -

I'm just wondering what valves you are currently using in your Yaqin preamp? I had a lot of trouble with noisy or microphonic valves in mine, and I've just rewired the heater circuit to the 12AX7's and substituted some Russian 6N2P-EV's. These are very quiet and stable and I find they improve the sound significantly.
I'm currently using Philips JAN 5693's in place of the Chinese 12AU7's. I get a feeling that I can do better here, but there are so many kinds out there, some at silly prices....:confused:

Hi,
I am using two vintage 1970 GE 12AU7A/ECC82 and two new Sovtek 12AX7 LPS valves for the Yaqin at the moment. Of course, there are better valves than those I use but they are too expensive, I think.

kcc123
12-06-2009, 15:09
Hi King,

As someone who is looking to enter the retro world of turntables, I was wondering if you could give a newbie some directions. My system is mostly old linn stuff, part of which is a Majik amp with phono stage.

If I was to start looking around for a second hand turntable, what would you recommend, while bearing in mind a modest budget? These recessionary times are not HiFi friendly.

Nathan

Hi Nathan,
Well, I would recommend you the AR Legend/Turntable which is very affordable and its sound quality gives a Linn LP12 a very close run for the money.
Best regards!
King

kcc123
12-06-2009, 15:15
It is in some people’s mind that MM and MI cartridges are considered to be low grade and poor sounding when compare with MC cartridges. Of course some MCs are superior to many MM/MI cartridges but there are exceptions, for instance, the Technics 205C mk3/4, the ADC XLM mk3 Improved and Grace F9E etc. Here are some of the MM and MI cartridges I have:-

ADC XLM mk3 Improved
http://i39.tinypic.com/2n1djpv.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/zo9kpv.jpg

AR Cambridge E77
http://i44.tinypic.com/2r27ubr.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/2sbog9w.jpg

Goldring Electra
http://i40.tinypic.com/90wuns.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/zwb1ad.jpg

JVC X1
http://i44.tinypic.com/5xlikk.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/20z9tgy.jpg

JVC Z1
http://i42.tinypic.com/ih4nj9.jpg

Signet TK 7E
http://i39.tinypic.com/2cpzsll.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/s33p5c.jpg

Marco
12-06-2009, 16:49
Superb pics again, King :)

Some MMs are indeed fabulous. If you haven't already done so, you simply must try a Shure M3D. In my opinion, it is the MM 'daddy' of them all.

Incidentally, I also love your collection of NOS headshells! Sonically, those can make all the difference... My AT LT-12 and FR S/5 really make my low-compliance gems sing!

Marco.

kcc123
13-06-2009, 01:05
Hi Marco,
I have never tried a Shure M3D before, how does it compare with the V15 mk3?
I own more than a dozen of headshells of different varieties and they do play a major role to the sound.

Steve Toy
13-06-2009, 04:55
King,

I've just been looking through this thread. I must say I'm impressed by your broadness both of mind and collection of kit.

So out of everything you have there, what is your favourite setup combination, including both digital and vinyl front ends?

kcc123
13-06-2009, 14:48
Hello Steve,

What a question! I don’t really know the answer myself.
For analogue, my favourites at the moment should be the Technics SP15 with Micro Seiki MA505S tonearm and AT 37E or Denon 103R cartridge plus the Denon DP80 with Audiocraft AC3000 S Limited tonearm and AT 33 ANV. The Linn (MOSS/Hercules) with Ittok and AT OC9 or The AR Turntable (MOSS/Hercules) with Mission 774 LC and Ortofon MC15 combo also provides me with a very enjoyable sound, different if not better.
But one of the best sounds also came from a Linn (Origin Live DC motor and Advance Speed box), Rega 300(Incognito wiring and Michell Techno Weight) and AT33 PTG front end connected to the Croft Super Micro Preamp (modded with two Dact mono 250K stepped attenuators, silver wiring and Jenson Caps), sadly, the turntable and cartridge are no longer with me now.
My favourite phono stages, I think, have to be the Cambridge 640P and Salience (Jasmine) LP2.0SE. I like the Yaqin too but it does not have enough gain for MC cartridges so I use it mainly for MMs or sometimes with a Trio pre-preamp for MC cartridges.
For digital, I have no doubt that the Citypulse DA7.2X is the best sounding among all the others. It is partnered with my Sony CD player as a transport. The Citypulse has been modded by me with LM4562 op-amp, Rubycon and Blackgate bi-polar capacitors.
All interconnects and most of the tonearm cables are pure silver, also most of my kits are not original but modified.

kcc123
26-06-2009, 20:08
Here are some more photos of my cartridges:-

The Audio Technica AT 33ANV
http://i42.tinypic.com/mt4h2q.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2ijqe15.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/343kwux.jpg

AT 33E
http://i40.tinypic.com/hvuddu.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/35cosqe.jpg

AT 32E
http://i39.tinypic.com/35ji5pk.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/28cocw1.jpg

AT 31E
http://i44.tinypic.com/w0kuo0.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2hoea6p.jpg

AT OC9
http://i44.tinypic.com/1e9kpl.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/1t1ysh.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/33uvl9s.jpg

AT 37E
http://i41.tinypic.com/xgcgpj.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/29zufk1.jpg

kcc123
27-06-2009, 16:50
Stanton 681EEE
http://i40.tinypic.com/3177028.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2laan20.jpg

Technics P205 mk3
http://i44.tinypic.com/zojs.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/n6dv5w.jpg

Technics P205 mk4
http://i40.tinypic.com/33usf4l.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/1z31dht.jpg


Ortofon MC10 Super
http://i41.tinypic.com/izvmtf.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/30aryhy.jpg

Marco
27-06-2009, 17:15
I'm lovin' this :)

You don't, per chance, own any cartridges? :eyebrows:

Marco.

kcc123
27-06-2009, 19:56
Hi Marco,
You are not interested in any of my cartridges, are you?
I always think that the Denon 103SA is the only apple in your eye.
:confused::lol:

Marco
27-06-2009, 20:00
I like them all, mate! You have excellent taste.

Why are you selling any? :)

Marco.

kcc123
27-06-2009, 20:39
I am not selling any; on the contrary, I am lusting for more. A Denon 103 SA or 103Pro, perhaps, will be my next target.:)

Marco
27-06-2009, 20:47
Owning both, I'd say go for the 'SA'. But if you really want to be included in our 'elite list' you need a Shure M3D ;)

Marco.

kcc123
27-06-2009, 21:12
Why is the Shure M3D so special?
One of the best MM cartridges that I own is the Technics 205C mk3.

http://i41.tinypic.com/w8p74m.jpg

Marco
27-06-2009, 21:21
I've not heard the Technics (although I know it's highly regarded), but the M3D is head and shoulders the best MM cartridge I've ever used - so much so in fact that with an N21D stylus it sounds more like a high quality MC, providing 'super-pure' treble detail and massive high frequency extension isn't what you get off on.

Think SPU sound on the cheap and, on the right T/T and arm, considerably better than any Denon MC. I'm surprised you don't have an SPU in your collection, actually. Anyway, you should definitely add an M3D to your line-up. Trust me, you'll not regret it, and you've got all the bits needed to make it sound truly special :)

Marco.

kcc123
27-06-2009, 22:28
It was my perception that the V15 series were the best cartridges Shure had offered in the past, especially the V15 mk3, but I did not really like them very much as they were not good enough. The Technics 205C simply eats them for breakfast. There was one M3D on eBay last week but I did not put any bid on it because I was not interested at that time. From now on, I will keep an eye on one if it is available again.

Marco
27-06-2009, 22:39
K (what is you first name again? You need to add it to your sig), the M3D EATS the V-15 (any model) for breakfast. There is simply no comparison.

The problem was, much like many things in hi-fi, that the 'cognoscenti' seemed to latch onto the V-15, going ape about it, and thus it was hyped-up, IMO, beyond what its talents deserved; whilst the M3D slipped under the radar, by comparison, relatively unnoticed.

I think it cost something like around £60, though, in 1959, which was not an inconsiderable amount of money then - so quite an expensive item in its day and out with of what your average person could likely afford.

No, if you see one for sale on Ebay, snap it up, fit an N21D stylus, and pop it in one of your highest-mass NOS headshells. The stylus is crucial, as the standard N3D stylus isn't in the same ballpark - and you'll be adding an amazing cartridge to your already amazing collection! :cool:

Marco.

kcc123
27-06-2009, 23:06
OK, I am looking forward to getting one. I hope it is not being caught on by your benevolent statement.

Regards!
King

Marco
27-06-2009, 23:10
LOL. Hopefully not! 'King' - that's it. I was trying to remember from before :)

But you need to click on 'User CP' at the top left-hand side of the screen, and then on 'Edit Signature', so you can add "King" to your signature and it will then appear automatically under all your posts.

It don't think you understood what I meant before :smoking:

Marco.

kcc123
31-07-2009, 17:10
Some more cartridges in my collection, two of them are very rare:-

The Ortofon VMS 20E mk2 was a very popular cartridge, though lacks in transparency and sparkles. It still achieves a very well balance in sound, not bad at all.
http://i29.tinypic.com/27y047k.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/eijsdx.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/m9agl4.jpg

The Ortofon VMS 30E mk2
http://i29.tinypic.com/nehvzo.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/v5fmo7.jpg

Over the years, ADC have only made one moving coil model in their range, the ADC MC 1.5 http://i31.tinypic.com/saz9li.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/110lm6v.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/21b6ey1.jpg

One of the best moving magnet cartridges that I have owned, the ADC TRX-2
http://i29.tinypic.com/64nuyg.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/2rdwvx1.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/2hcepep.jpg

Spectral Morn
31-07-2009, 17:29
I must say King that you set a very high standard, not only for your hi-fi but the photos you take of it. Well done sir.


Regards D S D L

kcc123
31-07-2009, 22:59
Hi Neil,
Thank you! It is my pleasure to share some photos with you guys here.
Quite frankly, I am still a learner in photography. If I can do it, so can you!
Practice makes perfect.:lol:

Mike
31-07-2009, 23:02
Bejeezus, they're good photos! :)

REM
01-08-2009, 09:35
Wonderful photos, well done indeed sir. Someone has to say it so it might as well be me but is the azimuth not just a smidge out on the Ortofon and TRX piccies, or is it just the camera angle?
Anyway still great shots, any tips for a hopeless snapper like me would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

kcc123
01-08-2009, 10:43
Hi Ralph,

I think it is the camera angle and the cartridge is on a AT1120 tonearm with fixed headshell which azimuth can not be adjusted. The only tip I can give you is set your camera in the macro mode to shoot. Better still, get a camera with a proper macro lens so you can get perfect close-up pictures.

Marco
01-08-2009, 10:43
Hi King,

Wonderful stuff, as usual! :)

Is that an Audio Technica LT-12 headshell on the Ortofon VMS 30E mk2? If so, it's the same as what I'm using at the moment with my DL-103SA. It's one of the best headshells you can buy... Sadly, they're long discontinued.

Marco.

kcc123
01-08-2009, 10:53
As rare as hen’s teeth, the Panasonic EPS-460C is a strain gauge/ semiconductor cartridge which needs a special preamp to get it worked properly, sadly I don’t have one. So, it is for display only at the moment and don’t ask me how it sounds because I don’t really know despite I have had it for quite a while. I did try it connected to a spare input of one of my preamps, but my first encounter was welcome with an absolute silence, very interesting though.
I am aware that Soundsmith does some excellent dedicated strain gauge preamps and their best offer is the SG-810 which is frighteningly expensive at a whopping cost of US $14,999.95, a chicken feed to some but crippling financial stress to others. If I had the money I would buy a big sparkling diamond for my wife that should indeed make her very happy and she would keep a blind eye on my ever-increasing hi-fi expending. I hope miracle would happen on me with a winning lottery ticket one day that could allow me to do so. :)

The Panasonic EPS-460C strain gauge cartridge

http://i31.tinypic.com/s2h2jp.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/20ge6bo.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/qnwkuw.jpg

kcc123
01-08-2009, 11:01
Hi King,

Wonderful stuff, as usual! :)

Is that an Audio Technica LT-12 headshell on the Ortofon VMS 30E mk2? If so, it's the same as what I'm using at the moment with my DL-103SA. It's one of the best headshells you can buy... Sadly, they're long discontinued.

Marco.

Hi Marco,
Yes, it is.

Alex_UK
03-08-2009, 23:16
What an enthralling thread, wonderful pictures and collection, but now you've made me very late for bed! You are still a legend though, King!

kcc123
07-09-2009, 01:01
My latest arrival, the Shure M7D cartridge with N21 stylus

http://i28.tinypic.com/r2tgk2.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/dyx2tv.jpg

One of my best and favourite cartridges, theTechnics EPC- 205C mk3

http://i32.tinypic.com/sblht5.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/fcvfcj.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/167ow02.jpg

Marco
07-09-2009, 07:39
Superb pictures as usual, King! :)

Weren't you getting an M3D, though, as per my recommendation, or am I mistaken? :scratch:

How does the M7D/N21 sound?

Marco.

DSJR
07-09-2009, 09:36
The 205mkIII was one cartridge that totally passed me by in the Linn/Naim days, as, like the V15III, it had a ruler flat response which made the rest of the system scream in protest. I blamed the cartridge (and Martin Colloms ears) at the time.. I now know VERY different......................................... ..

The M7 shouldn't sound too different to the M3D, as I suspect the innards are the same (?). I'm sure (sorry:)) that you now realise that the V15 series is a very different kind of animal.. Ken Kessler once said that the Ultra 500 Shure "educated" rather than entertained. I can certainly say that what the M3D/N21 lacks in refinement, it MORE than makes up in entertainment value :)

kcc123
07-09-2009, 22:31
Superb pictures as usual, King! :)

Weren't you getting an M3D, though, as per my recommendation, or am I mistaken? :scratch:

How does the M7D/N21 sound?

Marco.

Hi Marco,

Originally I was trying to get an M3D but unfortunately I was twice being out bid by two guys with a deeper pocket and quicker response, hard luck! So I changed my mind and opted for an M7D which caused less attention by most people, I finally succeeded and snatched one for about forty quid, not bad at all. Hehe!
I then ordered a new N21 stylus and it arrived fours days later from the States. I set up the cartridge on last Sunday and I briefly listened to it for about an hour. My first impressions were very positive, but the bass was not as deep or powerful as I would have expected, however it was quite tight. I know that I have not explored the full potential of this amazing cartridge yet. At the moment, I am using it on a Micro Seiki MA505S tonearm, the tracking weight is set at 2.2 grams. I am still trying to figure out the optimal VTF or loading for it. The effective mass of the MA 505S tonearm is about 15 grams, is it compatible? Or should I partner it with a heavier arm? Marco, can you please advice, thank you!

kcc123
07-09-2009, 23:10
The 205mkIII was one cartridge that totally passed me by in the Linn/Naim days, as, like the V15III, it had a ruler flat response which made the rest of the system scream in protest. I blamed the cartridge (and Martin Colloms ears) at the time.. I now know VERY different......................................... ..

The M7 shouldn't sound too different to the M3D, as I suspect the innards are the same (?). I'm sure (sorry:)) that you now realise that the V15 series is a very different kind of animal.. Ken Kessler once said that the Ultra 500 Shure "educated" rather than entertained. I can certainly say that what the M3D/N21 lacks in refinement, it MORE than makes up in entertainment value :)

Hi Dave,

Martin Colloms did praise and rate the 205mkIII very highly indeed (Hi-Fi Choice no.20), and that was why I bought one according to his recommendation.
As far as I know, the M3D and M7D are exactly the same, but in two different bodies. So, they should sound very similar despite they are different in appearance. My initial impressions of it are very good and I think I am going to compare it with the 205mkIII and the ADC TRX2 later which are also installed on the same Technics SP15 turntable at the moment.

http://i29.tinypic.com/hwy2wo.jpg

DSJR
08-09-2009, 11:57
The Dual 701 arm has an effective mass of arount 12 - 15 grammes IIRC and I added one of those lead headshell weights to the headslide when fitting the M3D. I've tracked at anything between 2 and 2.5g with no problems. the thing is so relatively crude that I doubt VTA will make a huge difference. Adding extra mass to the shell will make more of a difference to bass I reckon ;)

Marco
08-09-2009, 12:33
Hi King,

I just LOVE that triple-armed Technics! It is one seriously cool piece of kit... Jealous? Just a bit! And trust me, I don't say that very often ;)


The effective mass of the MA 505S tonearm is about 15 grams, is it compatible? Or should I partner it with a heavier arm? Marco, can you please advice, thank you!


In short, my friend, you don't have enough mass. Dave is right. Therefore, you either put the heaviest headshell you've got on the MA 505S (ideally you're looking for a headshell with a mass of around 18g), use that with the M7D and see how that goes, or you do that and also use your heaviest arm. The M3D (or your M7D) positively *love* lots of mass, even when the N21 stylus is used.

Have you seen the types of arms these cartridges were originally partnered with? You could use them as girders for the Golden Gate Bridge!! :wow:

So........ Think mass, mass and more mass with these babies, and the bass should definitely 'come alive' accordingly :eyebrows:

Marco.

Alex_UK
08-09-2009, 14:14
Have to agree with Marco, that is such a cool looking setup. Wonder if anyone's ever done a triple armed Garrard 401... Joining this "free" forum is looking like being the most expensive thing I've ever done!

Anyway, good luck with following Marco's & Dave's advice with the new cartridge and look forward to hearing how you get on.

kcc123
09-09-2009, 00:05
Hi,
If the M3D or M7D loves mass, then a FR64/FR66 would be an ideal candidate, but I don’t have one however. The heaviest arm that I have is the Sony PUA-7 which is 25 grams in mass, including the stock 12 grams headshell. Unfortunately, it has been taken apart by me prior to a complete rewire, with 4 single continuous runs of pure silver wire from the headshell to RCA phono plugs. In the mean time, I simply don’t have the time and interest to finish the job. Alternatively, I can mount it on the SAEC 308L tonearm with a 15 grams AT headshell, the additional weight of the headshell will bring the effective mass of the arm well over 20 grams, I assume it should be my best option. OK, I will wait and see how it goes

Marco
09-09-2009, 08:01
Yep, King, that's probably your best option. If you prefer the MA 505S, however, then simply fit it with your heaviest headshell (or 'beef up' the existing one) and see how that goes :)

Keep us posted, mate :cool:

Marco.

kcc123
04-10-2009, 23:26
Two more of my cartridges:-

Ortofon M20FL Super - the best Ortofon MM cartridge in the past

http://i36.tinypic.com/15nr9lj.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2q19vtt.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/op79nd.jpg

Audio Technica AT440 ML - another excellent cartridge from Audio Technica

http://i38.tinypic.com/2qao2nn.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/v6hi80.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/30t4cx0.jpg

The Grand Wazoo
04-10-2009, 23:46
King,
Your photography is consistantly & reliably excellent.
I admire it very much...........

kcc123
04-10-2009, 23:52
Hi Chris,

Thank you!

bacobits
05-10-2009, 02:01
Superb!!!
I love looking at the equipment but those cartridge/needle shots are some of the best I've seen. I wish I kept a lot of the equipment I had over the years.

Nice!

Den

kcc123
05-10-2009, 16:58
Hi Den,

Your comment is very much appreciated, thank you!
I hope you and all the others have enjoyed my photos.

kcc123
12-10-2009, 18:03
Yesterday I dug out my Nagaoka headshell (12 grams) and stalled the Shure M7D on it. After aligning the cartridge and setting the VTF, I have started listening and evaluating it again since. The extra 2 grams ( 10 grams for the AT headshell)in weight of the Nagaoka headshell seems to be beneficial to the Shure, now the bass is slightly deeper and more solid but still not weighty enough and up to my satisfaction, I would love a bit more slam and attack in the mid bass. I think, I will try it on the AT1010 arm and see if it can match the Shure better.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2ivl25g.jpg

Today I have just put back the Stanton 681EEE into service again but I am disappointed with the results when it is loaded at 47K. when loaded at 100K ohms the sound is more open with a very smooth mid range and absolutely no harshness in the treble, but it simply lacks a bit sparkle and excitement. In other words, it is slightly bland and boring in my system.

http://i38.tinypic.com/x2qyvd.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/118eiah.jpg

tubehunter
12-10-2009, 19:17
funny how you can still recognise lps from the grooves.
side one, dark side of the moon?

kcc123
12-10-2009, 19:40
Your eye sight is good and you are correct.

Barry
12-10-2009, 22:00
funny how you can still recognise lps from the grooves.
side one, dark side of the moon?

The record label gives it away - nice try!

Allan W.
01-11-2009, 21:10
I dusted of my Acoustat Spectra 33's last night. Huge speakers with a very personal sound.

Rare Bird
02-11-2009, 22:53
One of my best and favourite cartridges, theTechnics EPC- 205C mk3



http://i32.tinypic.com/167ow02.jpg

The 205 & 207 variants were one of the best MM cartridges i ever heard..Getting a NOS original styli is very hard now, lots of Compatables but no good.

Stratmangler
02-11-2009, 23:10
funny how you can still recognise lps from the grooves.
side one, dark side of the moon?

It's even easier to recognise a record side when you can see things fairly clearly in the picture
(http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=71728&postcount=110) .

Chris;)

kcc123
16-11-2009, 09:08
Some more photos of my cartridges:-

Ortofon VMS 3 mk2

http://i36.tinypic.com/312ieix.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2us7mug.jpg

Pickering UV-15(with D 2000 Q Stereohedron stylus) – It was designed for play back of four channel recordings and its sound quality was and still is excellent.

http://i34.tinypic.com/2z6vvcj.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2aq2xu.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/av5z89.jpg

kcc123
16-11-2009, 09:11
I have quite a few tonearms, some are good and some are just mediocre.

Modified Rega RB300 (Marco is not very fond of it but I like it, hehe!)


http://i38.tinypic.com/wklffn.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/nzooq0.jpg

Audio Technica 1100 with straight arm tube and small counterweight for high compliance cartridges

http://i37.tinypic.com/rvg4sg.jpg

Audio Technica 1100 with S arm tube and heavy counterweight for low compliance cartridges

http://i38.tinypic.com/hv2pl0.jpg

Audio Technica Signet XK 50 – identical as the AT1100

http://i36.tinypic.com/1zbdj7l.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/afees5.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/whfwhd.jpg

kcc123
16-11-2009, 09:13
Audio Technica 1120

http://i38.tinypic.com/s3mzw2.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/5js9z8.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2ltikit.jpg

Audio Technica 1010

http://i35.tinypic.com/177ipc.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2ngvkli.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/290tp28.jpg

kcc123
16-11-2009, 09:16
Luxman TA-1

http://i34.tinypic.com/70batk.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2ibcaas.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2eckahd.jpg

Helius Aureus

http://i35.tinypic.com/6hht9k.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/vpf38m.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2h6ai40.jpg

Mission 774 (Original)

http://i33.tinypic.com/2evge3r.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/opu0kx.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/nqvj9.jpg

kcc123
16-11-2009, 09:22
AR tonearm – it was made by Jelco, the same as Mission 774 LC and Jelco 250ST.

http://i37.tinypic.com/10r1gfb.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2eknq83.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2mzmjir.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/ouqder.jpg

Mission 774 LC

http://i35.tinypic.com/zix8q8.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/dpeckl.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2rzuy9s.jpg

Marco
16-11-2009, 09:46
Hi King,

Yep, the family resemblence is definitely there! :)

One wonders just how many products with a 'hi-end' badge were actually made in Japan by companies like Jelco, and how some of their owners would feel if they knew... ;)

Which turntable do you use with the 'Mission'?

Marco.

kcc123
16-11-2009, 09:58
It is the AR "The Turntable" being used as the platform.

kcc123
18-11-2009, 16:09
Grace 707 mk2

http://i36.tinypic.com/2nib492.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2iqmr2w.jpg


http://i38.tinypic.com/29nfr12.jpg

Grace 747

http://i33.tinypic.com/2rcss4i.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/334uqva.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2mdo46e.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2v01wqu.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2vuhst5.jpg

JVC UA-5045

http://i35.tinypic.com/28jgoj4.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/sfxb0p.jpg

Linn Ittok

http://i47.tinypic.com/os4p5s.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2ushrbt.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/7131qf.jpg

Marco
20-11-2009, 10:59
Great pics again, King! :)

As far as I'm concerned, the Grace was the best tonearm the LP12 ever seen...

Fit a Supex and you had a match made in heaven - much better than any of the overpriced bollocks Linn are making nowadays!

Marco.

kcc123
22-11-2009, 09:06
Hi Marco,

I had been using this classic combination for quite a period many moons ago, thanks to Linn!
My current set up (Ittok and OC9) has been my second devotional attempt in the pilgrim’s progress, thanks to Linn again!
The Grace 707 is a very good arm but the cable is not. I am now using a tonearm cable which I bought from the US two years ago and it is a vast improvement over the stock one.

http://i48.tinypic.com/2z8cadt.jpg

Marco
22-11-2009, 10:53
Yep... Cables are one area in hi-fi where 100% of the time what's modern is better than anything from 30 years ago! ;)

It's often the case though that vintage tonearms (providing that they're operating optimally in a mechanical sense) are superior to many examples being made today; often a simple rewire results in superb performance and the owning of a veritable bargain.

Marco.

kcc123
22-11-2009, 22:25
Project Debut

http://i48.tinypic.com/20u34om.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2vmsveo.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/350rtcn.jpg

SME Series 3

http://i46.tinypic.com/2w2mqf5.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/xq9ufq.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/24ln8qp.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/azc6j9.jpg

kcc123
22-11-2009, 22:27
Audiocraft AC3000 Silver Ltd

http://i33.tinypic.com/op60c0.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/16bgf9g.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/mv58h4.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/16hq7gj.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/359e0dt.jpg

Micro Seiki MA505S

http://i49.tinypic.com/30wau4j.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/6tn3ti.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/64ku4o.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/10x535z.jpg

kcc123
22-11-2009, 22:32
SAEC 308L

http://i38.tinypic.com/55m9v8.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2r3lapy.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/35cqw5g.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/voy2aw.jpg

Alex_UK
23-11-2009, 00:00
All I can say is WOW!

StanC
23-11-2009, 18:48
Thanks for the show. And a blast from the past. Back in 1980, I had an Ortofon M20e super which was awsome for it's day.

Stan

Primalsea
23-11-2009, 19:31
I would love to visit your place I would certainly be wearing a long coat with many tonearm length pockets!

Alex_UK
23-11-2009, 19:47
I would love to visit your place I would certainly be wearing a long coat with many tonearm length pockets!

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

I have to agree with the sentiment though, do you actually live in a vinyl reproduction museum, King? ;)

Seriously impressive collection, thanks for sharing with us.

Rare Bird
23-11-2009, 23:35
Mission 774 (Original)

http://i33.tinypic.com/2evge3r.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/opu0kx.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/nqvj9.jpg

Great, one of my fav arms..Thats a late one, early examples were a bit poorly manufactured. Best arm they made IMHO..

Marco
24-11-2009, 00:41
Wasn't that made by Jelco on behalf of Mission? ;)

Marco.

Rare Bird
24-11-2009, 12:37
Wasn't that made by Jelco on behalf of Mission? ;)

Marco.

Nop.. thats the John Bicht designed version..Mission only use a Jap manufactured arm with the 774LC..The 774SM was made by GB Tools (Zeta makers)..774 Mechanic was made also GB Tools

btw: that above is one of Arthur K fav arms.

Marco
24-11-2009, 13:27
I see... Then I stand corrected, sire! :youtheman:

Marco.

kcc123
25-11-2009, 15:56
Hi guys,
Thanks for looking! It is my pleasure. :)

kcc123
25-11-2009, 16:01
I would love to visit your place I would certainly be wearing a long coat with many tonearm length pockets!

Hi Paul,
I am afraid that there are not enough pockets, I think I have 19 tonearms in total. :lol:

Barry
25-11-2009, 20:25
Hi Paul,
I am afraid that there are not enough pockets, I think I have 19 tonearms in total. :lol:

Goodness - I thought I was pretty barmy with 9! :mental:

Regards

Primalsea
25-11-2009, 21:17
Goodness - I thought I was pretty barmy with 9! :mental:

Regards

Oh, maybe I could come round to yours instead Barry. I should have about 8 pockets which leaves you with a tonearm for yourself!

Deal!!

:eyebrows::eyebrows::eyebrows:

Alex_UK
25-11-2009, 21:38
Or we could car-share from Suffolk to Somerset Paul, and share the spoils! :)

Primalsea
25-11-2009, 22:27
Where in Suffolk are you Alex?

Alex_UK
25-11-2009, 23:46
Ipswich, Paul - live in the centre(ish) near the Brewery Tap pub if you know it.

Primalsea
26-11-2009, 20:09
I dont know Ipswich very well Alex, I've only been there twice. Its a shame there aren't a few more of us close by we could have a meet up. They all seem to be miles away which stops me from attending.

Alex_UK
26-11-2009, 21:05
Well, apart from you and I, we have DSJR (Dave) in Suffolk and Hifi Dave is just South of the border in Saffron Walden. Then there's Mike Reed in Norwich, and we have 2 new members join from Cambridge recently - Carson (James) and dim_span (Dimitri) (who has joined only today) - so I guess potential for an East Anglian meet? Anyone else nearby?

Kris
04-12-2009, 18:46
Wonderful thread, and fascinating pics, thanks King.

One question if I may, The acrylic plinth is an excellent idea and really shows the SP-15 at its best. Did you have it made specially? How does it affect the sound?

kcc123
04-12-2009, 21:42
Hi Kris,
The acrylic plinth was ordered and specially made by someone for me, but I had to cut and drill all the holes myself. I think it looks and sounds wonderful, better than my expectations. I don’t know how it compares with a slate plinth though.

kcc123
27-01-2010, 09:30
I have recently modified my beloved Denon 103R, now it looks good and sounds even better.

http://i50.tinypic.com/w9ived.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/rcjz9v.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/1zwgcu9.jpg

It needs an additional counterweight for the Micro Seiki arm to get it balanced; the new aluminum body is too heavy.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2elwmxi.jpg

beek
27-01-2010, 22:30
Incredible Arm is that a adjustable VTA during play control I see, really nice I miss analog..............:doh:

kcc123
28-01-2010, 14:59
Hi Bill,

Yes, this arm is equipped with adjustment for VTA and VTF on the fly so it is very convenient indeed.

DSJR
28-01-2010, 17:04
I can't believe how much these things are going for on the used market at present.

The MA-505 was regarded as "acceptable" in the mid eighties, but not as good as a fixed headshell arm like the Ittok, Alphason or Missions or Zetas. The extras were judged "clever-clever" rather than practical..

Once, I admired Linn, yet the stranglehold they had on the UK turntable scene was so intense with blinkered dealers like me..... :steam:

Kris
28-01-2010, 20:44
I think this thread should have a porn warning for those with weak tickers . . . I've got a strong ticker, but even it flutters whenever I look at this thread . . .

Stuff the arms, I want that acrylic masterpiece! :lolsign:

kcc123
09-05-2010, 10:40
Haha!:lol:

My latest addition to the arsenal, the F-117 Nighthawk from Ray Samuels Audio is awesome.:)
Two years ago, when I still had the Graham Slee Era Gold V in my residence, I always thought it was small. But wait; wait until you see this tiny baby. If you think your phono stage is quiet, wait until you hear this stealth fighter, it is as silent as the grave.
I have had it for a week and have only listened to it for about 20 hours. It is not fully burn-in yet but my first impressions are superb in every respect, only not as open and sweet sounding in the treble compared with my modified Cambridge 640P but I will give it more time before my final conclusion.

http://i44.tinypic.com/nphsup.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2nqqqyp.jpg

Hypnotoad
17-05-2010, 02:48
Fantastic setup, love all those turntables.

What is your favorite deck, arm and cartridge?

kcc123
17-05-2010, 20:04
Hi Phillip,

I use the Technics SP15 most of the time, not because it is the best, but a convenience to use as swapping and comparing cartridges would be a piece of cake, all the three tonearms have different effective arm mass and detachable headshells hence all cartridges can be accommodated and catered for easily . My favorite arm and cartridge should be the Micro Seiki MA505S tonearm and modded Denon 103R cartridge at the moment.

The Grand Wazoo
11-09-2011, 23:45
From The Grave

MartinT
12-09-2011, 05:51
That Technics SP-15 hasn't diminished its power over me. Still mega lustful.

beek
12-09-2011, 09:18
That Technics SP-15 hasn't diminished its power over me. Still mega lustful.


Absolutly georgeous table I rememebr them on the the Mitchell Cotter base with the transcription FR Arm.....:stalks: