View Full Version : Fx1200 or Audiomods series V
I have been looking at a future upgrade over the weekend.
The weather was poor, so I had plenty of time.
I am thinking of the FX1200 or audiomods series V.
I don't think I will get the chance to audition either, so which one would you go for?
I have seen reviews for the Audiomods, but I am struggling to find o e for the FX1200.
I am also interested to learn more on audiomods V. By the way, understood that Audiomods offer 30 days trial, so if it remains foggy, that could be a safe net.
Cheers
Frankyc2003
27-01-2014, 08:45
Hi,
To answer your question here is a photo of my Audiomods iv with micrometer in place.
I got it a few days ago and its just bedding in nicely.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/96b1f317-ad6a-4439-b4a5-fbcfbd713919_zpse7c6693f.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/96b1f317-ad6a-4439-b4a5-fbcfbd713919_zpse7c6693f.jpg.html)
My first comment would be that in comparison to a box standard technics arm, the difference isn't subtle. Overall you get more of the good things (dynamics, bass, air, foot tapping goodness...) and less of the bad stuff (noise floor is gone down, nasty treble, etc...)
It is fed to an Ortofon Kontrapunkt A into a Whest two via a pair of S&B TX1003.
I am organizing a little write up for later about the arm, but overall, massively pleased.
But I know some people here will have different view, and probably recommend the Funk, which is a fantastic piece of kit as well TBH.
So I let them have their say too...
I have e-mailed Funk to see if they have a demo arm that they are prepared to lend me for a home trial.
daytona600
27-01-2014, 21:01
funk review , not heard one myself did run a audiomods myself for several years
you would need to spend £ 1500-£2500 get a better arm OL arms are also good
http://hifipig.com/the-funk-firm-technics-sl1200/
Another happy Audiomods user I have two a IV and a V and they are really great arms easy to vary the mass to suit a wide range of carts beautifully built and Geoff is a true gentleman to deal with. Arthurs a bit of a genius as well though so I imagine the funk arm will also be very good
nice dilemma to ponder
enjoy
paul
Oh, I have time to ponder. It will take me a while to save up enough cash for one.
I have only just fitted my current arm, and tonight I have fitted an AT150MLX. It sounds rather nice.
The Funk Firm boys are supposed to send me some links to reviews etc. but before I drop £1k on one, I want to be sure I am going to like it.
I have seen that Jeff does a 30 day money back guarantee, so it's a much safer bet.
I think Arthur would get more sales if he had a "loan" arm he could send people to try, but that's just my opinion.
I've just committed to a FX1200.
I hope it's as good as I am lead to believe.
If Marco rates it, then my fingers are well and truly crossed that it will be good.
costerdock
29-01-2014, 19:10
Hi,
To answer your question here is a photo of my Audiomods iv with micrometer in place.
I got it a few days ago and its just bedding in nicely.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/96b1f317-ad6a-4439-b4a5-fbcfbd713919_zpse7c6693f.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/96b1f317-ad6a-4439-b4a5-fbcfbd713919_zpse7c6693f.jpg.html)
My first comment would be that in comparison to a box standard technics arm, the difference isn't subtle. Overall you get more of the good things (dynamics, bass, air, foot tapping goodness...) and less of the bad stuff (noise floor is gone down, nasty treble, etc...)
It is fed to an Ortofon Kontrapunkt A into a Whest two via a pair of S&B TX1003.
I am organizing a little write up for later about the arm, but overall, massively pleased.
But I know some people here will have different view, and probably recommend the Funk, which is a fantastic piece of kit as well TBH.
So I let them have their say too...
That is a pretty arm - I'd like to see more pictures with it on your deck.
I've just committed to a FX1200.
I hope it's as good as I am lead to believe.
If Marco rates it, then my fingers are well and truly crossed that it will be good.
Lol... I feel honoured that you rate my judgement so highly, Kevin! However, I'm sure that you'll love the FX1200 - and I applaud you for (as far as I know) being the first one on AoS to try it.
Basically, it sorts out what's wrong with the stock Technics arm (the horribly resonant armtube), upgrading it rather nicely in the process with the use of a far superior material, including the fitting of a quality fixed headshell, while retaining the best thing about the stock arm: it's superb VTA adjustment 'on the fly' :)
Consequently, it should sound very good, although much will depend on your choice of cartridge. What did you have in mind, in that respect?
Marco.
To be honest, I have read a few reviews, and one came up for less than the Audiomods arm.
I was thinking of a new armboard, and an SME style counterweight, this all started to add up, so the FX1200 was not too much of a leap. It's costing me a bit more than a Jelco 750D.
As for the cartridge, I will start off using my AT150MLX, as I only have a MM phono stage at the moment.
I hope this will do it justice, but suggestions are always welcome. I have the option to have a DL-103 bundled with it for an extra £75.
Cool... Well, I'd definitely go for a Speedy Steve ebony armboard (as discussed elsewhere on AoS) for your new FX1200, as that will really allow it to perform at its best :)
As for cartridges, I wouldn't put a DL-103 on that arm, as it won't be a good match. Therefore, as you have an MM-only phono stage, stick with that just now, unless you have funds available for an SUT or head amp. If so, I can give you some appropriate recommendations (along with some for low-output MC cartridges).
If not, then your AT-150MLX will be fine, but you can do much better! I'd consider either a quality high-output MC cartridge, such as the Denon DL-110 or Sumiko Bluepoint (which you can use straight into your MM stage) or a really nice MM cartridge, such as a Nagaoka MP-200/500 or Ortofon 2M Black.
However, the FX1200 is perfectly capable of handling £2-3k moving coils, so if you're sticking with the Technics you'll have a tonearm for life! :cool:
Marco.
I wasn't sure I could get a wooden armboard for the FX. It's good news if I can. I guess I have never stripped the Techie arm down enough to investigate.
The arm I am getting was built around a new arm, so I will have a spare to perform any investigations on.
As for the cartridge, I have a MP-150, which I could use as well. I know it's not a MP-200, but surely it's close.... :eyebrows:
To be honest, I much prefer the sound of the AT150MLX in my Rega arm. It can't be that bad if it's been made for over 20 years, can it?
I was considering getting the Graham Slee elevator EXP to partner my Reflex M so I could use a LOMC cartridge later, but I think a new platter will be first on the shopping list.
I plan to stick with the Technics, which is why it took me a while to find a good condition Mk 2 at a sensible price, and why I have sunk a bit of cash into it recently.
It's done me proud so far.
I wasn't sure I could get a wooden armboard for the FX. It's good news if I can. I guess I have never stripped the Techie arm down enough to investigate.
Can't see why not. Steve makes them bespoke to suit for any arm.
As for the cartridge, I have a MP-150, which I could use as well. I know it's not a MP-200, but surely it's close.... :eyebrows:
Lol... Well, the boron cantilever and superior stylus of the 200 does make quite a difference! ;)
To be honest, I much prefer the sound of the AT150MLX in my Rega arm. It can't be that bad if it's been made for over 20 years, can it?
I was considering getting the Graham Slee elevator EXP to partner my Reflex M so I could use a LOMC cartridge later, but I think a new platter will be first on the shopping list.
I'm not a massive fan of AT cartridges, particularly the MMs, although the 150MLX is rather a stalwart. Your tastes may differ, although the Naga will sound very different on the FX than it does on your Rega, that's for sure!
The Elevator EXP would be an excellent addition to your Reflex, so no complaints there.
I plan to stick with the Technics, which is why it took me a while to find a good condition Mk 2 at a sensible price, and why I have sunk a bit of cash into it recently.
It's done me proud so far.
Nice one. Be prepared for a whole new world of joy, however, once the FX is fitted... :trust:
Marco.
I thought about my Arm upgrade for quite a while and shortlisted the Funk, Jelco, and Micro Seiki. What attracted me to the Funk is exactly as Marco points out: it addresses the weakness. So I think it 'has to' sound good. Add to that Funks reputation and you should have a winner. I went for the Jelco in the end as I liked its looks and it was generally well regarded. Keep us posted!
Just confirmed the order.
Now the waiting game....
I looked at the standard Technics arm last night, and I still can't really see how I would separate it from the Technics armboard to fit to an ebony or any other type of armboard. I am sure it will be possible, but I am going to give it a listen as the "standard" Funk arm first, and then determine if an upgrade will be needed for my system.
The priority will probably be a HOMC cartridge if I am perfectly honest.
Initial thoughts were the SAE1000LT.
337alant
30-01-2014, 10:39
I haven't tried the Audiomods arm in my Tech 1200 but I have compared it to a standard RB300 in my Michel Gyro and the difference was quite pronounced, My first thought was now I know why some reviews refer to the RB300 as tonally grey sounding, the audiomods arm really opens it up, better bass definition and detail just all round better really.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/10560288115_89f3feaaca_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/10560288115/)
. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/10560288115/) by 337alant (http://www.flickr.com/people/69508926@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/11213855903_f956623303_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/11213855903/)
. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/11213855903/) by 337alant (http://www.flickr.com/people/69508926@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/12219244154_751ab1a1d3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/12219244154/)
Audiomods 200 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/12219244154/) by 337alant (http://www.flickr.com/people/69508926@N05/), on Flickr
Alan
Beobloke
30-01-2014, 11:09
I looked at the standard Technics arm last night, and I still can't really see how I would separate it from the Technics armboard to fit to an ebony or any other type of armboard. I am sure it will be possible, but I am going to give it a listen as the "standard" Funk arm first, and then determine if an upgrade will be needed for my system.
You won't be able to change the armboard. The after-market armboards are to allow non-standard arms to be fitted to the deck, so there's no requirement for a different armboard whent he original arm already fits!
Spectral Morn
30-01-2014, 11:09
FX 1200 retains the same mounting hardware as the standard Technics arm so no armboard required.
http://www.adventuresinhifiaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/322_1024x768-e1318102499392.jpg
Regards Neil
I'd love to try the two side by side on similar spec decks to see which is best to my ears.
However, distance could be a problem
You won't be able to change the armboard. The after-market armboards are to allow non-standard arms to be fitted to the deck, so there's no requirement for a different armboard whent he original arm already fits!
FX 1200 retains the same mounting hardware as the standard Technics arm so no armboard required.
Regards Neil
Thanks guys. That is what I thought.
It does look like one easy mod may be possible, but will it improve things?
I am thinking that I could add the KAB fluid damper, as the mounting should be exactly the same.
Spectral Morn
31-01-2014, 19:27
Thanks guys. That is what I thought.
It does look like one easy mod may be possible, but will it improve things?
I am thinking that I could add the KAB fluid damper, as the mounting should be exactly the same.
Not all carts need damping and the KAB damper was no doubt designed for that but possibly to address flaws in the stock arm that won't exist in the FX1200, it may also no longer fit the FX1200. My advice ask Arthur of Funk.
Regards Neil
My intention is to try it stock for a while, so I know what it does before I change anything else.
I am merely just thinking out loud, as I am pretty sure that the arm does not resonate the same way if I am to believe the graphs.
kininigin
01-02-2014, 12:07
Hi Kevin,
I would be very interested in your opnions of the FX1200 as it's an arm i have been considering! I have had a Jelco 750D and ws planning on getting that again but have been very curious about the Funk arm!
It should arrive before next weekend. ETA is Wednesday, but I need to be in to meet the courier.
Once I have it all set up, I'll post my thoughts of it against my AO RB251. I don't want to go back to the stock arm for a comparison if I can help it, as I feel the RB251 was way better than the stock arm (upgraded cable etc. helps).
kininigin
01-02-2014, 12:47
It should arrive before next weekend. ETA is Wednesday, but I need to be in to meet the courier.
Once I have it all set up, I'll post my thoughts of it against my AO RB251. I don't want to go back to the stock arm for a comparison if I can help it, as I feel the RB251 was way better than the stock arm (upgraded cable etc. helps).
Ok cool,i'll wait with interest! Not sure if you know or not but can you get the same version of this arm that doesn't use the technics armboard mounting?
I am aware, but I like the idea of keeping the VTA adjustment of the Technics base. There is also the FXR II. After my short spell with the Rega, it became apparent that changing the VTA was a bit of a fiddle. I got quite quick at it, but it's never going to be as quick as the Techie.
I went for the Technics versions as my SL1200 is staying. The Mike New bearing is Sl12xx specific, so what difference does having the arm Technics specific make? None in my book. I was also offered the arm at a very good price, and I couldn't say no.
After a platter upgrade, the only thing that will be changing on the deck is the cartridge. I am happy where I am with these at the moment, as I have just stepped up a level recently. I don't have the funds to go to the same level as others due to other expensive hobbies
I bought a vintage Micro Seiki MA-202 tonearm which has VTA on the fly and when I changed the stock arm to the MS the difference wasn't subtle it was a hugh improvement over the stock arm with the same cartridge.
I've been messing about with VTA and the tracking force today and even a slight adjustment makes a big difference.
I would say that changing the tonearm is the single biggest improvement that I've made to the Technics deck.
Tony
PS, cart is an SAE 1000LT
kininigin
02-02-2014, 15:49
I am aware, but I like the idea of keeping the VTA adjustment of the Technics base. There is also the FXR II. After my short spell with the Rega, it became apparent that changing the VTA was a bit of a fiddle. I got quite quick at it, but it's never going to be as quick as the Techie.
I went for the Technics versions as my SL1200 is staying. The Mike New bearing is Sl12xx specific, so what difference does having the arm Technics specific make? None in my book. I was also offered the arm at a very good price, and I couldn't say no.
After a platter upgrade, the only thing that will be changing on the deck is the cartridge. I am happy where I am with these at the moment, as I have just stepped up a level recently. I don't have the funds to go to the same level as others due to other expensive hobbies
Ahh i see.I'm not sure if there would be any difference between the 2 arms either! If there is,it's probably minimal.At the moment i'm leaning towards the Jelco,as i know how it performs in my system and is fuss free once set up! So does the FX1200 keep the original phono leads then?
I know what you mean by expensive hobbies! I go snowboarding a fair bit and cheap it is not! But i'm not going away this season and having just got a new contract at work sorted,my wages have suddenly tripled :eyebrows: Hence my now more serious interest in the FX1200.I've never really been comfortable spending more than about £500 on an item,so it would be a major investment for me! Will shall see over the next few months as i want to sort the psu out and then bearing!
Apparently, the tonearm cable has been replaced with silver wiring, and the external phono cable is pretty good.
I was told
"It was supplied by Arthur as the best he did. I supplied him with a brand new out of the box arm to be sure!"
I was thinking about the Jelco, but you need to get a decent tonearm cable with it, plus a new armboard and mounting collar.
All this adds up, so you may as well get the FX1200 and be done with it. :rock:
kininigin
02-02-2014, 16:19
Apparently, the tonearm cable has been replaced with silver wiring, and the external phono cable is pretty good.
I was told
I was thinking about the Jelco, but you need to get a decent tonearm cable with it, plus a new armboard and mounting collar.
All this adds up, so you may as well get the FX1200 and be done with it. :rock:
I'm not so sure about the stock phono cable being that good! I would definitely want to changed that if spending that kind of money on an arm!! Well i already have a decent phono cable and an armboard and collar will only set you back £90 at a minimum and it has a removable headshell! Think i've just convinced myself with the Jelco :lol:
It's not the stock phono cable, as far as I know.
The website states it has a high performance external cable.
costerdock
02-02-2014, 19:28
It's not the stock phono cable, as far as I know.
The website states it has a high performance external cable.
That makes sense otherwise why all the work to replace the arm tube only to shove back in the original cable.
I'll find out soon enough...
If it's anything like the FXR and FXR-II, it should be pretty good!
kininigin
04-02-2014, 19:25
It's not the stock phono cable, as far as I know.
The website states it has a high performance external cable.
Ahh right,that makes more sense! Should have know they would've thought of that!
Working from home tomorrow, so should have it installed in plenty of time for an evening session!
I can feel your excitement, Kevin! :eyebrows:
We look forward to your report.
Marco.
It's here, and it's fitted.
kininigin
05-02-2014, 18:37
Nice one Kevin! So what are your first impressions?
I like it. :eyebrows:
Initial impressions are that it has much better detail. Instruments seem more spaced out. It sounds crisper, but not bright, and bass is very clean and punchy. Lows go very low...
kininigin
05-02-2014, 18:50
Sounds like you are on to a winner there then :eyebrows: Is everthing balanced,as in no one area (bass,mids,highs) dominates the others? I know it's early days,so you can answer when you've put a bit more time into it?
At the moment, it sounds very "natural". It's getting very close to how I would imagine a recording studio to sound during a session.
There is not one dominant sound or frequency.
I think Arthur has done a cracking job.
kininigin
05-02-2014, 19:55
Ok that's good to know! So if this has the technics armbase,would i be right in assuming that a Denon 103 would not suit due to the armbase not going low enough to get the correct VTA? I'm sure someone mentioned that the standard arm wouldn't go low enough!
No idea. I guess a headshell spacer would fix it though?
This arm seems to go quite low, I'm not sure if that is due to the Mike New bearing, or the arm itself, but I am looking at raising the arm lift.
DarrenHW
06-02-2014, 08:21
Hi Kevin,
Glad you're happy with it, I bought the 1210 for sale on here with the FX1200, FF PLatter, MN Bearing and TS PSU. I will be collecting it in a couple of weeks and can't wait! Is your arm wired Cartridge to RCA? If so can you tell me what the wire is? I will need to build / buy a DIN to RCA IC (my current 1200 is wired Bayonet to RCA) but I'm also considering a rewire from Cartridge to RCA.
Ok that's good to know! So if this has the technics armbase,would i be right in assuming that a Denon 103 would not suit due to the armbase not going low enough to get the correct VTA? I'm sure someone mentioned that the standard arm wouldn't go low enough!
I'm sure I read somewhere that the "Beam" was designed around the DL 103? The Sound Hifi site show's it with a DL 103. The DL 103R is very much the direction I would like to go in, but I know Marco has advised against this earlier on in this thread and I'm pretty sure (despite only becoming a member here in Oct 2013) I can guess what the consensus would be regarding Mr. Cawley's recommendations!
Any thoughts on what your next Cart will be?
With regard to the suitability of the FX-1200, with a DL-103, the only way you'll know for sure is to try it. Often, seemingly 'wrong' combinations work!
*If* there is more leeway with the FX-1200, in terms of VTA adjustment, compared with the stock Technics arm, then that particular issue won't be a problem.
However, aside from that, I doubt that the Denon would be a good match, sonically, *unless* a headshell weight/spacer was added, in order to increase the effective mass of the arm, which would of course coincidentally cure any VTA issues.
Perhaps someone with an FX-1200, who'd like to use it with a DL-103, could try an Isokinetik cartridge stabiliser with it (shown below) and report the results?
See here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181107699574?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
I have a feeling that could work nicely :)
Marco.
DarrenHW
06-02-2014, 09:34
With regard to the suitability of the FX-1200, with a DL-103, the only way you'll know for sure is to try it. Often, seemingly 'wrong' combinations work!
*If* there is more leeway with the FX-1200, in terms of VTA adjustment, compared with the stock Technics arm, then that particular issue won't be a problem.
However, aside from that, I doubt that the Denon would be a good match, sonically, *unless* a headshell weight/spacer was added, in order to increase the effective mass of the arm, which would of course coincidentally cure any VTA issues.
Perhaps someone with an FX-1200, who'd like to use it with a DL-103, could try an Isokinetik cartridge stabiliser with it (shown below) and report the results?
See here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181107699574?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
I have a feeling that could work nicely :)
Marco.
An excellent suggestion (please don't feel my previous thread was an attempt to "put the cat amongst the pigeons") and one I may just follow through? The DL 103 has quite a cult following, I was considering the DL 103 for the stock arm but after some reading (before I found AoS) the AT440MLa seemed to be a better match, now I've completed rewiring and dampening the stock arm and installed a new Headshell I'm very happy with the results but can't help feel this will not do the FX 1200 any justice, although should be a good match?
The aforementioned DL 110 is also up for consideration, but seems a little too cheap? Don't get me wrong I love a bargain, but want the best cartridge I can afford.
I fully understand, mate. What's your max budget and what kind of sound are you looking for? I'll see if I can come up with some suitable reccos :)
Marco.
DarrenHW
06-02-2014, 10:25
I fully understand, mate. What's your max budget and what kind of sound are you looking for? I'll see if I can come up with some suitable reccos :)
Marco.
Budget's £250 - £300, can pick up a DL 103R from Power Direct for £239.99. As for what kind of sound, if I said "A good sound" would that be adequate?:) Honest answer is "I don't know", I've only heard my setup so can't make any comparisons. Primarily bought the Techy to transcribe my 80's 12" Single collection to HDD, this is still my ultimate goal, so if it make's any sense a cart that would give good results for transcription? I'm off to Blackpool tomorrow to pick up a late 80's B&O setup to power the Beovox Penta's I've just bought, so that probably best describes the "sound" I'm into at the moment, that is until I hear something I prefer. I don't like anything too "cliical", but prefer a "warm" sound and as big a sound stage as possible.
Thanks in advance.
walpurgis
06-02-2014, 11:24
I don't like anything too "cliical", but prefer a "warm" sound and as big a sound stage as possible.
For the money you want to spend, I can't think of a better MC than the DL-103R. It has a full sound with plenty of smooth detail and the soundstage is as good as you could ask for. It's a bargain!
I had one for a while and was impressed.
Hi Kevin,
Glad you're happy with it, I bought the 1210 for sale on here with the FX1200, FF PLatter, MN Bearing and TS PSU. I will be collecting it in a couple of weeks and can't wait! Is your arm wired Cartridge to RCA? If so can you tell me what the wire is? I will need to build / buy a DIN to RCA IC (my current 1200 is wired Bayonet to RCA) but I'm also considering a rewire from Cartridge to RCA.
Any thoughts on what your next Cart will be?
I'm still kicking myself that you beat me to it.
An absolute bargain in my opinion.
The arm I have is wired in a standard fashion, as far as I could tell, with silver wire in the tonearm, to the PCB (I have not removed the cover to check) which exits the deck with two RCA connectors.
It sounds like your requirements are not compatible withy he deck you bought, so I think you should sell it to me... :eek:
As for my next cartridge?
Options are an MP500 (very expensive), 2M Black, SAE1000LT or something better in a HOMC flavour.
At the moment, I am happy with my AT150MLX, and the next purchase will be a Dr Feickert protractor or the platter.
DarrenHW
06-02-2014, 14:41
For the money you want to spend, I can't think of a better MC than the DL-103R. It has a full sound with plenty of smooth detail and the soundstage is as good as you could ask for. It's a bargain!
I had one for a while and was impressed.
Thanks for the recommendation, I have many questions, re: nuding, wood body, aluminium body, re tipping etc, to avoid drifting this thread any further I think I'd better start a new one!
DarrenHW
06-02-2014, 15:01
I'm still kicking myself that you beat me to it.
An absolute bargain in my opinion.
The arm I have is wired in a standard fashion, as far as I could tell, with silver wire in the tonearm, to the PCB (I have not removed the cover to check) which exits the deck with two RCA connectors.
It sounds like your requirements are not compatible withy he deck you bought, so I think you should sell it to me... :eek:
As for my next cartridge?
Options are an MP500 (very expensive), 2M Black, SAE1000LT or something better in a HOMC flavour.
At the moment, I am happy with my AT150MLX, and the next purchase will be a Dr Feickert protractor or the platter.
Yeah, sorry about that, feel a bit bad about bagging such a bargain having only been a member for a few months, when I sent the PM I expected it to be sold already, very lucky timing for me and no, no plans to sell.
Thanks for the info on wiring, the one I've bought has silver wire, I was thinking of using 4N Screened Silver Wire from HiFi Collective, any thoughts? If the stock PCB is still in use that will certainly make life easier.
SAE1000LT seems like a bit of a bargain, especially when compared with the 2M Black.
Yeah, sorry about that, feel a bit bad about bagging such a bargain having only been a member for a few months, when I sent the PM I expected it to be sold already, very lucky timing for me and no, no plans to sell.
I wouldn't feel bad if I were you. Just enjoy the experience of a well sorted deck. I was only really after the arm and platter.
I now have the arm, just after a platter.
Earlier in the thread are recommendations from Marco regarding good cartridges.
I've e-mailed Funk Firm today for a bit of info, and I'll share this when I get it.
It still sounds splendid. I hope yours sounds a bit better (as you won't have the stock platter).
DarrenHW
06-02-2014, 16:29
Earlier in the thread are recommendations from Marco regarding good cartridges.
I've e-mailed Funk Firm today for a bit of info, and I'll share this when I get it.
It still sounds splendid.
I hope yours sounds a bit better (as you won't have the stock platter).
Yes, looking forward to Marco's recommendations, would also be grateful for any info from FF, was tempted to email myself but thought it was a bit cheeky.
Looking forward to hearing how the platter sounds compared with the stock platter, then it's just a matter of mat, Marco had reported good results with the Achromat topped with a Harmonicer, before he bought the ETP. I'm interested in trying the Resomat, had good results with air under the record with my previous TT but not so with any of my DIY spotmats on the Techy. Toying with the idea of "milling" some out of Foamex, PVC and Delrin, only issue is skimming them.
If not, then your AT-150MLX will be fine, but you can do much better! I'd consider either a quality high-output MC cartridge, such as the Denon DL-110 or Sumiko Bluepoint (which you can use straight into your MM stage) or a really nice MM cartridge, such as a Nagaoka MP-200/500 or Ortofon 2M Black.
Marco.
Which Sumiko Bluepoint do you mean? The EVO III?
System used - Techie with FX-1200 fitted with an AT150MLX, VTF set at 1.5g, anti skate set at 1.
(Techie mods - Mike New Bearing, Isonoe feet covered in Techniboots, MCRU/LDA linear PSU, achromat bonded with double sided sticky tape to a standard platter. Pitch fader disabled. Strobe disabled).
Phono stage - Graham Slee Reflex M
Headphone amp - Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear
Headphones - Sennheiser HD650
The first thing I noticed about this new arm is an increased level of detail. Within this detail. everything seems really crisp and clean. High frequencies are not overly bright but extend high up, the mid range is well defined and the bass is tight and clean but will go very low (especially on Massive Attack - Blue Lines). The whole sound seems very well balanced, with good separation between the instruments and impressive sound staging. There is no sign of any distortion to any of the frequencies. Surface noise has been reduced further, which I think has helped to reveal instruments on songs I thought I knew well to be revealed to me for the first time in many years. There are clearly defined edges to the sound, so you are under no illusions of where one note starts and another finishes. Add to this the usual ability to tweak the VTA on the fly to fine tune the sound as per the standard technics arm, and I ask you what is there not to like about this arm?
Ever since I fitted it, I can't stop listening to my system. It now does things that 18 months ago, I could only dream of.
Yes, it's expensive. No, it doesn't look as sexy as an SME. However, give your eyes a rest and do your ears a favour. If you are shopping for an arm in this price range, at lest try and audition one.
I really don't think you will be disappointed with what Arthur has achieved. I'm certainly not. As Marco says, I have an arm for life. I'm not prepared to spend megabucks to get anything slightly better, as I believe that the point of diminishing returns for me has been reached. You'll have to pry this one out of my cold, dead hands (unless I win the lottery!). :wave:
I've just popped my MP-150 back on, and I am getting less detail, as expected.
The sound is warmer than the 150MLX, and it seems to emphasis the mid and low range,
How much better is a MP-200 going to be than my MP-150?
I expect it to drag out more detail due to a finer stylus, but will it give me more of the higher range, or should I consider a much better cartridge?
I've just popped my MP-150 back on, and I am getting less detail, as expected.
The sound is warmer than the 150MLX, and it seems to emphasis the mid and low range...
How much better is a MP-200 going to be than my MP-150?
I expect it to drag out more detail due to a finer stylus, but will it give me more of the higher range, or should I consider a much better cartridge?
Hi Kevin,
Comparing an Audio Technica cartridge with a Nagaoka is always going to reveal the fundamentally different way that they've been 'voiced', and so what you've described is essentially the respective 'house sounds' of the cartridges produced by both manufacturers, which will remain as a constant throughout their product ranges, regardless of price.
As I've often said, in audio there is no 'free lunch', and that premise applies even more in the cartridge world. Therefore, the tonal balance of any cartridge will have been designed to match the requirements of the manufacturer, and so be tipped more towards optimising one part of the frequency range than the other. At the end of the day, you must choose your compromises, as there is no 'perfect' cartridge - or indeed 'perfect' anything else in audio.
In the case of Audio Technica, the cleanliness and clarity of the top-end has been prioritised at the expense of optimising lower frequencies, and its vice versa with Nagaoka, so it depends on which area of the frequency range your ears 'tune into' most. Ultimately, therefore, one must decide whether one is an 'AT man' or a 'Naga man', in the same way as one would decide whether one were a Denon or a Lyra man, or a Koetsu or VDH chap, etc... It's all about 'flavours'! ;)
With regard to your second question, one of the areas where I value the ability of measurements to predict how something will sound, is by looking at the technical specifications given for cartridges, particularly in reference to frequency response and channel balance. Quite simply, if a cartridge extends further into the audio band, in either direction, you will hear it in *some* way, whether it's due to a knock-on effect (such as the midrange gaining greater clarity, due to a cartridge having a very extended high-frequency response), or otherwise.
Therefore, if you compare the technical spec given for your 150MLX against that provided for either of the Nagaokas you mention, that will give you a clue as to what to expect. As ever, it won't tell the full story, as listening is the only way to achieve that, but it will provide a 'snapshot' of how the measurements are likely to translate into what you hear.
Should you consider a much better cartridge? If you can afford it, then yes! In the modern MM world it doesn't really get much better than an MP500 or 2M Black, so those would be my top two MM recommendations. However, your FX-1200 really deserves a nice low-output moving coil cartridge, and there, the world's yer lobster! :)
Marco.
Thanks Marco. Points noted. I have seen a NOS MP-20 for a reasonable sum of money, so I may give that a try but I fear that it's not a step far enough away from the cartridges I have. The MP-500 at todays prices is a bit scary, when the 2M Black can be had for much less (or so the prices I have seen would suggest). The LOMC option is a scary choice, as I need to budget for the SUT (Around £500 for the one I want, and I already have a linear PSU for it too), and then the cartridge. Just how expensive is my lobster going to be? Not very for the moment...
I think I will benefit more from changing out the platter (if I get a decent performance related bonus) first, and then get my SUT. Would you agree this is a sensible move?
The decent LOMC's seem to be reasonably expensive, so I would need to be sure of the sound I am after before committing to one.
As for the house sound, I'll try my AT95E on my deck, and see what that does now, and see which I prefer. I have a feeling that the 2M Black will probably tick all of the right boxes for me, but if I was spending that kind of cash, I would like to hear some of the options first. I'm not sure I will find that in France, although I would love to see the looks on peoples faces if I walk into the HiFi shop with an SL1200 under my arm. I wonder if they would take me seriously.
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