Arms: Audiomods vs Nottingham Analogue

[fiddlemaker]

Hi, I've been running an Audiomods series 4 on my hyperspace for about 3 years, and in general I've been happy with it. definitely a lot better than the stock Rega it replaced.
But I've always fancied a full NA setup, possibly a 12 inch ace space, but could maybe stretch to an Ace Anna if a good used one comes up. Has anyone got first hand experience of comparing Audiomods with these arms? Wouldn't want to waste the money if the performance improvement wasn't there.

[hifi_dave]

Not done a comparison but the Audiomods look well thought out.

The Notts arms are great, especially the 12 inch variants. I find that 12 inch arms, in general, sound far more relaxed and easy going than the 9 inch versions. You have the possibility of adding a longer arm to your Notts and I would suggest you try.

[fiddlemaker]

Not done a comparison but the Audiomods look well thought out.

The Notts arms are great, especially the 12 inch variants. I find that 12 inch arms, in general, sound far more relaxed and easy going than the 9 inch versions. You have the possibility of adding a longer arm to your Notts and I would suggest you try.

Thanks, Dave. How would you rate a 12 inch ace space against a normal length Anna?

[hifi_dave]

The Ace Anna is the better arm even in 10 inch format. I have never sold a 10 inch Ace Anna as the 12 inch is a significant step up and not that much more expensive.

[audio39]

Please check out a long post I wrote some time ago on AA...it may help.

http://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=vinyl&n=1040419&highlight=audio39&r=&search_url=%2Fcgi%2Fsearch.mpl%3Fforum%3Dvinyl%26s earchtext%3Daudio39

The funny thing is however, that not long after I wrote this I listened to a Kenwood KD-990 DD and purchased it over the tables I had auditioned.

[stevied]

Hi, I've been running an Audiomods series 4 on my hyperspace for about 3 years, and in general I've been happy with it. definitely a lot better than the stock Rega it replaced.
But I've always fancied a full NA setup, possibly a 12 inch ace space, but could maybe stretch to an Ace Anna if a good used one comes up. Has anyone got first hand experience of comparing Audiomods with these arms? Wouldn't want to waste the money if the performance improvement wasn't there.


Also consider the Morch range of Arms they are excellent!

[Paulie72]

Please check out a long post I wrote some time ago on AA...it may help.

http://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=vinyl&n=1040419&highlight=audio39&r=&search_url=%2Fcgi%2Fsearch.mpl%3Fforum%3Dvinyl%26s earchtext%3Daudio39

The funny thing is however, that not long after I wrote this I listened to a Kenwood KD-990 DD and purchased it over the tables I had auditioned.Are you still using the Kenwood KD990? How do you compare it SQ wise to the Nottingham players? I am using an KD990 and looking for an uograde like Nottingham Spacedeck.

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[graham67]

Hi Paulie, the 990 is a top quality jap deck and you will struggle to make an upgrade, different yes, but better?
Have you tried upgrading the cart or maybe getting the tonearm rewired which can make a big difference?
If its all in good order, you have a classic TT that can only appreciate in value. Use it and enjoy!

[Paulie72]

Hi Paulie, the 990 is a top quality jap deck and you will struggle to make an upgrade, different yes, but better?
Have you tried upgrading the cart or maybe getting the tonearm rewired which can make a big difference?
If its all in good order, you have a classic TT that can only appreciate in value. Use it and enjoy!Thanks for your reply. I am using an AT 33PTG II mc cartridge with it. The turntable was when i bought serviced and most components where replaced. So it is electronically in new condition. What kind of tonearm wire do you advise for the Kenwood? Do you think an external PSU is an option?

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[Nonnegativ]

If its all in good order, you have a classic TT that can only appreciate in value. Use it and enjoy!

Agree. The KD-990 is really an under valued deck (price wise) at the moment.

[graham67]

Thanks for your reply. I am using an AT 33PTG II mc cartridge with it. The turntable was when i bought serviced and most components where replaced. So it is electronically in new condition. What kind of tonearm wire do you advise for the Kenwood? Do you think an external PSU is an option?

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hi Paulie,

that's a decent cart, I have one on my deck at moment! It does have an occasional tendency to lushness depending on partnering equipment. But if the tonal balance is right on your deck, you would have to spend a lot to better it.

You may not have seen this posting.

https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=106542

It would be worth having a chat with johnnie at Audio Origami who does tonearm rewires for a living. There are plenty of cable options and he would provide expert advice.

As the posting says, it's a top deck even in std form. Its from the very end of the golden period of Jap TTs. Once the depression hit, most companies dropped their higher end decks and build quality dropped. I would think carefully before chopping it in for a more recent deck with flaky build (when compared to the Denon).

[Paulie72]

hi Paulie,

that's a decent cart, I have one on my deck at moment! It does have an occasional tendency to lushness depending on partnering equipment. But if the tonal balance is right on your deck, you would have to spend a lot to better it.

You may not have seen this posting.

https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=106542

It would be worth having a chat with johnnie at Audio Origami who does tonearm rewires for a living. There are plenty of cable options and he would provide expert advice.

As the posting says, it's a top deck even in std form. Its from the very end of the golden period of Jap TTs. Once the depression hit, most companies dropped their higher end decks and build quality dropped. I would think carefully before chopping it in for a more recent deck with flaky build (when compared to the Denon).Thanks for your information. I came from an Denon DL103R and the AT was a very nice upgrade in SQ. It tracks easier with low inner groove distortion also. What would be a better deck compared to the KD990? I prefer an older/vintage TT. Anyone used an EXTERNAL PSU if so which one did you buy?



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