WESTLOWER
23-12-2017, 00:13
So after much deliberation and bugging knowledgeable folk, I finally took the plunge and stuck my toe in the Idler TT experience. I have had a NEW Linn LP12 for a number of years and whilst going down the black hole money pit of upgrades, in small steps, I came to the inevitable decision to invest or not in the horrendous outlay on a Keel sub chassis and a New power supply coming to several thousands of pounds.
Anyway the LP 12 with Legendary Naim Aro arm, sounded great and with a nice Dynavector DVXX2mk2 I was a very happy jazzer.
Incidentally, I had never quite understood the old fruit box knock as my new era LP12 sounded nothing like what others had described.
I had seen these wonderful old idler TTs on the forum and new of their legendary status with vinyl junkies.
A recent overhaul of the entire system, down the Tannoy MG route with new valve power amp to match seemed to be on the right track and only left this lingering itch about the Idler...
I tracked down from this parish, a decent Garrard 401 and it came with a very nice SME3012 tonearm.
After a home service, (very proud!) a new paint job, from Ray at Classic turntable co. And a rewire and check over of the arm by Johnnie at Audio Origami I was ready to roll. The ensemble came in its original SME 2000 "Massive" plinth which had been customized with a huge sheet of lead under the top plate to give the mass required. (I have a plinth on order with Russ From layers of Beauty)
Tom (montesquieu) from this parish gave me so much guidance throughout the process, I drove the poor man to distraction with shit loads of questions. Thanks Tom, much appreciated and a real credit to the AOS ethos. You will see from the picture I am running a vintage Ortofon SPU on the set up.
I must just say that the majority of my records are from the 1950s through to the early 70s, so lots of golden period Jazz.
I run all the vinyl front end through the Hashimoto HM-7 SUT.
So how does it compare to the Linn LP12? Initial first impressions...
The Linn as stated, was detailed, with great mids and plenty of impact, always a very good listen.
The Garrad with the Ortofon.. well, enjoyable is an understatement. The music seems like real music and not Hifi, not ultra detailed, but still retains plenty of detail. The bass is just an organic beautiful sound that you feel. But the real magic seems to be the mid range, especially vocals. I played some Sinatra and Mel Torme last night and it just engrossed me to the point of paralysis. I loved it.
Anyway these are very early impressions m, the new plinth may also change things further and I will continue to enjoy both set ups. I suppose ultimately one will have to go as my cottage living room resembles a Hifi jumble.. or maybe they can both stay!
So far though there seems to be only one in the running.
This is no way an LP12 bash. I really like the Linn, but the Garrard is a different presentation, pretty unexpected with the level of difference. Again thanks to those who chipped in to help.
http://i.imgur.com/wGIBGu2.jpg
Anyway the LP 12 with Legendary Naim Aro arm, sounded great and with a nice Dynavector DVXX2mk2 I was a very happy jazzer.
Incidentally, I had never quite understood the old fruit box knock as my new era LP12 sounded nothing like what others had described.
I had seen these wonderful old idler TTs on the forum and new of their legendary status with vinyl junkies.
A recent overhaul of the entire system, down the Tannoy MG route with new valve power amp to match seemed to be on the right track and only left this lingering itch about the Idler...
I tracked down from this parish, a decent Garrard 401 and it came with a very nice SME3012 tonearm.
After a home service, (very proud!) a new paint job, from Ray at Classic turntable co. And a rewire and check over of the arm by Johnnie at Audio Origami I was ready to roll. The ensemble came in its original SME 2000 "Massive" plinth which had been customized with a huge sheet of lead under the top plate to give the mass required. (I have a plinth on order with Russ From layers of Beauty)
Tom (montesquieu) from this parish gave me so much guidance throughout the process, I drove the poor man to distraction with shit loads of questions. Thanks Tom, much appreciated and a real credit to the AOS ethos. You will see from the picture I am running a vintage Ortofon SPU on the set up.
I must just say that the majority of my records are from the 1950s through to the early 70s, so lots of golden period Jazz.
I run all the vinyl front end through the Hashimoto HM-7 SUT.
So how does it compare to the Linn LP12? Initial first impressions...
The Linn as stated, was detailed, with great mids and plenty of impact, always a very good listen.
The Garrad with the Ortofon.. well, enjoyable is an understatement. The music seems like real music and not Hifi, not ultra detailed, but still retains plenty of detail. The bass is just an organic beautiful sound that you feel. But the real magic seems to be the mid range, especially vocals. I played some Sinatra and Mel Torme last night and it just engrossed me to the point of paralysis. I loved it.
Anyway these are very early impressions m, the new plinth may also change things further and I will continue to enjoy both set ups. I suppose ultimately one will have to go as my cottage living room resembles a Hifi jumble.. or maybe they can both stay!
So far though there seems to be only one in the running.
This is no way an LP12 bash. I really like the Linn, but the Garrard is a different presentation, pretty unexpected with the level of difference. Again thanks to those who chipped in to help.
http://i.imgur.com/wGIBGu2.jpg