The Marco-boy main system, as of August 2020

It was something else, bit of a double edged sword, I'm glad I heard it but I sort of wish I hadn't as my TT will never reach those levels.

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Originally Posted by struth

my phono stage has a button to select 100, 220, 320 capacitence for any cart, button for resistence too. modern tech :eyebrows:

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Yesh I know you like preshing buttonsh - usually belly onesh!:D

Marco.

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Originally Posted by RobbieGong

Bang on Marco,

The 12XX when modded how we have is a cracking turntable ! hence having had my jaw drop on enough occasions with mine, I was v curious to see how it would stand up against the SP10 and as I say, there's no floor wiping difference as some would like to believe.

Mine was fully serviced and fine tuned by Angus. He produced the plinth too and sorted and mounted both the motor and tonearm.

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Good stuff, Rob. Having a 'sorted' one makes a big difference. It's the reason why I didn't go for an SP10, as at the time I didn't know anyone who serviced them, and I wouldn't have been happy using such a complicated, heavily electronic device that I new wouldn't be performing at its maximum potential.

Therefore, I decided to embark on a journey of achieving 'SP10 performance' with a heavily-modded SL-1210, which would then give me the best of both worlds, having similar sonic performance, but housed within modern circuitry:)

I have compared my T/T a few times against SP10s, and still preferred mine, *but* they all had different plinths, arms and cartridges to yours, so as you know there are too many variables to come to any concrete conclusions, although if we do get the chance at some point, it would be fun to have a wee bakeoff!:cool:

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Good stuff, Rob. Having a 'sorted' one makes a big difference. It's the reason why I didn't go for an SP10, as at the time I didn't know anyone who serviced them, and I wouldn't have been happy using such a complicated, heavily electronic device that I new wouldn't be performing at its maximum potential.

Therefore, I decided to embark on a journey of achieving 'SP10 performance' with a heavily-modded SL-1210, which would then give me the best of both worlds, having the sonic performance of an SP10, but contained within modern circuitry:)

I have compared my T/T a few times against SP10s, and still preferred mine, *but* they all had different plinths, arms and cartridges to yours, so as you know there are too many different variables to come to any concrete conclusions, although if we do get the chance at some point, it would be fun to have a wee bakeoff!:cool:

Marco.

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:)

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Originally Posted by Barry

I can only refer you to some measured (as distinct from calculated) results, for a typical Shure cartridge:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/gif/shure_m...f_response.gif

The idea is that any cartridge will have a treble resonance due to stylus tip mass and the high-frequency compliance value (never quoted by cartridge manufacurers) of the suspension. This mechanical resonance is tamed and reduced by a complementary electrical loading.

In general it is trade-off between a flat but curtailed frequency response, and a sagging but extended frequency response.

I could refer you to some 34 pages on the vinylengine forum, but there is as much dogmatic and muddled thinking expressed there as there is sensible advice.

Just use your ears: no harm will be done if the loading is wrong.

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Thanks, Barry... I see what you mean, so it's kind of about 'taming' some brightness, if any were present, as a result of what you've described. I'm not really getting that, but it'll be interesting to see what effect the loading plugs have:)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by DarrenHW

For a pasty southern softy like me, it's too hot once it passes 20C, even the couple of hours of sun we had yesterday tried to break me!

I picked up a Panasonic DP-UB820EB back in April and apart from the fact that it has an interface that would have felt outdated in 2010 I'm very happy with it.

This is the screen I'm going to use https://www.amazon.co.uk/Screens-SB1...ef_=ast_slp_dp when you came round it was, and still is projected straight onto the wall.

I need to order some Monoprice HDMI's to compare against the Audioquest cables I'm currently using and I'm calling the Home Cinema done for the foreseeable.

I'm quite happy with it now, but I'm hoping for a significant cumulative benefit of Mains, Screen & HDMI.

I'm a bit gutted you've sold the SPU, I bloody loved that in your system, hands down the best vinyl replay I've heard. I know what you're saying though and personally I'd never drop that sort of money on a cart, especially considering my clumsy nature!

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Ah ok, yes I remember you just projected the image (film) onto the wall, but it still looked great! i think you'll like the Monoprice stuff. For me, the resolution is superb, but your set up is much more revealing of such than mine, so will be interested in your findings:)

Defo give me a shout when you get your new screen up and running, and we'll have another movie night!.

Lol - didn't realise you liked the SPU that much! Did you hear it after you'd fitted my wall shelf? I'm trying to recall when it was you'd have heard it last. But yes, I'm really enjoying the Shure and also my various 103s, which I intend on adding something special to soon, something I've been wanting for a while, so watch this space on that one!;)

I've also recently been sent a very interesting little device, which is a veritable game changer, and *trust me* transforms vinyl replay as we know it, by fundamentally and successfully addressing a weakness in virtually every turntable and arm on the planet!!:eyebrows:

More on that to come soon......

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Barry

I was surprised to learn Marco had long sold his SPU. I wish I had known at the time - I would have bought it!

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If I'd known you were interested, I'd have given you first refusal. It was a nice old thing that really showed up what is wrong with the 'voicing' of the majority of modern MC cartridges.

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

've also recently been sent a very interesting little device, which is a veritable game changer, and *trust me* transforms vinyl replay as we know it, by fundamentally and successfully addressing a weakness in virtually every turntable and arm on the planet!!:eyebrows:

More on that to come soon......

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You big tease!!

Lol - I don't think you'd be able to guess what it is!:D

Marco.

A record

Lol, no... Defo not.

Marco.

A phono stage ?

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Originally Posted by struth

A record

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:lol:

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Originally Posted by Swann36

A phono stage ?

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Niento... Think 'acceessory';)

Marco.

Don't you just hate 'teaser' posts? :rolleyes:

Oh I bet it is one of those fancy shmancy grounding boxes! :)

So, you've bought yourself a stereo, very nice!

Love those speakers, and having a loo in between them will certainly come in handy, when the bass turns your bowels to water :) Cool music collection too

Slight digression, but what's happening with the door's architrave? Your mitre saw still not turned up? I'll lend you mine :D

Is it a SR PHT ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Discopants

Is it a SR PHT ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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is that those little coloured things that sit on the headshell?

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Originally Posted by Frazeur1

Oh I bet it is one of those fancy shmancy grounding boxes! :)

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Nope.... :D

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony

So, you've bought yourself a stereo, very nice!

Love those speakers, and having a loo in between them will certainly come in handy, when the bass turns your bowels to water :) Cool music collection too

Slight digression, but what's happening with the door's architrave? Your mitre saw still not turned up? I'll lend you mine :D

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Ha - you're referring to 'Tabatha's Dungeon'.... Yesh, you'll find out one day if you visit, but can't say any more now!:eyebrows:

So you like me 'ol wardrobes?:D I'm rather fond of them, too.

Lol... The architrave is original - just the way it was done in 1887, when the house was built. All the doors are the same. If you scroll up and look at the ceiling, you'll see the beams and how the ceiling is sloped and angled (same at the other end of the room), which helps break up reflections and improves acoustics.

Unlike many rooms, it's not a 'rectangular box'!:)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by struth

is that those little coloured things that sit on the headshell?

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If that's what those are, then Martin's getting closer, but still no cigar!;)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

If that's what those are, then Martin's getting closer, but still no cigar!;)

Marco.

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It's not one of those daft cartridge isolation washer things is it? The ones that usually completely screw up the cartridge's behaviour!

Closer but not what you're thinking... And btw, I've used a number of the isolators you're referring to and they work really well, especially if you want to add some mass!:)

This, for example, works really well with a DL-103: http://www.cabezon.eu/prestashop/hom...e-upgrade.html

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Closer but not what you're thinking... And btw, I've used a number of the isolators you're referring to and they work really well, especially if you want to add some mass!:)

This, for example, works really well with a DL-103: http://www.cabezon.eu/prestashop/hom...e-upgrade.html

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I have used one with a Denon 103. It worked, but I preferred to use a thick lead shim to add weight. The shim was thinner than the graphite one, so didn't require the arm to be raised too much.

Yeah, whatever works, works:)

However, I do like using something in that application that does more than just adds mass, but also a layer of isolation/vibration absorption.

In that respect, until I reveal exactly what this remarkable little device is, I'd ask everyone to have a think about the notion of decoupling... Should a cartridge be decoupled from the partnering arm, in terms of employing the use of some form of isolating device, or are you of a view that it should be securely coupled to its headshell?

I know my thoughts on the matter, which I shall reveal shortly, but would be interested in hearing the thoughts of others:cool:

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Yeah, whatever works, works:)

However, I do like using something in that application that does more than just adds mass, but also a layer of isolation/vibration absorption.

In that respect, until I reveal exactly what this remarkable little device is, I'd ask everyone to have a think about the notion of decoupling... Should a cartridge be decoupled from the partnering arm, in terms of employing the use of some form of isolating device, or are you of a view that it should be securely coupled to its headshell?

I know my thoughts on the matter, which I shall reveal shortly, but would be interested in hearing the thoughts of others:cool:

Marco.

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Decoupling the cartridge from the tonearm makes sense. Decoupling the cart from the tonearm and then the tonearm from the deck makes better sense.

Only a very tiny proportion of the mechanical power supplied by the record groove is converted into an electrical audio signal. The remainder has to go somewhere. If it is not absorbed within the cartridge, it will either be reflected back or transmitted into the arm. If transmitted, it can either be absorbed in the arm, or conducted through to the turntable where it will be absorbed by the turntable mass.

I haven't tried The Cartridge Man's foam isolator, but have doubts over its efficacy. Given the price I'm not encouraged to try it.

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Originally Posted by Barry

Only a very tiny proportion of the mechanical power supplied by the record groove is converted into an electrical audio signal. The remainder has to go somewhere. If it is not absorbed within the cartridge, it will either be reflected back or transmitted into the arm. If transmitted, it can either be absorbed in the arm, or conducted through to the turntable where it will be absorbed by the turntable mass.

I haven't tried The Cartridge Man's foam isolator, but have doubts over its efficacy. Given the price I'm not encouraged to try it.

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Now we're getting somewhere... But it isn't *that* one; it's something else that's been much more judiciously (and scientifically) designed - and works way, WAY better!

What if a device had been invented that virtually eliminated the effect you describe and rendered it a non-issue, thus allowing the arm and cartridge to work truly symbiotically, unhindered by said effect - how much better might the music reproduced sound?;)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Now we're getting somewhere... But it isn't *that* one; it's something else that's been much more judiciously (and scientifically) designed - and works way, WAY better!

What if a device had been invented that virtually eliminated the effect you describe and rendered it a non-issue, thus allowing the arm and cartridge to work truly symbiotically, unhindered by said effect - how much better might the music reproduced sound?;)

Marco.

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Sounds bloody fab! NOW TELL US WHAT IT IS !! :rolleyes: :D

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Originally Posted by Marco

Closer but not what you're thinking... And btw, I've used a number of the isolators you're referring to and they work really well, especially if you want to add some mass!:)

Marco.

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Ah, so we're just going to be talking foo then ��

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Originally Posted by RobbieGong

Sounds bloody fab! NOW TELL US WHAT IT IS !! :rolleyes: :D

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Lol.... Ok! Here you go, it's from the one and only AK:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/ozndh3.png

Fitted to someone else's T/T:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/mBcxIb.jpg

I've been evaluating one on my turntable (and arm/cartridge) for over a week, and *TRUST ME* mate [you know what I'm like with 'amazing new discoveries'], this little thing is set to revolutionise vinyl replay! :trust:

Shocked and stunned at just how (laughably) GOOD this is. OH bloody hell, Arthur has really nailed it this time. 'Houdini' is set to veritably put the cat amongst the pigeons....!:D

Look out for a full review with pics (on a separate thread) soon!!

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Idlewithnodrive

Ah, so we're just going to be talking foo then ��

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Nope, not "foo" - something that has been designed on proper scientific principles, and which genuinely works by fundamentally solving a REAL problem!

Marco.

£300 though ? Hmm ! :scratch:

My first thoughts.

1. Three hundred fucking quid!
2. 6mm is going to fuck up my VTA.

I'll await the review.

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Originally Posted by REXTON

My first thoughts.

2. 6mm is going to fuck up everybody's VTA.

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ftfy

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Originally Posted by Idlewithnodrive

£300 though ? Hmm ! :scratch:

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Yes indeed, but when you hear what it does, in terms of removing a music-killing 'artifice'/distortion, which previously unbeknown to you has superimposed itself onto the sound of EVERY record you've played until now, and the, frankly quite incredible, difference it makes to the sound and subsequently the enjoyment of your music/record collection - and in turn transforms the performance of even the most humble tonearm (such as an RB250), genuinely allowing it to compete with the very best, used without the Houdini [thus levelling the playing field in the process], it's a no-brainer BILLY BARGAIN!

Jeez - some folks spend more on 'foo' cartridge leads or fancy fuses!!;) And you get a full refund if you're not 100% delighted, although honestly, one you've fitted one it *won't* be going anywhere...:eyebrows:

Honestly dudes, this *is* a veritable game changer and is set to send ripples throughout the whole of the hi-fi industry, and you heard about it FIRST here on AoS!:cool:

Marco.

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Originally Posted by REXTON

My first thoughts.

1. Three hundred fucking quid!
2. 6mm is going to fuck up my VTA.

I'll await the review.

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What's the big deal? You just re-adjust it accordingly [the same as you'd do with, say, a thicker or thinner mat] and enjoy!:)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

What's the big deal? You just readjust it accordingly and enjoy!:)

Marco.

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Yes I know, I've spent bloody ages getting the VTA correct for my new modded Cadenza Black, I don't really want to spend another week of my life having to do that again. Secondly this thing aint gonna work on my 301 which uses SPU's only.

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Originally Posted by REXTON

Yes I know, I've spent bloody ages getting the VTA correct for my new modded Cadenza Black, I don't really want to spend another week of my life having to do that again. Secondly this thing aint gonna work on my 301 which uses SPU's only.

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You sound me and i know totally where you're coming from.

Setting vta and nailing the set-up sweet spot with certain stylus profiles is an absolute PITA, can take what feels like an age to nail, fatiguing and once you've hit it the very last thing you want to do is go again, trust me on that, been there too many times. You'll only know the pain if you've been there, it's a total jar :(

Well, fair enough. It'll work in applications were it's possible to work. But really it shouldn't take 'ages' to get your VTA spot-on. I did it in about an hour!

But then, I don't use cartridges with fussy fine-line styli!:ner:;)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Well, fair enough. It'll work in applications were it's possible to work. But really it shouldn't take 'ages' to get your VTA spot-on. I did it in about an hour!

But then, I don't use cartridges with fussy fine-line styli!:ner:;)

Marco.

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:lol: and to be honest i kind of dont blame you or anyone else, they are generally a &hi7 to nail and only sound amazing and right when they are so you're stuffed til you hit it, no matter how many hours, weeks it might take, not to mention the bloody fatigue !

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Originally Posted by Marco

Well, fair enough. It'll work in applications were it's possible to work. But really it shouldn't take 'ages' to get your VTA spot-on. I did it in about an hour!

But then, I don't use cartridges with fussy fine-line styli!:ner:;)

Marco.

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Herrummppphhhhhh! Trust me this is meant in the best possible way, :upyours:

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Originally Posted by REXTON

Herrummppphhhhhh! Trust me this is meant in the best possible way, :upyours:

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:lol:

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Originally Posted by RobbieGong

You sound me and i know totally where you're coming from.

Setting vta and nailing the set-up sweet spot with certain stylus profiles is an absolute PITA, can take what feels like an age to nail, fatiguing and once you've hit it the very last thing you want to do is go again, trust me on that, been there too many times. You'll only know the pain if you've been there, it's a total jar :(

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Oh, don't worry dude, I've been there. It's the reason why I sold my [then] top-of-the-range, replicant stylus-equipped SPU Royal GM MKII, for a 1958 vintage SPU G/T, with a nice fat conical tip, and which to my ears, wiped the floor with the former, using any musical sound-related parameter you care to think of!

That SPU took forever to 'dial in', in terms of optimal VTA, and even when you thought you'd nailed it, it still got caught out occasionally with 'difficult' material, and distorted!:doh:

Anyway, that's another matter... The point here is, for anyone who is willing to put in the required effort when installing this little device, the REWARDS will be very significant, and it will put a big CHEESY GRIN on the chops of even the most resolutely grumpy fucker!!:lol::D

Marco.

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Originally Posted by REXTON

Herrummppphhhhhh! Trust me this is meant in the best possible way, :upyours:

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Hahaha... :sorry:

Just tellin' it as it is! As they say: the best and most worthwhile things in life never come easy, and in my opinion this is, hands down, one of the most worthwhile things you could do to improve your enjoyment of vinyl-reproduced music...:)

Fit one, and quite simply hear your record collection like never before. Yes, that's an old saying, but this time it's true!

Marco.

Does it make your wife come in and comment on the veils being lifted and the inky blacks, even though she was in the room next door ?

If not, not interested.

Better - she came in and moaned about the smell from the sweaty musicians!:D

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Lol.... Ok! Here you go, it's from the one and only AK:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/ozndh3.png

Fitted to someone else's T/T:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/mBcxIb.jpg

I've been evaluating one on my turntable (and arm/cartridge) for over a week, and *TRUST ME* mate [you know what I'm like with 'amazing new discoveries'], this little thing is set to revolutionise vinyl replay! :trust:

Shocked and stunned at just how (laughably) GOOD this is. OH bloody hell, Arthur has really nailed it this time. 'Houdini' is set to veritably put the cat amongst the pigeons....!:D

Look out for a full review with pics (on a separate thread) soon!!

Marco.

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Apparently it is £300.

Indeed. Kev, you've just got to get one - it's *that* good!:)

Especially as you're a confirmed Funk fan...

Marco.