My 2019 Update Thread - My final system I think.

[Jimbo]

Yes very smart and tidy minimalist TT

[Gazjam]

Musics playing and Nipper approved.
Set it all up this afternoon, not dialled in the cartridge settings properly yet, just a quick few tracks to test all's well and working.



Running setup completely balanced Cartridge to preamp, liking what Im hearing.
Phonostage and turntable powered by linear PSUs fed from the balanced mains unit too, so things in place to get the best out of it.

Might look at replacement feet down the line, as no space for an isolation platform under the telly (turntables a chunky boy)
Can't hear anything through speakers when I tap the plinth, so doing a good job As-is.
The feet seem to have a middle layer of sorbothane, and are slightly squishy.
I've sat them on Soundamped Steel isolation plates anyway, as I found they work really well on glass and only add a few mm to overall height.


Gratuitous tonearm shot


The arm feels solid, and I like the idea of a 1 piece carbon fibre armtube.
Cueing mechanism feels flimsy though compared to the Rega arm, with no real damping as you lower the stylus. (Points off Pro-Ject)

Not having an exposed catilever like the Rega cart though means I can chill and enjoy playing records a bit more, no more getting "The Fear" when cueing up a record!

Different sound to the Rega, early days yet but a bit less clinical sounding maybe? Music a bit more enjoyable through the Pro-Ject?
Probably more forgiving to less than perfect pressings as well, which isn't a bad thing.

Still to dial best cartridge settings in, do that later today.
Tracking force is set to recommended 2.3g, confirmed with an electronic stylus gauge

Whats quite cool is with the Phonostage, you can tweak the cartridge loading in real time as your playing, letting you dial in by ear.
No more Dipswitches!

The other possible negative isn't unexpected, but is what it is.
The piano black finish is a feckin' dust magnet!
Good job its got a dust cover.

Gonna enjoy this thing.
Selling the Rega was the right thing for me, just wasnt enjoying playing records as much as I should.
Also wasnt sold on the looks, especially given the cost of it.
Much prefer the look of the Pro-Ject.

Soundwise I would say the P10, because it was so clean, had close to a Digital sound, and that with pops n clicks isn't much fun.
Vinyl didn't have that vinyl "thing" with the Rega, and I think thats what I missed.
The Pro-Ject has it, still as clear and transparent, especially going balanced, but a less Forensic flavour to making music, which I prefer.

Good stuff.

[struth]

pleased your happy mate...

[Macca]

It's a good-looking deck - and arm.

[struth]

is that the X8 tt?

[Gazjam]

is that the X8 tt?

Yeah Grant,

it's the X8.
https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/x8/

[struth]

Lovely jubbly.. quality kit

[Jimbo]

Yeah very nice and not surprised in your comparison with the Rega. I was warned by a friend about some turntables that ironed out so much they became clinical and CD like in their nature especially at the high end so can completely understand your decision to buy and try the Project.

[Gazjam]

Yeah very nice and not surprised in your comparison with the Rega. I was warned by a friend about some turntables that ironed out so much they became clinical and CD like in their nature especially at the high end so can completely understand your decision to buy and try the Project.

Yup,
pretty much where I was coming from James.

I'd describe that as the P10's sound.

It was when I caught myself thinking maybe I need to spend more on a phonostage to get the P10 to "sing" I thought summit must be up?
Been playing records all day and having a blast,
can already hear things opening up with some hours on them.

Happily the X8 was a punt that paid off.
Been on a bit of a Balanced "Mission" of late, and getting the Vinyl to benefit from it ticked my boxes.

Mission accomplished I reckon.

[brian2957]

Very nice mate. I'll be over for a listen as soon as...