MY System

[chris@panteg]

I would just like to add ' your photo's are indeed quite superb ' and a lovely range of carts you have.

[kcc123]

Hi Chris,
Thank you!
They are still not perfect. If I had used a tripod my photos would have been better. I was using a prosumer camera, the Panasonic FZ28, which is not in the same league among those SLR Nikons, Canons and others.

King

[jonners]

King -

I'm just wondering what valves you are currently using in your Yaqin preamp? I had a lot of trouble with noisy or microphonic valves in mine, and I've just rewired the heater circuit to the 12AX7's and substituted some Russian 6N2P-EV's. These are very quiet and stable and I find they improve the sound significantly.
I'm currently using Philips JAN 5693's in place of the Chinese 12AU7's. I get a feeling that I can do better here, but there are so many kinds out there, some at silly prices....

[RochaCullen]

Hi King,

As someone who is looking to enter the retro world of turntables, I was wondering if you could give a newbie some directions. My system is mostly old linn stuff, part of which is a Majik amp with phono stage.

If I was to start looking around for a second hand turntable, what would you recommend, while bearing in mind a modest budget? These recessionary times are not HiFi friendly.

Nathan

[kcc123]

King -

I'm just wondering what valves you are currently using in your Yaqin preamp? I had a lot of trouble with noisy or microphonic valves in mine, and I've just rewired the heater circuit to the 12AX7's and substituted some Russian 6N2P-EV's. These are very quiet and stable and I find they improve the sound significantly.
I'm currently using Philips JAN 5693's in place of the Chinese 12AU7's. I get a feeling that I can do better here, but there are so many kinds out there, some at silly prices....

Hi,
I am using two vintage 1970 GE 12AU7A/ECC82 and two new Sovtek 12AX7 LPS valves for the Yaqin at the moment. Of course, there are better valves than those I use but they are too expensive, I think.

[kcc123]

Hi King,

As someone who is looking to enter the retro world of turntables, I was wondering if you could give a newbie some directions. My system is mostly old linn stuff, part of which is a Majik amp with phono stage.

If I was to start looking around for a second hand turntable, what would you recommend, while bearing in mind a modest budget? These recessionary times are not HiFi friendly.

Nathan

Hi Nathan,
Well, I would recommend you the AR Legend/Turntable which is very affordable and its sound quality gives a Linn LP12 a very close run for the money.
Best regards!
King

[kcc123]

It is in some people’s mind that MM and MI cartridges are considered to be low grade and poor sounding when compare with MC cartridges. Of course some MCs are superior to many MM/MI cartridges but there are exceptions, for instance, the Technics 205C mk3/4, the ADC XLM mk3 Improved and Grace F9E etc. Here are some of the MM and MI cartridges I have:-

ADC XLM mk3 Improved



AR Cambridge E77



Goldring Electra



JVC X1



JVC Z1


Signet TK 7E

[Marco]

Superb pics again, King

Some MMs are indeed fabulous. If you haven't already done so, you simply must try a Shure M3D. In my opinion, it is the MM 'daddy' of them all.

Incidentally, I also love your collection of NOS headshells! Sonically, those can make all the difference... My AT LT-12 and FR S/5 really make my low-compliance gems sing!

Marco.

[kcc123]

Hi Marco,
I have never tried a Shure M3D before, how does it compare with the V15 mk3?
I own more than a dozen of headshells of different varieties and they do play a major role to the sound.

[Steve Toy]

King,

I've just been looking through this thread. I must say I'm impressed by your broadness both of mind and collection of kit.

So out of everything you have there, what is your favourite setup combination, including both digital and vinyl front ends?