Lets see pictures of your Deck

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

I just checked on the price of a retip through NeedleDoctor and the Benz MC Gold is now $325 up from $250 so my Gold will be going to Soundsmith. Your retip looks very good and seems to be a good value. The original Benz stylus is not a nude stylus and I think the lower mass will improve the sound. I am not sure if I will step up to the ruby/line contact combination. It would still be cheaper than the retip/exchange Benz. Of course I would probably not mount it in a long while since I am still pleased with the AT F7.

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I agree it's good value. I stayed with the elliptical tip and aluminum cantilever to try to match the Dynavector's original build. I am curious about the ruby but I was even more curious about the original 10X4 sound.

Here's my main 'table. It's a Well Tempered Redord Player mounted with an Audio Technica AT OC9 MLII (running into a mod'ed Jolida JD9)

Just wonderful...nice table.

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Just wonderful...nice table.

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Thanks!. I'm pretty sure it's the last 'table I'll ever buy. I really love it. It gets out of the way of the music like nothing I'd heard before.
:wink5:

Being a Music Hall fan...and owner of a 7.1 with a daul plinth...

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/8483/pict0198k.jpg

digging the 9.1 with a triple plinth and after seeing the new Music Hall Signature table with 4 plinths (that has yet to be realeased)...I love the plinth that's on Well Tempered Table. Nice with a triple stack.

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Being a Music Hall fan...and owner of a 7.1 with a dual plinth...


digging the 9.1 with a triple plinth and after seeing the new Music Hall Signature table with 4 plinths (that has yet to be released)...I love the plinth that's on Well Tempered Table. Nice with a triple stack.

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That's a 'bute! And with the requisite chunk of Magic Eraser too.

My local shop is a Music Hall dealer and they have every model on display (pretty sure). I hope to hear one some day.

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Noob...got the loaner A+ phono cable today. They are not even broken in as of yet. The moment the cart dropped I could hear the improvement. Every faze of the sound has improved. this is the first thing I have done to the table since the purchase about a month and a half ago. It really sounds great. I am taking your advice and not getting a cart...the 2M Black right away but am building around it first.

My next upgrade will be a better platform. I think I have ruled out granite in favour of maple or birch. Noob if you have not invested in a good phono cable, I suggest you do....it will be worth the money. Especially if you get the kinda deal I got. 1 meter list for $410 of the Low Mass Oval Phono Cable from A+...I was able to get it for $240. I was going to go with Ortofon seeing my contact was having a hard time getting a loaner from one of the guys who answers the phone, so he went around the guy and then was he able to secure a loaner. I am glad he did because all my speaker cables and interconnects are A+, and you know how I fell about keeping all my cables the same brand and series. But back to the sound, not only is everything better,but it also sounds like I have better seperation in the instuments. Of course a darker back ground, but what I like most is the midsection being more in focus as well. So for $240 coin, I think its a good deal on a good cable. My dealer said to check it out for two weeks and if I like it, He would get me one....Im sure he wants this one as his demo.

Also picked up a brand new in the box Spin Clean for $60. I think they list for $80. I guess one day I will get one like yours, but for now this will do.

Still can't understand why they make the ground so big?

http://www.analysis-plus.com/images/...sPhonsmall.jpg

fenchmon

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frenchmon I have a question about your turntable. I was looking at the manual that comes with it and it showed two RCA plugs on the back. Is the wire leading to the RCA's able to be unplugged from the tonearm base. I was not sure how that tonearm cable could work unless there was that connection at the tonearm base?

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

frenchmon I have a question about your turntable. I was looking at the manual that comes with it and it showed two RCA plugs on the back. Is the wire leading to the RCA's able to be unplugged from the tonearm base. I was not sure how that tonearm cable could work unless there was that connection at the tonearm base?

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If I am understanding you correctly and the point to which you are driving....No you cant unplug from the arm base....lest you disablement the box that the rca plugs are attached to.

The picture actually shows to different connector offerings depending on which connection the table/preamp requires....one is a RCA connection at both ends the other a DIN connection at one end and RCA at the other as the picture shows.

Hope I am understanding you correctly?

As beautiful as the Well Tempered is, every time I see it, the design of it keeps reminding me of a Music Hall/ Clear Audio table. It has something to do with the plinth and the tone arm.

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

If I am understanding you correctly and the point to which you are driving....No you cant unplug from the arm base....lest you disablement the box that the rca plugs are attached to.

The picture actually shows to different connector offerings depending on which connection the table/preamp requires....one is a RCA connection at both ends the other a DIN connection at one end and RCA at the other as the picture shows.

Hope I am understanding you correctly?

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Yes you are. I have been looking for another table and I thought by your picture showing the din plug the arm had several options for a way to wire. When I shop for products I tend to read the manuals because they may tell you more than ad copy. If it had a din plug I thought maybe the arm could be removed and tried on a different table.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

Yes you are. I have been looking for another table and I thought by your picture showing the din plug the arm had several options for a way to wire. When I shop for products I tend to read the manuals because they may tell you more than ad copy. If it had a din plug I thought maybe the arm could be removed and tried on a different table.

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My Man! Its fun shopping for audio gear. Good for you!

JM...do you like the look of non traditional tables?


http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/al...p?pic_id=18472


http://reviews.audioreview.com/wp-co...-ject-10.1.jpg

The new Oracle Paris has teh Carbon Fiber arm as well. Its looks like the Pro Ject Evo arm

http://www.oracle-audio.com/imagesup...franco_ted.jpg

http://www.oracle-audio.com/imagesup...s_dsc06336.jpg

This one looks like a 10 cc?

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Being a Music Hall fan...and owner of a 7.1 with a daul plinth...

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/8483/pict0198k.jpg

digging the 9.1 with a triple plinth and after seeing the new Music Hall Signature table with 4 plinths (that has yet to be realeased)...I love the plinth that's on Well Tempered Table. Nice with a triple stack.

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Hey Frenchie, What do you use on your plinth to keep it so shiny and clean? Even with the dust cover, the dust finds a way to get in there on mine. Thanks, Jack

Actually..I dust it off with the white gloves that came with it. Thats about it. Not much dust in my two channel room....now if you ask about static on my vinyl, thats a different story. I think its because of my sound treatment on the walls and carpet on the floor.

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Actually..I dust it off with the white gloves that came with it. Thats about it. Not much dust in my two channel room....now if you ask about static on my vinyl, thats a different story. I think its because of my sound treatment on the walls and carpet on the floor.

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You're lucky, I have to dust in my audio room at least twice a week. I vacuum once a week, but I only have a 8ft x 6ft area rug in there. I have one window that I never open and central air so I don't know where the dust comes from. Oh God, I sound like my mother.

My approach to dust in the audio room is to let sleeping dogs lie. Vacuum cleaners get dust airborne. I do wipe individual areas. When I do finally vacuum, it's only with the machine cleaned out immediately before and with a high-efficiency filter in it. I also use high-quality filters in the central AC.

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Originally Posted by 02audionoob

My approach to dust in the audio room is to let sleeping dogs lie. Vacuum cleaners get dust airborne. I do wipe individual areas. When I do finally vacuum, it's only with the machine cleaned out immediately before and with a high-efficiency filter in it. I also use high-quality filters in the central AC.

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I had a high quality filter on the heater and the heater guy who comes to clean it once a year told me to watch the real high end filter as they restrict the air flow too much. Maybe I need a whole house air purifier? What kind of filters do you use noob?

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

I had a high quality filter on the heater and the heater guy who comes to clean it once a year told me to watch the real high end filter as they restrict the air flow too much. Maybe I need a whole house air purifier? What kind of filters do you use noob?

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We have two systems. The main part of the house is old and not built tight so we put an Aprilaire 2400 on it. I use the propriety replacements for it. In the addition where the audio system is, the construction is new and tight, so we have a setup that uses the 1-inch filters. I use the Filtrete filters with the red label ("Better"), which are one down from the one they call "Best".

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

You're lucky, I have to dust in my audio room at least twice a week. I vacuum once a week, but I only have a 8ft x 6ft area rug in there. I have one window that I never open and central air so I don't know where the dust comes from. Oh God, I sound like my mother.

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I use to do heating and cooling. Have you had your ducts cleaned?

Returns suck it in....registers blow it out.

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Originally Posted by 02audionoob

My approach to dust in the audio room is to let sleeping dogs lie. Vacuum cleaners get dust airborne. I do wipe individual areas. When I do finally vacuum, it's only with the machine cleaned out immediately before and with a high-efficiency filter in it. I also use high-quality filters in the central AC.

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be-careful with some of those high dollar filters...especially the real thick or stiff ones. Over time, they can make the motor in the air intake prematurely stop working....some filters make the motor work harder than what is necessary. And you don't want one that's to thin...it can get sucked up into the air intake.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

I had a high quality filter on the heater and the heater guy who comes to clean it once a year told me to watch the real high end filter as they restrict the air flow too much. Maybe I need a whole house air purifier? What kind of filters do you use noob?

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Jack...your tech told you right.....the reason they restrict the air flow is because your air intake works to hard...has to pull more than it has to....putting a strain on the whole system.

The best whole house air cleaners we use to install was the Aprilaire air cleaners...worked great and they where also easy to install.

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Originally Posted by 02audionoob

We have two systems. The main part of the house is old and not built tight so we put an Aprilaire 2400 on it. I use the propriety replacements for it. In the addition where the audio system is, the construction is new and tight, so we have a setup that uses the 1-inch filters. I use the Filtrete filters with the red label ("Better"), which are one down from the one they call "Best".

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Sounds like you are set.

Here's a nice surprise for all of you. I'm gonna show you 3 "decks" and 1 "turntable".

Old "deck"

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z...0/FILE0004.JPG

New "deck"

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O...0/FILE0005.JPG

A VCR counts as a "deck", right?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R...0/FILE0001.JPG

A USB turntable is not the greatest TT, but it's convenient.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8...0/FILE0011.JPG

Not the greatest TT ever, but it can play the greatest album ever

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A...0/FILE0009.JPG

My table currently with Denon 103 cart. Huge fun but I don't have a clue what to do if it breaks down.

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Originally Posted by daviethek

My table currently with Denon 103 cart. Huge fun but I don't have a clue what to do if it breaks down.

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You've got an elegant look going there.

Nice....if it breaks down go over to audiokarma or vinylengine and some one will be able to help you, if not here.

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Originally Posted by 02audionoob

You've got an elegant look going there.

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Thank you. It is a looker even by 2011 standards. I got the table for 150 on the Bay from an estate dealer with respectable reputation. Buying a well aged TT is a relatively high risk but I thought why not. I has not been used since the 80's because it was very dusty with a Grace F-9 cartridge and a broken needle. After some investigation, I set the Grace aside, considering a cost of 250.00 to fabricate a new tip. I am just not that curious about how the Grace would sound. I always used AT carts even in the 70's. I will give it away for postage to someone who really is committed to re-tipping it, but with so many great budget carts, I figured why bother.
The table is, I believe, a good mid-level table. It has adjustable feet, floating platter, center disc weight, not common for 1982. It also is a belt drive with an adjustable quartz loc. I figure it is better than most entry level tables today but not as good as a 1,500 table, which is what I am saving up for. I am tired of maintaining a system piece-meal and I think I will wait until I have maybe 3 or 4 K and just do it right. This will require discipline because I am a nervous upgrader. Cheers Audionoob, dk

Here is a picture of my Rega Planar2 with the Grado Statement Sonato.

Nice...I know it sounds good!

Don't know how this Dual stacks up to more modern TT but It's handsome enough to keep.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/...m/P6270024.JPG

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Originally Posted by Poultrygeist

Don't know how this Dual stacks up to more modern TT but It's handsome enough to keep.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/...m/P6270024.JPG

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Your Dual is in my opinion the best modern Dual. I like any tonearm with a lowered counterweight. When I replaced the stock counterweight with a lowered one it was obvious how much better the arm tracked. Having the counterweight in the same plane as the stylus also seemed to reduce surface noise.

I would be interested how an Ortofon Red or Blue and a high compliance Soundsmith cartridge might sound. A low mass tonearm and high compliance cartridge can make some wonderful music.

I agree with the assessment that the CS5000 is the best modern Dual. I wanted one of those when they were available new. I sometimes consider buying one when they pop up on the used market.

I'm glad I am not the only one who likes the looks and function of these older decks. I think the Empire decks are good looking also. When I see one, I want to put on a Count Basie LP.

Thorens re-introduced the 160 and it is simple and good looking, but very expensive. The last table I had as my primary source back in the early 80's was a Thorens TD 190. Not the best Thorens but I liked it. I think I just like the sound of the suspended platter tables.

2 Channel System:
HK TD 60 TT, Denon 103 Cart
Sumo Athena Preamp
Adcom 535II Power Amp
Yamaha T1 Tuner
Gallo Ref. 3.1 Speakers
Anti-Cable Speaker Wires
Morrow IC's

This new DualCS 505-4 looks nice but I hear the arms arent as good as the older TT.

http://www.avmentor.gr/reviews/photo...cs_505_4_1.jpg

I think Dual and Thorens are now cousins which is not a bad thing..or share the same in some of the same designs....look at the arms on both tables..

http://www.thorens.com/uploads/tx_te...er-td190-1.jpg

http://www.avmentor.gr/reviews/photo...cs_505_4_1.jpg

And Pro-Ject had something to do with this Thorens....

http://www.thorens.com/uploads/tx_te...d295mkiv-1.jpg



And this one borrows from Rega it seems...with a Pro'Ject platter.

http://www.thorens.com/uploads/tx_te...-td160hd-1.jpg

I wonder if this is an all Thorens design? Chances are its not all Thorens...

http://www.thorens.com/uploads/tx_te...er-td550-1.jpg


But I betcha with the right gear and right cart....all of them will shine!

I think the deal is Thorens is outsourcing quite a bit. They're re-badging a turntable made by Dual and they're using tonearms by Pro-Ject and others on their turntables.

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Originally Posted by 02audionoob

I think the deal is Thorens is outsourcing quite a bit. They're re-badging a turntable made by Dual and they're using tonearms by Pro-Ject and others on their turntables.

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I agree....What can you gather from that last table?

And this one it seems has a modified Rega Arm as well.

http://www.thorens.com/uploads/tx_te...td309-2011.jpg


But its that last table in the previous posting that I can't see anything borrowed.... Can you? Sorta looks like an combination of two different Ortofon Arms.

http://www.ortofon.com/images/storie...-Tonearm01.jpg

http://www.ortofon.com/images/storie...nearm_d309.png

So it seems like Thorens are designing the plinths and every thing else and are borrowing arms from other company's...Personally I dont see anything wrong with that....IF some one can do it better than you, then why not?

I don't remember for sure, but I think the tonearm on the Thorens TD 550 actually says "Ortofon" right on top.