Sony PS-X 45

[atomicAdam]

At the flea market today I picked up a Sony PS-X 45 for $20. It works, though I don't have a phono amp at this point so it works very quietly.

Anyways, I am still saving up for a better TT but until then at least I can start to learn some things. Appears from searching about the PS-X 45 there are a couple upgrades I can do in terms of cartridge.

Oh and picked up 4 LPs for $3 at the flea market as well. Can't beat those kinds of prices.
Eurythmics, Prince, Nat King Cole and Dean Martin.

I'm very excited......

[jrhymeammo]

Is this the TT you got?
That's very cool looking tonearm. Not sure whether the table came with a cartridge, but I imagine it's worn out badly. Maybe you can just get a replacement stylus for it.
Whatever you do, be sure to get a stylus gauge. Shure has upped its price on their stylus gauge to $36 so maybe you might want to get a digital one from SORAsound for $44.. I had good success with a Shure unit until my sister's dog got a hold of it...

You will need a cartridge protractor, but you may want to get a free one until you decide what you want out of vinyl playback. Here is a link.

Free Stuff. No Ipod/promotion related please.

Congrats and have fun,
JRA

[atomicAdam]

it is that one but the cartridge is different. it says 'model 100' on it. i did a google search but nothing really came back.

thanks for the tips.

[atomicAdam]

Got my TC-400 super uber-cheap phono amp today. got the TT hooked up and playing some records.

I'm happy. Thought I'd share.

[jrhymeammo]

Congrats,

My very first phono stage was Bellari VP-29 (not 129) and thought Vinyl was the greatest thing ever. But now, I can't even imagine play thru lesser phono stage.
Now, I consider VP-28 to be the worst value for the money.

Your phono pre should keep you content for a while, but you will definitely appreciate any upgrade you will make in near future.


Welcome to the world of Vinyl= "Madness".
We hope you'll find this journey as enjoyable as we do.

JRA

[poppachubby]

Adam I need to buy a phono pre and would appreciate any feedback on your purchase. Also, congrats! Vinyl is an addiction like no other. For me its always about finding that next gem, whether it be a player or a record...enjoy!!

[JoeE SP9]

If you haven't replaced the cartridge that should be your next step. You can't go wrong with a Shure M97. I'm sure others may have different recommendations.

[atomicAdam]

Thanks -

A new cartridge is on my list for upgrades for sure. I might as well start with the M97 unless there is some real opposition from anyone. I'm not looking to 'pimp this TT' - saving up for a better one. But might as well make it better then it is currently.

[atomicAdam]

If you haven't replaced the cartridge that should be your next step. You can't go wrong with a Shure M97. I'm sure others may have different recommendations.

Ordered the M97xE on Monday. Should be here soon. I hope it comes with connection cables. The ones on the back of the cartridge now are on there pretty damn good.

thanks for the advice, i'll let you know the results.

[poppachubby]

Hey Adam, I was chatting with a friend, he was given an 80's model Sony TT. It's pretty stock, the type that came with a mid-quality, multi component "system". Anyhow this thing still had the original cart and stylus. It sounds awful. He added a new set of feet and put about 3 lbs of clay in it and he said the difference was crazy. maybe something to try with your new cart. BTW, any luck with a pre?

[JoeE SP9]

Try Mortite instead of clay. It doesn't dry out. Lining the underside of platters makes a big difference. Ping the platter before and after. You will hear the difference.

[atomicAdam]

this thing is posh - metal container, brush, screw driver. nice!

[JoeE SP9]

If you don't have a stylus protractor for aligning that nice Shure go to www.vinylengine.com They have several for download and print. You may have to register to be able to download a protractor.

A stylus protractor is part of the standard kit for installing and aligning cartridges. I recommend a Shure SFG-2 for accurately setting tracking force. If one of the down loadable protractors from vinylengine doesn't suit you try a DB systems protractor. www.needledoctor.com has them. They're around $50. I have one that I've been using for 25 years or so. I've also got a Shure SFG-2 from the same era.

[atomicAdam]

Got the M97xE installed. A bit of trouble getting the lead wires off the old cartridge and so three of those ripped apart. Now on the M97xE is a mix of old and newer ones from another TT. They aren't the same size leads and I can hear different low and high notes out of the different channels. Kind of interesting to actually hear what different sized leads will sound like.

So I am going to order some new leads, prob these: http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merc...tegory_Code=PE

and this mat: http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merc...tegory_Code=PE

But overall it is an amazing improvement, obviously.

Getting the stylus aligned is kind of a pain in the ass but I think I've got it now.

One thing. I can't balance the arm because it seems the weight on the back is too light weight for the new cartridge. Maybe I can tape some extra weight to the back of the arm to get it to balance so I can set the cartridge weight correctly.