Turntable Tips - Buying, enjoying and upgrading your vinyl sound
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.พ. 2023
- So you want to enjoy vinyl, and then enjoy it even more. In this video I'll show you how to get started, how to upgrade, and how to enjoy your turntable setup. Enroll in the Audio Masterclass Music Production and Sound Engineering Course at bit.ly/3W3tpKo
CREDITS
Crosley - www.crosleyradio.com/
Linn - www.linn.co.uk/uk/
Rega - www.rega.co.uk/
Michell Audio - www.michellaudio.com/
Ortofon - ortofon.com/
Well done! When CD's came out my wife & I migrated over to them and eventually put the JVC QL=5 turntable away. I dug it out a month ago and gave it a good cleaning, then installed a new Audio Technica VM 540 ML cartridge and also dug out our 540-album collection and rediscovered heaven on earth. We invested ten grand in new speakers, preamp, & amp and now spend a lot of time rediscovering the audio treasures in our fantastic album collection.
@David Mander It's nothing compared to true audiophile setups! Turntable for $40,000 alone? It gets much madder - this isn't cheap, but it's not the top level - or the burning money level. Now, spending $7000 on a record cleaning machine does seem mad to me...but that's because I can't afford the really great stuff - and where would I put it?
@@CharlieMessing VPI record cleaning machines are actually sold out on their site & original spares are now difficult to get hold of.
@@JohnSmith-of4vh They must be good, eh?
@@CharlieMessing I knew a record dealer who cleaned some of my records with a VPI. It left no residue & the records were as good as they could be keeping in mind their age & usage.
@David Mander Some people buy boats, cars or guns - whatever, you know? No one is burning their money.
I still have my Technics SL-Q2 that I bought back in the 80's while in college.
It was a cheap turntable by "audiophile" standards, but I was a poor college student at the time, and it was a step above a Radio Shack record grinder, lol.
It's still sitting in my audio rack along with the rest of my retro audio components with about 30 years worth of dust piling up upon it being that I bought CD versions of all my vinyl albums (which I still own stored away for sentimental reasons) long ago, and which is why I never bothered to buy an "audiophile" turntable when I could finally afford one.
Thank you for the nice video.
I recently purchased a Rega Planar 3 with Exact cartridge and Rega phono amp.
As a retired OAP this has given me some pleasure going around the charity shops looking for LPs and taking them home to clean on my VinylStyl Deep Grove machine. It is also a bit of exercise having to get up every 20 minute to turn over the record!
Another great video, thank you. I know is going to sound bonkers but I miss my vinyl days not so much for the endless messing around with ("upgrading") the kit (which I'll happily admit I did more than a little of)... but for the experience of it. The experience of owning something of physical dimensions and colour that was stored on display. Of selecting a record, studying the sleeve, the artwork, the notes, the lyrics, getting the record out, cleaning it and mounting it on the turntable. It was an event. A ritual. An enjoyable experience, precursor to the main event. Like buying the tickets and having a drink in the bar before the concert. And after all that effort, one had to listen to the whole album to make sense of it all and appreciate it as the composer, artist or producer intended. That whole experience was decimated by CD then completely obliterated by MP3/WAV/streaming. There's no experience now, just super-clean audio and a track-skip button. A poor substitute in my mind (but not to my ears) But no, I've not gone back to vinyl as the albums are just too darned expensive!
Just wanted to say YES I AGREE I still listen to records DO NOT LIKE PAYING 20.00 dollars for a record that is still warped at times even though they are 180 grams thick I have albums thinner than these new ones that are flatter and not as sharp I even got a vinyl cut on my finger ,I could probably throw this at someone and cut their head off ,I love looking at album covers and reading them and all info they had never liked c d's they always seemed cold to me small cases and hardly any info and listening to mp3 you losing a lot of music content .I have tried buying used records so far I found several records that were demos ,when I worked in a record store in high school the record companies when ever a new album was made they would send us a copy or so called demo record of the full album but stamped demo we could not sell those in those days but finding them I have been lucky cause a lot of them were rarely played and were a lot in better condition and some I found really cheap thats what I found myself doing so I try not to buy new albums just trying to find the ones I never got a chance to get while in high school the most I will pay is 12.00 so far it has worked I do not see why they are so expensive its riddiculus ,IZ have added to my collection so far JRo
Depends what you mean by too exspensive. Sure ive got dofferent systems, and over 1k records. And i dont think ive spent too much. Alot yes but not too much.
@@jro7075why some are exspensive is supply and demand plus inflation while its what someone will pay for it. Ive paid quite a bit for a few records that are rare and harder to find. Others.... well 90% of the ones i find these days comes in bundles or the dollar bin.
Great channel. Love it. Very watchable and easy going. From a 54 year old vinyl head 😃👍.
For those who like jazz there has never been a better time to invest in a good record playing system. We are currently in a golden age of audiophile vinyl jazz reissues such as the Blue Note Tone Poet series, mastered by arguably the worlds best mastering engineer (Kevin Gray) and cut via an all analogue process and pressed at one of the world's best record pressing plants (RTI in the USA). These reissues sound far better than CDs and in most cases they sound superior to the original 1950's or 1960's pressings (even if you can find a mint copy).
Yes! Just got the 1955 Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane Blue Note. Wow. Was likely a 10" LP - about 19 minutes a side.
Well i dont have alot for HiFi but i have scored several quality older systems for cheap. And newbies like one guy i met told him to ignore people tell him off. And its great to see him getting into it with the entry level table. Then tols him when he upgrades to figure what his budget is and what type of system he wants and how its set up for the room/ place he will have it in. Its so much more than just the system.
Excellent video. My mother gave me her old vinyl records and I played them on a simple Sony ps lx 310 bt. I liked the sound and it was very FUN listening to music. Then I fell into the hole of upgrading, and now it's not that fun anymore.
Got a Moth Alamo years ago, more recently added an isolation plinth from SRM Tech, upgraded the cartridge from the stock AT95E to a Nagaoka MP110. I'm currently very happy with the setup!
I know you are being somewhat tongue in cheek with this video and I get it. But this is a good perspective to have on vinyl. As an experience that can change your relationship to music slightly and to make that a fun experience. I note that matching the cartridge to the speakers and to the room gets you to think about the sound you are hearing and that is something that might be missed when just using a "perfect" digital experience. There are other factors involved with vinyl other than the deficiencies in the equipment - such as the acquisition of a record which you have not heard, the first play - hopefully in company so that the music itself can be discussed whilst listening to it with a drink. It is all retro but it is a different experience to just streaming a background.
Thank you. Your presentations are always classy. 👍
I agree with your assessment…. I have 2 Fluence, 1 linear tracking Technics and 1 Denon DP-7F. I set the over hangs on the two Fluence TTs and use AT-95E and Shure m97xE, not quiet as the Shure Type IV but both sounded great. The Technics definitely goes head t head with them even though it is a vintage. But the real surprise came in from the Denon DP-7F, which I have an Ortofon OM T4P cart with OM 20 stylus. I have built a TT platform to cut down resonance, no adjustment and fully automatic and I feed it in a small tube preamp. It sounded great and definitely bring a load of enjoyment on my work desk albeit it doesn’t have the classic TT look and style to it. It’s an ugly duckling that keep performing but it does look a bit more organic than the Technics and performs in the same league and above.
Agreed, started with Technics backs in the 80s..moved to Cd. Started again in 2020 with a Rega Planar 3 under covid lockdown. Now Kuzma Stabi turntable and Hana SL cartridge. I am done! Enjoy the analogue route.
I still have my Conoisseur BD1 with Acos Lustre and Shure M75ED which, bought second hand from a friend, served well during my PhD years in the '70s. It runs using a pink rubber band kindly left on the ground by my postie. But for show, and the occasions when I dare listen to my early record collection, I use my Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference (yes - SME 3009, but a modern cartridge). It sits next to a Nagra III in my library. I am converting the BD1 so I can play dad's collection of 78s.
Most of my listening these days is from my file server.
Rega 1 is a very good place to start the "vinyl journey", I have an older NAD C555 - similar to a Rega 2 and Rega 1 combination. What is missing compared to direct drive is easier switching between speeds. I have over time upgraded from Goldring Elektra to High Output Ortofon MC 1Turbo. Moreover, a counterweight with a tight screw. Turntablemat is updated from felt to acrylic plate mat. Some drops of oil onto the spindle.
The main reason was some experienced deep rumbling from the records before the music starts. It is important that there is no noise coming from the turntable, the tonearm should be with the least possible movement, only the needle in the pickup should move.
There are a few more changes on my turntable, the main adjustment point is to make sure the pickup sits JUST right, it's not enough with lines and level to stabilize. Find something in the sewing box or tool case that can be used for an accurate pickup adjustment. Once that's done, there's barely an audible difference between pure LPs and clean CDs on the stereo.
Easy to control if the amplifier har Source Direct - if clear sound in both channels, it's probably right.
Yes --I dug mine out during covid-lots of fun setting it up properly ---.Like the sound. I have an old digital theatre system that I am still discovering! Not as advanced as you though with my understanding. Anticipating a new advancement/ revolution in technology to tweak too!
Great video. I own 3 Lencos. I love doing all the upgrades. It's fun.
You are the voice of reason 😂 Loving every bit of this.
Made my way over 35 years or so through Audio Technica, Project, Thorens and finally last year to a Linn Klimax with a Kiseki Purple Heart. The journey was awesome.
Reaching Klimax is always enjoyable
Had a Planar 1 for years, recently went to Planar 3 with exact cartridge, nice.
I just recently picked up a Fluance Rt82. Great price and awesome sound, if I ever need more I’ll upgrade it.
$299, with very detailed information and technical specifications at www.fluance.com/rt82w-reference-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-natural-walnut DM
Thank you for posting.
Great channel. Love it
Excellent advice ❤
One day while shopping in Shizuoka I came across a Micro-Seki DXQ 1000. If was equipped with 2 tone arms. The rubber feet were squashed, but that didn't deter me. If was fun. Two tone arms and 2 different cartridges. On vacation in my home town I got a Rega Planar 3. The original 3. It was better than the M-Seki. I gave it away to one of the other Japanese Assistant Fire Chiefs. This was the guy who bought a Mercedes because I got one. Keeping up with the Yamadas.
Tongue in cheek at its best. Bravo!
I still have..and am still using my SME 3009 tonearm on a re-built Thornes 125 MkII. Also still have a Shure V15-V w/ oem styli. No need to replace.
For the most part, I agree, thumbs up. However, from my listening experience, and logic, it is the phono cartridge, that very small magical box, that can make a big difference; and a definite improvement. I have two turntables in 2 audio only systems; a harman kardon T25 semi-automatic turntable, (of 1983) - belt drive - that's connected to my Sony DH520 Receiver (of 2012) of 85 Watts. I replaced the Audio Technica AT70 MM Cartridge with a new stylus. Then I lubricated the spindle bearing of the HK T25 Turntable with a special oil; a Sintered Bronze Safe Turntable Oil by Audio Vault. I've also put an MDF board of half inch thickness underneath the HK T25 turntable as it sits atop my wooden fiberboard stereo cabinet.
Then, I recently replaced the above MM cartridge from the harman kardon T25 with a Denon DL-80A Moving Coil together with a phono pre-amplifier (or phono amplifier as you British call it) that also has a Moving Coil setting. Therefore, to me I get the sound that I like, and prefer.
I also bought a used Rega Planar 3 plinth of early 1980s, and I had to hunt around for a used Linn Basik Plus Tonearm since the previous owner drilled a larger hole for the turntable post! I bought a platter mat, coloured red by Hudson Hi Fi. I installed a new Audio Technica AT95E MM cartridge; and I aligned it with a Linn Basik Tonearm, Cartridge Protractor. Then I aligned the AT95E MM Cartridge.
Then I bought, and installed a silicone drive belt, a new silicone motor, "Rega Planar 2 / 3 Turntable Motor Suspension Belt"; and is a "Silicone Upgrade". I later re-soldered a new capacitor, then a new resistor; and a bit later installed a, "SRM TECH TURNTABLE MOTOR THRUST BEARING". Then I bought a new Rega dust cover; does not fit so I've got to make a new one from five plates of plexiglass. I had to adjust the VTA, besides the top of motor pulley was touching the bottom of the glass platter. Besides I also bought, installed a, "SRM TECH PLATTER ISOLATING KIT FOR REGA TURNTABLES".
I also have to bend the used Linn Basik Plus Tonearm Stay (as I call it) to a more horizontal position, because the Tonearm cannot be lifted with the Cue Lever at the end of a record's play. I'm also going to add a, "SRM TECH MOTOR VIBRATION ABSORBER" around the motor, soon. And I also bought a Rega turntable manual, also from the Canadian ebay.🔉🎵🎶
A brilliant, honest, ironic, and entertaining video!
I've been doing it all wrong. I was given a 1970s turntable years ago. I bought an amplifier and speakers to go with it. I replaced the original Goldring cartridge with an Ortofon one as I wanted a stylus for 78rpm records so I could play them too (on advice from the local hifi shop - which wasn't great advice seeing as my tonearm isn't height-adjustable and now the stylus hits the record at the wrong angle (which makes no discernable difference to the sound, and, oh... turns out 78 styluses for the Goldring cartridge were still available).
Then I added an expensive new CD player, and a cheap secondhand tuner and cassette deck. At this point, all the amplifier input connections were used so I couldn't expand the hifi, nor could I think of any other source to add (except 8-track, which is a format I'd rather not be able to listen to). Instead, I concentrated what time I spend on my hifi at all on listening to my records (etc) and finding out what music I liked best. It's been at least 10 years since I spent any money at all on my hifi itself.
I'll try to find something that dissatisfies me. Perhaps I should switch back to the original cartridge?
Funny how we all hope that there is sonic bliss hidden in that vinyl record, if only we had the right kit to extract it!
Many years ago, I upgraded my Rega Planar 3 by putting the tone arm and cartridge onto a Pink Triangle deck. I could not believe my ears! I had a frenzy of playing old favourite records because they sounded so much better. Still got the same rig!
I found Corn Shop in London from a hifi magazine. I faxed them and they sent me an Elys cartridge. It's grey, but not for 78's. It was great. A couple of years ago I got an Elys II (BLUE) and an Exact (YELLOW) for my Planar 3. ( Forgot to mention the Hz in Shizuoka is 50hz cycles. The Rega requires 60hz). Added tape to the pully to get it up to speed. The Rega cartridges have 3 holes. The one in the center assures perfect mounting.
We are in the same track! Great video!
I like my Pioneer Pl-L1000A tangential TT. All these years the pivotal TT was nothing but noise. Now finally, music. Alongside, my Technics SL-10 is just as capable.
Ive been living with my rega p1 for around 6 years now and it is probably the best turntable I've owned, although the lack of a speed switch is annoying, after changing the cartridge to a higher end mm, it performs extremely well. Ive not come across anything for the price and i highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good long lasting deck for listening purposes. Easily upgradeable as ive changed the belt, platter and cartridge which has improved its performance by alot. If someone is thinking of getting a p1 I'd say change the resin platter to acrylic as it reduces the wobble to bearly anything and gets rid of the need for a mat.
Yes you are correct the acrylic platter does a fantastic job I have the Pro-Ject debut 3 before the carbon tone arm came out my TT came with the heavy metal platter it was good but always worried about metal platter slipplng out of hand and scratching the TT when switching speeds I found one that came from a rega turntable the model I forgot what it was but the seller said that it was compatible to the pro-ject model I had and it did fit perfectly and improved the sound by a lot JRo
I started off with a Rega Planar 3 in 1981 with R100 cartridge. It was £148 including VAT for the 3.
When it comes to analog, it is sometimes difficult to tell your transition point between seriousness and irony.
This is one of those examples.
It's always a bit disconcerting hearing anyone (especially someone as knowledgeable as him) try so hard to fuel 'format wars' with extremely-clickbaity video titles and a lot of non-practical information that cites the 'extreme' version of everything-- the worst this, the most-expensive that. I like this guy's videos but he resorts to a lot of the same snarky throwaway arguments that people use to laud themselves for having 'the newest' whatever. Bottom line to me is 'the average digital music online sounds worse than cassette tape, and lots of my records sound noticeably better by direct comparison to the official CD, let alone online'. I swear, it's crazy how many people blindly pit 'the worst aspects of records' in THEIR OWN experience, to 'the highest-quality digital music' that they've never even heard, instead of being honest about real-life average usage (which this guy often ignores) and what they're hearing.
I'll have to admit I was hoping for more DIY practical advice, like the squash-balls under the record deck, or filling speaker stands with sand, cartridge alinement et al. But taken tongue-in-cheek, I must say I enjoyed watching this. @@jamescarter3196
It's "enjoyment all the way" for me 😉
I also listen via digital too though.
Jim 🏴🙂
I listen to records on a vintage Technics SL-7 turntable I got for free and an old Kenwood receiver that came with two sets of decent enough speakers for about 50 bucks. Speaker cables came with the Kenwood, as did the RCA cables. It's just about the fun.
An SL-7 for free? Win!
@@AudioMasterclass Yes indeed! Expedited inheritance. Me and my dad drove to the cabin and picked up the turntable and the record collection, about 180 liters of records. To be fair, I bought a cheap new Audio Technica cartridge as well, so let's say 70 bucks total.
@@AudioMasterclasswent dumpster fishing about 15 years ago. I saw a plug from a power cord so I grabbed it and reeled it in. It was buried under a fair amount of garbage. It put up a fight but it was looking like sterio equipment so I kept digging and pulling. When I finally got it outleaning half way into the dumpster trying to not fall back in with this little whale. Yes indeed it was a Technics SL-7. Replaced the RCA plugs and much to my surprise it worked fine inspite of the dent on the front. It is what I'm using now with a Stanton 680ee complete with the brush. Self cleaning close"n"play; put a record on close the lid and press play😊. Now the difficult part finding a new stylus . Europe a nude mounted hypereliptical Jico easy ,but they can't ship me one.The USA not so easy nobody seems to be revealing the sorce or what it is. I still prefer that induced magnet moving iron cartridge. Thinking about everyone of my m half dozen turn tables were trash picks . Technics SL-1200 mark II plus a few more Technics,a Dual,BIC and a couple Phillips 212 electrics. I'm not going to be buying any soon.
I'm guessing that video was tongue-in-cheek. Very well done!
What you really need is a Denon DP-57L Turntable, Simply for the really cool buttons. I’m at Saab guy, so I love buttons :)
I enjoy using an inherited Technics separates system form the early 90s and am delighted with it. It was bought as the bees knees at the time. The only change I’ve ever made is a conical stylus instead of round. The reason? I’m 62! How good can my hearing be? I can only properly enjoy what I’ve got at the volumes that let me hear the detail properly when I’m the only person in the house.
One application where 2x db expansion really works well is in FM radio mics where the level and frequency response of the received signal is predictably good and the noise level is quite low to begin with.
Started with Planar 3 and now have the Planar 6, it is a good improvement on the 3 but does it justify almost twice the price, probably not but that is the upgrade path you choose I suppose, I have just added an Audiolab CDT 9000 CD Transport, that also sounds good through my Rega Elex 4 amplifier, was always just a vinyl guy, but it is nice to have both as some music you can only get on vinyl and some only on CDs.
Luckily I enjoy listening to the MUSIC and not the equipment like some folks, it's those folks I think that probably have the NEED to constantly upgrade and change components to get the holy grail of perfection, which never seems achievable to the audiophiles golden ears.
I am enjoying these videos though as the tongue in cheek style I have to say does amuse me somewhat lol.
As long as you enjoy your music, you have all you need.
What transport did you have before the 9000
Love the head nods lol- from a 70s audio salesman
I had a Technics 1100 - SME 3009- ADC XLM CARTRIDGE
That was great! But what about the joy of record washing?
As for why my main reasons for vinyl are:
• A whole library of used records in a store nearby. Literally. They bought the classic Buder Branch and filled it with vinyl.
• The physical interaction with old LPs.
• The format doesn’t change and nobody comes to your house and takes your records because of a change in some streaming contract.
• A friend gave me a fancy cartridge.
I still have my B & O turntable from the 80s. I also have most of my record collection from then too.
I bought an Oracle MK VII, SME V, Benz Micro Ebony and Nordost cables. Yup, at $30K it's grossly expensive, BUT, I also run a $30K CD player. The CD player is absolutely incredible, however, the turntable is simply sublime. Given a proper vacuum operated record cleaning and 220 gram records, there is simply more depth, more "air", more of nearly everything (and no surface noise either).
sounds great - not sure it makes much difference to have 220 gram disk, but if it works better on your TT, than it does.
I started my vinyl journey by building my own. My aim was the building( with three tone arms for the design challenge). As for resonance problems Korf audio have suggested the resonance issues go back to decades old research that is less relevant with modern cartridges( specifically the stylus suspension material)
Hm, I would collect opinions on this before going further, but traditionally it's always been the case that the arm is a mass supported by the cantilever which is a spring together making a resonant system. The resonant frequency must not be so high that the system is excited by bass in the audio, nor too low that it is excited by warps in the record. If there is modern technology that can sidestep all of that, then that would be interesting. DM
I like your English sense of humor!
Good entry level turntable and phono amp is capable of excellent sound. You don't have to up the ante just to continue enjoying excellent sound. Its almost like he saying you need to upgrade in order to continue enjoying the sound. Simply not the case. Imagine how he would explain the laws of diminishing returns in the audio world. SCARY!
I love my LINN and tube electronics. But most of all my growing record collection.
Something about vinyl that is captivating. Digital audio is so much better than it used to be and I'm happy streaming from Qobos most of the time. Question is - why am I likely to listen for longer periods to vinyl? It's a pain getting up to find and prepare the next record. I suggest it is the addition of distortion components that I like - just as the best SET valve ampliers have a higher 2nd harmonic content and all but the very best reel to reel decks add something. The owner of a hifi shop told me he knew when there was a demo of a vinyl system. All his salesmen were in the dem room. If buying vinyl players buy second hand - Pink Triangle PT1 around £300 and you're on the path to pleasure. Going to cost you though in the long run.
Excelent, Mr. McCartney...!
I used to enjoy vinyl in the 80s, we used to put records on top of cups and run a blowtorch over them, they make excellent ashtrays and plant pots. especially with des oconnors "i pretend"
Sarcasm? Ha! Keep coming back, you almost had me.
Another great interesting video, I miss my rega planner 2 with linn k9 cartridge, one day hope ti get a rega just using a pro-ject primary e at the moment. Regards mark
When you said DJ decks. Put a Rega Arm on the Technics SL1200/10 and fit an MC cartridge 👌
I've been using the same Dual 506 turntable since I purchased it new in 1981. I've managed to tweak it with upgraded interconnects, Shure Me97he and isolation pods. Somewhere in time, I've managed to disable (break) the players ability to play 45 rpm singles. Fortunately, I don't own 45's anymore so I really don't care. It's my hope that this reliable turntable outlasts me. In the event that it doesn't I'll be looking for another one just like it. As far as the vinyl revival well.... what revival?
I'm here to brag about my old Dual 1216 (a higher number than yours!!) with a Shure V-15 RS cartridge, the RS stands for Radio Shack but don't let 'em kid you. It's a V-15 type III in a Radio Shack box. Maybe the type IV was coming out and Shure had to dump the old type IIIs on Radio Shack or something. The sound is incredible and unlike yours, it still plays 45s. I mostly use it for 78's though, which can sound good if they are post WWII in excellent condition. I threw out my LPs many years ago and got the CDs
I started with a JVC turntable and went to a RP3 . I've listened to records for over 50 years. I now have a Michelle Orbe.
Remarkable. I had the first two turntables as well. I stuck a Nagoka MP-11 Boron cartridge on the JVC, which had the funky stroboscopic speed monitor. I decided to get an RP3 and took the JVC to a local Hi-Fi store. They sort of snorted at the JVC, but listened to it anyways. I got $100 trade-in - they were impressed with it, and the MP-11 went on the RP3's RB300 arm. The MP-11 had lots of hours on it since 1989, and recently I went with an Ortofon 2M Blue. I have tinnitus and hearing loss in one ear, so that's it for upgrades for the rest of my life, but I enjoy that RP3 as much as the day I got it. Enjoy that Michell Orbe turntable!
@@briggsquantum Yeah you've travelled the same path. I have listened to the Gyrodek with Nagaoka cartridges and they sounded just right to me playing through a Michell iso phono stage
As a now retired Electronics lecturer in an Australian TAFE college, audio and sound equipment was one of my specialties. I developed one of the first CD servicing courses back in the 80s. One day I had a group of students in our sound lab with a Linn Sondek turntable, a top end Ortofon cartridge, a 100Wx2 pro Meridian amp and monitor speakers. I played a mint vinyl (European) pressing of "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits. They were mighty impressed. I then connected a then brand new Philips CD player to the same setup and played a mint CD of the same record It was a 'DDD' recording. The young adult students nearly fainted when they heard the difference. Huge dynamic range, wide freq response, no noise. tighter bass, stereo imaging to die for etc. It was setup to do A-B testing between the 2 signal sources. Of course that CD was a Philips 'showpiece with optimum specs. I had a room full of converts. 😎
do you know any good books or programs for electronics learning and repair? I watch videos but I'd like something in a structured format
It was a thing back then that everything branded as DDD were gold. Everyone strived for DDD, to get rid of the "noisy" analogue (A). But do you know what? Brothers in Arms is not entirely DDD.
Yeah, they did a subpar job with the vinyl mastering so the CD would seem better by comparison (especially being like 20 minutes longer), so the companies could make CDs for cheaper than records and charge a shitload more for them. Record companies were very sneaky and deceptive about that when they realized they could squeeze more dough out of everybody. It's the age-old corporate policy of 'we made a new thing that's .5% better in some ways, but let's intentionally make the old product suck so people buy the new one'.
A good record cleaner also helps a lot. I've resurrected quite a few of my old classical LPs (I started collecting in 1972, at age 11), using my VPI vacuum LP cleaner. I play them on an Acoustic Research ES-1 player (purchased in 1986), and it sounds fine to me.
I don't know why cleaners are not a bigger thing. The only reason I never had one was the cost. The only one in those days as far as I was aware was the Keith Monks machine and it was way out of my price range. DM
@@AudioMasterclass I resisted for many years for the same reason….cost. But about 15 years ago, I broke down and bought the VPI…paid about $500 IIRC.
@@LyleFrancisDelp Cleanliness is next to godliness. DM
@@AudioMasterclass Brilliant reply!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Good record cleaning and lubrication is essential for making them sound their best. I learned some techniques about five years ago that have changed my mind about records, about which I used to think 'CDs are better but I still have records that sound ok', but after figuring out how to 'do better' with records, I've gotten sound out of some of them that absolutely blows my mind, overwhelming sound. It's been a game-changer, and I'm only using a 1982 Technics table with a Pickering cartridge.
Rega p1 + proper entry level phono amp, mind you....
But wait, I'm enjoying this video sooo much. Back later....
Well,regarding turntables, a decent Dual - its a 1249 for over a decade now - was always good enough for me
when equipped with a DV Karat MC. Although since the eighties they got realy up in price....
I too grew up with Analog.
A journey culminating with the addition of a Garrad 301/Autophon combo, for which, I too built my own [splendidly over engineered] plinth.
This fed my trusty Sugden A21 [12 whole RMS watts of pure class A] amp, all driving a monsterous, but highly efficient [93 dB] pair of Ditton 66 floor standing Studio monitors.
Musical nirvana, I am sure we can all agree!
But no, I cry! One day, a friend brought round his newly aquired, fangled CD player [a Phillips model, as I recall] to '"try out" on my behemoth of a system and, oh dear, this changed everything.
The difference was literally night and day! In every subjective way - soundstage, range and fidelity the Phillips excelled.
But, for me, the clincher was the now bottemless noise floor and utter lack of surface noise.
I am sure, Mr AM, that you are not surprised by the above revelation. That you, no doubt, have had your own, similar moment of audio catharsis. This whole presentation with your gentle smile at the very end, is indicative of a man who has his tongue firmly in his cheek.
SO I will end with this: If one wishes to upgrade one's turntable, junk it [or if it's a 'good' one, perhaps donate it to a museum] and invest instead in a good digital source.
Let the fireworks begin!
Keep 'em coming, AM.
Phil.
Another Phil. Who'd have thought it?
Hahaha. It's a fair cop. The hi fi society is to blame.
In the process of building my own turntable,already have one,and it's a good one,atleast to me it is,but needing to get a motor speed controller(accurate one) for the 12v DC motor I am going to use for my DIY turntable,so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Pulled my old records out of closet. Hooked up old Pioneer 518, Technics 1600mk2 & Technics J33, music heaven reborn
What you do is you look at TH-cam recommendations, most favour the Technics, some like here favour the Rega. Then you buy the Technics because you find the strobe light mesmerising, and it's fun to adjust the pitch of the music, and also you need a direct drive turntable for pretending you are a DJ.
Exact to the tiny point. Currently I'm at the stage of Rega P1 + better cartridge and better preamp and amp. It took me 11 years :)))
thanks
Very good information and advice David 👍👍👍 I didn't know the benefits of Rega capsules. What do you think of Ortofon's 2M and Audio Techniva's VM lines! Thanks in advance and greetings from Buenos Aires.
You have convinced me. Digital all the way!
If I may. Try a good record cleaning machines such as a VPI 16.5. That vacuum sucks up all the grit and whatever else is in those grooves getting in the way. Thank you
Even washing them under the kitchen sink with dish soap (or 'The Groovinator' discwash and distilled water) can be a huge help, though of course gotta be careful about the labels. One of these days I need to get one of those 'label-saver' things, but most major releases have laminated labels that aren't easily damaged by water, except 45s.
Pretty amusing vid. I've ended up with a 401 with a decent tone arm and selection of cartridges, old shure thing for tatty vinyl and better ones for the less trashed or occasional new records acquired at the local record emporium.
Probably never need to get anything more than the 401 , my ears are too knackered to make it worthwhile and having a selection of cartridges keeps it fresh, ... the previous planer 3 would do the same job but the 401 fell into my possession for 25 quid from a junk shop.... with a spare arm and mc cartridge... as my kids used to say
"Get jealous losers" 😂
Another noted maker: Grado.
Problem is once you've heard something higher end it is impossible to go back
I often said to my ex-friend and vinyl lover that they should make a CD player with lots of dials on the front that he could play with. Not that they did anything, but he would have something to play with.
I think the second knob from the left tweaks the frequency of certain high-pitched sounds that the human ear cannot perceive, but that affect how we perceive audible frequencies. The second knob from the right adjusts the volume of these frequencies. Perhaps I could help with the instruction manual? ;)
Idk Dave,
based on my experience, I think it takes about $1500-2500 on a record player, cartridge, and phono preamp combo before we hit the “I can get by with this” territory. It’s just that good record collections are expensive and should be somewhat preserved. That said, if it were me, I would possibly start with a Planar 3, the 2 factory upgrades, (motor and counterweight) and an Ortofon Bronze or something. A $600 record player is pushing it imho. The P3’s tonearm is a benefit over the others.
It took me awhile to realize what the artwork is on your wall: "American Gothic" and "Nighthawks". Rather unusual selections, lol.
Well spotted. They're not the originals. DM
Here's another suitable contender (to the popular REGA P1) --->
Fluance RT85
Or RT85N
@@deadandburied7626 Got one. Still not dissatisfied-am I doing this right?
@@anotherdamn6c The RT85N is excellent. I wanted to try a direct drive so got a Technics. Still running in their cartridges.
You forgot about including pre-amp in your upgrade chain, just another way you can go wrong too as it has to match your cart as well especially if upgrading from an MM to an MC cart.
You didn't get the video. DM is not being serious.
I’ll admit up front that I generally consider CDs to sound superior to vinyl. That said, I’ll also admit that turntables and vinyl still have a strong appeal. They offer a fun upgrade path for audiophiles, and high quality setups can sound superb, occasionally even rivaling CD players. Then there is the nostalgia angle. When I was coming of age from the late ‘60s into the early ‘80s, the ultimate in sound quality could only be achieved with a high end turntable. That appeal remains in spite of the fact that I switched to an all-CD music collection years ago. And finally, regardless of one’s opinion on the sound of digital vs vinyl, a nice turntable is undoubtedly the coolest, most beautiful source component in the rack!
Modern CD players can make CD sound like good analogue. A fine example is the mid priced Denon DCD900NE which once burned in and matched to a lean cable sounds beautifully textured with a full bass, dimensional too with a large soundstage. A record player offering this kind of performance will cost you much more.
@@JohnSmith-of4vh Yes, CDs are made much better now, and the results are great - at times as good as any vinyl - but as you know, it takes a small fortune to have truly clean sound - but it can sound the best. Some have ears, some have taste, and some have neither - but plenty of opinions. It also depends on the analogue source, or the digital source...
@@CharlieMessing Yes prior to January 1983 the CD format was generally unavailable with digital recordings & the accompanying digital recorders residing only in recording studios, at hifi shows & R&D departments. Good analogue replay was the only available source to the music lover via vinyl or tape.
Omgoodness, this Dude is hilarious !!😂
Hmmm. I bought a Rega Planar 2 in 1986 and some years ago I transferred all of the components over to a second hand Planar 3 plinth. It looks great but does it sound better than CD ? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Few records are perfect. My reference one would be Tideline By Darol Anger and Barbara Higbie on Windham Hill Records.
Thanks for the tip on your reference record. I'll take a listen, but probably on Spotify. DM
That's the thing, records are CAPABLE of having higher-quality sound than the equivalent CD, if everything went well with the mastering and pressing and it goes on a good machine. I don't pretend 'they all sound great' because that's the standard line for people touting 'digital' as though it means 'magically perfect every time', but anybody who thinks 'the cd is always better' needs to hear my copy of the Phantom of the Paradise CD vs the vinyl. NO comparison, the vinyl has overwhelming, awesome, 99.9% clean sound compared to the disc. Is it because of mastering? Maybe, but that means 'digital' doesn't inherently fix bad sound and therefore isn't just instant perfection every time.
Wasn't it a Shure M95 rather than a V15 David ? Keep the videos coming by the way!
Ha, that was brutal and way too close to home. You really should have been in Monty Python. Love that dry British wit!
Digital has its journey too. Laptop and headphones. Then add a Dac such as ifi zen. Or choose a dac amp with multiple inputs and then add a streamer. Change the dac amp and buy separate parts , the dac, the amp, the preamp. Add internet switches. Buy better analog and digital cables. Buy linear power supplies. Buy Roon subscription. Who says digital purchases are boring ? Ahh I forgot. You can add an external clock
Awesome channel ! Hard to tell sometimes if your serious or taking the piss !...cheers.
In 1972, I replaced my Garrard SP25 with a Pioneer PL12D, and I still have it. The cartridge is a Shure M95HE (possibly overkill). I have never considered upgrading because I can't imagine anything else to improve the inherent sound of the LPs I own. To prove myself wrong I recently bought a copy of George Martin's "In My Life", supposedly a "SuperThunderStingThing" pressing. The music is good but the surface noise ruins it. So the PL12D and Shure remain.
I always listen to vinyl, but it's easy to fall into the upgrade path. That's ok if you have the money. I just find digital sources fatiguing after a while. I must have analogue ears.
Here i am...... (i really -really REALLY-) want to some day really enjoy vinyl. So far it's just been a constant struggle (vs CD sea of tranquility n joy)
I found out a while ago that 2nd DJ turntables are really good. Most vinyl DJs will start on a Numark or Stanton then move up to a 'real' Technics. There is not audio quality difference. The Technics 1200 just spins up faster.
You do have to change the stylus to something that doesn't prioritize hard use over audio quality. But thats simple.
I went with an Ortofon on a mid tier Stanton turntable. I really don't care about varispeed or beat matching, so anything farther up market in the DJ arena is useless to me.
One thing I have noticed is a lot of turntables taht are USB and line level only. Preamp is built in.
This might be good for someone in a small apartment? But I found them to all be toy like construction.
I am a proud owner of a Riga P1 Plus. Great turntable, hours of vinyl enjoyment. If I want something better? Easy! I just use my Compact Disc player and play those magic silver discs.
I have never felt less enthusiasm for listening to music in my life.
Buy a vinyl washing machine with inbuild fluid suction. Well cleaned vinyl sounds much better. Most of my friends can't tell CD or vinyl apart in respect to cleanliness of sound, when I play cleaned records on my Yamaha PF 800 with Vinylmaster System, it doesn't need more Investment😊.
I use vinyl because that's what I have the music on!
This English bloke who lives in Denmark had a good giggle at your pronunciation of "Ortofon". The correct pronunciation is more like "oar-toe-phone".
I think my attempt at genuine pronunciation might be even more amusing. DM
I'm intrigued by your comments about 'digital' sound versus 'analogue' sound. A vinyl record is a means of transmitting an audio signal in an analogue fashion, to be sure, but modern vinyl records are analogue pressings of a digitally-recorded signal (unless Dave Grohl's recorded it on his Neve and Studers then pressed vinyl records, just like the old days). The mixing desk is digital; the recording device is digital; the post-production process is digital. The only stages in the chain which are analogue are the microphone, the record player and the speakers. Maybe the amp. Is it possible to warm up a cold, soulless digital recording (eg a CD) by pressing analogue grooves in a vinyl disc and tracing them with a stylus? Answers on a postcard please...
Many people enjoy the vinyl sound. I may point out the deficiencies in vinyl from time to time in my videos, but it isn't going to stop vinyl lovers enjoying their interest, and why would I want to do that?
@AudioMasterclass I first heard a CD back in the early 80s, played through large KEF studio monitors in the radio drama studio at BBC Pebble Mill. It was a classical piece, can’t remember what, but I mostly remember the clarity, the absence of extraneous noise like surface clicks, and - something I’ve never forgotten - the silence between movements/tracks so intense that I stumbled forward into it. I’ve been a fan of the CD ever since. When we had children, also in the early 80s, I put all the hi-fi - Technics SL120/SME/Shure V15 III, Quad 33/303, (no CD player at that time) on shelving in an alcove, LPs beneath, and put our big CRT TV in front of it to protect it from the children. Unfortunately it also protected it from me as I could hardly reach it, and my vinyl collection fell into disuse.
But there is something organic, personally engaging, committing, even, about the physical process of taking out an LP, removing it from its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, starting it, siting the arm and lowering the stylus. To a lesser extent it’s applicable to the CD or the DVD, rather than streaming everything or playing files on the computer. After many a year of hinting that I’d really like to play my vinyl records (sitting in the garage following our move down to Somerset nine years ago), my wife is finally softening. The Technics combo is sitting in a cupboard upstairs, still in its original box. I’d forgotten it’s a direct drive so there’s no belt to have perished. I’ve got a phono pre-amp so provided we can agree on what to stand the turntable on, I can just plug it into my Denon AV receiver and Bob’s your uncle. Sadly the Quads (also in another cupboard in their original packaging) would require probable rebuilding at enormous cost and in any case I don’t want to push my luck. So it’s probably not ideal, but I’m deaf now, anyway, after 40 years doing sound, and I’m technically listening via digital hearing aids.
You may have gathered I’m not very good at parting with stuff. I suspect I couldn’t afford to replace the Technics/SME/Shure with equal quality so, provided it works (and my wife can bear the sight of it), it seems daft to look for anything else. I confess, however, that I really like the look of the Roksan Attessa, which is available for £399 and originally cost over a grand, I think. Have you any thoughts on that? I’ve actually seen my setup on sale for more than £1,000, which makes it tempting to try to sell it (if I can overcome my reluctance) and get something like the Attessa instead, but it’s a dilemma!
I’ll only play my existing, analogue start-to-finish, LP collection. I really can’t see the point of paying a price premium to listen to an analogue rendition of a digital music recording when the CD does it so well.
@@robcherry695 You have been on quite an audiophile journey which I hope you have enjoyed over the years, so congratulations on that. Regarding the turntable, I can only discuss equipment that I use or have used so I can't help you on that. I'm sure there must be other TH-cam reviewers who can advise. DM
Album Length
When does a project technically become an album? Generally speaking, any project over seven tracks is considered an album. Length should be considered when creating a piece of work - more established artists may be able to present larger bodies of work without the art feeling over-saturated, but emerging creators might be best off keeping things short and to the point. What is the first track of an album called?
The first track of an album is often called a lead-off, intro, or opening track. The first song can help set the tone for the rest of the project, so it's key to think long and hard about your introduction.
Sequencing an album is a key part of the process. From the opening song to the last song, make sure that your decisions are intentional. When in doubt, take a listen to your favourite albums for inspiration. Have fun building a dream sequence for your art. Why is album sequencing important?
The best albums are intentional throughout every step of the process, especially when considering how multiple songs tie together. Album sequence can change the whole perspective of a project, shifting the perspective from one song to another. In your own words why album sequencing is really important when making a studio album 💿 and also why is dream sequence has to be included as part of album 💿 sequencing and in your own words why album sequencing does deal with album length and in your own why why album 💿 sequencing start from the opening song 🎵 to the titled track if a song to the closing track?
I think you watched a different video. DM
@@AudioMasterclass I understand.
@@docdelete where I can find it?
There is no reason not to get a DJ turntable. Cogging is no longer an issue, neither is excessive rumble and the low W&F of a quartz locked direct drive puts most belt-driven turntables to shame.
Have you ever listened to a DJ turntable? Or a good one, for that matter? I'm a DJ and have 4 1200's. I've put them next to one of my good ones. There's an old saying. Its hard to screw up vinyl. Do the 1200's set up properly with a good card and preamp sound good? Yes. Are they better than one of my high end TT's? Nope.
I'm not trying to be an ass, but when you make statements like this. "direct drive puts most belt-driven turntables to shame.", we both know you can't back that up. If what you say is true, they why isn't everyone making direct drive turntables? Quartz lock has been around for decades.
At this point, you're probably going to say something like, "audiophiles won't buy a direct drive or DJ style turntable." And my answer to that is, it depends. If you can prove its better, they will buy it. Either way, some audiophiles do buy them. There's nothing wrong starting out with a quality DJ TT. Or they just don't have enough records to justify something more expensive. It can be a great option. But they're not going to put Rega or VPI out of business anytime soon.
@@AT-wl9yq if you quote me, quote me properly, please. The "putting to shame" part was directed at W&F only. Which undoubtedly is a part of the listening experience, albeit not the be-all, end-all, of course.
Also, I would never try to compare a DJ deck like one of the Hanpin Super OEMs (which aren't bad at all) like the Reloop RP-7000 MkII or an Mk7 Technics (or even an M7G which is pretty amazing, but also freakin' expensive) to some 20000$ high-end turntable with a low-resonance ultralight carbon tonearm, expensive MC cartridge, high-end phono preamp and whatnot.
But within the entry-level price range up to 600-800€, most belt-driven models simply get outperformed by their similarly priced direct drive counterparts.
These DJ decks usually offer better dampening of the plinth, rock-solid W&F (entry-level Pro-Ject or Rega sit around 0.25% mind you), adjustable VTA, non-cogging motors, dampened platters and really decent tonearms with inner rubber lining for low resonance. Plus, they are easy to setup with different cartridges.
What I was trying (and failing, obviously) to point out is that I would actually buy a belt-driven turntable. But my personal entry level would be a Rega Planar 3 with a cartridge upgrade and a dedicated phono preamp which would put me in the ballpark of around 1500$. If my budget were below 1000$, I'd go for a direct drive DJ deck (which I have, after careful consideration and a few listening tests at dealers).
@@svenschwingel8632 Your post wasn't that clear. You made your judgement seem absolute. And you're allowed to do things your way, and don't need my approval. But I made my comments based on what was not in your post. Not that it matters, but I do agree with most of what you are saying. The info you just gave in your last post can really help someone make a decision. It was worth the effort.
@@AT-wl9yq glad we could sort that out. Enjoy your vinyl :)
No it does not. Please explain why the most expensive and best sounding turntables are always belt drive.
Until we get down to the quantum level its an analogue world. The clock circuitry and the analogue output stage of digital equipment also suffers from many sources of degradation etc. Its a question of degree. I have spent a lot of time doing DIY mods on CD players and DACs (improved clock modules, passive components, power regs etc etc).