Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#243959 11-Jan-2019 10:52
Send private message

Hopefully can avoid the thread turning into the usual back and forth on the merits (or lack thereof) of vinyl vs bit-perfect digital and instead get some feedback from our committed vinyl users about their weapon of choice when it comes to spinning platters.

 

I may (or may not be) getting a deck this year and currently considering Rega (P3 or P6) or maybe something in the same price range from ClearAudio or Pro-ject.

 

Would also need a phono stage as well as my current amp lacks one.

 

 

 

Over to you guys!





.

View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic
 1 | 2
dclegg
2806 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #2158020 11-Jan-2019 11:12
Send private message

I'm using an Audio Technica AT-LP120, which I imported from Amazon. It has been upgraded with the Shure M97xE cartridge (Shure have got out of the cartridge/stylus game, so may not be the best route to emulate here).

It performs really well, although the hydraulic tonearm failed after a few months. Audio Technica refused to fix this under warranty as I imported it via Amazon (due to saving $250 when doing so). But all this means is I have to be carefull when manually lowering the tonearm.

 

It has a built in pre-amp, so I've not bothered upgrading to a dedicated phono amp yet. Although that is on the TODO list.




aperfectcircle
62 posts

Master Geek


  #2158029 11-Jan-2019 11:26
Send private message

I'm running a Project Debut Carbon Esprit, with a Benz-Micro ACE SL cart which was a big upgrade from the stock Ortofon 2M Red.  The Project is an okay table, but quite noisy.  I have very sensitive speakers, so during quiet parts of songs (and as the needle moves between songs) you can hear some motor noise (yes I am being a bit fussy). 

 

It's a decent table for the price, but am keen to upgrade soon.  The mechanism for lowering/raising the tonearm has partly gone on the Project - still just works though.  Looking at either a Linn LP12 or Clearaudio Performance DC.  The re-released Technics SL1200G is also quite tempting.

 

Am running a Project Tubebox SE II phono pre-amp as well, which is a really nice piece of kit.


Geektastic
17943 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2158032 11-Jan-2019 11:28
Send private message

If I was, it would be a Linn Sondek or a Mitchell Gyrodeck.







jpoc
1043 posts

Uber Geek


  #2158049 11-Jan-2019 11:45
Send private message

Still have the RP3 that I bought back in the seventies.

 

Don't use it much these days though.

 

 


Loismustdye
931 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

  #2158097 11-Jan-2019 12:59
Send private message

My circa 1998 technics 1200mk2 I bought from new with new cartridges, still works a charm and doesn’t miss a beat.

lxsw20
3555 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

  #2158102 11-Jan-2019 13:14
Send private message

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC with an Ortofon 2M Red here. Bang for buck it seemed to be one of the better turn tables around without spending crazy money. I've been happy with it and don't see any need to upgrade, but probably would have been equally happy with the equivalent Rega or U-Turn.


robjg63
4100 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

  #2158106 11-Jan-2019 13:21
Send private message

dclegg:

 

I'm using an Audio Technica AT-LP120, which I imported from Amazon. It has been upgraded with the Shure M97xE cartridge (Shure have got out of the cartridge/stylus game, so may not be the best route to emulate here).

It performs really well, although the hydraulic tonearm failed after a few months. Audio Technica refused to fix this under warranty as I imported it via Amazon (due to saving $250 when doing so). But all this means is I have to be carefull when manually lowering the tonearm.

 

 

Funny @dclegg - I looked up your turntable problem then realised you had posted something about that problem a few years back on Geekzone - It must have interested me then as well!

 

I did find this which is interesting:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX_iU3nWzSM

 

Seems the trick is to get the right silicon oil.

 

They are suggesting a Silcone differential oil (500000) like this: https://www.trademe.co.nz/toys-models/radio-control-robots/parts-accessories/other/listing-1904505850.htm

 

The 500000 seems to refer to the viscosity. I guess the arm originally had some sort of oil around the piston to make a seal and its leaked away or dried up.

 

There is a forum discussing the issue here as well: https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=83149

 

They mention a 300000 oil which is a little lighter. Someone said they liked it to drop slower so had gone thicker.

 

Look like a hobby shop or place that sells stuff for remote controlled cars often sells the silicone oil as well.

 

 

 

EDIT: This page worth a look as well : http://www.turntablebasics.com/silicone.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler


 
 
 

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.
dclegg
2806 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #2158141 11-Jan-2019 13:27
Send private message

Interesting, thanks! So...

a) It's a common fault
b) There's no need to replace the entire tonearm, as AT support offered to do for me (with parts at cost price; still well over $250)

I may investigate fixing this myself, especially now I have my teenage daughter in on the vinyl revolution, thanks to a Twenty One Pilots album she received for Christmas.


Azzura
603 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

  #2158318 11-Jan-2019 15:07
Send private message

Got my dad's old 1979 (I think) Akai AP-206 Turntable...but it is sitting in the closet.


robjg63
4100 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

  #2159420 11-Jan-2019 19:04
Send private message

I've got a circa 1982 akai turntable sitting in a cupboard somewhere and a couple of cartons of 80's classic LP's under the stairs.
Bought a couple a spare belts that have probably expired a few years back.

Would love to get them out but can't drag any of these things out until the grandchildren are older - destructive little sods!




Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler


quickymart
13972 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

  #2159567 12-Jan-2019 08:02
Send private message

I had a 1998-model Philips unit, with turntable, two cassette decks, 5-CD player and AM/FM radio that I was using however it was damaged by one of my boys and I found I didn't use it that much so I had to end up throwing it out. Pity as I still have a fair few records which I would like to play from time to time (or at least digitise!).

 

I miss having the radio in the lounge as well, so when I move to a bigger place (whenever that is) I was looking at something like this:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1902634382


xyeovillian
379 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

  #2159578 12-Jan-2019 09:19
Send private message

I have a Linn Sondek LP 12 bought new in the UK 2/20/1982 £450.00
Linn Ekos Arm 3/31/1989 £895.00
Linn Troika Cartridge 3/3/1990 £599.00
Naim Stageline MC

 

I had the upgrades done in prior to moving here in 2003 = Linn Cirkus main bearing upgrade Linn LP12, Upgrade Ekos 1 to Ekos 11 Ortofon Kontrapunktb UE Moving Coil Cartridge Universal Exchange
Its still in situ top off my rack all played through Naim pre power amp etc, occasionally spin a disc and it still sounds good.

 

No intention on changing anything soon !


cshwone
1070 posts

Uber Geek


  #2159590 12-Jan-2019 09:56
Send private message

I have a Sony PS636 turntable which is the only relic of a very high end system I bought in 1981 from the proceeds of the sale of my first house in the UK.  It has travelled the world with me and apart from the occasional stylus change never missed a beat (it's a Shure cartridge).

 

Since being in NZ it's gained a new lease of life and is used every weekend through a lovely warm Yamaha receiver with B&W floorstanders which are ideal for vinyl play.


Damager
2125 posts

Uber Geek


  #2159734 12-Jan-2019 14:38
Send private message

20 + year old technics 1200mk2 for the last 20 years. also use for djing work. shure m447 cartridge/stylus.





- Telstra HTC Touch Pro2 - Energy ROM WM6.5.5 20 Oct/Cyanogen Mod Froyo 2.2 - R.I.P
- AT&T Galaxy S Captivate 16GB on XT (now with brother)
- Samsung Galaxy S2 on XT- Runs ICS 4.0.3 Resurrection Remix 9.2
- Business Hours - Work In The Electricity Industry, After Hours - DJ/Turntablist - Will Scratch Vinyl For Free'
- What's next??? S3?

jarledb
Webhead
3257 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator
ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2159739 12-Jan-2019 14:50
Send private message

Damager:

 

20 + year old technics 1200mk2 for the last 20 years. also use for djing work. shure m447 cartridge/stylus.

 

 

I have spent *a lot of time* with Technics SL 1200 and 1210 from the time I worked in radio from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. Really reliable and good sounding record players in my mind.

 

Did not miss them when we went to CD (even with skipping problems with CD players), because it was a lot of work to cue up the records - that became automatic with the CD players we used. Got even better when we could play all the music from computer systems.

 

The SL 1200/1210 are probably not favourites in the Hi-Fi crowd though. 

 

Never got one for myself, for some strange reason. Buying lots of them in the 90s would have been a good investment, the prices have gone up significantly (Yeah, you can still buy new ones, and even really old ones are expensive)





Jarle Dahl Bergersen | Referral Links: Want $50 off when you join Octopus Energy? Use this referral code
Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? Please consider supporting us by making a donation or subscribing.


 1 | 2
View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic





News and reviews »

Air New Zealand Starts AI adoption with OpenAI
Posted 24-Jul-2025 16:00


eero Pro 7 Review
Posted 23-Jul-2025 12:07


BeeStation Plus Review
Posted 21-Jul-2025 14:21


eero Unveils New Wi-Fi 7 Products in New Zealand
Posted 21-Jul-2025 00:01


WiZ Introduces HDMI Sync Box and other Light Devices
Posted 20-Jul-2025 17:32


RedShield Enhances DDoS and Bot Attack Protection
Posted 20-Jul-2025 17:26


Seagate Ships 30TB Drives
Posted 17-Jul-2025 11:24


Oclean AirPump A10 Water Flosser Review
Posted 13-Jul-2025 11:05


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: Raising the Bar for Smartphones
Posted 10-Jul-2025 02:01


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Brings New Edge-To-Edge FlexWindow
Posted 10-Jul-2025 02:01


Epson Launches New AM-C550Z WorkForce Enterprise printer
Posted 9-Jul-2025 18:22


Samsung Releases Smart Monitor M9
Posted 9-Jul-2025 17:46


Nearly Half of Older Kiwis Still Write their Passwords on Paper
Posted 9-Jul-2025 08:42


D-Link 4G+ Cat6 Wi-Fi 6 DWR-933M Mobile Hotspot Review
Posted 1-Jul-2025 11:34


Oppo A5 Series Launches With New Levels of Durability
Posted 30-Jun-2025 10:15









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.