Description

My system was evolving from mainly DJ equipment. Existing Technics turntables used to be a part of main setup and was carried out for the parties as well. Having in mind possibilities of modification of those, I still decided to go for dedicated high-definition turntables and Michell attracted my attention in 2001. Another day, less than year ago during purchasing of private record collection, I decided to purchase ASIS Empire 591 turntable for very low asking price and replaced stock tonearm(had loose bearing problem). I immediately realized the comfort of swapping records during non-critical listening and found that restored Empire Turntable with AT 5001 arm and Pickering XV15/D750 pickup works very close to Michell with small compromise to soundstage deapth. Was thinking to make some extra cash reselling restored Empire, but darn it SINGS the way that I changed mind selling it!

I have a huge vinyl collection exceeding 10,000 records. Approximately 2000 records is for dance music and scratching BPM sampled most of them

Approximately 2TB of personal digital high-definition downloads.

Still listening to vinyl 90% of time. Less fatigue regardless of how high the resolution of the digital files or how well CDs are recorded and manufactured.

My upgrade plans are very modest:

1. Plan to replace Pickering XV15/D750 with higher compliant Ortofon 2M blue

2. Plan to add dedicated budget headshell/78rpm cartridge

3. Plan to DIY build an ultrasonic vinyl cleaner
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Components Toggle details

    • Michell Engineering Gyro SE
    Has Technoarm with Shelter 501
    • Empire 598
    Latest model of this vintage brand. Original Empire 998 arm replaced by AudioTechnica AT 5001
    • Mytek 192 Silver Preamp
    DAC-Preamp with exceptional DA performance, adjustable gain and outstanding analogue volume control. Purchased fairly recently 2 years ago and it replaced my full-function Classe 30 preamp
    • Mogami Silver series balanced
    Purchased bulk(still have few feet), cut and terminated with Neutrik XLR
    • Mogami Silver Series RCA
    Purchased bulk, cut and terminated with Neutrik lockable RCA plugs.
    • StandDesign Unknown
    Has 5 shelves
    • Furman ASD-120
    Sequenced Power distribution, reliable source of stable power
    • Sunfire Sunfire 300
    Very clean sound, Deep soundstage, Exceptional control.
    Had several upgrade attempts and all failed. Truly liked Classe CAM 350, but wasn't willing to stretch budget.
    • Lenovo Q190
    Entertainment mini-desktop. Stock HDD was replaced by 256g Kingston SSD; Motherboard was transferred to solid aluminium Heat Sink chassis. This made processor fan hardly ever engage at all. Many would remove, but I decided to keep it for safety.
    • Technics SL-1200 mkII
    Used to be in my main setup, but now it's one out of 4 dedicated DJ purpose turntable. Stock tonearm and cartridges/headshells always changed depending on either playback or scratch
    • Musical Fidelity XPS
    Phono preamp MM/MC replaced full-function Classe 30 preamp
    • Kimber 8TC
    This cable I purchased as leftover bulk from manufacturer that gave me 2 x 6' runs. There are 8 conductors in each where 4 being used for the lower binding posts and 2 for upper respectively
    • Aerial Acoustics Model-10t
    Purchased used for $1100 with blown woofer that I purchased $450 new from manufacturer to replace. Few attempts had been to upgrade these, but did not succeed. I quit trying to upgrade them few years ago. Another problem with them they don't have pretty looks after all these years, but their sound makes them a truly beautiful.
    • VPI HW 16
    Older record cleaning machine. DIY modified to have a drain; Original mat replaced with newer HW 16.5 mat. Also to increase the suction and vacuum, I placed vintage record between mat and platter. The efficiency and advantage is noticable

Comments 6

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Given the quality of your system, do you really think it's wise to offer your advice to others?

kevinkwann