I finally ordered some parts to build a record cleaning machine. I've been thinking about it for about a year. I was to the point where I was going to buy a VPI, but now that I understand that its just a platter with vacuum wand it seems kind of pricy for what you get. So far my parts list includes a sacrificial Realistic Lab 300 turntable that I really only want for bearing, platter and spindle, and some extra Disc Dr. pads. The plan is to use some 1/2 inch pvc pipe slit long-ways with DD pads attached to protect the vinyl, and elbows to build an arm wand, and then connect that to a shop-vac. I can test this mess just holding the pipe while I manually spin the platter. The eventual plan is to remove the bearing, platter and spindle from the TT and mount them in something a little more suited to attaching the plumming. So far my investment is $20 for the TT and $15 for the pads. If it doesn't work I haven't broken the bank. As soon as I get the parts I'll start posting pictures.
I've had this in my system for about six months. Used, but it sounds fantastic.
Spendor S8e
Sorry they're sideways.
Paul Speltz Anti-Wires
These were the best $100 I ever spent. It sounded like someone windexed my speakers. And I'm offended by people charging four figures for wires so these were perfect.
Ethan Allen Ethan Allen
I can hear hi-fi guys rolling their eyes. I have dogs. I needed something with doors and WAF. But, its a metal base and solid Ash. Very heavy and stable, plus, you'd be amazed how many "entertainment" pieces are out there that don't hold standard 17.5 inch components. This thing has three doors, each twenty inches wide, and the back is open to give good ventilation.
Sota Star Sapphire Series III
I love this thing!
Project Tube Box
This is working well.
Audio-Technica USA AT-OC9
A little dusty
RCM Wet Wash Cleaning Element
Note the soft pink cleaning element. Safe for your most delicate vinyl.
System edited: I've had some changes in the system since the last time I posted. The Jolida JD100 CDP was replaced with a Cambridge 840C, and the Rotel Amp and Pre-Amp were replaced with a Musical Fidelity NuVista M3.
System edited: While I'm trying to perfect a DIY Record Cleaning Machine I thought I'd share some the experiments that didn't go so well. Fortunately, with willing partners in the house the research continues unabated. We predict success shortly.
I had the S5e for about two weeks, then returned them for the S8s. They were too small for my room and they had no bass - to the point where I new there was stuff on the record that wasn't being repro'd. The dealer was happy to do the upgrade though. I had to go all the way to NJ to get them though. I've had them for about four years now and they're the only component I have that I don't consider upgrading. They really are great.
Hello Islandmandan - I use a couple of things for setup. I have a friend with a Technics scale that I borrow periodically for VTF. He also has a Geotracker that I have used, but I actually prefer the little cardboard alignment tool that came with my old Shure cartridge. I like it because it has two alignment points - inner and outer - so you can check the cartridge in two places. Its very handy.
I had to inch the speakers out from the wall over time to get them where they are today. It was a WAF consideration, but its a big room so she'll live. They're also toed in a little and spaced a little further apart than they are in that picture.
Thats alright. The dog was not offended. In fact he slept through it.
the jolida is pretty good. I replaced the stock tubes with some NOS Phillips and that made a difference. It is smooth, with very little glare, and as CD players go it sounds very good. However, once I started listening to vinyl it was all over. I very rarely listen to CDs anymore. I haven't heard a CD player that sounds as good as my vinyl - although I haven't shopped lately either. I think I'd have to look at a pretty pricey player to match the TT.
I have a CD - I think its a Red Hot Chili Peppers ep from about 1988, that has a particularly low bass line in it. I knew the S5Es weren't going to work when I put that CD in and that bass line simple wasn't there. They just weren't enough speaker. Really happy with my 8s though.
I actually started out with the S5Es for a couple of weeks and added a sub to those trying to fill out the sound. They never blended though. The sub sounded to distinctly different from the speakers. In the end I just upgraded to the 8s. I'm not unhappy with the bass at all. Most of what I listen to is acoustic jazz so I'm not trying to shake the rafters or anything.
The only place I really notice it is if I'm watching a movie, where you lose those really thundering lows, but even thats not such a tragedy.
So, I have a fellow coming over to the house this evening to look at my Thorens TD-160 which I had taken out of my system almost two months ago. For demo purposes I set the Thorens up with the old Shure M97xe and took it for a spin. It certainly doesn't have the image solidity of the Sota - not by a long shot - and the cartridge doesn't have anywhere near the detail or extension of the AT OC9, but you know, it doesn't sound half bad. The timbres are really good and the sound stage is pretty big. I'm not trading in my Sota, but the Thorens TD-160 with the Shure cartridge is definately a great starter rig.
I've also got to add, that the imaging in the Spendors has significantly improved with the addition of the Sota table. The thing is so stable that images are just rock solid. I am finding the OC-9 to be detailed and smooth, but also a little cold or dry sounding. But,in general Im a happy listener these days. That'll just give me an excuse to upgrade latter.
I really like the Spendors. They image really well and the have great mids and highs. They are a little light in the bass, but I listen mostly to jazz and classical so I'm not trying to shake the rafters with them. They're prior strengths more than make up for the bass weakness. I've had them for about three years and I'm really happy with them.
Hey Chad. Yeah, I am really digging this table. The Thorens was a good place to start - In fact I really was impressed with its sound for the money I had into it, but I got the bug to upgrade. The table has a really nice cherry-wood finish too, not the oak. Its a series III table so it was built between 88 and 93 and it's had the platter upgraded to the current version. These things are really built like tanks. Just a pleasure to use. Plus, there are the side benefits, like calling Sota and getting the owner's wife on the phone. Try that with a Technics.
System edited: I'm taking down the Thorens. Got a new used Sota Star Sapphire, AT OC9 cartrige and a Project Tube-Box. The whole things sounds amazing! Pictures to follow. The dogs stay (at least in the pictures.
There are two other hi-fi stores that I can think of... well three really, but one of them I wouldn't spend my money in, as I'll explain.
Northern Audio on Babcock Blvd caries Von Schwiekert (sp?) speakers, Simaudio components and Nottingham TTs, and also possibly have some tube gear, Rogue maybe. The guy that owns it is pretty cool. The store is open on Saturdays or during the week by appointment.
There are also two stores in Shadyside right next to each other in the little plaza on S. Aiken street. 'Lets Make Music' carries B&W, Rotel and Classe' gear. I haven't bought anything from this guy, but he offers to let you demo products and he seems like a standup fellow.
The last one, also on S. Aiken is 'The Listening Post (they also have a location out on McKnight Rd). I'll flat out say that the guy that runs the store in Shadyside is jerk. I bought an NAD tuner from them about nine years ago. It died after two months. They serviced it locally, gave it back to me and it died again two weeks later. At this point I requested a new unit and the guy in the store actually washed his hands of the matter and left me to deal directly with the manufacturer which took forever. NAD got me a new unit, but the store gave me no support whatsoever. I've stopped in to look around a couple of times since but when I go in he's still a jerk. Unfriendly and not helpful. I guess if you're not walking in with big $$ he can't be bothered. This still ticks me off to this day.
The replacement tuner is still running strong though.
Bulldog/Cocker mix? We get asked a lot of "what is it questions", but thats a new one. We actually have a friend with two Clumbers who was walking her dogs (all three of them) in the park when she was approached by a policeman who had received a complaint about someone grazing sheep. Lemme see if I can find a more proper photo of old Sherman.
Thanks. being relatively new to analog I just discovered the value of properly setting the VTA - yesterday as a matter of fact. Quite a difference. Currently listening to an original Riverside stereo press of Monk's 5x5. Wasn't crazy about the recording three days ago. Now it sounds like a totally unified soundstage and VERY three dimensional. I'd have never guessed.
Bob, Thanks, I'm liking it more and more, especially since I got the TT about a month ago. I was actually more impressed with the Grace Arm than I expected to be. Its really nicely made. The counterweight rotates really smoothly and the lift has a soft-touch feel to it when you use it. Better than I expected from a 30-year old piece of gear. The only thing that concerns me is that it appears that I cannot exceed about a 6-gram cartridge, otherwise the weight is knocking on the inside of the dust cover when you get to the dead wax. But I'm not worrying about that now, as the TT is properly set up. Otherwise its great.
I'm not sure that I want to go to tubes for amplifiction. My gut feeling on these speakers is that they'll respond well with more juice. I'm actually contemplating something McIntosh for my next amp - although that'll require some financial planning and some jewelry offerings to 'She Who Must Be Obeyed.' I just love that smooth, liquid, bottomless power that you get with Mac amps.
Emory, The guest room is a great idea. You get to listen to your hi-fi AND you don't have to have any guests! Its the solution to a problem you didn't even know you had!
No, I've only heard the S line in the Spendors and I had to go all the way to New Jersey to do it. Started out with the S5e, which were too small for my room, so I returned them to upgrade to the S8e. I've heard great things about the other models though.
And you're definately not the only 'Phile in Pittsburgh. ELevick is also local and I know there are a few others around. In fact we met a Jerry's a few weeks ago for a handing off of some turntable setup tools and vinyl shopping.
In fact, we should organize media buying events followed by beer. We can hit all the hotspots: Jerry's, Paul's, the Attic, etc.
Sorry, I don't know off the top of my head which model it is, but it is current. It also came with wooden inserts along with the glass in case you prefer that look. Wouldn't work with a remote though. It was about $1200 and there is an optional backboard for it to mount a flat screen TV on. I'd check their web site. It shouldn't be too hard to find.
The thing in the chair is Sherman. Sherman is a Clumber Spaniel, largest of the land Spaniels. About 75 pounds of fur and drool (again, hence the glass doors). He's a little small for the breed. Massive heads, straight back and low to the ground. Generally around 16 inches high by about three feet long. Ear leather is about a half an inch thick. One of the first ten breeds admitted to the AKC. This is no dainty Cocker.
No, he doesn't show. We tried it. You've seen the movie Best in Show? Its just like that except the people are REALLY weird.
If you roust him out of the chair sometimes he'll wake up before he hits the floor, but not always. Pretty lazy breed of dog. Easy going, good natured and likes the realistic hi-fi sound he achieves when he steps on the cat.
Also very messy. Lots of grooming. Lots of vacuuming. Lots of scrubbing the slingers off the walls. If you like a low maintenance dog this is not your breed.
We love him madly of course! We also have Luka who is not pictured.
You can give them whatever name you want, but Baltimore still had to steal a football team from Cleveland.... Doesn't that leave you feeling like you need to take a shower?
That's Sherman. He's the specific reason I use a case with glass doors and also why I'll never own any of those pretty ribbons of Nordost speaker wire. He also eats shower curtains and paper products. His idea of 'high fideliy' is that cool sound he gets when he steps on the cat.
