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.
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 did the exact same move...S5e to S8e. The soundstage width just opened right up with the 8's...the 5's had to be cranked to rediculous levels for daily living to fill a room. My shock with the sub has been less about adding bass as opposed to reinforcing the mids and highs...I feel that the additional bass actually helps the full range. You are correct that a proper sub can be hard to find for a given speaker. My only regret with the Spendor Sub has been its true intent to go with the monitor prevents it from reaching 20Hz...therefore it blends well, but I am still missing some of the potential depth another brand would bring...it is also therefore not as good on movies as well (not a big air mover).
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.
Grimace - Nice system...you might want to consider a sub for the S8e's...it really brings out the highs and mids even more...fills in a more complete sound picture that increases the enjoyment of the highs and mids (it doesn't make the speaker a Rock speaker though...just better at what it already does). If I were to do it over I would not get the Spendor sub though...go for a Rel, Velodyne, yada yada...
Grimace - very nice system. Down the road you might want to check out the Jas Musik tube cdp; I had the Jolida and feel the Jas offers a nice improvement.
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 second the Spendors. As Grimace said, Images really well, huge soundstage and very versatile speaker. Does not give the most robust bass, but it cleanly play down to 32hz easily. I am also more than satisfied for 2 years.
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.
Great system and nice new table. How do you like the Spendors? What kind of music are you playing on them? They're on my shortlist for speakers to check out when I decide to replace my 27 year old Infinity's. I'm using a Rotel 1062, which I think is the integrated version of your pre and power amp.
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.
Glad you now own the magic of SOTA Star/Saphire...I have owned one for a couple year and run a tricked Rega RB300 arm and a AT OC150 with a Musical Surroundings Phonomena stage DC powered and it sound great! My friend has the SOTA Cosmos? with an SME V arm and a hi-end Clear Audio cart............magical!
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.
I was Googling for Hi Fi brick and mortar stores in Pittsburgh and came across your web page. The only "Hi Fi" store I know of in this area is Butch's A/V in Natrona Heights. You know of any other good stores in the Pittsburgh area? I moved to Irwin about 4 years ago and am still learning my way around.
Have been into home theater for about 10 years, but am just starting to build a 2 channel system. Bought a Project RMSe5 turntable and Parasound Zphono amp so I could run the TT through my Denon AVR. Looking for a SS or tube amp and tube preamp now. And maybe new speakers if I'm not happy with how the amp/preamp sound through any one of my three sets of Klipsch high efficiency speakers.
Grimace...the dog pic is classic. the look on their faces is priceless. probably great to snuggle up to on those cold winter PA days & nites. nice rig...always wanted to hear the S8e's....enjoy!
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.
