Turntable lovers - Please Gather Here!

if got chance, do try this locally made phono stage called the "Pipit". Don't think there are much of these around town but if u happen to chance across any, its a real keeper . In spite of the dip switches and all ...excellent sound. (There is a pipit II at Tong Lee, dunno how much its going for, but the older "Pipit" should be quite affordable... mebbe a couple hundred bucks or so).

Simple 2 box design, crude black stamped metal casing. Nothing fancy. But the sound is really a wolf in sheep's clothing.


Would absolutely blow away most of the "modern day" minibox phono stages like the the NAD PP or even the Pro-Ject phonobox.

I did read a review of the Pipit and I'm sure of its potential of beating the daylights of those budget NAD and Pro-Ject boxes. Even the Cambridge Audio 640P is only so so without modding. Pipit external PSU is definitely advantageous and the same for any solid state phono stage design. Budget phonos that depend on cheap wall warts are nearly always severely limited in performance.
Nope, I don't think I'll acquire anymore of these boxes. I'll aim for something much higher in future, when I've the dough.
Just ended a 1 hour session with that ASL. The overall improvement is quite evident but I'm desiring the kind of richness, speed and resolve which I know it can't deliver due to circuitry limitations.

good article esp for vinyl lovers and good sound in general.

http://www.side-line.com/interviews_comments.php?id=29640_0_16_0_C

Antique Sound Labs + cmboy = Awredy Soupedup Lah

hmm i didnt think my last short post would bring this thread to its finality. Surely not!!

That article was interesting mugenfoo. thanks.
I find that whenever i make a comparison between CD and LP (when I happen to have one of each) the analogue is usually more delicate and with wider deeper soundstage. The digital usually sounds more forward and may have a more prescence.

I've experienced countless original LP album releases that are clearly with more presence and liveliness compared to CD album re-issue. But thats not always my point or justification of TT ownership, in my view.
Its music and a blasts from the past I can never hope to acquire on digital format.

CMboy....

I have a Cambridge Audio 640P Phono, you were saying that it can be tweaked. Don't mind sharing what components that can be upgraded or is there any WEB sites that describes what can be done to the box.

Appreciated.

I do things the old fashioned way, trace the circuit, see where is lacking, and change or add on whats neccessary from experience and own expertise. You can start by replacing the 2-4 opamps to something else better. BTW, this is double layer PCB. Have to be very careful on desoldering techniques not to damage the PCB. Also change to a 100VA 12VAC mains transformer. All these upgrades increase the total cost quite substantially.

Hi CM.....

Thanks.

Looks like I would not touch this unit but get myself an average Phono and try the upgrades.

Or enjoy whats with the unit and upgrade later.

thanks once again.

cheers

Happened to loan a reissue of Teresa Teng 15th Anniversary 180gram double LP. Yes, reissue Made in Japan. Nice box package, nice poster set, solid looking LP, BUT the sound????????
As much as I've said before I don't quite respect re-issue LP's and this time my fears are further strengthened. This dual LP boxset costs some Rm250 on the average and is it worth it?.. A BIG NO!.
The sound was to flat, lack of bass and not rich sounding. NO, there's nothing wrong with my rig.
Lucky its not mine and was just itchified to spin it once through. I have the Polydor CD re-issue and THAT sounds richer and better, albeit a bit digital but able to live with it for a fraction of the LP boxset price, which I now wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Be forwarned its not worth the money at all! My 2 sen on this.

i also kena the same problem with some Metallica re-issues on 45rpm.
Totally shit sound, like as if they killed everything above 5KHz. Sounded even crappier than MP3s. Worse still, they were warped. So at least managed to return them for a refund.

But there are some re-issues that are OK to live with, namely those from good reputable labels like "Cisco Music" and "Classic Records".

The rest, better stay away with a 20ft pole.

Ah,..whatever it is lah.. if I see new LP issues that I already have on CD, its now almost for certain I'm not going to waste money on the LP version. Examples like Norah Jones Come Away with me, Carole King Tapestry, Dave Brubeck Time Out, Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, Eagles, Telarc label Round up and Ein Straussfest, many more. I suppose it'll be good for those who don't have the CD but newbies in TT adventures and not going to compare them at all. Last but not least, they're ALL NOT cheap as everyone may already know. Never crossed my mind to throw out my CDP and DAC at anytime and they'll always be part of the hifi rig indefinitely and as long as I can enjoy it all.
10foot, 20foot pole...doesn't matter. Its just stay away unless NBTD!

From my experience, the general rule-of-thumb (not foolproof of course) for sound quality vis-a-vis LP vs CD is that if the recording is more current, then there is a good chance the audiophile LP will be better than the regular LP which will in turn sound better than the CD. This is because the original master tape will still be available and in good condition. For the old albums, e.g. Carole King Tapestry, etc, there is a high chance the modern audiophile re-issue will not sound as good as the original CD but both will sound dreadful when compared to a good version of the original LP. For audiophile version of Tapestry for e.g. the Sony/Columbia Masterworks half-speed remastered LP versions sounds better than even first pressings of the LP. But the modern reissues, even the 45rpm special editions are lacking. Because the original master tapes are no longer in prestine condition.

An annecdote. A few years ago, a group of well-to-do local audiophiles and high-end hifi shop owners decided to pool their finances together to buy the rights to the original Cai Qin 'Lau Ge' (old songs) master tape, with the intention to re-master it and then release on half-speed mastered 200gram LP. After enquiries with the Taiwan principle who owns the rights, they were told that the master tape has since deteriorated and all they get are 2nd or 3rd copies. They wisely declined. The recently reissued german pressed audiophile version of Lau Ge sounds bad, even compared to the normal pressing I bought years ago from HongKong. A friend of mine has the original 180gr audiophile reissue of Lau Ge, done when the master tape was still in good condition and it sounds superb. Have not been successful in locating one for myself over the past years (even if I can find 1 for sale, I'd expect the price to be horrendous).

Friends whose ears I trust tells me that the original audiophile LP of Norah Jone's Come Away with me sounds better than the regular LP which sounds better than the CD. But the recently anniversary verion of Jennifer Warnes Famous Blue Raincoat for e.g. lacks behind the original LP. As is the recent reissues of Come Away with me audiophile LP.

I have that Carole King Tapestry CBS Mastersound gold CD. Quite happy with it. If not mistaken, the original tapes were quite ordinary quarter inch 3M analog reel2reel tapes, nothing really audiophile.
I still possess the WEA re-issued Lao Ge LP still sealed bought years ago, never played. I wonder if its from the prestine master tape.
I wasn't really impressed with NJ's LP, after spinning it a couple of times on loan. Anyway, how many "audiophile" versions of these are there? AFAIK, one release retailed for quite sometime here after its release.

Any one have experience with Micro Seiki and Pioneer turtables?

Tat Chuan, back in the days when my friend Albert was still running the showroom used to have a big Micro Seki. The construction was solid but unfortunately we never really heard it play extensively. My impression then was that it was around Thorens TD160 kind of level (which was just below Linn LP12 at that time)

Hi everybody, I am new in this forum. I have an old Technics SL-Q212 TT. Please tell me where I can buy TT's cartridges in Malaysia (not the high end ones, just budget ones like audio technica will do). Please tell me, because there is no shops selling cartridges in Kuching (I'm from Kuching Sarawak BTW). Thanks

You can find them at AmCorp mall.
I remember there is a shop selling Audio Technica AT-95E.
Sorry.. I have difficulties remembering the shop name but if not mistaken it is Acoustique System.

car o scope wrote:You can find them at AmCorp mall.
I remember there is a shop selling Audio Technica AT-95E.
Sorry.. I have difficulties remembering the shop name but if not mistaken it is Acoustique System.

The guy's from KUCHING SARAWAK, 1000km away.
Anyway its priced at RM230 each if not mistaken, but perhaps Mr Lim there can arrange postal delivery to buyer.

Yup. I know. But he himself already mentioned that he could not find any in Sarawak. So, I come up with a suggestion to him.

Does anybody know the telephone number of the shop you mentioned?

I believe its the same dealer/seller.
Look here for contact details:
http://www.hifi4sale.net/audio-video-equipment-for-sale-f1/pioneer-pd-s802-cd-player-used-t3349.htm?sid=d272a2c3f0938b9f1bf8fc7857163126

Ok thanks cmboy.

Is there any shop in Malaysia selling brand new turntables. I am interested to own Technics SL-1200mk2. I don't dare to buy from Ebay since the amount of money involved is quite huge (RM2-3k). Please advise guys. Thanks.

aldrich wrote:Is there any shop in Malaysia selling brand new turntables. I am interested to own Technics SL-1200mk2. I don't dare to buy from Ebay since the amount of money involved is quite huge (RM2-3k). Please advise guys. Thanks.

If you want that model brand new, there's none here. (I don't know of any parallel imports) National Panasonic Malaysia have ceased support and no more import for this item. Nearest is Hin Huat Pte Ltd in S'pore Sim Lim Tower. http://www.hinhuatdj.com/ Fly there?

aldrich wrote:Is there any shop in Malaysia selling brand new turntables. I am interested to own Technics SL-1200mk2. I don't dare to buy from Ebay since the amount of money involved is quite huge (RM2-3k). Please advise guys. Thanks.

if u r looking for entry level TTs (besides Technics), u can try a variety of Rega models from Asia Sound @ Amcorp Mall (and their bullshit trade-in program which u can get away without actually having to really bring anything to trade-in to take advantage of the cheap-ass prices), or try Tong Lee @ Low Yat Plaza and consider their range of Pro-Ject turntables.

If u have megabucks to spend and want to get a Clearaudio TT, also can point you in the right direction.

Personal recommendation, do consider the Pro-Ject (especially the ones with USB output. Interesting don't you think?) ....

If u want dirt-ass cheap ... go for the Rega.

All these means u gotta take a trip to Semenanjung Malaysia ....

aldrich,

If you are going to Asia Sound for Rega, please mention that you come from far far away.

yah .. then sure will get "trade-in" pricing ... and no need to really physically trade-in any old junker TT !

aldrich wrote:Is there any shop in Malaysia selling brand new turntables. I am interested to own Technics SL-1200mk2. I don't dare to buy from Ebay since the amount of money involved is quite huge (RM2-3k). Please advise guys. Thanks.

Hing Huat sell their Sl-1200MK2 at Sin $1040 including shipping. I've asked 2 months ago. Like Those cartridges, you try LP Gear at google. Price is reasonable. All brand new.

Technics SL12xx is one TT I would have liked to owned for a number of excellent reasons but I reckon I don't think I'd ever will in the near future but I would luv to A-B compare with a Rega if there's any opportunity.

How do u intend to AB & C a few tt? In 1 particular setup over a period of time? U want to AB my kenwood kd500, direct drive quartz controlled mechanism with corian plinth(weighs a 15kg, 1 of several reason I don't want to lug around la) and SME IIIs arm/shure cartridge?

Thanks but no. I'm only interested in comparing this Technics model and no other.

uncle_vic wrote:How do u intend to AB & C a few tt? In 1 particular setup over a period of time? U want to AB my kenwood kd500, direct drive quartz controlled mechanism with corian plinth(weighs a 15kg, 1 of several reason I don't want to lug around la) and SME IIIs arm/shure cartridge?

Hi U Vic I am interested in yr use of Corian.
I need a plinth for a thorens td124 and Corian is one consideration.
Can I PM you about this?
Thanks

Hi Highvcut28,


Yes u can pm m for further chat. btw the corian plinth was customed made for kenwood many many years ago. It may be more difficult to get someone to customise your tt with stone plinth, probably not many know how to design stone plinths for tt. Another is the tooling problems.


check out this blog for diying your own plinth with wood......

http://h1f1.blogspot.com/2009/10/work-in-process.html


I know some of the guys there....

Thanks U Vic
Nice article. I have a bunch of stuff too re the pros and cons of the various materials.
i have a nice article re plinths for DD TT like yours and the writer seems to advocate corian
http://de.geocities.com/bc1a69/turntable_eng.html#zarge

but that may be advice peculiar to DDs, I dont know.
I want to make plinths for two 124 s that i have and will have to go for what is available locally - prob some sort of solid wood.
Thanks again.
highcut28

If it was me I think I'd still go for some imported and well made plinth for the TD124. Once and for all time. I have reservations of our local veneer ply and good timbers are hard to acquire locally. I gather our best veneers and timber are exported, leaving rubbish for local consumption.

We'll see CM. Nothing without yr approval of course!

Technics 1200 still in production? Thought it has being around for umpteen years already.

Corian is actually artificial marble, even density, unlike some stone that may have uneven texture. 1st made available by Du Pont. Modern kitchens uses corian, there may be some in this line of business that could help u guys make a tt plinth. If they don't know what's a tt, then it may be a bit difficult then. Make a corian plinth to mount 2 set of tonearm may be a useable option. Can consider.

aldrich wrote:Is there any shop in Malaysia selling brand new turntables. I am interested to own Technics SL-1200mk2. I don't dare to buy from Ebay since the amount of money involved is quite huge (RM2-3k). Please advise guys. Thanks.

Are you looking for brand new or used? I have a friend who sell used Technics in KL. If you interested feel free to contact me. I also have 1 new Sl-1210 new TT.

I own a Pioneer semi-auto unit. Currently my main player as my Systemdek is 'out of action'.. performance wise ahead of my other two TTs which are a Technics DD manual and Technics DD liner tracking.

yehlai, what you have in mind?..

yehlai wrote:Any one have experience with Micro Seiki and Pioneer turtables?

Looks like someone has a brand-new Technics SL1210 for sale at the FS section... + nice pictures.

Must have just came in fresh from across the causeway...

Somebody here was considering to buy a Technics ? Here's the chance.

IMO, in terms of construction & robustness, its a better choice than a Rega P1, P2, P3 anytime.

Technics is current a state of the art Japanese TT, no entry level to mid TT matches it but its pricey though, but in the West, its like buying a 500 bucks TT. Wish I could own one, but just can't.
I've always felt if this model had a much much heavier platter, it would be a killer TT! It can't have one because of DJ scratch purpose.

Any opinion on the rega p9 with rb1000? would love to hear anything with regards to this tt, good or bad.

For the $$$ u pay, u don't even get the "luxury feature" of fine-tuning the rpm speed.

I'm not saying its a bad piece of equipment, but just not quite worth its price tag.

thanks mugenfoo.

that is what i thought too. how about clearaudio products. there are so many models to choose from. sometimes i think the reason for so many models is so that they can confuse you. you know like, if you can't convince them, confuse them".

anyway, if you have say rm15 - 18 to blow on a table. what would your choice be?

i mean 15k to 18k.

mugenfoo wrote:For the $$$ u pay, u don't even get the "luxury feature" of fine-tuning the rpm speed.
I'm not saying its a bad piece of equipment, but just not quite worth its price tag.

If you're refering to the P9, its a damn good TT for RM10k current price.
It comes with a PSU the size of a pre-amp with state of the art motor control. Have you auditioned one yet or not? I have , quite frequently.
Of course its an entirely different animal from any Rega P5 and below due to component difference that set it wide apart.

cmboy wrote:

mugenfoo wrote:For the $$$ u pay, u don't even get the "luxury feature" of fine-tuning the rpm speed.
I'm not saying its a bad piece of equipment, but just not quite worth its price tag.

If you're refering to the P9, its a damn good TT for RM10k current price.
It comes with a PSU the size of a pre-amp with state of the art motor control. Have you auditioned one yet or not? I have , quite frequently.
Of course its an entirely different animal from any Rega P5 and below due to component difference that set it wide apart.

yup, and hearings auditions aside., when tested with a strobe disc, it still runs slightly fast.
Maybe Rega purposely designed it to run abit faster or something. Or maybe the TNB supply that day was too powerful.

I firmly believe ALL Rega TT's are purposely faster by a fraction. Faster a bit, not a problem, but not slower than 33.33rpm. Its actually very very seldom and rare that many Rega owners (except the perfectionist) complain about the speed accuracy.

One fine day in future, I may request permission from my buddy to view the inside of the P9 PSU and see if any adjustment pots are available. I have a feeling it does. I should have done it when I serviced his P9 recently. The bearing assembly looks better quality than the one in the Linn LP12. Till then.

cmboy wrote:Its actually very very seldom and rare that many Rega owners (except the perfectionist) complain about the speed accuracy.

So happen that mugen is not a Rega owner...