Turntable Advice

[paulfess]

I'm looking to replace my old TT ( haven't used it in years except to rip LP to wav - and it just expired :( ) and not sure if I need to get a phono pre amp stage, or for that matter whether to get MM or MC cartridge. Can advise me, as to what my options are with my current set up

• DK Design MKIII – hybrid Integrated Amp
• Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary

The DK has some sort of built in phono preamp – its phono input sensitivity is Ω 4mV, input impedance is 47kΩ, overload signal level Ω2 V.

Simply put what type and which cartridge can my set up support w/o getting a separate Phono PreAmp ? Or if a Phono stage or pre amp is required which one?

If it helps these are the TT I’m considering - thanks

1. Rega P3-24 Turntable
2. Sota Comet w/ S300 Tonearm
3. Music Hall MMF-7.1 Turntable
4. Pro-Ject RM-6.1 SB Turntable

[NekoAudio]

Since your DK Design MKIII already has a phono input, you shouldn't need to be a phono pre-amp / stage. As for MM or MC, that's up to you. You'll have to figure out what you like better or which makes your life easier.

Check out the Secrets Vinyl vs. CD articles (second half).

Here's a short quote:

Depending on how careful you think you can be setting it all up, you need to choose MM or MC. The Moving Coil (MC) will give the best detail, but will be the most vulnerable to noise because the output is very low. The more expensive they are, the more they seem to have lower and lower output, probably because just a few hand wound turns of wire are on the cantilever.

[HAL]

Looking at the phono stage spec of 4mV for normal output, this looks to need either a MM or high output MC cartridge with around 4mV@1kHz/5cm/sec cartridge spec.

The Shure M97E would be a very good choice if the table has a low effective mass arm.

Make sure whatever table/arm/cartridge combination that you purchase has a cartridge/arm resonance combination that is properly matched. If not, the table can be sensitive to vibration feedback. This means selecting a low compliance cartridge with a high effective mass arm or high compliance cartridge with a low effective mass arm. This is a simplified explanation, but gives some ideas of what to look for in specs.

Most table/arm/cartridge combos have this chosen so the system works well together. It is when you start changing cartidges that this becomes a point to consider.

A place to ask questions on TT's is on Audio Asylum's, Vinyl Asylum area. :)

[kingdeezieav123refugee]

Can you stretch your budget at all??

If so, I would definitely recommend the JA Michell Tecnodec. You can find it with the Rega 250 tonearm for 1800.

I was initially looking at this table as an option.

I contacted needledoctor.com and Brian over there is extremely helpful.

I ended up buying a Gyrodec SE with Tecnoarm and Dynavector 20X HO.

It should be here by this Friday. :)

[paulfess]

Can you stretch your budget at all??

If so, I would definitely recommend the JA Michell Tecnodec. You can find it with the Rega 250 tonearm for 1800.
)

Budget is not an issue, just took a swag at a price - listening to vinyl would be only a small % of my listening time. I'll take a look at the JA Mitchell in any case
Thanks

[kingdeezieav123refugee]

OIC.

Well, the Tecnodec is supposed to be a pretty decent table.

If you fall in love with Vinyl, you could also upgrade the arm from that Rega 250 and put a nicer cartridge on there and see vast improvements.

Personally, even though it was significantly more expensive, I went with the Gyrodec because over time it can almost be fully upgraded to an Michell Orbe which is their top of the line table.

But, if you are only starting off with listening a small amount of the time, the Tecnodec is a great way to go if you want to foot the money.

Initially I was looking at Funk Vector or Project, but was directed towards Michell.

Emailing someone at needledoctor.com is probably another avenue.

They were extremely helpful.

Just email them some specifics like music preference, budget, goals, etc, etc, and I am sure they will guide you in the right direction.

[paulfess]

Can you stretch your budget at all??

If so, I would definitely recommend the JA Michell Tecnodec. You can find it with the Rega 250 tonearm for 1800.

I spent a weekend or two looking and listening to TT's, VPI's, Nottinghams and your recommendation JA Michell Gyro SE.
I found a great condition 2 year old Gyro SE with RB250, VTA adjustment and Upgraded to Orbe-style platter and clamp and technoweights. All for 1450. Since I'm using the phono stage in my DK integrated I went cheap on the cartridge to start with to evaluate the MM phono input on the DK - a Rega Elys 2 for an additional 225. It should be here next week. Thanks for the recommendation :) This weekend I'm cleaning my collection of Jazz and classical vinyl :biglaugh:

[kingdeezieav123refugee]

That's great man!!

That's is an absolute steal man!

I am loving it right now. I bought it brand new, so I paid a lot more, and I don't have the Orbe platter.

I did upgrade to the Tecnoarm, and I bought a Dynavector 20x HO.

I don't know if I would ever get the Orbe platter. The Gyro gold plated weights are too sweet to part with.

I heard the sound difference with the Orbe platter was nice though.

Enjoy it man!