Date:         Fri, 11 Jul 2003 10:13:19 -0400
Reply-To:     Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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Sender:       Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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From:         James L Wolf <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Need Turntable advice for amateur archivist
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  Randy,

    Generally, I'd agree with the earlier response that you want a belt
drive to cut down on motor noise. However, I've heard good things about
the Denon direct-drive systems, though I can't say anything about
specific   models.
   $500 is  pretty limiting for a good-quality table and arm. If you're
lucky you might find a VPI HW-19 Jr. for around that. Those give a lot
of bang for the buck and have the advantages of relatively easy setup,
upgradability and good compatibility with a variety of cartridges. I've
heard they work particularly well with the Shure V15VxMR cartridge.
Thorens is a decent lower-cost belt drive, but try to avoid their more
recent offerings. Ebay often has some pretty good Thorens and Dual
tables for cheap. A little tune-up and they can be as good as new.
   I'd be really hesitant to get the particular Denon table you mention
because you'll be paying for the A-to-D converter built into it, and
more likely you'll want that either to be outboard or a card on your
computer (for which I recommend the M-Audio 9624 - good, clean sound and
quite cheap). I could be wrong but I'd think the turntable is the last
place you'd want the converter to be located, especially with direct
drive.
   The Library uses the V15VxMR cartridge for LP and 45 playback and
they're also great for the money (around $325). It handles worn or
difficult to track discs very well, though the disc needs to be well
cleaned since the stylus has so little mass. If you need to go with a
cheaper cartridge, I like the Grado Prestige series. I think these
handle percussion heavy music (like garage and punk) well and really
deliver the necessary punch. But you may have to add some mass to the
arm to avoid the Grado shimmy.
  Hope this helps some, and thanks to the folks like Larry Miller and
Steve Smolian for teaching me about this stuff.

James

>>> [log in to unmask] 07/10/03 10:27PM >>>
I'm in need of a new TT, and I would like to be able to do some
amateur
sound restoration/preservation.  Mostly it is working with my own
collection and that of various pals and associates, and by and large
it
would be records made in the last 30 years or so, often garage/punk
type
stuff that was at times poorly recorded and cheaply pressed.  I do
have
other interests, including a small personal collection of 78's so I'm
looking for something that gives me the most options for the future.
And
my budget tops out at about $500....

Randy Lancelot