As some of you know I've longing to get into vinyl and the quest continues. Last week I got a Technics SL-B10 from a freind, a simple P Mount rig, with a low hour Empire LTD280 cartridge on it.
[attachment=1:2dfkvhzw]IMG_0273.JPG[/attachment:2dfkvhzw]
I'm surprised that it sounds as good as it does really, and it seems that this cartridge is doing a fine job of tracking. The other turntables I've had, the Stanton and the Project Debut III both had issues with low quality sound, inner grove distortion, on the last track or two. No doubt due to the cartridge.
I'm pretty certain that the stock cartridges were not elliptical, but this Empire is and there are no issues at all! Very consistent!
The other thing is that the overall quality of sound is much better. This makes me wonder that there is also something to be said about the steel platter/slip-mat that came stock with the Debut III and the 1.2 I had years ago, and how the acrylic platter is recommended. Seems like the rubber mat/aluminum could be working towards an advantage for this Technics. I'm sure it's not the case for every setup.
[attachment=0:2dfkvhzw]IMG_0272.JPG[/attachment:2dfkvhzw]
Brief comments on the rest of the System:
The speakers are a pair of Snell CIV's, driven by a Jolida 502brc and a PS Audio 200c. The preamp is a Nikko Beta 20. The configuration is odd but very satisfying. Since the Jolida seems to have more gain then the PS, I use the passive attenuator on the Jolida to establish the balance.
Even though the preamp is a cheap one, freeing the Jolida of the job of driving a pair of 10" drivers and additional crossover components allow it to perform and sound better in every conceivable way. Most of the time I have been using the Jolida on it's own for the sake of simplicity.
There are plenty of areas here for upgrades, most I'm well aware of. However, I have to say that I'm able to enjoy any material I can throw at this system, at whatever volume suits me. And now I'm starting to get a taste of what analog can offer, most notably on well recorded vocals.
Cheers,
Joe
[attachment=1:2dfkvhzw]IMG_0273.JPG[/attachment:2dfkvhzw]
I'm surprised that it sounds as good as it does really, and it seems that this cartridge is doing a fine job of tracking. The other turntables I've had, the Stanton and the Project Debut III both had issues with low quality sound, inner grove distortion, on the last track or two. No doubt due to the cartridge.
I'm pretty certain that the stock cartridges were not elliptical, but this Empire is and there are no issues at all! Very consistent!
The other thing is that the overall quality of sound is much better. This makes me wonder that there is also something to be said about the steel platter/slip-mat that came stock with the Debut III and the 1.2 I had years ago, and how the acrylic platter is recommended. Seems like the rubber mat/aluminum could be working towards an advantage for this Technics. I'm sure it's not the case for every setup.
[attachment=0:2dfkvhzw]IMG_0272.JPG[/attachment:2dfkvhzw]
Brief comments on the rest of the System:
The speakers are a pair of Snell CIV's, driven by a Jolida 502brc and a PS Audio 200c. The preamp is a Nikko Beta 20. The configuration is odd but very satisfying. Since the Jolida seems to have more gain then the PS, I use the passive attenuator on the Jolida to establish the balance.
Even though the preamp is a cheap one, freeing the Jolida of the job of driving a pair of 10" drivers and additional crossover components allow it to perform and sound better in every conceivable way. Most of the time I have been using the Jolida on it's own for the sake of simplicity.
There are plenty of areas here for upgrades, most I'm well aware of. However, I have to say that I'm able to enjoy any material I can throw at this system, at whatever volume suits me. And now I'm starting to get a taste of what analog can offer, most notably on well recorded vocals.
Cheers,
Joe
lol.I don't think I've ever had a system set up with more wire than this one. 
