Fun on Dave's bench!

[orange]

You mght be slightly surprised what sits in my house.

 

[premiumplus]

Have you tried running the phono section, yet? That can make or break a possible candidate for a suitable preamplifier.

Nando.

I tried the phono for the first time yesterday. I haven't decided if I like it or not; it is nice and neutral which may grow on me. I need to listen some more and get used to the preamp as a whole before I can make an objective review. I did get the flaky input on AUX 2 fixed though, and I completed the recap. I found a bad connection at a PCB interconnection between the backplane jack board and the lower switch board.
I ended up preemptively resoldering every jack and interconnect point in the preamp. Also resoldered all the switches and pots, basically I did everything that is subject to any kind of mechanical stress in the unit. Which amounted to probably 150 solder joints. Give or take 100, who's counting
Now it's better than new, and that's the way we like em!!! I'll report back after I have used it for a while and let you know. It sure sounds great with CD's. Need to spend more time with the phono section.

 

[Elite-ist]

Do you have a Pioneer PL-71 turntable, Dave? And if you do, which cartridge do you use on it? Ben picked out the model in one of your group of three pictures posted in the EQ thread. You'll have to enlighten us with what gear is in your listening room. I see a lot of familiar faces for components.

Nando.

 

[premiumplus]

Do you have a Pioneer PL-71 turntable, Dave? And if you do, which cartridge do you use on it? Ben picked out the model in one of your group of three pictures posted in the EQ thread. You'll have to enlighten us with what gear is in your listening room. I see a lot of familiar faces for components.

Nando.

Good eye, it is a PL-71. Currently I have a Shure M97xE in it. Love that turntable.
Other gear includes a PL400, PL700B biamped thru a Dahlquist LP-1 crossover, out to DQ-10's and one (looking for another) DQ-1W subwoofer.
SAE 2100L preamp, SAE 2800 parametric eq, SAE 5000 impulse noise reduction, DBX 3bx expander, Teac 1230 reel to reel, Teac R-888X cassette deck, Pioneer DV-45A dvd/cd player, JBL L-36 speakers, Optimus-7 speakers, Pioneer SG-9500 eq, Pioneer SX-1010, Bedroom system is Pioneer SX-1250, Pioneer DV-45A dvd/cd player, DBX 3bx expander, and Boston Acoustics A-200 speakers.
Then there are various other components scattered about...a couple of Phase Linear 4000 preamps, several tuners, a Crown DC-300A amp, an old KLH model 24 system, a few Soundcraftsmen eq's...it's a disease!

 

[BubbaH]

Were you happy with the Shure cart before switching pre's? Apparently capacitance loading really helps make those carts sing.

 

[premiumplus]

Were you happy with the Shure cart before switching pre's? Apparently capacitance loading really helps make those carts sing.

Truthfully, I've never been that excited about the M97 on any preamp I've had. That includes a Kenwood Basic C-2, Hafler DH-101, Luxman C350, Phase LInear 4000, and now the SAE 2100L. I just haven't made the commitment to trick out my vinyl side yet...I started rebuilding my system with the Dahlquists, then I found Phoenix and I've made the decision to White Oak PL700 and 400's to drive 'em.
What other carts are there that are better than the Shure M97eX for sane money? I'm not into paying more than $150 at the moment. I do love that Pioneer PL-71.
Back in the 80's I lost a Kenwood KD-500 (that's the composite plinth that looks like granite), equipped with an SME 3009 type II arm, I forget the cart I used...Now that was a turntable system.

 

[Northwinds]

Back in the 80's I lost a Kenwood KD-500 (that's the composite plinth that looks like granite), equipped with an SME 3009 type II arm, I forget the cart I used...Now that was a turntable system.

I sold the same table a few years ago, I always used Grado's with it. Mine had a Grace 707 tonearm installed on it. Should have kept that arm, I would love another for my PL-550, that or a SME

 

[Elite-ist]

Ron: I've seen a few pictures of your Pioneer PL-550 turntable. Awesome tt! I had, and recently sold my PL-570 for $650 on consignment at IA. I was the second owner and it came with all the original stuff: packing carton, colour brochure, operating manual. I ran an ADC XLM cartridge.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

Nando, you still have your other PL beauty don't you??

 

[Elite-ist]

Yes, Lee. The PL-630 I won't let go for some time, if at all.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

Simply Gorgeous....