Got it.
He didn't do a great job on the new RCA connectors as one is loose internally and will obviously need re-soldering. He probably loosened it when he was up plugging it. Nasty hum on that channel until its positioned properly, not a big deal I can deal with that later.
[attachment=0:2s8uzvgq]IMG_0280.JPG[/attachment:2s8uzvgq]
As you can see (kinda) it's in decent shape. The cartridge is an AT-70 I think, which is conical, not close to high end -and definitely not as bright as my other table with the empire.
Honestly its dramatically different, and a huge leap forward so far in quality and definition. I keep leaving this post to spin something else to make sure I'm not being deceived by some unrealized issue. The same Debussy/Bernstein record I listened to this morning was not just better sounding tonight, it actually has three dimensions. There are instruments there now where there was only tonal sounds, and there is energy in the concert hall that moves along with the orchestra, yet separately, which is obviously intended to invoke feeling, and it does.
I'm sure as I listen to more recordings, I will find more faults. When I listened to a Jazz recording that had Bobby McFerrin singing on one track, it seemed something was missing. Possibly the other setup may have exaggerated something and in that case was pleasing. The sound of this new (old) TT/Cart is a bit laid back, but maybe that's how it should be-to a point.
I've been told and read many times that vinyl should sound "warm", and only my memory as a kid listening to my dad's old tubed cabinet stereo suggested that to be true. After having many different TT's over the past year or 2, some new, some used, I began thinking that I would completely abandon the idea. But finally, I am starting to think there is something more to be had here.
While I don't speak as someone who has had a lot of good experiences with vinyl and turntables, I have had a lot of good experiences with 2 channel systems and critical listening, and in my opinion, yard sale fodder or not, this turntable is good.
I just hope it lasts
