Well, I got it running...

[xneox]

I got the new belt installed, gave the tt a good overall detailing & wax, and cut the new platter mat form the yoga mat I'd bought. I hooked it up on my bench and was so pleased with what I heard, I completely rearranged my basement to create a proper home for the new setup. I dug all of the albums out of storage and went through them. Some decent stuff...some I probably won't listen to. Way too much KISS.

I know someone said not to expect much, but I'm amazed at how good it sounds. Granted, the older stuff sounds...well, older. But I threw Billy Joel's Greatest Hits on for a spin and it sounds beautiful. I can see why audiophiles are into vinyl...it's really hard to describe, but it's as if the sound is bigger somehow.

Now I really don't know what I'm doing as far as setting the tonearm weight and cartridge angle, but I think I have it dialed in pretty well. I just adjusted the cartridge so it's not leaning one way or the other, and seems 'straight' relative to the record grooves. As far as the weight, the stylus compresses a little more than 1/3 of its apparent travel.

One thing I did notice with some records, when I turn up the volume...the speakers pull in and out as if someone's doing it by hand, but still play the music, and don't seem to sound strange...like the extreme movements aren't making any sound. Hard to describe. It doesn't do that all the time. Not sure wtf that's all about.

Anyway, here are some pics. Any and all advice is welcome, as long as it doesn't involve me spending money.

A stitched panorama - the doors are straight...just a bad stitch.


Closer view. Some of the albums on the wall are coming down for actual playing.


Shown with the Pioneer VSX-505S and Insignia NS-B2111s. The speakers sit on independent shelving, so none of the vibes make it to the tt. Also, it's a basement, so the floor under the rug is concrete...nice to be able to jump up & down right next to the tt and not have it skip.


Here's the yoga mat mat. I wish they had black...


You can really see how well it came clean and how the wood shines with the butcher's wax in this shot...