Which TT is right for me?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by rded

The dealer said it has both mm-mc. But I know eventually I'm going to get a separate phono stage. Definitely simaudio LP3 or if the budget permits, the LP5.3(God willing!).
I've heard the Avid Diva II briefly but I have to listen to it again.

Great! Just realise the the phono stage in just about any reciever will not be in the same league as a dedicated phono stage. For example, the phono stage in my Audio Research SP-9 preamp is pretty good, but a dedicated phono stage like their Phono 7 is very high on my upgrade list (and after that a better line stage to take full advantage of the Phono 7).

Rich, do educate us on the tonearms. From what I understand a better tonearm allows for better attachement of cartridges and some tonearms like the signature vpi arms arm wired with nordost valhalla cabling but I'm sure there's more to it...

Indeed there is, as hopefully my other post explains!

[rded]

Rich,

Thanks for the quick crash course-very educational indeed Man, I'd love to do more TT auditioning but its just frigid outside! Us Chicagoans are not used to sub zero temperatures for extended periods of time(2days or more)
I understand that the phono stage in the Arcam may not be excellent but is probalby better than the ones in their entry level integrated amps/older receivers. So its definitely in the list for upgrades. I just realized that it never ends(the add ons) and that I know my room requires acoustic treatments but getting there is where the fun really is for me

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by rded

Rich,

Thanks for the quick crash course-very educational indeed Man, I'd love to do more TT auditioning but its just frigid outside! Us Chicagoans are not used to sub zero temperatures for extended periods of time(2days or more)
I understand that the phono stage in the Arcam may not be excellent but is probalby better than the ones in their entry level integrated amps/older receivers. So its definitely in the list for upgrades. I just realized that it never ends(the add ons) and that I know my room requires acoustic treatments but getting there is where the fun really is for me

I couldn't agree more Rhett! The journey is a big part! I haven't been able to audition much in the last 2 months or so, because of the holidays and work, but I'm off the week after next and plan to visit several audio stores for a good listen to some things on my "wishlist".

In the meantime, asking questions and getting great advice from some very knowledgeable people, like Rich (richteer), Rich (prerich) and Rich (naturephoto1), has allowed me to define what I'm looking for on a much more educated level. And that indeed has been a lot of fun!

[rded]

Originally Posted by John72953

I couldn't agree more Rhett! The journey is a big part! I haven't been able to audition much in the last 2 months or so, because of the holidays and work, but I'm off the week after next and plan to visit several audio stores for a good listen to some things on my "wishlist".

In the meantime, asking questions and getting great advice from some very knowledgeable people, like Rich (richteer), Rich (prerich) and Rich (naturephoto1), has allowed me to define what I'm looking for on a much more educated level. And that indeed has been a lot of fun!

I feel I have learned so much already by just reading all your posts. There is actually an event By my local dealer showcasing the Dynaudio Sapphire mated with the top of the line Simaudio stuff and nordost cabling. I am wishing they'll have a turntable there as well but I guess the free food and booze will suffice.
Speaking of Dyns... John, have you considered Dynaudio for speakers? They are awesome at every level and will give the big named speakers a run for their money.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by rded

Rich,

Thanks for the quick crash course-very educational indeed Man, I'd love to do more TT auditioning but its just frigid outside! Us Chicagoans are not used to sub zero temperatures for extended periods of time(2days or more)
I understand that the phono stage in the Arcam may not be excellent but is probalby better than the ones in their entry level integrated amps/older receivers. So its definitely in the list for upgrades. I just realized that it never ends(the add ons) and that I know my room requires acoustic treatments but getting there is where the fun really is for me

You're welcome!

Audio--especially the high end--isn't so much a destination as a journey. Some people chose to make that journey longer (more, and more expensive upgrades), others chose to make it shorter. Me, I'm on a journey for life! :-)

Just earlier today, I heard my MartinLogan Spires should be delivered tomorrow. I can hardly wait!

[rded]

Originally Posted by richteer

You're welcome!

Audio--especially the high end--isn't so much a destination as a journey. Some people chose to make that journey longer (more, and more expensive upgrades), others chose to make it shorter. Me, I'm on a journey for life! :-)

Just earlier today, I heard my MartinLogan Spires should be delivered tomorrow. I can hardly wait!

Dude! Congrats! I'd love to hear your speakers when fully broken in I'm just glad that I've finally met people just as- if not more obsessive than I am about AV products. It is for this reason that I am in the quest for the most upgradable turntable out there, that sounds awesome and that's within my budget for the time being.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

Just earlier today, I heard my MartinLogan Spires should be delivered tomorrow. I can hardly wait!

Woohoooooo!!!! Congrats Rich! You must be excited beyond recognition. I know you wanted them...good for you!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by rded

I feel I have learned so much already by just reading all your posts. There is actually an event By my local dealer showcasing the Dynaudio Sapphire mated with the top of the line Simaudio stuff and nordost cabling. I am wishing they'll have a turntable there as well but I guess the free food and booze will suffice.
Speaking of Dyns... John, have you considered Dynaudio for speakers? They are awesome at every level and will give the big named speakers a run for their money.

Actually Rhett, Totems incorporate Dyn Audio drivers (although they are significantly modified) on some of their models. As a result they sound similar. They also use HiVi drivers on other speakers (models of which escape me at the moment).

Although I'm not considering a speaker change at the moment, I have been toying with the idea of moving up to the Hawks from my current Sttaf's.

John

[rded]

Originally Posted by John72953

Actually Rhett, Totems incorporate Dyn Audio drivers (although they are significantly modified) on some of their models. As a result they sound similar. They also use HiVi drivers on other speakers (models of which escape me at the moment).

Although I'm not considering a speaker change at the moment, I have been toying with the idea of moving up to the Hawks from my current Sttaf's.

John

For the record, I flirted with Totem, and B$W prior to deciding on Dyns. I just wasn't quite sure whether you've seen my post at your 2 channel thread when I recommended Dynaudio. I truely am excite for you and Rich and wish I could come over to hear your beloved systems when completed.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Well buddy...if you're ever in the Toronto area let me know!

John

[richteer]

Thanks for the congrats about my speakers, guys! They should be here sometime after lunch. Fingers crossed...

If you're ever in the Okanagan, let me know! High end vinyl, tubes, and electostatic speakers: does it getter any better?!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

Thanks for the congrats about my speakers, guys! They should be here sometime after lunch. Fingers crossed...

We want a full review Rich! LOL!! And some updated pics as well!

Have they arrived yet?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

We want a full review Rich! LOL!! And some updated pics as well!

Have they arrived yet?

Not here yet (it's still only 09:30 here in BC), but if I could borrow a line from Top Gun, they must be close 'cause I'm getting a hard on! :-) Updated pics--of the speakers!!!--will follow once I've set 'em up.

[rded]

I can't wait Rich!

[rded]

Is anybody familiar with Nottingham Analogue, particularly the space ship?

[richteer]

I've had some brief experience with one of Nottingham Analogue's turntables. They're not bad.

Oh, and my new speakers (MartinLogan Spires) arrived on Friday afternoon. As promised, here's a photo of them in my room:

[rded]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttttttt! What Pre/amp and cables are u using?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by rded

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttttttt! What Pre/amp and cables are u using?

Thanks!

I'm using an Audio Research SP-9 Mk 2 pre amp, PrimaLuna ProLogue 7s power amps, and a combination of Nordost, QED, and home made cables. I intend to replace the QED and home made stuff with Nordost as soon as finances allow!

Edit: More pics of my system (including my turntable) are on the MartinLogan Owner's Club site.

[Gremal]

Congrats on the new electrostats! Those look nice.

Is there a matching center you are tempted to get?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Gremal

Congrats on the new electrostats! Those look nice.

Is there a matching center you are tempted to get?

Thanks!

If I were in the market for a center speaker at the moment, the MartinLogan Stage would be a no-brainer. But I think that 21" CRT needs to be replaced with a 60" Pioneer Elite plasma display first! :-)