Call me impulsive, call me anything, just call me nice names and be sure to call me for lunch!
I've been in a quandary for a long long time about new vs. vintage 'tables, cart/stylus replacement/upgrades to TT's that aren't worthy, and I major in computer audio to boot, adding misery to indecision.
I don't have Osage Audio coin as much as I'd like. I'd spend if I could, but couldn't (notice I said "couldn't", not can't, meaning I did buy something).
I hit up the discount/clearance rack (virtually of course) at Music Direct for a discontinued music hall mmf-2.2le w/magic 2 cart (don't hit).
Don't ask for unboxing videos, they just eat up bandwidth I can use to jaw. A smartphone will come some dark day when I bite the bullet. Just use your imagination and go to Google Images for someone else's pics.
My setup took slightly over 30 minutes (and you must know I'm all thumbs, old age eyes, and no EE by any stretch). I zeroed the arm myself (hehe).
I had 14 upgrades lined up before I placed the first record on. What a Nervous Norvus I am.
I watched the YouTube guides till I could recite them by rote. The 'table arrived the next day after I ordered, around 9:00 pm (I live in BFE nowadays). Music Direct is on my short list.
What came out was pleasant, on my best-pressed/recorded/preserved/curated vinyl. I was well-chuffed, as they say across the pond. Run-in should prove to be a benefit after 25-50 hours of play (I'm told by geeks who believe in run-in).
Now I'm going to put on Camel Mirage, which is what drove me over the $299 price precipice (say that ten times fast). That record sounded like d*** on my Thorens TD-165, with improvised feet, a $10 nail for a stylus, and an original 70's Pickering that was probably rusty inside from somebody wet-playing records back in the day (wonder who that was). Mirage, on Janus, was very shrill and probably a too-hot press. On the other hand, I Can See Your House From Here (1979 Arista promo featuring Who We Are) plays well, and quiet.
I'll report back after playing them both to compare pressings (to eat up more of that precious bandwidth now that I have y'all's attention).
As of this writing, Emmit Rhodes' S/T debut on Probe import was a winner (I could play that album on a Close-And-Play and rock out).
Brian Protheroe Pinball on Chrysalis, another winner winner chicken dinner (token food reference).
Bee Gees' Odessa (RSO reissue single-LP version) sounded stringy and lush, and Robin was right there.
Barclay James Harvest Octoberon on MCA (1976) needs replacing (VV should have that within my $10 limit). The essence was there, along with some decidedly un-digital pops and crackles. And a repeater skip in Rock And Roll Star. We're binning that item upon replacement.
Next up, Nazareth Close Enough For Rock And Roll on A&M, with their opus Telegram.
If I'm not back soon, I'm at the audiologist after puncturing my cochlear membrane on Camel Mirage.
I'd stick to files if I didn't have all these cool vinyls (don't hit).
Someday I'll afford new records like Temples Sun Structures and more neo-psych. Files will have to suffice for the time.
