The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:

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Big Red Machine

So how about we make a list of tools that any self-respecting audiophool should have at the ready? I have no idea what someone with a TT needs at hand. Not sure the proper Circle for this. Hope you agree this is a good idea.

Okay, I'll start the list:

db meter like a Ratshack meter

Tape measure

Hand mirror

Deoxit or other contact cleaner

Cheater plug for troubleshooting

Wattmeter
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/tools/test-measurement/Metrs-HVAC-R/energy-saver?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=COvYz6C89swCFYk9gQodI2gKjw

Wire gauge calculator
http://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator_ep_42.html

Basic calculations
http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-ohm.htm

Binding post wrench
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dJuDrlAsQ8S/p_703BINDPW/AudioQuest-Binding-Post-Wrench.html


FullRangeMan

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #1 on: 26 May 2016, 01:04 am »
Level meter must for vinyl lovers, over the years I spare two for rack level etc

HAL

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #2 on: 26 May 2016, 01:04 am »
How about a DMM for checking things like cables and connectors.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html

Devil Doc

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #3 on: 26 May 2016, 01:24 am »
Jeweler's screwdrivers and hex wrenches with handles. Wire cutters, soldering gun canned air or better yet air compressor, and voltmeter.

Doc

sonicxtc

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #4 on: 26 May 2016, 01:35 am »
Ears  :roll:

Remarkably helpful :wink:

Preferably your own ears as most people prefer to hang on to their own.

BTW, this is actually an excellent concept for a thread.

dB Cooper

Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #5 on: 26 May 2016, 01:43 am »
A thesaurus, for our attempts to describe sound verbally

A corkscrew or bottle opener for liquid refreshments

JerryM

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #6 on: 26 May 2016, 01:54 am »
Great Topic, BRM.

I'll go with 'knowledgeable folks who are willing to help': http://www.audiocircle.com/

Ern Dog

Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #7 on: 26 May 2016, 02:25 am »
A laser beam for accurate speaker positioning.
A tube tester is ideal for those with lots of tubes in your system.

FullRangeMan

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #8 on: 26 May 2016, 02:45 am »
The acessories are in limited number though useful,
there is no much more to add.

JerryM

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #9 on: 26 May 2016, 03:19 am »
The acessories are in limited number though useful, there is no much more to add.

Maybe so, but even a non-vinyl guy can add a stylus force gauge or cartridge alignment protractors.  :thumb:

Odal3

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #10 on: 26 May 2016, 04:52 pm »

I'll go with 'knowledgeable folks who are willing to help': http://www.audiocircle.com/
+1  :thumb:

glynnw

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #11 on: 26 May 2016, 05:39 pm »
A large closet.

rockadanny

Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #12 on: 26 May 2016, 07:43 pm »
A large roll of cash.



While not mandatory, it sure can make things easier.

S Clark

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #13 on: 26 May 2016, 07:54 pm »
For vinyl, a record cleaning machine.  A brush and some spray isn't enough.

Wayner

Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #14 on: 26 May 2016, 07:58 pm »
Here is my list for vinyl playback.

1. Omni-directional (top view) bubble level (I have the Audio Technica).
2. Regular bubble level (I have bought levels, sawed them apart and extracted the bubble level vial(s). I use this to reference the platter with one and set the headshell azimuth with the other.
3. Electronic scale for setting VTF
4. Small stylus brush for cleaning.
5. Record cleaning brush (I use a Discwasher D4).
6. Record cleaning fluid (I make my own from 3 parts 99% isopropyl alcohol, 1 part water put into a small 4 oz. spray bottle).
7. Cartridge Alignment tools (I have my own).
8. Blank disc (for setting AS), or if you don't like that, checking that the AS actually works.
9. Spanner screw driver (to set tonearm pivots)
10. Old record (used to set the VTF scale on, and cartridge alignment tool on).
11. Jeweler's loop or USB microscope (to examine stylus condition).
12. LC meter to check pf of interconnects from table to phono preamp.
13. Strobe disc (to check for speed performance).
14. Micro screw drivers and Allen wrench set(s) (both English and Metric).
15. Some kind of RCM or record cleaning method.
16. MOFI record sleeves.

All for now.

Wayner

electricbear

Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #15 on: 26 May 2016, 08:05 pm »
Don't forget you also need an understanding spouse or a good divorce lawyer.

mikemalec

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #16 on: 29 Jun 2017, 08:06 pm »
if you use a cd player a system enhancer disc is vey useful.
S

mikemalec

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Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #17 on: 29 Jun 2017, 08:10 pm »
Sorry for the previous short post.
Pressed the wrong button.

Purist audio has such a disc as well as Sheffield Labs.

These are also use full for setup and testing.
 

*Scotty*

Re: The basic toolkit for the serious audiophool includes:
« Reply #18 on: 29 Jun 2017, 09:00 pm »
When the word "serious" was added to audiophile, a can of worms was opened. The can's name is acoustics.
 One must have measurement software like REW or equivalent and a calibrated microphone to tackle the problem.
 Dealing effectively with room modes and comb-filtering requires the data provided by accurate measurement as a prerequisite.
Scotty

BigguyinATL

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Get yourself a good assortment of CD with test tones and such.  Or purchase "Goldwave" and make your own test tones.
I have used Goldwave to make a band limited pink noise signal, Various multisine and swept sine signals.

A good sound meter is very useful... Do not rely on Radio shack (+/- 4dB -  C weighted) 

Interesting article on smart phone apps. http://acousticstoday.org/acoustical-measurements-smartphones-possibilities-limitations-benjamin-m-faber/

And note that you can rent a "Truth" providing Bruel & Kjaer meter - Essentially +/- 0.25dB  5Hz to 20kHz if you want to set up a system precisely.