[BT]

Finances dictate that my system is small and mid-fi, but I'm slowly upgrading.  I have an NAD reciever with onboard phono stage driving two PSB B25 bookshelf speakers.  And I have many vinyl records--I used to manage a record store.  I'm running an 80s-vintage harmon Kardon T-45 turntable with an older (ZC+) Grado cart.  I'm wondering whether the Grado Longhorn would be a good use of my limited upgrading funds for this system. Also, I see that Frank uses a similar HK Turntable with some modifications--does the T-45 seem like a good match for that cartridge? Does the Longhorn crossbar interfere with the disc stabilizing weight?  Are there any inexpensive mods that you recommend for the T-45?  

Thanks very much for any advice.

[Zheeeem]

If you have $5, you might try the longhorn grado upgrade yourself.  Frank has a recipe for it in one of the earlier Audio Basics, all of which are downloadable from his website.  (And almost all of which are worth reading, IMHO.)

It's pretty easy - a 1/8" brass u-channel, solder, plasti-clay and glue, plus some 'round the house tools is all that's needed.  It takes about an hour to make.  It is a very useful upgrade.  

The T-45 was a decent TT in its day.  Assuming there are no defects, it should serve well enough in your setup.  IIRC, Frank also had some mods for the T-35.  Dunno if they would work for the T-45 as well.

[Dan Kolton]

Frank did his mods to my wife's T60 some years ago.  Very worth while, but the T45 would probably be even better.  The T60 is sprung so loose that walking around causes stylus bounce unless it's on a concrete floor.  The mods primarily include an external power supply to drive the unit with DC.  Dunno whether Frank will still do this mod, but, if not, maybe he'll tell you what he did.

[skrivis]

If you have $5, you might try the longhorn grado upgrade yourself.  Frank has a recipe for it in one of the earlier Audio Basics, all of which are downloadable from his website.  (And almost all of which are worth reading, IMHO.)

It's pretty easy - a 1/8" brass u-channel, solder, plasti-clay and glue, plus some 'round the house tools is all that's needed.  It takes about an hour to make.  It is a very useful upgrade.  

I simplified this for some Audio-Technica cartridges that had a nice flat front surface. I just used brass right-angle stock, some solder and clay, then super-glued it to the front of the cartridge. You could also, I suppose, use the u-channel and then glue it right to the cartridge. (Flat bottom of the U glued to cart.)

Check the April '82 Audio Basics for more. (http://www.avahifi.com/root/audio_basics/ab_pdf/ab1982.pdf)

The basic idea is that, if you're sitting on a swivel chair with your arms outstretched at your sides, it will be harder to start you spinning than it would be if your arms weren't outstretched. (It's the same as the principle of the lever.)