[Shaman]

Hello all,   
I'm aiming to buy my first serious turntable this month (that plastic thing that came with the SONY midi system I bought when I was in high school doesn't even count as a TT I guess!). My budget is kinda limited to about 150 pounds for a deck with arm and, optionally, cartridge.

After some research I came to the conclusion that the best bang for the buck would be a Systemdek IIX900 (or IIX - not sure what their difference is though) or a Manticore Mantra, both fitted with an RB250 or RB300 (though the 300 is hard to come by at this price range). My second choice would be something like a Thorens TD150 or TD160 but I'm mainly focusing on the first two I mentioned. All of the above are said to outperform a new budget TT like the Goldring GR2 or a used, but newer, Rega Planar 3.

What I wanted to ask is how the systemdek and the mantra compare to each other. Did anyone have the chance to listen to them both? I've read the Mantra was best in it's price range (aka better than a Linn Axis) but I'm not sure if the Systemdek IIX900 was in that same price range as well.

It all boils down to this: If you could buy a Systemdek with an RB250 arm and a Mantra with an RB250, which would you prefer?

Audio performance aside, I guess the main advantage of the Systemdek is the better supply of spare parts (since it was more popular than the Mantra and there are the Audio Notes around). Would you say this is true?

I'm a total newbie when it comes to turtables so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Kostas

[WEEZ]

I think ScottF has a TT1..and maybe a Systemdek also...not sure

Welcome to AC, by the way

WEEZ

[Scott F.]

Yep Weez, I've got the Audio Note TT1 which is essentially newer version of the IIX or the 2X2 (the TT1 and 2X2 both have the acrylic platter). I also had a 2X2 but sold it to one of the other Gateway Audio guys.

Although I can't tell you how the Mantra sounds, I can definitely let you know how the Systemdek sounds. If you are upgrading from an inexpensive deck, you will absolutely love the sound of the Systemdek. Without question, the Systemdeks are a highly underrated table. The IIX really needs the acrylic platter to perform at it's best but the glass platter, a decent turntable mat and a record clamp will sound pretty darned good too. TNT-Audio has a DIY recipe for a platter mat if you feel adventurous. If you are interested in upgrading teh platter, Peter Q at Audio Note is offering the acrylic platters again for the IIX.

When you saved up a bit more, go after one of the offset counterweights for the RB250/300. Sal at Expressimo used to make them but he went out of business a while back. Somebody else was making them but I can't remember who. The Origin counterweight isn't all it's cracked up to be. I've played with both and the offset works much much better. That is the one I use on my TT1/modified RB250. It sounds wonderful.

Oh the other thing that I'd do is get rid of the flimsy pressboard covering the bottom of the turntable. Use it as a template and cut out a new bottom cover from 18mm MDF. Then get yourself a set of adjustable spikes so you can level the table.

When properly setup, this inexpensive little suspended table (with full tweaks) will sound as good if not better than the hallowed Linn. If you can get one in the 150 pound range, go for it. You will not be disappointed. It is defiantly one of the best deals in used audio out there. If you score one, be sure to let us know.

[WEEZ]

Scott, if I might ask...where can one find a TT1 here in the states? Are there any dealers?

(sorry to butt-in on your thread, there Shaman )

WEEZ

[Shaman]

Great input!
Nah, this is my first real turntable but I've done quite a lot of research the past 3-4 weeks. I've got a couple of those Systemdeks on my crosshair, with a bit of luck I'll be able to grab one!  

I really enjoy the idea of tweaking especially when the deck comes with an RB250. So many things to tweak in such a setup. I already have a rough plan on my mind.
I heard other people mention the bottom pressboard as well. Most say it sounds better without it. I'll try it for sure. Since the budget is tight at the moment, I'm gonna start by making a TNT Sandblaster and I'll compare it to an "isolation platform" i've already got materials for which will consist of two 3cm thick pieces of granite separated by a thick sheet of cork and 4 spikes at the bottom stuck with blue-tac. I guess the sandblaster will perform better but you never know. I'll also try and stick strips of Dynamat on the underside of the turntable - I've read instructions about it somewhere (I just hope I'll be able to find that link again). Later I'll experiment with some higher quality mat (Achromat?). An acrylic platter upgrade is the last step before moving into the RB250 tweaking territory! Yeap, sounds like a plan!  

Thank you for the help. 


[No worries WEEZ.    ]

[Scott F.]

Weez,

Not sure who the Audio Note importer for the US is these days, it used to be Dave Cope at Triode & Co but I think he passed it on to somebody  The new TT1 used to run about $1350 with arm less the cart. Not sure what has happened to the price since the dollar has tanked even further.

If you watch eBay or Agon, an IIX usually shows up every month or so. The 2X2 is a pretty rare beast. My old one was done in Cherry with a flat gray top. It came with the acrylic platter stock. I sorta wish I hadn't gotten rid of it because it is much better looking than my black TT1. The TT1 is actually a better sounding table though. I wrote a review of it a while back. Heres the link.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/viewpoint/1204/joeaudiophile4.htm

The prices on the used Systemdeks are super affordable since the audiophile world hasn't caught on that they sound great and in turn driven the price through the roof. I'd watch eBay if you are in the market for one.


Shaman,

It just so happens I've got a Sandblaster under my TT1. You'll find it is definitely the better of the two platforms to use.

When it comes to tweaking, tell you what, rather than putting Dynamat on the under side of the table, cut and glue MDF under there. Go ahead and glue two or three pieces on top of each other and try to fill the cavity with solid chunks of MDF. You'll see even more improvement than you will with the Dynamat as you'll be adding mass to the plinth rather than absorbing a minor amount of vibrations with the Dynamat.

Cheers!

[WEEZ]

Thanks for the link to the review, Scott!

btw, it appears that Bob Neil @ Amherst might be the guy to contact these days...

WEEZ

[Shaman]

Hello again!
I've got a very good Mantra and an excellent Systemdek IIX900 on my scope but another "bargain" showed up and I'd like to hear your opinion.
A friend offers me a Project RPM6 for 200 pounds (without cartridge). The deck is brand new in excellent condition (still covered by guarantee). How would this deck compare to a Mantra or a Systemdek?

Any input welcome, as always! 

Regards,Kostas

[Scott F.]

Hi Kostas,

The Systemdek will still sound better than the Project providing you get it set up properly (leveled, isolated). Honest, you won't regret getting the Systemdek. You'll have to spend a significant amount more (even used) to better its sound.

[Shaman]

That's what I thought too, Scott.
Thanks for the post though! I can show it to my girlfriend and explain to her why I didn't buy the better looking deck!! 
Those RPM decks sure hit a good WAF/GirlfriendAF. She said it would look good in my living room!Women.... 

[jrebman]

btw, it appears that Bob Neil @ Amherst might be the guy to contact these days...

WEEZ

WEEZ,

Nope, the new US distributor for Audio Note UK (officially announced at CES) are my good friends and neighbors, Neli and Mike Davis of Audio Federation.

Give Neli a call at: 303-564-6503 and she'll help yu out.

The AN room at RMAF had a TT1 with a high-end AN cart and was a big hit.


-- Jim

[WEEZ]

Thanks for the correction

WEEZ