I finally ordered some parts to build a record cleaning machine. I've been thinking about it for about a year. I was to the point where I was going to buy a VPI, but now that I understand that its just a platter with vacuum wand it seems kind of pricy for what you get. So far my parts list includes a sacrificial Realistic Lab 300 turntable that I really only want for bearing, platter and spindle, and some extra Disc Dr. pads. The plan is to use some 1/2 inch pvc pipe slit long-ways with DD pads attached to protect the vinyl, and elbows to build an arm wand, and then connect that to a shop-vac. I can test this mess just holding the pipe while I manually spin the platter. The eventual plan is to remove the bearing, platter and spindle from the TT and mount them in something a little more suited to attaching the plumming. So far my investment is $20 for the TT and $15 for the pads. If it doesn't work I haven't broken the bank. As soon as I get the parts I'll start posting pictures.
I've had this in my system for about six months. Used, but it sounds fantastic.
Spendor S8e
Sorry they're sideways.
Paul Speltz Anti-Wires
These were the best $100 I ever spent. It sounded like someone windexed my speakers. And I'm offended by people charging four figures for wires so these were perfect.
Ethan Allen Ethan Allen
I can hear hi-fi guys rolling their eyes. I have dogs. I needed something with doors and WAF. But, its a metal base and solid Ash. Very heavy and stable, plus, you'd be amazed how many "entertainment" pieces are out there that don't hold standard 17.5 inch components. This thing has three doors, each twenty inches wide, and the back is open to give good ventilation.
Sota Star Sapphire Series III
I love this thing!
Project Tube Box
This is working well.
Audio-Technica USA AT-OC9
A little dusty
RCM Wet Wash Cleaning Element
Note the soft pink cleaning element. Safe for your most delicate vinyl.
The Jolida 1501RC is hybrid amp, by that the preamp has the tubes, a couple of 12AX7s, and the amp itself is a 100 watt solid state. Sort of the best of both worlds. If I didn't already have Jolida tube integrated (SJ-502A), I would probably have one of Jolida's hybrid amps. You ought to drop by the Jolida site and read up on it, btw here's a link -
or better yet, find a nearby Jolida dealer and have a listen. Definely a step-up from the Rotel, and with the 12AX7 tubes, you don't have to worry about biasing the amp.
I had a low mass Sonus Blue on the Grace 707 back in the late 70s and then a Shure V15; both worked well. Presently I'm using an Ortophon high output moving coil, which is a low mass cartridge, and I'm guessing would probably be a good match for the 707. It's nice you were able to come across the 707; they are getting harder and harder to find.
Bob, Thanks, I'm liking it more and more, especially since I got the TT about a month ago. I was actually more impressed with the Grace Arm than I expected to be. Its really nicely made. The counterweight rotates really smoothly and the lift has a soft-touch feel to it when you use it. Better than I expected from a 30-year old piece of gear. The only thing that concerns me is that it appears that I cannot exceed about a 6-gram cartridge, otherwise the weight is knocking on the inside of the dust cover when you get to the dead wax. But I'm not worrying about that now, as the TT is properly set up. Otherwise its great.
I'm not sure that I want to go to tubes for amplifiction. My gut feeling on these speakers is that they'll respond well with more juice. I'm actually contemplating something McIntosh for my next amp - although that'll require some financial planning and some jewelry offerings to 'She Who Must Be Obeyed.' I just love that smooth, liquid, bottomless power that you get with Mac amps.
Emory, The guest room is a great idea. You get to listen to your hi-fi AND you don't have to have any guests! Its the solution to a problem you didn't even know you had!
Nice simple system similar to mine; the Spendors are especially nice. Had a Grace 707 on my Linn LP12 back in the late 70s; still a great low mass tonearm.
Pittsburgh- you have built a very intelligent system. Isn't the jd100 great? If you are unhappy with your rotel gear, try the jolida 1501rc with a level one mod. about $1000. It will work great with your spendors. I heard this exact system as I have the Jolida CD player and amp and am looking to replace a set of KEF 104/2. (I would not replace them if they weren't starting to fade after 25 yrs of service.) I heard the Jolida equip with S5's and it was terrific.
Guys, I just read the Pittburgh notes. We are not alone! What we really need to do is kick my wife and kids out for a night and put as much gear in my living room with a bottle of scotch and see which gear makes it taste best. Email me any time for happy hour, Emery [email protected]
No, I've only heard the S line in the Spendors and I had to go all the way to New Jersey to do it. Started out with the S5e, which were too small for my room, so I returned them to upgrade to the S8e. I've heard great things about the other models though.
And you're definately not the only 'Phile in Pittsburgh. ELevick is also local and I know there are a few others around. In fact we met a Jerry's a few weeks ago for a handing off of some turntable setup tools and vinyl shopping.
In fact, we should organize media buying events followed by beer. We can hit all the hotspots: Jerry's, Paul's, the Attic, etc.
I can't believe there is another audiophile in Pittsburgh! I thought I was the only one. I love the Spendor's! Have you ever heard their classic line? Just my opinion, but I find their sound even better than the S series. I have owned (and just recently sold on audiogon) a pair of Spendor sp1/2e. I have also owned the 3/5se's and found them to be quite possible the greatest monitor speaker ever made (and yes I am including the ls3/5a in that comparison). Thanks for your posting. It is good to see that there are some other Spendor lovers in the Burgh!
Grimace... I'm a fan of the Spendor's...great speakers! I think they're a perfect speaker for the Rotel gear you have. After looking at your pictures, I ran over to Ethan Allen last night to see if I could find the stand. Unfortunately, the only thing they could show me was what was in the catalogue. In Canada, the cherry wood stand (I'm assuming yours is Cherry), only comes with a black metal base unlike your brushed stainless look (which I prefer). The only other triple wide stand that I've seen is the Salamander, and I think I prefer the EA stand instead. Thanks for showing us your system; I'm sure it sounds as good as it looks!
Sorry, I don't know off the top of my head which model it is, but it is current. It also came with wooden inserts along with the glass in case you prefer that look. Wouldn't work with a remote though. It was about $1200 and there is an optional backboard for it to mount a flat screen TV on. I'd check their web site. It shouldn't be too hard to find.
Like your cabinet, you wouldn't happen to know what model of Ethan Allen it is? My current cabinet is one of those tall one that hold the TV, equipment, ect and was looking for something along the same lines as your Ethan Allen. Of course, my wife has a houseful of dark cherry furniture, so guess I would have to go with something that would match her cherry furniture. Btw, you got a nice system, sure you get lots of enjoyment out of it.
Dogs really do rule. My dogs took out the corner (1/8") of a week old Monitor RS6. I was over it in 2 minutes. They are worth the trouble we have to go to in order to protect our gear.
You wall cleaners are brave. I was born a dog lover, but at the age of fourteen a weekend spent with two Saint Bernards left an indelible impression. Then again, I now have three dogs, one of them with a $13k leg, so how smart am I. ;)
Your Rotel gear is nice. It's not the last word in transparency, but that can be a blessing with many recordings. It reminds me of that typical Mosfet sound - but with more solid low end. You can spend much more on quite a few boutique brands that won't sound much better. Both pieces are also great candidates for parts upgrades, but that voids your warranty...
I know what you say about the slingers and vacuuuming. I have a 65lb English Bulldog an 80lb Bassett Hound and a MinnPinn just to mix things up. I have to keep my Logans and my rack covered But I would not have it any other way
The thing in the chair is Sherman. Sherman is a Clumber Spaniel, largest of the land Spaniels. About 75 pounds of fur and drool (again, hence the glass doors). He's a little small for the breed. Massive heads, straight back and low to the ground. Generally around 16 inches high by about three feet long. Ear leather is about a half an inch thick. One of the first ten breeds admitted to the AKC. This is no dainty Cocker.
No, he doesn't show. We tried it. You've seen the movie Best in Show? Its just like that except the people are REALLY weird.
If you roust him out of the chair sometimes he'll wake up before he hits the floor, but not always. Pretty lazy breed of dog. Easy going, good natured and likes the realistic hi-fi sound he achieves when he steps on the cat.
Also very messy. Lots of grooming. Lots of vacuuming. Lots of scrubbing the slingers off the walls. If you like a low maintenance dog this is not your breed.
We love him madly of course! We also have Luka who is not pictured.
That is a beautiful cabinet for your gear, but what is that thing in the chair? And what happens if you try to move it in order to sit and listen to tunes?
You can give them whatever name you want, but Baltimore still had to steal a football team from Cleveland.... Doesn't that leave you feeling like you need to take a shower?
