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  1. P

    Sme 3012 R

    And where does the schick tonearm stand in this line up ? Now he has a 9.5” version too. I don’t see many out here trying or talking about the schick arm!
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    Sme 3012 R

    I have my eyes on FR64s too but going by it’s effective mass, I am worried I will have to choose between Low compliance carts only. So I am looking at a medium mass tonearm to begin with
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    Sme 3012 R

    I am in the market for a good tonearm without spending $5k :-). Has anyone compared the 3012R to a 3012 S2 ? With a lot of similarities between them, do they sound similar or very different ? Also how does a 3009R sound compared to 3012R. I normally like 9-10” arms hence this question.
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    Turntable Shootout in Italy

    Another way of looking at it is use of negative feedback. Studio equipments use negative feedback a lot. Electronically it is a good way to reduce distortion but sonically there is a lot more to it.
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    Turntable Shootout in Italy

    Well, it is about spoiling the sound. It is just an effect that is audible on high resolution systems. The distortion and noise levels of single ended is also audible. My point was, "you being there" and "they being here" is not solid state vs tube, it is push-pull vs single ended. Which...
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    Turntable Shootout in Italy

    That is true. Studios use differentially balanced circuits where the signal generated at the microphone or cartridge is already balanced and it remains differentially balanced till the end, where it is combined at the speaker output. It gives them the advantage of common mode noise rejection...
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    Turntable Shootout in Italy

    Hi Mike, the phenomena I was talking about is "They are here" = Direct, wholesome instrumental sounds with an inner connection between instruments, it is like a close ended statement. "You are there" = Not as direct sounds, less connected, more spaces between instruments, open ended statement...
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    Turntable Shootout in Italy

    We need to understand what exactly it means by “we being there” and “they being here”. They being here doesn’t mean an entire 100 piece orchestra is crunched between the speakers. It only means that each instrument sounds direct and one whole, which gives the impression that they are playing for...
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    Turntable Shootout in Italy

    “They are here” vs “You are there” depends a lot on amplification design. An SET brings performers into the room. Push-Pull takes listener to the venue. That’s the difference Mike also heard when he compared ML3 vs Dartzeel. It is not SS vs Tube but SET vs Push-Pull
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    Sme 3012 R

    Hi Shakti, I have gathered that FR64s works well on many cartridges regardless of compliance. Whats your thought ? Which cartridges do you like on the FR ?
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    Sme 3012 R

    I used to have a 3012 Series 2 and later an M2-12 arm. 3012 S2 was more natural in flow but M2-12 had better dynamics and resolution, more oomph. One area where both were lacking a bit is PRAT. Neither of them had the immediacy of a 47 Labs RS-A1 or other 9-10" tonearms I had later. Has anyone...
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    Whest Titan Pro vs Others

    I am in the process of buying a phonostage. I use a Tannoy Turnberry with Audio Note Conquest SET so there is already enough warmth in the system to boot. For the phonostage I am considering Whest Titan Pro, FM Acoustics 122 mk2 and Anamighty Le Phono. Has anyone heard the Whest Titan ?
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    Torqueo ordered

    Also how did you like the PTP Lenco ?
  14. P

    Torqueo ordered

    I am rather interested in the modifications they do to the Lenco. Can’t we ask them to make a Achates Lenco in a simple “looking” plinth ?
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    Torqueo ordered

    Thanks Bonzo, Artisan Fidelity also makes a version around Lenco, it is called "Achates". It has got some good reviews too and seems to be well designed and a very clear step forward from the usual Lenco builds.
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    Torqueo ordered

    Do you have an opinion on Garrard vs Lenco vs Torqueo ? Other than the looks, where does the Torqueo score over the usual suspects ?
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    Kinea DD undressed

    The Technics 1200G also features a coreless motor and a relatively heavy 6.5lbs platter. Should it also be a competitor to the Torqueo and Kinea ?
  18. P

    Torqueo ordered

    Why do you feel the Kinea table would be superior ?
  19. P

    Torqueo ordered

    I am sitting on the fence to read at least one serious user review before I make a buying decision around Torqueo turntables
  20. P

    Best phono stage?

    Has anyone heard the Yamaha HX-10000 phonostage. It was the statement phonostage by Yamaha. I have a lower version at home it is indeed very special sounding
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    Best phono stage?

    I have heard the Lamm LL2 preamp and LP2.1 phono. They sounded rich and fluid but not quick. I do like them but I need something crisp and lively for my system. Lamm is not that.
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    Best phono stage?

    Thats true Ralph. I am just applying some filters to arrive at the least number of phonostages to choose from. Filters like: 1. Already heard and do not like 2. Availabilty 3. Flexibility (need full MC) 4. Need least number of tubes (if at all) since rest of my system is tube based 5...
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    Best phono stage?

    That's a terrific system you have there xv-1. You can always buy anothe FM 122 :-). That 56db gain definitely seems on the lower side. So how do one use a cartridge like Ortofon cadenza or per windfeld or even dynavector xx2 mk2 all of which have an output of 0.3 mv ? Even if the system has the...
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    Best phono stage?

    David, thanks for your comments. Could you please elaborate on why you do not like ARC phono ? What sonic traits do you hear in it that puts you off ?
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    Best phono stage?

    Friends, I am about to change my phonostage. I use a Loricraft Garrard 301. Cartridge most probably is going to be a Lyra Kleos or Ortofon Per Windfeld. I need to choose between FM Acoustics 122 mk2 and Audio Research Ref phono2 SE. There is no way I can hear them in a system and compare. I have...
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    Avid Pulsare II vs Audia Flight FL phono stages

    Hi, I have a system based on Audio Note M6 preamp and Conquest Silver Signature monoblocks. They are driving a pair of Tannoy Turnberry speakers. Analog setup consists of Loricraft Garrard 301 with ART-9 cartridge. I am looking for a solid state phonostage that adds that crisp transient...
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    Live music, Tone and Presence: What most systems get wrong

    I understand what you mean. In case of SETs the direct sound is not because it lacks depth. The relative space between instruments and the layering is very well communicated, in fact it is also communicated in a much more explicit (direct) way. The sound of SETs is like "they being here" while...
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    Live music, Tone and Presence: What most systems get wrong

    Yea, I just meant that Microphone outputs are single ended. The microphone amp could be single-ended or differential. I would assume that older recordings used simple single ended micrphone amps, probably some recording guy can confirm this.
  29. P

    Live music, Tone and Presence: What most systems get wrong

    It is not about "Single Ended Tube", it is "Single Ended" either tube or solid state. As far as I know microphone signals are Single ended.
  30. P

    Live music, Tone and Presence: What most systems get wrong

    In my entire life I have owned only 1 SET amp in my system and all other amps were push-pull (SS or tube). I have owned some very good amps in general. So I am not a fanboy of SET :-). But there is no denying that there is a clear demarcation of how SETs or should I say Single-Ended amps...

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