Tír Na HiFi

Looking for a few recommendations from people who have owned several TT's/carts etc.

Basically I need a complete TT setup (TT + SUT(optional) + arm + cart + phonostage) that leans a bit on the warm side. The Clearaudio Performance TT that I own currently is generally considered to be quite transparent, accurate and detailed which was fine with my older hifi setup but with the amps and speakers I've got now, this combo has pushed the sound into a leaner, brighter and slightly more forward sound. It varies with recordings. Some are just fine, others not so good.

So I've got a few options:

1. Stick with the current TT and mess around with different carts and phonostages until I get the sound just right. From the various threads/forums I've read elsewhere there is the belief that transducers in a hifi system, that is speakers and carts, have a arguably the biggest influence on the sound. So going that route, I could at first look at a cart replacement.

2. Sell/trade in my complete vinyl setup and go for a TT/cart/phonostage combo that is known to be more laid back and very much on the warm side. Perhaps a setup that people have found too warm as this might be just what I need given how open and transparent my amp and speakers are.

Or get the setup on your current TT checked. Niall Hunt (ex Cloney) is freelancing these days and might be able to cast an eye over it.

One of the best sounds I've heard this year from a tt was a Garrard 301 with SME V ortofon kontrapunkt into a phonostage with step up transformers and valves.

Is that the Niall who had the BMW motorbike?

tony wrote:Is that the Niall who had the BMW motorbike?

Yep. he now has a large Mercedes Sprinter van in obligatory white.

mm what a strange/ interesting request . not happy with clearaudio performance tt - too clinical, need warmer sound . well for what its worth may i suggest the following . firstly a warm sound is a departure from your accurate , detailed reproduction replay, but i understand that any change in ones system can be a trade off . i have a clearaudio performance and it is accurate , clinical, detailed ,but has body , dept and an involving sound. I previously had an lp 12 which has a trade mark warm presentation, laid back sound. But i recommend you introduce a valve phono stage. I have had a few but the one i recommend is the Ear 834p. I had this partner the performance before i bought the clearaudio balanced ref phono in a moment of madness. But the Ear gave the sound a big soundstage with warmth and weight while still maintaining plenty of detail. you can pick up one of these for around 500 to 700 euro in good condition. The model with a volume control can double a a pre amp. You can also experiment with different valves , but that is another topic. The Performance is seriously regarded a the best tt under 5 grand so why lose that . you also could try to audition a second hand lp 12 , which is still well regarded and can be modified and are selling from 250 to 500 euro . as suggested previously , you could try checking out tt re tracking weight or phono-stage settings which may not be optimized for your cartridge . ps, you could also try lighting a nice coal fire while listening accompanied by a good port for inner warmth !!

Dave, I would stick with the performance. It is a very good turntable. Check out a tube phono stage. Having had a Linn LP12 for 24 years it is quite a woolly sound, warm alright but I really think you would miss the accuracy.

Gents,
Thanks for the feedback.

I do actually have a valve phonostage, the Pro-ject Tube SEII but I dont think its a proper valve phono, merely a solid state one with some valves on the output stage. The loading of the cart can be changed via some jumpers on the back of the phonostage. I tried different loadings but I can't really say if it made much difference.

So I'll begin looking at the TT setup, then maybe a cart and phonostage next. I've heard some good things about that Ear 384p so Ill put it on my shortlist.

I'll be moving home at the end of the month which further complicates things so any changes will be held off until then. The new gaff has heavily carpeted floors and plenty of space so that will dampen down any room issues........I hope.

That's exciting, Dave. Best of luck with the move!

Best of luck with your new gaff Dave. Here's hoping the hi fi issues are minimal and positive :)
I've deliberately stayed out of offering advice on the tt as it's a very personal thing. Anyway you've plenty of good sane advice to chew on! Stay with what you have, explore all the options and then when all else fails, buy a Nottingham Analogue ;) Finally, I think you should contact Peter from Deco Audio for some (sane) and commonsense advice....Best of luck.

Deco Audio