How do you know if your needle has gone bad?
Comments
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It hurts putting it in a vein
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If every jam you play you break two needles, tim for new ones.
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take this shit to the meth boredRaceBannon said:It hurts putting it in a vein
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It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
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Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Most expensive cartridge I've heard was about $4000 new. I think after a couple grand it's The Law of diminishing returns.
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This one is new car money range https://www.needledoctor.com/Clearaudio-Goldfinger-Statement-Phono-Cartridge
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Who dat? Some fellow traveler?GrundleStiltzkin said:
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Their Budger cart should be called Odd Job.ApostleofGrief said:This one is new car money range https://www.needledoctor.com/Clearaudio-Goldfinger-Statement-Phono-Cartridge
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Oh just another guy who buys $600 carts when he’s “on a budget.”YellowSnow said:
Who dat? Some fellow traveler?GrundleStiltzkin said:
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges
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That's the shitty thing. $600 is an entry level hi fi cartridge. Fortunately they can last upwards of 1500 to 2000 hrs of play.GrundleStiltzkin said:
Oh just another guy who buys $600 carts when he’s “on a budget.”YellowSnow said:
Who dat? Some fellow traveler?GrundleStiltzkin said:
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
I thought the cartridge was permanent? Isn't it just a bunch of coils, magnets etc? When it comes down to it I'm not ever going to be an audiophile. I suppose if it is loud enough and clear enough it is good enough for me. Records do have a bit more lively boom for me though than CDs. Anything on digital is a little sterile IMO. The same goes for photography. I'm into film, but not so much that I think a Leica is better than a beat up Nikon etc.YellowSnow said:
That's the shitty thing. $600 is an entry level hi fi cartridge. Fortunately they can last upwards of 1500 to 2000 hrs of play.GrundleStiltzkin said:
Oh just another guy who buys $600 carts when he’s “on a budget.”YellowSnow said:
Who dat? Some fellow traveler?GrundleStiltzkin said:
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Some cartridges - which is the whole assembly if you will - allow for replacement of stylus. Mine is one does not. Ortofon is probably the most well known company that makes carts with interchangeable stylus. You can get good cartridges in the $100 to $200 by ortofon that will sound great. It's all relative. $400 TT with $100 cart will beat a $500 CD player all day long. But it won't beat a $5000 CD player.ApostleofGrief said:
I thought the cartridge was permanent? Isn't it just a bunch of coils, magnets etc? When it comes down to it I'm not ever going to be an audiophile. I suppose if it is loud enough and clear enough it is good enough for me. Records do have a bit more lively boom for me though than CDs. Anything on digital is a little sterile IMO. The same goes for photography. I'm into film, but not so much that I think a Leica is better than a beat up Nikon etc.YellowSnow said:
That's the shitty thing. $600 is an entry level hi fi cartridge. Fortunately they can last upwards of 1500 to 2000 hrs of play.GrundleStiltzkin said:
Oh just another guy who buys $600 carts when he’s “on a budget.”YellowSnow said:
Who dat? Some fellow traveler?GrundleStiltzkin said:
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Interesting. I didn't know you had to change the whole works, cart and needle/stylus.YellowSnow said:
Some cartridges - which is the whole assembly if you will - allow for replacement of stylus. Mine is one does not. Ortofon is probably the most well known company that makes carts with interchangeable stylus. You can get good cartridges in the $100 to $200 by ortofon that will sound great. It's all relative. $400 TT with $100 cart will beat a $500 CD player all day long. But it won't beat a $5000 CD player.ApostleofGrief said:
I thought the cartridge was permanent? Isn't it just a bunch of coils, magnets etc? When it comes down to it I'm not ever going to be an audiophile. I suppose if it is loud enough and clear enough it is good enough for me. Records do have a bit more lively boom for me though than CDs. Anything on digital is a little sterile IMO. The same goes for photography. I'm into film, but not so much that I think a Leica is better than a beat up Nikon etc.YellowSnow said:
That's the shitty thing. $600 is an entry level hi fi cartridge. Fortunately they can last upwards of 1500 to 2000 hrs of play.GrundleStiltzkin said:
Oh just another guy who buys $600 carts when he’s “on a budget.”YellowSnow said:
Who dat? Some fellow traveler?GrundleStiltzkin said:
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Yes, many of the carts sold today don't have a stylus (i.e., needle) that can be replaced. You have to buy the whole unit.ApostleofGrief said:
Interesting. I didn't know you had to change the whole works, cart and needle/stylus.YellowSnow said:
Some cartridges - which is the whole assembly if you will - allow for replacement of stylus. Mine is one does not. Ortofon is probably the most well known company that makes carts with interchangeable stylus. You can get good cartridges in the $100 to $200 by ortofon that will sound great. It's all relative. $400 TT with $100 cart will beat a $500 CD player all day long. But it won't beat a $5000 CD player.ApostleofGrief said:
I thought the cartridge was permanent? Isn't it just a bunch of coils, magnets etc? When it comes down to it I'm not ever going to be an audiophile. I suppose if it is loud enough and clear enough it is good enough for me. Records do have a bit more lively boom for me though than CDs. Anything on digital is a little sterile IMO. The same goes for photography. I'm into film, but not so much that I think a Leica is better than a beat up Nikon etc.YellowSnow said:
That's the shitty thing. $600 is an entry level hi fi cartridge. Fortunately they can last upwards of 1500 to 2000 hrs of play.GrundleStiltzkin said:
Oh just another guy who buys $600 carts when he’s “on a budget.”YellowSnow said:
Who dat? Some fellow traveler?GrundleStiltzkin said:
Ok @thechatchYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Love all this hot needle talk.
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Ran my Rega into the ground, just replaced with HANA SLYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Do you have a Rega TT as well @Gilbystaint ? The HANA is a moving coil so what phono pre are you running?Gilbystaint said:
Ran my Rega into the ground, just replaced with HANA SLYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
Yes, we have an RP6. I am using a Linn Uphorik phono pre. I had a Heed unit for many years that was a great overachiever. You @YellowSnow?YellowSnow said:
Do you have a Rega TT as well @Gilbystaint ? The HANA is a moving coil so what phono pre are you running?Gilbystaint said:
Ran my Rega into the ground, just replaced with HANA SLYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges -
I had no fucking idea that playing records was this big of a deal, or this fucking expensive. Jesus.
I'll keep rocking shit on the cheap.
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Great collection! I just never stopped playing records from the 60’s.Swaye said:I had no fucking idea that playing records was this big of a deal, or this fucking expensive. Jesus.
I'll keep rocking shit on the cheap. -
Damn @Gilbystaint , you've been holding back on us! @GrundleStiltzkin you can have a laff here, because I just got served in hi fi dick measuring.Gilbystaint said:
Yes, we have an RP6. I am using a Linn Uphorik phono pre. I had a Heed unit for many years that was a great overachiever. You @YellowSnow?YellowSnow said:
Do you have a Rega TT as well @Gilbystaint ? The HANA is a moving coil so what phono pre are you running?Gilbystaint said:
Ran my Rega into the ground, just replaced with HANA SLYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges
I got a RP3 a few years back (had a P2 for a long time before that). Went with the higher end (yellow, of course) Exact Cart though to try and get as close the P6 as possible. Both TT's have the same tone arm, but the P6 has some nice upgrades over the 3. I'm a big Rega fan and my next deck will probably be a P8.
No separate phono pre amp for me at the moment. It's next on my list (looking to get a Parasound JC3 Jr.) I have a vintage McIntosh receiver from circa 1980 and those, of course, came with pretty decent internal phono stage. But getting a separate will definitely yield some more detail. -
So you never bought Kill 'em All and Ride the Lightning on vinyl? Sad. LPs along with cassettes still ruled the day for 1980's Metallica.Swaye said:I had no fucking idea that playing records was this big of a deal, or this fucking expensive. Jesus.
I'll keep rocking shit on the cheap.
My crappy little cassette collection made its way into the used shops on the Ave next to the 7-11. Back then, they'd give you $2 or $3 trade in on Beatles, Stones, Doors, Zeppelin tapes, which is actually more than you can get these days for trading in CDs of the same albums. How times have changed. -
I had Kill em All on vinyl. Shitty little record player though. I'm a poor.YellowSnow said:
So you never bought Kill 'em All and Ride the Lightning on vinyl? Sad. LPs along with cassettes still ruled the day for 1980's Metallica.Swaye said:I had no fucking idea that playing records was this big of a deal, or this fucking expensive. Jesus.
I'll keep rocking shit on the cheap.
My crappy little cassette collection made its way into the used shops on the Ave next to the 7-11. Back then, they'd give you $2 or $3 trade in on Beatles, Stones, Doors, Zeppelin tapes, which is actually more than you can get these days for trading in CDs of the same albums. How times have changed. -
I know very little about the the audiophile scene, so I take your word for it. I did read years ago a WSJ piece about this Japanese guy that was so into high-high-end equipment that he paid the power company for a dedicated pole and specialty transformer for his apartment to get the "cleanest" power.YellowSnow said:
Damn @Gilbystaint , you've been holding back on us! @GrundleStiltzkin you can have a laff here, because I just got served in hi fi dick measuring.Gilbystaint said:
Yes, we have an RP6. I am using a Linn Uphorik phono pre. I had a Heed unit for many years that was a great overachiever. You @YellowSnow?YellowSnow said:
Do you have a Rega TT as well @Gilbystaint ? The HANA is a moving coil so what phono pre are you running?Gilbystaint said:
Ran my Rega into the ground, just replaced with HANA SLYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges
I got a RP3 a few years back (had a P2 for a long time before that). Went with the higher end (yellow, of course) Exact Cart though to try and get as close the P6 as possible. Both TT's have the same tone arm, but the P6 has some nice upgrades over the 3. I'm a big Rega fan and my next deck will probably be a P8.
No separate phono pre amp for me at the moment. It's next on my list (looking to get a Parasound JC3 Jr.) I have a vintage McIntosh receiver from circa 1980 and those, of course, came with pretty decent internal phono stage. But getting a separate will definitely yield some more detail.
I'm have Concord DJS on my 1200s, which would probably give you an anxiety attack to touch any of your collection.
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If you set them the arm to 4 grams of tracking pressure (i.e., DJ settings) and got all whickey whichey with them I'd probably freak out. But that cart set to, say, 2.5 g's on a 1200 wouldn't hurt anyone's priceless LP collection. 1200s a great decks BTW and a lot of audiophiles are into them.GrundleStiltzkin said:
I know very little about the the audiophile scene, so I take your word for it. I did read years ago a WSJ piece about this Japanese guy that was so into high-high-end equipment that he paid the power company for a dedicated pole and specialty transformer for his apartment to get the "cleanest" power.YellowSnow said:
Damn @Gilbystaint , you've been holding back on us! @GrundleStiltzkin you can have a laff here, because I just got served in hi fi dick measuring.Gilbystaint said:
Yes, we have an RP6. I am using a Linn Uphorik phono pre. I had a Heed unit for many years that was a great overachiever. You @YellowSnow?YellowSnow said:
Do you have a Rega TT as well @Gilbystaint ? The HANA is a moving coil so what phono pre are you running?Gilbystaint said:
Ran my Rega into the ground, just replaced with HANA SLYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges
I got a RP3 a few years back (had a P2 for a long time before that). Went with the higher end (yellow, of course) Exact Cart though to try and get as close the P6 as possible. Both TT's have the same tone arm, but the P6 has some nice upgrades over the 3. I'm a big Rega fan and my next deck will probably be a P8.
No separate phono pre amp for me at the moment. It's next on my list (looking to get a Parasound JC3 Jr.) I have a vintage McIntosh receiver from circa 1980 and those, of course, came with pretty decent internal phono stage. But getting a separate will definitely yield some more detail.
I'm have Concord DJS on my 1200s, which would probably give you an anxiety attack to touch any of your collection.
My position on hi fi is that you get YUGE gains going from like a $500 TT to a $2000 one. But after a certain point the law of diminishing returns start to kick in. The Japanese guy you reference it's probably a bit of nut job. -
I usually have tonearm weight set pretty low when I'm just messing around. Can't remember what I have tracking set to. But if you're playing live or recording a set and need things to be tight, you gotta crank up the weights and tracking. For me probably the biggest issue is cue burn.YellowSnow said:
If you set them the arm to 4 grams of tracking pressure (i.e., DJ settings) and got all whickey whichey with them I'd probably freak out. But that cart set to, say, 2.5 g's on a 1200 wouldn't hurt anyone's priceless LP collection. 1200s a great decks BTW and a lot of audiophiles are into them.GrundleStiltzkin said:
I know very little about the the audiophile scene, so I take your word for it. I did read years ago a WSJ piece about this Japanese guy that was so into high-high-end equipment that he paid the power company for a dedicated pole and specialty transformer for his apartment to get the "cleanest" power.YellowSnow said:
Damn @Gilbystaint , you've been holding back on us! @GrundleStiltzkin you can have a laff here, because I just got served in hi fi dick measuring.Gilbystaint said:
Yes, we have an RP6. I am using a Linn Uphorik phono pre. I had a Heed unit for many years that was a great overachiever. You @YellowSnow?YellowSnow said:
Do you have a Rega TT as well @Gilbystaint ? The HANA is a moving coil so what phono pre are you running?Gilbystaint said:
Ran my Rega into the ground, just replaced with HANA SLYellowSnow said:
Oh yeah. Some people have stupid money for this hobby. I propose a luxury phono cartridge tax. I'm a pour so this is as fancy I'm able to afford. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Exact-2-CartridgeApostleofGrief said:
Thanks.YellowSnow said:It's going to start to sound duller and less crisp especially on the highs. Age of carts can also be a problem. Even if they aren't in use the parts of a phono cart can degrade. If you have some valuable records in the collection just be safe and get a new one. They aren't that expensive for a decent phono cart.
Hey, were you aware of these super high end cartridges? This is 1% class shit.... --->>> https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges
I got a RP3 a few years back (had a P2 for a long time before that). Went with the higher end (yellow, of course) Exact Cart though to try and get as close the P6 as possible. Both TT's have the same tone arm, but the P6 has some nice upgrades over the 3. I'm a big Rega fan and my next deck will probably be a P8.
No separate phono pre amp for me at the moment. It's next on my list (looking to get a Parasound JC3 Jr.) I have a vintage McIntosh receiver from circa 1980 and those, of course, came with pretty decent internal phono stage. But getting a separate will definitely yield some more detail.
I'm have Concord DJS on my 1200s, which would probably give you an anxiety attack to touch any of your collection.
My position on hi fi is that you get YUGE gains going from like a $500 TT to a $2000 one. But after a certain point the law of diminishing returns start to kick in. The Japanese guy you reference it's probably a bit of nut job.
From what I know of audiophile, it's like many other hobbies. Steep curve of quality-to-money from entry level until it falls of a cliff at a point like the $2000 deck. Home brewing, fishing, whatever. You can spend as much money as you want on it, but after the point you're chasing the smallest marginal improvements.
And yes that Japanese guy was nuts. I can't remember details, but he had a single component that was over $200,000.
https://youtu.be/z1YsDepS6aA
