Immediately Upgrade Any Turntable into Vinyl Ecstacy
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2022
- Sumiko Wellfleet Cartridge bit.ly/3uKxEiL
Fluance RT82 amzn.to/3ObfRt3
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Sumiko Wellfleet Cartridge bit.ly/3uKxEiL
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Love the laid back yet super informative approach. You make watching audio equipment videos fun again. Thanks for that!
I appreciate you showing the process of the changing the cartridge. I've never seen how it works before. I have an RT82 and when I eventually upgrade the OM-10, it's nice to see it's not as difficult as thought it might be.
Having a threaded slot makes installation so much simpler indeed !
I gotta admit: that open was hilarious. That’s the kind of hand eye coordination I specialize in.
Randy, As always, a great pleasure watching your vids! Thank you.
Thanks again!
I was just looking into upgrading my project. This has been added to the list!
Love the turntable mat!!! Great Review. 👍
Wondering, is the new cart 18mm tall, like the Ortofon? Seems getting correct VTA might be a challenge if the new cart is higher or lower since the TT has no VTA adjustment feature and is designed for an 18mm tall cart.
Does the Fluance, like a Technics, have a recommended overhang distance (from the back of the cartridge mounting face to the stylus tip)? For Technics it’s 52mm, and using their overhang gauge when installing a cartridge greatly simplifies the setup.
Wonder what this would sound like on my uturn orbit plus, with the built in pre amp. Also, where can I find the guide for alignment? Love the channel!
Love love love it brother. I’m saving up for a Soundsmith cartridge. Made in USA. Cartridges are like speakers, different flavors😊
Right on!
My RT85 turntable is arriving today. Woo-hoo! Excited to finally hear the 2M Blue. My other turntable is the Pro-ject Debut Carbon Espirit SB. Last week (I think) when attempting to remove the very dainty red wire from the back of the 2M Red phono cartridge, I broke the wire. Most people would not do that, but I did. Thank you very much. Anyway, the Pro-ject was rendered useless. I vowed to never buy a turntable without a removable headshell again.
Love the Pioneer SX-3700. I got mine for Christmas of 1979, and it still sounds great. I also have the Pioneer Pl-400 turntable.
Helluva lot better outcome than my Onkyo which I bought in 2011 and it's sound amp went out in 2016. Through with them.
Hey Randy. Really enjoy your videos and keeping it cheap/real for most of us wanting to just get a better listening experience. I am leaning towards the Fluance RT85N. BTW, what is name of the song/artist during the cartridge swap in the video? It left a footprint.
Curious if the cartridges have the same height ? If not, the VTA is not quite right and the Fluance TT tonearms do not have VTA adjustment. In my case, I added a 3mm turntable mat to compensate for the difference in height (shorter vs the 2mBlue) of the Hana EL Moving Coil
I had this issue with my Fluance RT-85 went from the Ortofon 2M Blue to the AT 540ML premounted on a head shell but couldn’t get it to track, no VTA. Will have to try a cork mat. Thanks!
@@pseudoty As long as the AT540ML is shorter than 2MBlue by ~3mm.
That would make a good stash box:)
Nice review Randy. You train yourself to listen for the subtle differences and the Sumiko Wellfleet can produce more differences. When the floor at Korn is comfortable listening levels, there is no subtle differences.
I just added a Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 cartridge to my Fluance and what a huge upgrade.
Which Fluance do you have, I have the 85. Do you know if this cartridge fits it or not? Thanks for any help.
@@budsmoker4201120 Yes, the Sumiko Blue Point will fit just fine.
Thank you for doing a review! I had heard of this cartridge, I assume it’s rather new but couldn’t find any reviews on it
I have the Sumiko Ranier and love it !
I have a Sumiko Moonstone that I absolutely adore. It’s a vast improvement over my painfully bright Ortofon 2M Red.
I really liked the Wellfleet
I also have the Sumiko Moonstone. I agree, it’s fantastic.
@@cheapaudioman i bought a wellfleet 2 weeks ago have not tried it yet but i am expecting big things from it ..Sumiko makes overachieving cartridges for the money !!!
How does it compare to the 2M Bronze though ? Price wise and sound wise !
Did you setup the cartridge with the proper overhang? 52mm? Like most Technics.. What does the table manual recommend?
Want that mat on my Pro-ject T1.
but will it arrive in The Netherlands :-)
Cheapaudioman, have you compared the 2M Blue to the 2M Bronze?
Great review! I think it would be cool to hear your take on the Ortofon 2m Bronze. Rockin’ that on my RT85. I think it might parallel what you liked about the Wellfleet.
Great suggestion!
The thing you're describingwith the Black Album is pace. One of my favouirite tracks that demonstrated this was something I was well familiar with "Sunday Girl" by Blondie. When I bought a Primare amp and a Project RPM3 I instantly found that the bass and percussion were paced so that there was a BOUNCE to the song on the besat because the bass notes didn't hang around so long. They were paced so that they arrived and stopped exactly as they should do and it made the song completely different.
Do you still feel the same about the Wellfleet. I am due for a new stylus on my RT85. It's a year old now, and I was considering this one as a replacement. Love the Blue, but the static in between tracks is a little annoying. Especialy while using headphones.
Good honest review!
Tip if you're just getting into turntables. Removable headshells relatively are cheap, so it's worth buying a new one for your new cartridge and leaving the old one (assuming it's not dead) mounted. You can even get acryllic cases to protect/show off all your mounted cartridges.
Yes, sir! Got one...ill admit to just admiring them while I listen to music. Its like jewelry!
You also need a Technics or some other table that supports removable headshells.
@@musicman8270 I have 9 tables...lol
@@stephenstevens6573 Gee I only have three.
@@musicman8270 its a sickness. You know of it. We all do.
Great review and good info! Is the music you use in the video stock music? What band is that? The guitar reminds me of "Our Love" by Incubus and I need to know!
Shazam is your friend.
When it comes to unboxing videos, there's none better than Cheapaudioman. Cheapaudioman is the first name in unboxing!
A better and fairer comparison would be the Wellfleet and the Ortofon 2M Bronze. Both carts have fine line styli and are around the same price. I have the Bronze on one of my turntables. It has exceptional detail, speed (for a MM), and soundstage. It is generally neutral but can sound a little bright with some recordings. It is not especially warm but is warmer than the other carts in the 2M line. I am curious about the Wellfleet. I suspect it may be a bit warmer than the Bronze. I would consider it as an option when it is time to get a new cartridge.
How does one align a cartridge?
Who is that playing in the background music sir?
Nice review and video. Is your channel evolving into the “Not So Cheapaudioman?” Your videos are always fun to watch. You provide great information while keeping it on the the light side.
thanks!
Oh man, 95% of his videos are about items less than $300. I think the occasional more expensive item keeps it from just another Chifi amp, eh?
@@stevezeidman7224 I agree. A mix of both is good. It gives you something to start with, and something to aspire to.
My 2 cents... had a VPI Scout with various stylus's... then I realized, a turntable is basically a simple vessel that spins a record... I know, I know... the more expensive a turntable, the more "adjustabilities" BUT... where the biggest difference in sound, the stylus ALL THE WAY! Sold the VPI Scout, bought an Orbit Custom... put a more expensive stylus... and I never regreted it! Sounds amazing and the money I saved went into buying a LOT MORE VINYL!!! 🤣
I agree 100%. carts and phono pres are where I think people will see the most improvement
A more expensive turntable is not about adjustability, although better tonearms do tend to give more in that respect. It's about providing a stable, vibration-free environment for the cartridge to work from and speed precision and stability for the platter. More easily said than done. Quality can be improved by better cartridges on a budget turntable but only to a certain extent.
@@gaborozorai3714 agree 100% but the difference between my $2k VPI and my $500 Orbit Custom is negligible... was there a sound difference? Yes... but not $1500 worth! Now maybe a $10k - $50k turntable??? I would hope so! 🤣
@Ruben Ramero wtf are records!?!? 🤣
@@RESTLESSOUTDOORS The law of diminishing returns does kick in even at this level. But, what you experienced is only true as long as you stick to sensible, compatible cartridge choices. The chassis and especially the arm of even an entry level VPI such as the Scout will allow you to go well into MC territory and exotic stylus shapes. Of course it takes a decent sized record collection to justify that. :)
Given you liked the Wellfleet, if you had to choose an outboard phono stage to compensate for the lower gain (lower output voltage), which one would you go with? Thanks.
I like the ifi zen phono and the schiit mani
I like my Schitt mani and Emotiva XPS-1. The Schitt has it's issues with radio interference from what I've read but I haven't noticed it. My XPS-1, on the other hand, is VERY sensitive to where it is placed relative to other equipment. It really needs to be far away from anything else that is plugged in/turned on.
@@cheapaudioman thank you! I have a built-in Pluto (gain is set at +40dB, not adjustable) in my U-Turn Orbit. And currently I use a "cheap" Art DJ on an older Technics. Will upgrade the Technics to the Mani one day and maybe a Grado Gold, or now, maybe this Wellfleet. Thanks again, Happy Easter! Hint: Don't let your kids hide REAL eggs...
From the soundstage and style you explained here, maybe one should try the audio technica vm540ml. Because that’s the same difference I heard when changing from my ortofon blue 2m on my Fluance rt85. And the 540 is only $249! Just a thought
Agreed, I have the vm540ml on my Garrard 401 & SME 3001 tonearm. Best ever on most sorts of music. It can just lack dynamic power on some recordings.
CHEAPAUDIOMAN - Not bad specs on the Sumiko for
Considering moving up to the 2m Bronze from Blue for my mmf5.3. About the same price as the Wellfleet, I think.
Also, thinking of trying a mc cartridge in the same price range. Love your work!
Darn it. Cheapaudioman is like the "Wolf of Audio" of audio. Randall is LEGIT! Exceptional review - and I own the sumiko moonstone-and I am ordering the Wellfleet NOW! Hope sumiko recognizes you brother.
Funny that is named after a town on Cape Cod Wellfleet that harvests oysters.
ahhh...
Great information. Thank you
You bet!
This might've been mentioned in another video, and I missed it but what is the difference in the phono input vs any other input on a DAC?
as far as levels? I'm not sure if I understand the question, brother. the phono input will go into a phono preamp. and then into the amp. it's an analog signal vs a digital one that goes into a DAC.
@@cheapaudioman Oh right! That makes sense. Question answered! Thank you, sir!
You can use a Schiit Mani and adjust the output. You should try an Audio Technica VM540ML. You can get it pre-mounted. Amazing on my RT84. Seriously good. Might see you next weekend.
Cool, thanks
So…… you removed the Nagaoka cart but compared it to the Ortofon cart. Did you compare the Sumiko to Nagaoka off camera ?
I ask because I have the RT-85. My Nagaoka just arrived yesterday. Gonna try to listen to it this weekend. Considering the ortofon 2m BLACK next. Right now, I have to go dig holes for shrubs 😩. Great video. Thanks !!
thanks!
Once you hear the MP-110 you'll probably go down the Nagaoka rabbit hole.
Okay that's actually a really bangin record mat. When is it going on the merch store? Lol.
lol. I think I'll be setting one up soon
I don"t see anyone else mention it in the comments but you need to check your tracking force, due to the fact that the Sumiko cart probably has a different weight then the last cart you had on the tonearm. The tracking weight may be the same but if the cart is heavier or lighter it will need to be adjusted.
Since you have the SX-3700 and CR-800, have you auditioned the Ortofon OM20 or OM30?
I just ordered the RT85N instead of the regular RT85 to get the MP-110 cartridge over the 2M Bliue because I have the OM20. My understanding is that the OM20 is very similar to the 2M Blue but designed to handle more capacitance common to vintage receiver phono stages. The OM10 is supposed to align with the 2M Red.
I have a SX-3900 and a CR-620 so we have very similar vintage receivers. I prefer the sound of my CR-620, but it’s in better condition. The SX3900 is going to be recapped this fall and probably upgrade a few of the transistors then too. After that’s done the CR-620 will be recapped and I’ll upgrade the components in both phono stages/ headphone circuits.
Oh, I watched this video because I’m considering the addition of a Sumiko MM cartridge to the fleet. I ordered a few additional head shells with the RT85. Also considering a Goldring E3 or 1006.
Hey Randy, I would love to hear your thoughts on the "wharfedale diamond 220" speakers. They are supposed to be great budget speakers for vocals and guitar sounds, and their prices are dropping a bit in my country!
A loudspeaker that favours one type of music over another is typical of the misinformation surrounding hifi. If someone told you Sony TVs were best for drama but Panasonic were better at nature programs you’d rightly be sceptical. People have musical preferences, speakers do not, they are merely better or worse at reproducing a signal, to suggest otherwise is absurd. It implies that speakers are capable of altering their performance depending on the type of music they’re fed, that’s totally illogical.
@@jerrypartington3650 Excellent point !
So why no comparison to the Nagaoka? I would buy a Nagaoka over the Ortofon 2M blue.
The Ortofon Blue is $239.00, the Wellfleet $449.00. You used the built in phono stage of the vintage Pioneer for a direct comparison. It would have been interesting comparing the Ortofon plus an iFi Zen pre-amp to the Sumiko by itself and see which sounded better at about the same combined prices. Any thoughts?
I'd loved to have done that but I don't have the ifi phono anymore. Frankly, I've sent back all of my decent outboard phono stages.
@@cheapaudioman Too bad, it would have been interesting. The iFi is a big improvement over the built in phono stage of my SX550 and with the Ortofon blue on my original built like a tank Technics SL-D2 I'm quite happy. The next upgrade will have to wait until "my little guy" is out of college and then the upgrades will be major! Thanks for another great video and Happy Easter!
@@francescotenti193 The iFi is s tremendous phono stage for the price. I have a Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL as well which is better, but there isn't as much in it as you might think given the price difference.
the more the cheapaudioman get money for his toys the more he likes the expensive stuff haha.
@@cheapaudioman You can always acquire more! You haven't reviewed the Mani 2 yet... ;)
If a knitting needle sounds ok I will use it ...
Unfortunately the merry go round of improvement never seems to stop. Then you get into a bad rut of it sounds great wonder if there's better . I'm guilty of this with speakers and I've decided to stop, and enjoy the music . I have a Shibata in my Rega and that's all I need I doubt at my age I would notice the increments in sound, plus I'm tight .
Something else I still can't get my head around, why are some speakers harder to drive .
Is it the magnat, materials,or just some suck power for no good reason .. I have read up on it and I still don't get it .
I have a Fluance RT85 with the 2m blue. Just for giggles, I replaced the blue - which I love - with a Grado Prestige black, and I'm impressed with the quality of sound.
$99 bucks at Amazon, and it really competes with the 2m blue.
I was just at my dad's yesterday checking out his Sansui 2050 turntable. After oiling it, I went to put on a record and saw the needle on the Grado Prestige cartridge was broken off! He'll probably get the same one again. I don't see him spending over that since he doesn't really critically listen to music.
You just added another option to my cartridge upgrade list. Considering the Nag MP-150, Ort 2m Bronze, and now this one to try out on my RT-85. Decisions... Also, who was the artist on the background music?
It's very good
Tigerblood Jewel - Bring My Friends
@@cheapaudioman I noticed on Sumiko's website that the VTA is 26 deg vs the 20deg the Fluance is set up for. Did you have to use shims or anything when setting it up?
@@robstl314 Thanks Loki ! ( i always wanted to say that!)
Personally, out of the three you mentioned, I would go with Nagaoka. Recommend a Nagaoka to a friend and he loves it.
Cartridge reviews, yes please
Give a try of the Dr Feickert Protractor NG. It is really good to calibrate your cartridges. 👍
Years ago (1976) I set out to buy the best sound system (1K) I could find. My friend and I drove all over Houston auditioning stereo systems with lackluster results. Then we heard Klipsch. We both realized we found what we were looking for. The Heresy model at that time was selling for $250 ea. So, there went half of our money.
But, the stereo salesman told us "put your money into what goes in (cartridge) and what comes out (speakers) We both got the Stanton 681eee cartridge the low end Duel turntable a nice sounding Onkyo receiver and the Klipsch Hereseys....best investment I ever made!
Around that time, a friend of mine recommended the Stanton 681 to go with my Dual 1236 + NAD 3020 + Celestion Speakers. Being a newbie not knowing how to kick the tires, I was attracted to its brush's practicality. Then I gave up MM as soon as I tried out the Dynavector MC.
I just installed a Sumiko Amethyst on my Pro Ject Carbon EVO. That’s a $600 cartridge on a $600 turntable ( now $500). This was an upgrade from the Olympia. The upgrade in sound was like a night and day difference. Was it worth the price …?. Absolutely.
I want the record mat, just so i can make a video of your face spinning on the player...with some badass music in the background of course! lol
My best universal cartridge is the ortofon 2m red
I have the 2m blue. Its getting old so I’ll buy a better cartridge eventually! Think I’m goin 4 a mc pickup. You upset the built in phonostage. I had a project one (60-100$) and tested a 200 one. I bought it. I couldn’t go back. So I think the sumiko deserved a “real” phonostage. =) to test it at the best. Ty
At $449 the Sumiko Wellfleet competes directly with the Nagaoka MP-200 at $479. I'd place my bet on the MP-200 based on my MP-110 and -150 experience. As for diminishing returns, I'd get the acrylic platter and an isolation platform before a better cartridge.
When you A/B'd the Wellfleet against the MP200 what differences did you notice?
cool video! good fun too :)
90K subs !!! Congrats!!!
Thank you so much 😀
I have a thorens td160 mk2 end linn basik lvv lp16 arm end i put a denon dl-110 on it its reali nice 500 turntable 300 fore the denon dl-110
Fluance 83 + Sumiko comes to about $800. That would probably be enough for a Rega P3 with a decent/good cartridge. I don’t know how available Rega equipment is in Texas, but a P3 is a formidable record player.
if it were coming from anyone except for you I would have dismissed this comment but I believe in Billy
Spend $50 more for the new Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 at $499, high or low output available. I've used Blue Points for decades (yes!) and feel it's best bang for $.
This video is exactly why I do NOT do vinyl, and will NOT go back to into it. And I say that as someone who used to absolutely love records.
Way too much money to spend on cartridges, pre-amps, turntables, cleaners, and then the albums themselves. Just not worth the cost in terms of dollars or time, let alone the storage space requirements for even a modest record collection.
I'm very glad that there are people still spinning disks, and I hope it even becomes more popular as we move forward. But as for me, it's all digital, all the time.
As I type this comment, I'm listening to a LIVE jazz performance on Facebook, as ported through my Ifi DAC, that I use on a daily basis, and needs ZERO maintenance or updates or tweaks. It's sounds awesome, and I'm filling my soul with happiness.
Randy, all of my prior Sumiko cartridges have taken at least 30 hours of play to "beak in," becoming more transparent and lucid. I will use the analogy of a rose that is starting to bloom; when it is fully open, the fragrance is sweet and aromatic. Your Wellfleet should gain detail, air around vocals and instruments, provide lower and tighter bass, and track better as it "blooms." I have owned several moving magnet, as well as moving coil, Sumiko cartridges. I always recommend a Sumiko to anyone who wants a great performing cartridge. Personally, I also think they last longer than many others, giving a very consistent performance over a long period of time. P. S. - your channel rocks!!
I wonder what the electrical process is with break in on a cartridge.... Not a lot of circuitry lol
i have 2 cigar boxes of stylus mostly Empire cartridges 3 sumikos oyster series and a goldring E3 . they are all solid performers . Sumiko i find to be probably my favorite and i recently bought the gold ring E3 for a daily beat around cart for one of my vintage turntables for goofs and good price about 160.00 dollars . I cant say how surprised i am with that piece it really is unbelieveable for the money i would say it competes with the sumiko olympia head to head at a minimum !
Unless both cartridges weigh EXACTLY the same, you still need to rebalance the tonearm and adjust the tracking force accordingly. 🤔
for sure
@@cheapaudioman CAM is still kind of a newby when it comes to phono pick-up but he's getting there. Falling down the rabbithole is $$$ but so much fun !!
@@tomkershaw4384 I’m a newbie at all this. I’m just occasionally entertaining
Not to be confrontational but even the sumiko olympia sounds better than the ortofon 2m blue . You may want to try a Goldring E3 for the dollar is pretty darn good i am running it on my Empire 498 turntable . I am planning to run the wellfleet on my Empire 398 . I also run a pro-ject carbon debut im going to run an amythist on that .Love watching your videos.
0:11 Damn that angry but suppressed face of frustration looks like that of a killer! 😅
Have you been in the army or something? lol
Navy
@@cheapaudioman Well, at least there were no cartridges harmed while making that video! 😜
@@cheapaudioman Since I heard you were a submariner I have been intrigued as to what, if anything, you used to listen to music with while out on patrol. Are you able to say ?
I have a vintage Yamaha receiver. My friend accidentally shorted the output terminals with the volume on almost max.... At least it still looks better than all my other amps....
ouch
@@cheapaudioman I learned that day to never leave a wire splice open, even if only for a second for testing ;)
Have only vintage stereo amplifiers
That is a scary record mat. As far as cartridges go I am a massive fan of Hana cartridges. Not sure how they are priced in the US, but In the UK, while not cheap, they offer tremendous value.
PS that cheap Y.S.I.G guy is driving me crazy. Could you arrange for him to have an "accident" ? 😉
Also, and I mentioned this below but feel it needs more exposure, I am fascinated by what you used to listen to music with when you were on patrol as a submariner. Are you able to say ?
acrylic plater is available separately
it sure is.
On the 1k US$ I would suggest the ZYX R50 Bloom 3. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. 😄
Consider comparing the Sumiko with the Ortofon 2m Bronze.
Sumiko makes amazing cartridges and if you want one worthy of the "cheap audio man" name, they have the Pearl. Also the blue point is very decent. If you scale up to the Amethist, songbird and starling, you will see heaven.
Get spare head shells instead of replacing cartridges. Makes it much easier to swap back and forth to compare.
great idea
Who was that in the music background, sounded cool. If I had a turntable, one of those mats would be cool. Great review.
Yeah came here to find out also
it's from epidemic sound. royalty free music.I think the band was Wellmess by Tigerblood Jewel.
@@cheapaudioman Thank you sir.
Bring My Friends - Tigerblood Jewel Feat Steven Ellis
The name is interesting….The best oysters come from Cape Cod (Wellfleet,MA)
The Sumiko "Olympia" cart is probably a better match for the Fluance tables.
Doesn't it need to be aligned? (OK, maybe I missed something? Probably!) The Oyster cartridges are all named after different kinds of Oysters, which is pretty funny...but danged if it isn't a great line of carts! I love my Olympia, which is a couple of steps UNDER this new Wellfleet. One really cool thing is that the needles are interchangeable for the Ranier, Olympia, Moonstone and Wellfleet. I think the Ranier is standard on some Pro-Ject turntables, so there is your cool upgrade path for anyone who has one of those ; )
I aligned it in the video
@@cheapaudioman I see that now! Sorry, that was when my dog started BARKING at a delivery guy. Great review, as always.
@@richardlloyd5519 lol. My dog is always barking
I heard a Japanese guy pronounce Nagaoka as "Nah-Gow-ka" so I'm guessing that's the correct way to say it. BTW, I used to say it the same way as you said it.😉
thanks so much
I see you took off the mp110.. If your not using it can you send it to me... I can't find those in stock anywhere in Europe 🤣
ha. the Wellfleet has to go back so it will get put back on my head shell
@@cheapaudioman to get back to this old remark.
Apparantly Nagaoka has already went bankrupt and they tried to revive it twice. From what I got from a supplier I ordered the element from its not looking good financially for them and there's no expectation of Nagaoka starting to ship orders anytime soon.
I eventually went with the AT Vm95en since I couldn't get my hands on the MP110.
Man...cartridges are a bit hard, aren't they? I have 8, and want more. Question is...where does it stop? I mean, the more I listen, the more I feel like I could tailor a cartridge to music genres, and find engaging benefits to each..its just expensive. My favorite all around at this time is a Stanton 680, with the triple e factory stylus...I prefer it over the ortofon 2m red and blue both. I kind of feel like maybe stepping up to something like this is in the future. Gotta update the turntable first (and yes, the RT-85 is on the shortlist). As always...the law of diminishing returns. This isn't a hobby for a poor man. Thanks for what you do.
450 is in DENON do-103 price range , yes you need a m/c phono.
Another choice in that price range is Sumiko Blue Point 3 high output moving coil.
Which you have to factor into the price if you don't already have one.
the Wellfleetwoodmac cartridge :)
nailed it
@5:38... missed opportunity for "deez nuts".
I'm curious how you setup the cart in the headshell. Cart alignment has not been an issue for me as they were already setup by someone more experienced than myself. Now, with four TTs, I decided to invest in the Dr Feikart tonearm protractor today as I plan to buy a few new carts in the near future.
Randy, put a Kiseki Purpleheart on there and experience audio nirvana for life. Don’t be cheap, ha!
ha
$3200!?!?!?! I'll pass until I hit the Lottery.
For $450ish this should come with its own head shell, haha!
It is for cleaning the cartridge niedle….
Here’s the conundrum of every audiophile. If you spent the money on upgrading your turntable instead of the cartridge, would the improvement be more or less? The percentage return on selling your turntable will be higher than the cartridge for sure. The theory is that the quality of vinyl playback is determined more by the deck than the cartridge. Doesn’t mean you can’t hear a difference between cartridges or even tonearms, it’s just that on a better platform, the differences will be more obvious.
I built a new plinth for my vintage Sansui turntable. It’s better than it has any right to be and because I’m crazy, I fitted a Goldring G1042. Sounds fantastic for what it is, but is it the right thing to do? Almost certainly not. My next project will be to take a tired old Linn LP12 and restore/upgrade it. Then the cartridge will have a worthy platform. Trouble is, I just don’t know if I can be parted from my lovely Sansui.
Keep up the good work, Randy.
I want a Moo Matt for my Thorens. Cow hide
Probably hinoki wood case.... Expensive
nice review, I would love to hear more about the Wellfleet after you listen to it longer and with other phono preamps compared to the Blue or MP-110. On a side note, we need the Rocktopus imoji.