Analog upgrade path


The source I’ve been using with my integrated amp is a Technics SL-1500 mk1. Well, I’ve recently decided to step things up and have acquired an ARC linestage, which does not have an onboard phonostage. Now I’m beginning to think that pairing my Technics with my new linestage might not be a well balanced match, quality-wise.

What I’m wondering is, where will my money be best spent? Buying a nice phono stage (been looking at the Black Ice F159 or ARC PH5) and sticking it out with the Technics, or upgrading to a higher end ‘table (been looking at the VPI Scout Prime or maybe LSA T-3) and running it through a budget phonostage. Obviously the optimal solution would be both, but that’s not in my budget currently.

thx for the feedback


rfnoise

Showing 1 response by pindac

The link will show you a few recent responses from MK1 users.
Reply 11 is worthy of consideration.

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=31031.0

I personally own Vintage TT's and like to think that a overhaul with a modern thought for available materials works in favour of the Performance to become on offer.

When choosing a TT to be used as the Main TT on the System,
I would have electrics circuits assessed by a competent person and the Circuits Boards / Components thoroughly cleaned.

The Platter Spindle Bearing would be next on the List to be Investigated.
Using gentle finger applied pressure to the Spindle Checking for any sensation of a Spindle showing it is allowing a Side Ways Movement.
If a  Vintage TT is with a unknown History, or known and a exchange of a Bearing Housing Bush is not believed to be needed,
learning how to remove and flush the insitu Bearing Housing Oil will be the next on the List.
Followed by learning the Oils available today that will be the best to be used as a the New Oil. ( There are Oils Today designed to work at their optimum in a setting that is very similar to a TT's Spindle Bearing Housing, especially with modern additives that allow for a decreased friction and Drag on lubricated parts.)

Looking at the underside of the Chassis in the Link above, it looks like it the Chassis can have a Underside Treatment Applied of a application of Modellers Clay such as Newplast ( Reversible) or,
a Bituthene Tape ( Residuals would be left if Reversed).
( This as a Chassis Treatment is cheap to achieve,
it can be investigated to decide if there seems to be a merit to be achieved in carrying out the Treatment )

Again using the info in the image in the Link above, it seems that there is a opportunity to use a Independent Disc for the Tonearm Mounting Base.
(There are a large selection of materials that could be trialled as a substitute for the Original)

The same is looking like it can be said for a Tonearm Selection as well, if the Tonearm Base is exchangeable.
(As the slight variations of a Tonearms Geometry Set Up needs can be catered for in a Bespoke Produced Tonearm Base ).

In my View when much of the above is achieved ( not too difficult )
a well thought out Investigation into Mounting the TT will be very worthwhile as a undertaking.
Selecting a Rack Shelve Material and Footer or Wall Mount Shelve Material and Footers, will effect a presentation from a TT,
in cases exchanges of either Shelve, Sub Plinth Materials or a different Footer Design can produce a very desirable presentation.
Shelves and Sub Plinth Materials and Footer Types when carefully  selected for a TT really be a beneficial time taken to assess and select.

When all the above is in place, i.e TT > Tonearm > Cartridge >
TT Mounting.
The how to get the best from the Set Up,
by trying New Types of Electronic Devices in the System will be quite revelatory in what can be learned of a devices contribution.

Have a few different Platter Mat Materials to use as well,
( Loan some if possible )
I have auditioned Devices in the past that were underwhelming, and not comparing in a desirable perception to other used devices.
When a Platter Mat was exchanged the performance was vastly improved, and much wanted. 
I have Leather, Felt, Foam, Rubber, Ceramic and Gunmetal.
The effects can range from Bloomed > Richness > Perceived Weight >
Lean. 
I have used a few of the above practices beyond my system,
by taking My chosen Sub Plinth > Footers and Platter Mats to other Homes and used them on other owned TT's.
The response from a TT owner is sometimes Jaw Dropping as the results of the exchanges are so noticeable. 
I don't encourage a presentation type, this a individuals unique choice,
I enjoy helping the person get closer to their wish list.

Well there are a few Two Cents Worth snippets of how I use some of my 'Spare Time' around preparing my owned Vintage TT's for a life at the front of the System.