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I walked into a dealer and got a shock....

I walked into a local Hi-Fi dealer with what I thought was just a turntable (Reaga P25 with Sumiko Blackbird Cart) needing minor repair. My vinyl sound has been a bit thin and the platter was making a grinding noise at startup and sometimes needing a push to get the platter moving. I described the rest of my system (Pro-Ject Tube Box SE II, Linn Kollektor, Mac MC402, Dali MS5's) and the size of my room (14x16) and the fact that the CD playback (Marantz DV7600)
It was suggested that my system was not matched and basically "too much electronics for a room that size". They recommended I replace the Linn preamp and the Mac Amp with an Audio Research VSi55 integrated (tubes). The price of the AR is about half of what I paid for the items that would be replaced. I understand price does not always equal performance. But I am shocked, especially since I just bought these items. Any thoughts on this suggested combination?
azmoon

Showing 5 responses by piedpiper

piedpiper
753 posts
 
It is common, although not always correct, to think that less power gets you more finesse. It is quite possible that the salesman felt the MAC was overkill "for a room that size" and that you'd get better sound by going for quality rather than quantity. ...and MAC is not everyones cup of tea.

BTW, another vote for starting the platter by hand, always a good idea for any table. The sound you're hearing is simply the belt rubbing on the pulley before the momentum of the platter catches up with the motor. This happens even on new Regas sometimes.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
Hi Dave,

I think my post makes it clear that I wasn't stating my own opinion, and not specific to any brand, simply a common belief that the salesman may hold. Just playing devil's advocate with a spoonful of compassionate sugar to balance out the above cynicism. Although it is challenging for a salesperson to be truly objective and altruistic on behalf of the customer, personal integrity pays off in the end. There certainly are dealers who recognize this.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
This hobby, in case you haven't noticed is full of extremely varied opinions. My comments above are intended quite literally. You can try to read into them if you like but I was simply trying to add a little perspective since that is what the poster requested. No harm meant.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
If the grinding noise is only on start up you be pretty sure it is just a belt/pulley/motor issue, rather than a missing bearing but by all means check it out. It's easy to do but be careful of loosing the ball bearing. It's small and rolls. Good luck and enjoy!
piedpiper
753 posts
 
To rephrase my former advice, the Rega manual instructs you to always start the platter with a manual push. This is ALWAYS a good idea with ANY turntable in that it saves wear on the motor and belt, if it has one. Many tables specifically use low torque motors that typically exhibit less vibration than their higher torque brethren, with the assumption of hand starting the platter. This becomes even more relevant with very heavy high mass platters.

Pulling the platter off and removing the subplatter/bearing is not a big deal. Just be careful to align it as you pull it out and put it back so as to minimize any initial chafing. There will be a small ball bearing at the bottom of the bearing well. If this is not there, replacements are available.
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