Newbie question on TT.


I found this wonderful site about 2 weeks ago and have been doing alot of reading. First of all, I am very limited on funds to spend on my quest for quality analog enjoyment. Ok, enough rambling, now my question. I have recently acquired thru a yard sale, a beautiful Dual 701 TT and installed a new Shure VN-35E stylus. It sounds much better than my old TT, which was a Technics SL 1300. Is there something I can do for say $100 that would tweak my TT for even better sound? I have it hooked up to a Carver HR 742 receiver. My speakers are 2 floor standing Pioneer CS E9900 4 way speakers and also 2 floor standing Polk Audio RTA 8TL speakers. Any suggestions on anything I can do cheaply to enjoy a better sound will be much appreciated. I have been an avid collector of Analog recordings, with alot of MoFi and Japanese pressing. It might also be of help to know that I mostly listen to classic rock, blues and jazz. Oh, by the way, I bought the Dual for $5.00 I was pretty happy with that find. Not even a scratch on the dustcover, so I don't think it had hardly been used.

Thank you in advance for your help!
sfpritch0a98

Showing 1 response by jonathanochi

If you want a highly cost effective "upgrade," I suggest the Disc Doctor (DD) cleaning system of which you seem to be already aware. The DD approach to record cleaning is simply outstanding. The method invented by DD allows maximum cleaning, minimal expense, and efficient use of time. I have recently cleaned LPs on my VPI HW-17 Vacuum Cleaner using Record Research Lab cleaner. Then I have cleaned using DD cleaner and scrub brush. Foreign matter had caused the LP to skip in places AFTER being cleaned on the VPI, but the skips disappeared after cleaning with DD. The DD felt scrub pads seem to get into the grooves to thoroughly clean. Also, the sound of the LP has a richness not present before using DD.

The VPI HW-17 system is convenient, but not nearly as effective IMHO. Since I have been using DD for only a few days, I am now in the process of rewashing my previously cleaned LPs. My TT, a VPI HW-19 (MkII) with JMW tonearm and Shelter 501 cartridge, has never sounded better. The results of sound quality improvement are most gratifying.

Jon