Post your turntable setup...can't get enough of those spinners!

Discussion in 'Vinyl Nutjob World: Turntable and Related Gear' started by shaizada, Sep 28, 2015.

  1. shaizada

    shaizada Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,796
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Beautiful VPI Classic 2! I see u have the center weight. That works best with the ring. If you don't have the ring, get the Steel / Delrin screw down clamp with the rubber washer. The center weight must be used with the ring to work properly. See the weight puts weight in the middle and lifts the edges of the record....reducing the platter/ record contact area.
     
  2. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2015
    Likes Received:
    781
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Roswell, GA
    Thanks for the tip Shaizada! I got the VPI Classic Signature SE package that came with the SDS & HRX weight, so luckily I didn't pay extra for the weight.

    Next upgrade will probably be a 2" butcher block or a new stand for some more stability.

    Edit: ended up ordering a 2.25" maple board and some rubber/cork isolation feet from TTVJ. Hopefully should get me close to mapleshade platform performance at about half the cost.
     
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2016
  3. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2015
    Likes Received:
    781
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Roswell, GA
    I'm sure it still needs some more adjustment, but it already sounds absolutely phenomenal!

    [​IMG]
     
  4. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,066
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, ME
    I am dwarfed by all of these VPI tables... and also extremely jealous. Awesome setups guys.

    Wanted to post what I found to be the best performance / cost item for my turntable setup - a $15 bubble level from amazon. I plan on embedding this into my thick maple board in the future.
    IMG_20160217_211826.jpg
    IMG_20160217_211805.jpg


    Messy setup needs some organization / consolidation.

    IMG_20160217_211755.jpg
     
  5. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2015
    Likes Received:
    781
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Roswell, GA
    I really need one of those levels. I haven't been able to fully enjoy my Classic yet since the feet interfere with the metal caps on top and I can't get it perfectly level. My maple board should be coming in tomorrow so hopefully that'll solve it.
     
  6. JK47

    JK47 Guest

    I have the Ortofon version of that same level. Make sure you use it on the platter, that's the most important. The plinth and rack can be off a bit, but the platter is where the needle needs to be dialed in for the magic to happen.
     
  7. shaizada

    shaizada Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,796
    Trophy Points:
    93
    I was totally going to ask you about that! The maple board should solve that with coupling the maple board to the rack properly.
     
  8. shaizada

    shaizada Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,796
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Josh, you can get a VPI later down the road. For now, you can totally have fun with the current table, playing with upgrades and generally getting a good feel what items attribute to different sound perspectives with analog. Footers, clamps, cartridges, phono cables, phono pre's etc. Glad to see you just enjoy vinyl really...one of the few true musical pleasures of life :)
     
  9. Chris F

    Chris F Boyz 4 Now Fanatic - Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    805
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Ottawa, Canada
    Do you guys with bubble levels have your tables perfectly level at all points around the platter?

    With my bubble level (Starett) the bubble stays within the "bullseye" at all points on the platter but I can not get it to stay perfectly centered at all points. I think this is within 1 degree?
     
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2015
    Likes Received:
    89,623
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Padre Island CC TX
    On the platter anywhere, it's been consistent. The plinth not so much.
     
  11. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    386
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Admudnson-Scott Antarctic Facility (Seattle WA)
    Home Page:
    image.jpeg image.jpeg
    Finally decided to get some pictures of my (dad's) setup.

    Deciding on what I should get for myself now. And which records will be okay to nab.
     
  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2015
    Likes Received:
    89,623
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Padre Island CC TX
    Not mine, but I wanted to post these. I had talk with Seth at SoundStageDirect, and we both remarked how VPI's promotional materials and website do not do justice to the rosewood tables. These are the dual arm Classic 4 tables in rosewood. Rosewood is now illegal to import into the USA. Only of handful (meaning like one or two) of Classic and 3 and 4s in the rosewood remain in stock at the usual places.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  13. shaizada

    shaizada Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,796
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Congrats Marv! What a table...what a table!
     
  14. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2015
    Likes Received:
    781
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Roswell, GA
    [​IMG]

    I think I'm in the vinyl deep end now... Must stop tweaking...
     
  15. shaizada

    shaizada Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,796
    Trophy Points:
    93
    @Dr. Higgs, can you remind me what your cartridge is? It looks like a Soundsmith model, but I can be totally mistaken. Also, I see that you have placed the maple block tweak with proper footers as we discussed. What changes did you notice? Would be great if you can share some of that well experienced feedback with the group :)

    Thanks!

    The Manley Chinook is a sweet phono section. Though just slightly tubey in personality I feel, you can really bring out more transient response, attack and speed from it using Symposium Rollerblocks Series 2+ ball bearings. This would enhance this phono stage immensely. Symposium Rollerblock Jr. or Aurios would also be effective, the but Rollerblocks Series 2+ are a huge upgrade. The beauty of quality analog playback gear is that it responds so readily to such careful tweaks.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2015
    Likes Received:
    781
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Roswell, GA
    Hey @shaizada , it's a SoundSmith VPI Zephyr (I decided on it based on drfindley's recommendation). Seems fairly neutral (though the mids are notably awesome), better resolution than any other carts I've had previously, & tracks extremely well.

    I wish I did more direct comparisons before & after the block, but I can say that it seems to be vastly better isolated than it was before. I live right above the subway in a rickety old apartment which isn't the most vibration free environment, but even when I can feel the subway I've noticed zero movement in the tonearm and no discernible impact on the sound. Plus it made it much easier to level :)

    I'm still acclimating to the Chinook but mostly happy with it so far. It's definitely lacking some slam in the bass and edge in the treble, but the mids & vocals are probably the best I've ever heard. The tubey character seems to suit it well since I'm running it through my Ragnarok to drive my speakers. I might play around with some tube rolling next (currently looking for a good deal on some Amperex 7308s), but I might check out the rollerblocks down the road.
     
  17. Chris F

    Chris F Boyz 4 Now Fanatic - Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    805
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Ottawa, Canada
    Hey guys, I'm going to the Montreal audio show this Friday specifically to check out the VPI lineup. I'm interested in the Avenger/3D reference tonearm as it's on my "destination" turntable shortlist.

    Do you guys have any questions you want me to ask Mat/Harry or whomever else is there?
     
  18. JK47

    JK47 Guest

    If you could ask them how much height 1 revolution of the 4 nubbed VTA ring would add/subtract on a Classic 1, that would be greatly appreciated. I asked the same question on VPI's forum, and emailed Mat directly, but have yet to get a response.

    Cheers, have a great time. Montreal is an awesome city ;)
     
  19. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2015
    Likes Received:
    781
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Roswell, GA
    I noticed on their forums (Mat's subforum specifically) that they're prepping for some new product announcement, so try to get some juicy details!

    I'm also pretty curious what some of their preamp preferences are? They have a good list of recommended cartridges for each turntable on their site, but no info on what preamps they're using as a reference.

    Have a great time!
     
  20. shaizada

    shaizada Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,796
    Trophy Points:
    93
    That is a fantastic cartridge :) Enjoy! Also, the Amperex 7308 will give the phono section a feeling of being more alive. It will tighten up the bass response, increase and further define the treble region while giving you a more "lively" midband. Good choice :)
     

Share This Page