I need turntable advice

The major problem with most rim & idler drives - especially the older ones - is in having a rather high noise level. The best of the directs can get to noise levels of (IIRC) 70-90dB down, while those older rim drives will struggle to reach maybe 40dB down. In a high end system where everything matters, a number like this can be very hard to deal with.

Does powercord makes a difference for TTs? kgo.

1 Like

It surely does. For example, if it’s too short, it won’t reach.

9 Likes

So nobody uses a Dragon on their TT? What is this place, I’m never coming back here again! :stuck_out_tongue: :rofl:

3 Likes

4 Likes

We’ll miss you terribly.

2 Likes

That is like a third of what I have into my Air Force 3 Premium +. Yow!

One hell of a motor.
The 70+ pound platter floating on an air bearing.
Vacuum hold down that has no downside.
An heirloom tonearm.

F me that’s a deal!!!

Too bad it is Silver!!!

2 Likes

Direct Drive better than rim drive in my experience - comparing 80s DD with 70s rim drive (various Garrard, including the well regarded Lab 80) the DDs were quieter and more (speed) accurate every single time.
An exception possibly being the Garrard 401 (I think it’s that one) but only an example in excellent condition and they cost more than DD nowadays.
ALso, DD tend to look cooler (especially if you can find one without the big “DJ” slider) :slight_smile:

It’s cute little guy.

2 Likes

This seller has lots of cool turntables for sale! But the Techdas is the best bargain! Nice find!

3 Likes

I will admit that it looks much better in black.
(And I’ve heard that vacuum hold down sucks. (buhdum) :crazy_face:
A smokin’ deal!

3 Likes

He named the best cartridge in the world in this vid…

2 Likes

Hmm. I heard ‘there is really no such thing’ and ‘if you want a cheap decent sounding cartridge that you won’t care about if it breaks, then the Denon 103 or AT-95’. :man_shrugging: I own both of those, BTW (well, really the Shibata version of the '95), and they are certainly competent, for what they are.

3 Likes

I have a Zu modded 103 and it’s great.

3 Likes

Agreed, the 103 has a lot of great mod variants around.

1 Like

Considering how many cartridges I have, maybe my next turntable should have a replaceable headshell. Back to the Technics.

3 Likes

Ha! I’m in the process of deciding which removeable headshell arm I’m going to put in my secondary position!. :joy: I’ve decided that having a ton of unipivot arms each with a cartridge on it is just a little tiresome when I want to move to a different cart. Someone snagged a Jelco 850L for a song yesterday on usaudiomart. For the price being asked, it was a steal. It was still listed for sale when I sent the message saying I’d buy it. :expressionless:

2 Likes

I think the removable hs is the deciding factor for me as I’d also like a mono cartridge.

2 Likes

Al, is it one and the same or does yours have considerable upgrades? Belt drive though?

1 Like

Recommended and installed many AT-95 in friends entry level set-ups. Easy in the budget and ears. The DL-103 is great, the DL-304 when available was better, an over achiever!

3 Likes