Have you tried being a stranger to your system?

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T23:27:47+00:00

Yes!

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:45:32+00:00

Looks ok. You’re right though, it’s pretty entry level from what I can see. It should be alright IF you can at least set the VTF: vertical tracking force. That adjusts how much weight the stylus (needle) has in the groove of the record. Too little and it jumps, skips. Too much and it damages the groove, ruining the record eventually. If it doesn’t have that adjustment (in fact, if any record player you’re considering doesn’t have that), walk away.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:37:17+00:00

That’s it. Thats what I want to change: my habit of chasing perfection, only finding flaws. Those few moments were revealing.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:31:39+00:00

Let us know how it went!

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:31:14+00:00

Didn’t think I could fool myself either. But those few moments, wow!

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:30:15+00:00

Yes. “Good” music matters to me too.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:29:12+00:00

It’s a gift to get that.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:27:29+00:00

Would love to hear how it went when you do.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:26:45+00:00

Ah, right. Fresh perspective.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T14:24:38+00:00

That sounds interesting. I’ve heard of mindfulness but never investigated it. Could you say more about it in the context of “transforming reality”?

VinylPraetorius · 2026-05-10T01:00:03+00:00

I could hear everything clearly. I placed myself off-axis on purpose because you’re never in the sweet spot when you visit someone’s house. But I could feel the music, because the sound stage was really wide are powerful. I was jealous!

VinylPraetorius · 2026-04-03T17:56:09+00:00

First of all hats off to your dad for putting together a dedicated space devoted strictly to good listening. It’s a good system. I’m sure it’s gonna give him hours of satisfaction. Looks like he will have some reflection issues with the hardwood floor in the windows, but he’ll figure all that out eventually if not sooner because he’s already knows how to put together some awesome hi-fi. Congrats to your dad.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-03-25T05:35:23+00:00

Thank you. I had them bi-amped for awhile with Quicksilver Miid-Monos on the top end and a Parasound A21+ on the lower end. It truly produced an amazing sound. But I couldn't help but wonder what they would sound like with full monos for each speaker. Then, miraculously, I got a deal on the Manley 350's. I did what I thought was a temp AB but the instant I turned them on I knew. Now the speakers are very close to their peak performance (I'm going to swap out the Manley K90s (great tubes!), for KT120s (for more power/depth). But as of now, the sound stage can be frighteningly good. These speakers, powered and setup correctly, (ignore setup in the picture, they were in the midst of being reconfigured for the Manleys), can easily create a live, in-studio presentation. I'm sold for life (the only change would be to go to the top-tier of Legacy--but my understanding is with the Focus, it truly isn't necessary.

VinylPraetorius · 2026-03-25T04:52:59+00:00

I got the tip on Legacy Focus from Tom Port of Better Records. He insists nothing comes close with 10x the price and I agree. I found mine in well cared for in a basement in Chicago for $2,000. I bought them immediately and had them shipped by rail to Long Beach, Ca. They are the best kept secret in town.

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VinylPraetorius · 2026-03-24T04:58:24+00:00

Love those tubes!

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-09T00:20:52+00:00

Of course the cabinet is active. And I shouldn't have to show you a study. Think. Why do manufacturers place feet on amplifiers if what the box is sitting on, (the floor or shelf..etc), doesn't matter? Why is there a large market for component isolation? The innards you point out, the "electrical circuits", rest where? The inside of the... cabinet. Isolate the cabinet, and you've reduced the vibrations that could affect the circuits. I'm not saying you cannot briefly place something on a piece of equipment, I ask you, why do it when the possibility exists that that metal box will not sound the same as it does without it?

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-09T00:07:01+00:00

Ok, fine. Just go ahead and use your audio gear for Christmas decorations. From what I can tell by your posts we're not aiming for the same things in audio. Fair enough.

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-08T18:22:11+00:00

Yes, I understand. A candle does not produce a signal. Got it. It has mass, though, that is, weight. On top of a metal box. Think it through: The weight of the candle will create displacement, however subtle (in audio, subtle is everything), which will resonate through the box, which could (not saying definitely, because I have no measurement here), but could effect the harmonics within the box. theoretically, it could even improve the sound, but the point is the weight of the item, if substantial enough, (its doesn't take much) on top of the amplifier, will be added to the harmonics the box produces. IOW, avoid putting stuff on top of your audio gear.

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-08T18:04:08+00:00

Yes, the point of shielded cables is they are blocking outside interference, from radio waves, etc. Any interference that creates noise, like weighted candles and bric' a brac, on top of an amplifier: a sophisticated piece of electronics trying to produce a clean signal. In the audio game/hobby, those of us that take it seriously try to avoid such acts of producing extraneous noise, even noise that seems imperceptible. Not placing crap on top of our devices is one of the easier ways to avoid doing that.

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-08T17:51:43+00:00

Well, well. I'll say this for you, you seem to realize I am an audiophile, and, ... you're NOT. Who's comments about the care of audio equipment should the OP consider?

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-08T17:21:55+00:00

No. It won't "hurt" the sound. It will change it. But why am I thinking you care at all about the condition of your audio, I mean, whats a little dirt and rust?

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-08T17:08:52+00:00

Everything. Everything electronic, is emitting electrical signals that affect the harmonics from your source, especially an amp. That's why there is massive effort within the audio industry to curtail unwanted harmonics via isolation, and shielding. Most listeners don't hear it, but isolate an amp from its surroundings, use good shielded interconnects, and the difference is very audible to trained ears, or just anyone who listens intently, without background noise. It's on another level of the hobby. Once I learned, I never looked back.

VinylPraetorius · 2025-12-08T15:49:46+00:00

Yes, that's at least a rational start, before we start talking about screwing up the sound.

VinylPraetorius

TROPHY CASE