Turntable/Cartridge ideas for Shindo system
 

I have been trying to gather ideas for a second TT setup. I own a Well-Tempered Amadeus with an Emt Tsd-15N cartridge. This a great combination, that for the money may be hard to beat. I don't want to exceed the general price range of my current setup, but am open minded to spending a little less. I have actually thought of a second Amadeus, but want to have a more open mind. The Thorens Td-124 or Girrard 301 route is an interesting idea, but I admit that it may not be the best idea for me.

It all depends of what "sound" you want to get from your second turntable. I've gone through at least a dozen in the last 5 years (VPI, Rega, Thorens TD124, TD125, Project, Empire 298 and 598, ...)

The modern tables were too cold and analytical for me, at time I felt like I was listening to a CD. Kudos for accuracy, but they scored low on deliciousness. The rim-drive Thorens TD124 (I had 2 of them) sounded great, but I had rumble issues - even after refurbing them replacing some key parts.

The ones I kept are the Thorens TD125ii with SME 3009ii tonearm and the Empire 398. I made my decision based on sound, they both sounded very warm, relaxed and delicious. They made vinyl sound like vinyl and not CD.

I have no doubt that someone else would have preferred the Rega or VPI with they more precise sound.

That's why I think it's crucial to know ahead of time what kind of experience you want from your second turntable before one can make recommendations.

Hope this helps,

Alberto

PS Photo of my favorite turntable. Still with me after 6+ years.

http://usr.AudioAsylum.com/images/3/...on_TD125_1.JPG

Duhhh-- The EMT on the Lightweight WT Arm?-- is it stripped down?--my recollections of the EMT's-- is bulk and mass.

Great Carts though--good one if it worked for you--kudos!

Des

I'd suggest the Simplex, which I own. I heard it back to back with the Amadeus and there isn't much in it, if anything. Add a XXv2 or 20X2 L and you are set.

Hay Des- Yes, it is the nude version of the TSD-15. It is a great match with the Amadeus. Again, I am very satisfied with my setup. It's not going anywhere.
I simply want to have another alternative. I am running a Monbrison in to a pair of EL34 Corton Charlemagnes's. I have both a Choir Hashimoto H7, with lo/Hi impedance settings and an AUD 23 standard (Denon 103) SUT's.
AndyPandy- Thanks for the suggestion, the XX-2 Mk. 2 and 20X2
are well matched to the Shindo preamps. Greatly appreciated.
Are you using a Shindo pre by any chance ?
Alberto-Thanks much. If I may steal your saying, your TD125 II
looks quite JUICY. Are you running the Clearaudio Maestro MM
direct in to your Shindo pre MM input's. Wasn't sure which cart
you were using...?

I use two carts, both MM because there's something in MCs that does not agree with me. For records in good shape, I use the $1K Clearaudio Maestro, for some of my older records or records in less than perfect shape, I use the inexpensive, but still wonderful, AudioTechnica 440MLA ($100-200.) I also use the cheaper AT when I am doing non-critical listening, I feel better not paying too much attention when I am not wearing down a $1K stylus :-).

I've done a video review of the humble AT440mla a few years ago. I still stand by it 100%. Especially with the Shindo gear amplifying it.

Both go into the Monbrison's MM input - I just swap headshells on the SME, one of the wonderful advantages of having a removable headshell.

If I could not change headshells I'd be, like you, looking for another turntable.

Alberto

[ame=http://youtu.be/3bqQZhoYC_o]Audio Technica AT440mla - Review of Moving Magnet Cartridge - YouTube[/ame]

Thanks Alberto-Nice review. BTW- as you probably realized by
now, I meant to say your TT looked delicious. Juicy is good, but
I am loving the deliciousness. :-)

Funny you mention that...just looking into it now. Atm - I am, shock horror, using the 515MC phono board in my Meridian 551. It is a very low output MC stage which isn't suited to my 20x2H - but I compensate by halving the volume. Of course that just fixes the volume.....

The 515 MC is also far too noisy - so it will be replaced in due course.

I am really loving the WT Simplex table I have, congrat's on your Amadeus. Step up again.

Alberto, your Thorens looks similar to mine

Yoh,Yes When I lived in Hamburg I used to take the casings off the TSD-15s for use on my Breuer Arm--problem was as we lived in a high industrialised
area --I had to wipe the iron filings off the coils nearly every day-ha!

Like I said great Carts--still superior to 90% of the overpriced doozys on the market today.

Good listening,

Des