Avid TT upgrade

[antipop]

more unpacking:

The PSU is very well built and it weights a lot. Finish is top notch.


The motor with the double pulley system


The Acutus clamp. I was so impressed when I saw it at Jean-Marc's that I had to order one. It presses the disk completely flat on the mat. It's a very ingenious system and the chrome matches my silver Volvere... I mean Sequel SP now !

[antipop]

Installation is a breeze even without instructions. It is just a matter of unscrewing and screwing back.

I was operational in less than an hour.

Some interesting comparisons :

The new PSU on the left compared to the old one. I didn't open the PSU but you can see it's not the same size nor weight between the two.


The motor is almost twice the size of the old one. It is not only taller but the diameter is also longer.
The new one (left) has plenty of torque.

[antipop]

Before installing the upgrade kit, I listened to Graceland by Paul Simon. Mostly Face B with You can call me Al and Homeless.

After the upgrade, the difference with immediate. Better bass, more details in the mids and bigger soundstage. Background is also blacker which is a surprise as I thought it was already very quiet.

The upgrade is not cheap but it is more than worth it. It is very impressive what a bigger motor and PSU can bring in a turntable. The motor is much more powerful than the previous one. You can feel it when you start the system, it is almost instantly up to the correct speed.

[maxsmart]

As an Volvere owner and someone who's interested in this upgrade, thank you for the pictures and commentary!

[antipop]

Originally Posted by maxsmart

As an Volvere owner and someone who's interested in this upgrade, thank you for the pictures and commentary!

Dean, you're welcome. I was in the position when I was thinking of upgrading. I couldn't find any picture nor feedback on the upgrade.

I'm happy to say that now there is one

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by antipop

Before installing the upgrade kit, I listened to Graceland by Paul Simon. Mostly Face B with You can call me Al and Homeless.

After the upgrade, the difference with immediate. Better bass, more details in the mids and bigger soundstage. Background is also blacker which is a surprise as I thought it was already very quiet.

The upgrade is not cheap but it is more than worth it. It is very impressive what a bigger motor and PSU can bring in a turntable. The motor is much more powerful than the previous one. You can feel it when you start the system, it is almost instantly up to the correct speed.

Congrats Georges !!

Next step is Acutus !

[antipop]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Congrats Georges !!

Next step is Acutus !

Thank you Jerome,

There is still a lot to do before the Acutus (SME V, Audio Desk,...)

[rscotth]

AVID makes a great product. Enjoy!

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

Very big congrats Georges, I'm very happy for you and I was sure it would be a very big improvement...

I too never thought the very positive effect of a well done PSU. And I too find this clamp to be the most clever I never saw or used...no need to say how beautiful it is.

Have tons of fabulous listeningng hours now...

[John49]

Originally Posted by antipop

I've received the upgrade kit and the new Acutus clamp.

I am so pleased that the upgrades have given you so much. Also, your photos are amazing and surely a great help to anyone else thinking of an Avid upgrade. I think Conrad Mas has put as much effort into packing things in the best way as he did designing the Avid turntables in the first place.

Enjoy!