Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

what are the benefits to an amplifier instead of powered speakers.. i just need the amplification and headphone jack and i dunno about getting standard speakers.. i wonder if i should just get an amplifier to use more powerful headphones for my records (grados or sennheiser 6XX)
 
duke86fan said:
what are the benefits to an amplifier instead of powered speakers.. i just need the amplification and headphone jack and i dunno about getting standard speakers.. i wonder if i should just get an amplifier to use more powerful headphones for my records (grados or sennheiser 6XX)
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Generally speaking most integrated amplifiers are designed to drive speakers. They have a headphone jack but they are not really designed to drive specialist high demand headphones, that’s what headphone amps are for. You can either attach a headphone amp to the tape out of an integrated amp that’s powering your speakers or, if you get one like the schiit mani you can put it before power speakers in a chain and split between the two. You can of course use one a headphone amp without any powered speakers and just run your headphone off it too.
 
Joe Mac said:
Generally speaking most integrated amplifiers are designed to drive speakers. They have a headphone jack but they are not really designed to drive specialist high demand headphones, that’s what headphone amps are for. You can either attach a headphone amp to the tape out of an integrated amp that’s powering your speakers or, if you get one like the schiit mani you can put it before power speakers in a chain and split between the two. You can of course use one a headphone amp without any powered speakers and just run your headphone off it too.
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ok then... so basically buy something like a schiit magni and do that (now i just need cables and to see if i want open backs because my dog won't stop barking at me even though i did nothing to him besides tell my cat to get out of my room)
 
duke86fan said:
ok then... so basically buy something like a schiit magni and do that (now i just need cables and to see if i want open backs because my dog won't stop barking at me even though i did nothing to him besides tell my cat to get out of my room)
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yeah a headphone amp along those lines is what you want for more demanding headphones.
 
duke86fan said:
ok then... so basically buy something like a schiit magni and do that (now i just need cables and to see if i want open backs because my dog won't stop barking at me even though i did nothing to him besides tell my cat to get out of my room)
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I have the Magni 3 and it serves it purpose and sounds much better than my receiver headphone jack did before it lost a channel. I have it hooked up to my tape out through my receiver since I only listen to vinyl through my system. The Magni 3 drives my Sennheiser HD600 and Beyerdynamic 880 600 ohms just fine. I know there were some issues with the volume pot but I think they fixed it? If you go that route, buy it from a place with a good return policy.
 
I own a U Turn Orbit TT, last night I dropped a record that hit my tonearm and cartridge and twisted the headshell (I believe this is the correct term for what the cartridge mounts to). The headshell twisted, I moved it back as best as I can tell it belongs but obviously By the naked eye it’s bound to be significantly out of wack still. So what tools/measurement devices should I acquire to be able to set it correctly as well as check the alignment of the cartridge.
 
Dylanfan253 said:
I own a U Turn Orbit TT, last night I dropped a record that hit my tonearm and cartridge and twisted the headshell (I believe this is the correct term for what the cartridge mounts to). The headshell twisted, I moved it back as best as I can tell it belongs but obviously By the naked eye it’s bound to be significantly out of wack still. So what tools/measurement devices should I acquire to be able to set it correctly as well as check the alignment of the cartridge.
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I have one of these, very handy ;)

Amazon.com: VTA Azimuth Gauge Alignment Block: Home Audio & Theater

Buy VTA Azimuth Gauge Alignment Block: Turntables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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@anthonyl as long as it’s made with better quality control then their acrylic platter mats then I’m good and then I imagine a small level that is small and a scale
 
Dylanfan253 said:
@anthonyl as long as it’s made with better quality control then their acrylic platter mats then I’m good and then I imagine a small level that is small and a scale
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Well, I've owned 2 of there acrylic mats and have had no issues, so not sure what the problem might have been there. But this little piece of acrylic is just a better way of getting a straight line to use for the head shell as well as the tonearm. And yes, I think everyone should have a small bubble level and a VTF scale, all inexpensive items, but a must have in my opinion.
 
Time for some opinions, I've been pondering what to do with 2 systems, how to get them on a single piece of furniture and nothing store bought that doesn't cost an arm and a leg is really available. So I came up with this DIY using 2 single Kallax units (1x4), with Iron Pipe flanges/pipes to separate them and give me additional space for my Pre and Panamax.

What do you think?
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The Turntables would go on top, the 2 amps under each turntable and the pre/panamax in the space between. The bottom would be album storage.

I'm not sure if I want to put "feet" on this thing or not.
 
AnthonyI said:
Well, I've owned 2 of there acrylic mats and have had no issues, so not sure what the problem might have been there. But this little piece of acrylic is just a better way of getting a straight line to use for the head shell as well as the tonearm. And yes, I think everyone should have a small bubble level and a VTF scale, all inexpensive items, but a must have in my opinion.
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my mat was warped but I’m not going to hold that against them and their inner sleeves were a decent value when they were available as well. I’ll pick up these items and then check out some videos before I begin. I hope to get comfortable doing things like this so I can make any mistakes now when they are less expensive and I can have confidence setting up a future table and cartridge.
 
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I find out about the holiday bonus situation tomorrow evening so I will officially be looking to replace my orbit w/grado black.

My Current setup is as follows
Orbit Acryllic
Grado black/black
Vincent Pho 8
NAD C 326BEEE
Elac Debut 2.0 f5.2

I do not want to have to move a belt to change speed.
Something that is capable of playing at 78rpm would be nice but is by no means a deal breaker.
Cost of cartridge to be included in the total budget given, recommendations on cartridge choice would be much appreciated.

Budget not to exceed $1000USD.
If possible please give 2 options one at or around the lowest price to have the options listed above that would not be considered a lateral move considering my current setup. As well as an option at or around max budget.

Thank you in advance for any guidance you may provide.
 
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Dylanfan253 said:
I find out about the holiday bonus situation tomorrow evening so I will officially be looking to replace my orbit w/grado black.

My Current setup is as follows
Orbit Acryllic
Grado black/black
Vincent Pho 8
NAD C 326BEEE
Elac Debut 2.0 f5.2

I do not want to have to move a belt to change speed.
Something that is capable of playing at 78rpm would be nice but is by no means a deal breaker.
Cost of cartridge to be included in the total budget given, recommendations on cartridge choice would be much appreciated.

Budget not to exceed $1000USD.
If possible please give 2 options one at or around the lowest price to have the options listed above that would not considered a lateral move considering my current setup. As well as an option at or around max budget.

Thank you in advance for any guidance you may provide.
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Low end, maybe Fluance RT85 at $500. Checks all your boxes and should be a slight step up.

Pioneer PLX 1000. On sale for $600, leaves a healthy budget for cart and maybe headshell upgrade. 2M Blue, Grado Gold, various AT carts, Nagaoka MP150. This would probably be my top pick.

AT LP7 is in your price range. Haven't heard much about this one, but it's in range. Rega P3 would come in just over budget with a cart.
 
Dylanfan253 said:
Would the project debut carbon esprit be a quality option?
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Several people are very fond of their Espirt tables. I'll let those owners speak to it more.
I considered it before I had purchased my previous UTurn. It all depends on what design tradeoffs you prefer. For me, any tone arm under 9 inches simply wasn't going to be considered. On the other end, if you find more design value in materials used, it's probably the only option with an acrylic platter, speed control, and a carbon arm at it's price point.
 
Dylanfan253 said:
I find out about the holiday bonus situation tomorrow evening so I will officially be looking to replace my orbit w/grado black.

My Current setup is as follows
Orbit Acryllic
Grado black/black
Vincent Pho 8
NAD C 326BEEE
Elac Debut 2.0 f5.2

I do not want to have to move a belt to change speed.
Something that is capable of playing at 78rpm would be nice but is by no means a deal breaker.
Cost of cartridge to be included in the total budget given, recommendations on cartridge choice would be much appreciated.

Budget not to exceed $1000USD.
If possible please give 2 options one at or around the lowest price to have the options listed above that would not be considered a lateral move considering my current setup. As well as an option at or around max budget.

Thank you in advance for any guidance you may provide.
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I would agree with all the recommendations given and cast a vote for the PLX 1000 as well with your budget, having picked one up recently for my second system it is amazingly built and checks off all your boxes except spinning 78's.
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