Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

HiFi Guy said:
The only possible issue is very slightly loose arm bearings. I can walk you through the adjustment if necessary.
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I read that and i appreciate your help. Hopefully i will get a good one.

Is this something that will loosen up again or is it a mis-adjustment from the factory?
 
Ethos99 said:
And don't get me started on digital cables.. never seen a cable transmit a zero or one any better than a cheap one.
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i see you have a scientific mind like i do


audioquest and other cable companies are snake oil... just decent shielding is all you need. it wont sound any better, just less hum

tbh i cant even hear a difference between DACs
 
Ethos99 said:
Oh my God! What have I done! That damn Mather beer got me to do a thing.

Lol, no we good. Until my wife finds out.

Cart will be here today. Thanks everyone for your input.
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Woohoo! They look kinda alike if you had one of the black lp120s, if she’s out when it arrives you could pretend it’s the same table....

Did you get end up getting the 8mz stylus and blue jean cables too?
 
Joe Mac said:
Woohoo! They look kinda alike if you had one of the black lp120s, if she’s out when it arrives you could pretend it’s the same table....

Did you get end up getting the 8mz stylus and blue jean cables too?
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I got the cables and a new subwoofer cable too but not the stylus. I will give the grado a chance and figured I'll love or hate it as standard and then consider it an upgrade when the time comes.

Edit: if I had got a cheaper TT I would have pulled the trigger.
 
Ethos99 said:
I got the cables and a new subwoofer cable too but not the stylus. I will give the grado a chance and figured I'll love or hate it as standard and then consider it an upgrade when the time comes.

Edit: if I had got a cheaper TT I would have pulled the trigger.
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Yeah, I have absolutely no complaints with the gold at all! I’d be happy enough with another tbh but whilst Im switching it out anyway I might as well upgrade lol! Can’t wait to hear your impressions, I’m sure you’ll love it!
 
displayname said:
Another quick lesson in why no one should judge the quality of gear on similar looks... this time from the very high end market.
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SME exiting the stand alone tone arm market seems like the wrong move. There’s lots of people (including me) that would love an SME arm without being bound to buying an SME or Garrard table to get it.

Probably my favorite table out there is the “new” SME/Garrard 301 with an SME arm. But I can buy a vintage 301, refurbish and source a plinth and arm for well under $10k. SME wants $25k for a new one.
 
So I had to try the Grado on the old TT and my initial impression if the prestige 3 is:

Wow! What have I been listening too!?

I changed it with my 2m blue on an ok album, not great pressing, and it seemed warmer but maybe flat.

Thought oh no, this sucks.

Went back to the blue and realized it wasn't bright as much as it was harsh. Put on a different album known for its harshness and bright recording, that never sounded good on the blue, and it was noticably better. Not amazing but definitely better.

Then I realized, in my haste and excitement, I didn't set the tracking force or make sure the cart was perfectly lined up 90° with the album. Set it all up and tried again and holy hell it is warm and detailed at the same time!

Bass is even and pronounced! I get less annoying pops and crackles during soft parts or between songs. (Apparently there's no fixing a fat possom pressing).

I will continue to break it in and critique but so far very happy and impressed!

@HiFi Guy and @Joe Mac , good damn call and I appreciate the guidance. Can't imagine the quality difference with an 8MZ.
 
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Ethos99 said:
So I had to try the Grado on the old TT and my initial impression if the prestige 3 is:

Wow! What have I been listening too!?

I changed it with my 2m blue on an ok album, not great pressing, and it seemed warmer but maybe flat.

Thought oh no, this sucks.

Went back to the blue and realized it wasn't bright as much as it was harsh. Put on a different album known for its harshness and bright recording, that never sounded good on the blue, and it was noticably better. Not amazing but definitely better.

Then I realized I didn't set the tracking force or make sure the cart was perfectly lined up 90° with the album. Set it all up and tried again and holy hell it is warm and detailed at the same time!

Bass is even and pronounced! I get less annoying pops and crackles during soft parts or between songs. (Apparently there's no fixing a fat possom pressing).

I will continue to break it in and critique but so far very happy and impressed!

HiFi and Joe, good damn call and I appreciate the guidance. Can't imagine the quality difference with an 8MZ.
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awesome! I think there has yet to be one of us who has swapped from ortofon to Grado and even remotely regretted it!
 
Ethos99 said:
So I had to try the Grado on the old TT and my initial impression if the prestige 3 is:

Wow! What have I been listening too!?

I changed it with my 2m blue on an ok album, not great pressing, and it seemed warmer but maybe flat.

Thought oh no, this sucks.

Went back to the blue and realized it wasn't bright as much as it was harsh. Put on a different album known for its harshness and bright recording, that never sounded good on the blue, and it was noticably better. Not amazing but definitely better.

Then I realized, in my haste and excitement, I didn't set the tracking force or make sure the cart was perfectly lined up 90° with the album. Set it all up and tried again and holy hell it is warm and detailed at the same time!

Bass is even and pronounced! I get less annoying pops and crackles during soft parts or between songs. (Apparently there's no fixing a fat possom pressing).

I will continue to break it in and critique but so far very happy and impressed!

@HiFi Guy and @Joe Mac , good damn call and I appreciate the guidance. Can't imagine the quality difference with an 8MZ.
Click to expand...

I forgot to tell you it sounds and tracks best at 1.65 grams.

Glad you dig it!
 
Ethos99 said:
So I had to try the Grado on the old TT and my initial impression if the prestige 3 is:

Wow! What have I been listening too!?

I changed it with my 2m blue on an ok album, not great pressing, and it seemed warmer but maybe flat.

Thought oh no, this sucks.

Went back to the blue and realized it wasn't bright as much as it was harsh. Put on a different album known for its harshness and bright recording, that never sounded good on the blue, and it was noticably better. Not amazing but definitely better.

Then I realized, in my haste and excitement, I didn't set the tracking force or make sure the cart was perfectly lined up 90° with the album. Set it all up and tried again and holy hell it is warm and detailed at the same time!

Bass is even and pronounced! I get less annoying pops and crackles during soft parts or between songs. (Apparently there's no fixing a fat possom pressing).

I will continue to break it in and critique but so far very happy and impressed!

@HiFi Guy and @Joe Mac , good damn call and I appreciate the guidance. Can't imagine the quality difference with an 8MZ.
Click to expand...
HiFi Guy said:
I forgot to tell you it sounds and tracks best at 1.65 grams.

Glad you dig it!
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Now I really can't wait to hear more about the 3, looking forward to more from you @Ethos99 and @HiFi Guy you'll be up soon :)

The Grado is a beautiful cart.
 
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