MoFi UltraDeck / StudioDeck Owners and those interested

kvetcha said:
Let us know what you decide! Welcome to N&G.

While I’m here, I’ll also say you should look into an SAE 1000E or 1000LT. @Joe Mac is selling one out of Ireland for 150 Euros and it is a startlingly good cart for that money. I installed mine while my Soundsmith was being rebuilt and have been enjoying it so much that I haven’t bothered switching back.
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I'll look into it, not familiar so thanks again for the warm welcome and recommendations. Will update when I actually take next steps.
 
spydrwebb44 said:
I'll look into it, not familiar so thanks again for the warm welcome and recommendations. Will update when I actually take next steps.
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It’s a new-old stock cart from the late 70s, a high output moving coil that has a bit in common with the Hana MH. Works with typical MM phono stages. Lovely, warm, deeply enjoyable. I fully plan on sending this one to Soundsmith for a retip once its time comes.
 
The Theory is such a handsome table! I’m very happy with my UD (which I got open box a year or two before the price increase), but I very well may have ended up with the Theory if it had existed at the time. May I ask what the rest of your chain looks like?
 
kvetcha said:
The Theory is such a handsome table! I’m very happy with my UD (which I got open box a year or two before the price increase), but I very well may have ended up with the Theory if it had existed at the time. May I ask what the rest of your chain looks like?
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No doubt the Theory's aesthetic is top shelf. Would be tough to part with but just keeping an open mind so I don't miss any potential "better" opportunity. The thing that's strange about U-turn is they stay fairly quiet and under the radar as a company, which typically is a good thing but not always. They're hard to read. They do have amazing service, though.

I recently let go of several Schiit separates to streamline into a Cambridge Audio CXA81, shortly after it completely blew me away at a local showroom.

As for pre, I'm a strong proponent of Darlington Labs. I run their MM-7 and SU-7 in concert, to cover the MM/MI/MC spectrum.

Most sessions are through a pair of bookshelf Ascend Acoustics, tied into a 10" Rhythmik sub.
 
spydrwebb44 said:
No doubt the Theory's aesthetic is top shelf. Would be tough to part with but just keeping an open mind so I don't miss any potential "better" opportunity. The thing that's strange about U-turn is they stay fairly quiet and under the radar as a company, which typically is a good thing but not always. They're hard to read. They do have amazing service, though.

I recently let go of several Schiit separates to streamline into a Cambridge Audio CXA81, shortly after it completely blew me away at a local showroom.

As for pre, I'm a strong proponent of Darlington Labs. I run their MM-7 and SU-7 in concert, to cover the MM/MI/MC spectrum.

Most sessions are through a pair of bookshelf Ascend Acoustics, tied into a 10" Rhythmik sub.
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Very nice setup. What’s your cleaning situation?

I’ve got half a mind to overstep and just tell you to get the SAE and a Humminguru and sit with that for a few months.
 
kvetcha said:
Very nice setup. What’s your cleaning situation?

I’ve got half a mind to overstep and just tell you to get the SAE and a Humminguru and sit with that for a few months.
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Thank you. I don't mind respectful assertion.

Cleaning? If you mean what I use to clean vinyl and carts, that's an old Record Doctor (anniversary edition) and the trusty Onzow Zerodust.
 
kvetcha said:
I hear you. I was running a full US-made stack for a while, but ended up swapping my Rogue Sphinx for a Hong Kong tube amp that I’ve absolutely loved. Still majority domestic, though.
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Yeah, domestic takes precedence. Struggled for years to find an affordable streamer made in the states... which I never found, but Cambridge has the CXN that ties very nicely into my amp so that was my latest addition.

I don't do a lot with digital these days, but the convenience factor cannot be overlooked. And that also gives me a great opportunity to sit at my desk and listen through my LCD-2 cans.
 
kvetcha said:
I hear you. I was running a full US-made stack for a while, but ended up swapping my Rogue Sphinx for a Hong Kong tube amp that I’ve absolutely loved. Still majority domestic, though.
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Schiit was most of my stack, but I do still run a JDS mini stack on my bedside table that I absolutely love.

Sold all my Schiit except the Asgard and Lyr, but planning to list them for sale at some point soon because they'd be duplicated efforts at this point.
 
spydrwebb44 said:
Schiit was most of my stack, but I do still run a JDS mini stack on my bedside table that I absolutely love.

Sold all my Schiit except the Asgard and Lyr, but planning to list them for sale at some point soon because they'd be duplicated efforts at this point.
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He’s a gem. We actually had a ”town bicycle” MM-6 that made its way around the forum membership with Keith’s blessing. In fact, he’s a member here! @krichard2496

Darlington Labs MM-6 USA Tour

I have some exciting news! Ever wondered what an external phono stage could being to your system? Would you like to try a Darlington Labs MM-6 in your system before making a financial commitment? Now is your chance. Keith Richardson has generously offered a MM-6 loaner for Needles and Grooves...
www.needlesandgrooves.com www.needlesandgrooves.com
 
spydrwebb44 said:
What specifically did you love about the UD?
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Tone arm length, delrin platter, plinth construction, I mean it's a solid, quality turntable. All of this is subjective, so each persons opinion is just that, opinion. I haven't heard the Theory, I've heard good things about it, but if I had never owned the UD and had to choose between the Theory and UD w/a better cartridge, even at $600 more, I'd go with the UD.

Again, all of this stuff is subjective and also boils down to your budget. Unless you've heard and or used something it's not really a valid opinion, in my opinion. Yes, you can go by what current and or past owners have experienced, but that's, once again, one persons experience and opinion.

You kind of have to weigh your options based on what you're reading from others and, most importantly, what "speaks" to you, looks, reviews, cost and so on. It's never easy, but honestly, either of those decks are more than fantastic, the UD because I was a first adapter and the Theory because I like the company, owned an Orbit for a good while, and I've heard nothing but positive comments.

Best of luck on your decision :)
 
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