It's 2024 and I'll add record cleaning to the list. I use an inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner and the results are impressive. Most of my lps are 50 to 60 years old and despite looking clean and unscratched, most have accumulated contaminants from years of use. A good cleaning seems to "refresh" the sound.
I have made great sound improvements to many turntables by making sure there is no excess movement in the arm pivots and bearings ..Gentle adjustment is what is needed, just adjust so you eliminate any excess freeplay but not over tightening ...
I am new to your channel so apologies if you have covered this elsewhere but you did not mention correct cartridge alignment / turntable set-up before anything else. Wall mounting is pretty much essential with suspended floors . Lastly spend a reasonable amount on a well reviewed turntable or you will damage your precious records.
Great, informative video. I have had bought a Sony receiver of at least 85 Watts (of 2012), and realized I needed a phono preamplifier; I bought a ROLLS VP29 pre-amp, and it does fine. I upgraded my phono cartridge to a Stanton L-700E MM cartridge, elliptical stylus, several years ago. Hence there was certainly a difference; more detail, the sounds, and music is closer, and there is a more space between instruments in the music.
I like that you placed the phono preamp at second place! It's often overlooked and underrated. About one and a half years ago, I upgraded my Cambridge Audio 651P to an SPL Phonos - *it sounds amazing*
DIY isolation - I recommend a Rock Maple end grain cutting board with a small bike inner tube partially inflated underneath. Granite tends to ring - personal experience.
@@Livewire91 that's a heavy debate. A general rule of thumb is a direct drive can handle a bit more weight than a belt drive. In either department, don't get overzealous on the size/weight and you should be fine. There's alot of gimmicky ones available, but it's tough to beat a simple, solid brass weight, anywhere from 3/4 to 1 pound in weight. (300-420g) I prefer the Nobsound brass ones available on Amazon for $33 USD. It's the one with 4 holes in it with a gold finish.
Six Acoustic York phono stage is a ball buster for $400 Canadian, the Grace F9 best mm cartridge easy to get retipped . My Grace Boron cantilever and nude Shabbata stylus
Turntable isolation is the most important. I have 3 TTs and use a variety of methods - Granite slabs, Isonoe Feet, Sorbothne Feet, Dynamat damping on the TT rack. Bigger difference than upgrading to a Benz Wood Cartridge or a Origin Live tonearm.
Hi mate, great video! I definitely agree that the cartridge/stylus upgrade is the most noticeable improvement. Which are some of your favorites? One of mine is the Nagaoka MP-110, I think it's great for what it costs, it sounds fantastic 😀
Best turntable isolation what is dirt cheap is the place it on some fome ideally cellulose open-cell fome minimum 3 inches thick 5 inches better great for wobbly floors. Make sure you take the feet off put the feet on some 2 inch bamboo chopping board make sure the foam is tight around the bearing and room for the tonearm cable if that's an issue. Any rack should have a concrete slab at the bottom 2" 14"▪ slab Best low budget phono stage is art DJ ll about £40 go for the one without the USB. Wouldn't bother with the ortofon red or any ortofon at low price and not every cartridge is suitable for every tonearm you have to look at compliance matching
Hi, I have been using my "Audio Technica" (AT-LP120-USB) since June 21st and I noticed that the FELT slipmat which it came with, generates a lot of static. I was wondering if I use an Acrylic slipmat will it be any good? Is Acrylic slipmat better than Cork slipmats? In addition, I'm not very happy with it's internal phono pre-amp and since I'm on a really tight budget I wanted to add an external phono pre-amp called 'Pluto' by a company called "U-Turn". Could you please suggest a really nice phono pre-amp under $250 US Dollars? I had my mind fixated on a "Pro-ject" tube pre-amp but found I'll be left with nothing but an undergarment. Would really appreciate your valuable input. Is "U-Turn's" > Pluto pre-amp any good? I also plan to upgrade my cartridge to an "Ortofon 2M Bronze" later, so basically I need a phono pre-amp for Moving Magnets. Thank you! :)
+Sameer Sharma good questions! I think the results from an acrylic mat would be different rather than better. I've not actually used one with a turntable so I can't say exactly. Cork is definitely good though and acrylic platters are very good.
+Sameer Sharma the u turn gear is pretty good but I'd also check out Schiit's preamps. They're regarded as some of the best for the price. I'm someone skeptical of putting a 2m bronze on the atlp120. It's a very, VERY good cartridge. In fact it costs more than the turntable. I'd say you'd be better off buying a better turntable long before going for that cartridge.
You're absolutely right about the pre-amp. I think I'll order a "Schiit Mani" as I have read positive reviews about it on the internet from multiple users, thank you for your recommendation. I know someone who is using an "Ortofon 2M Red" cartridge on his AT-LP120-USB and is pretty satisfied with it's sound, I guess I'll take a risk and install a 2M Bronze instead. Thank you very much for your replies, really appreciate it! :)
WHAT!!!! For my Thorens TD 160; New Plinth, Hanze Hifi motor mod, an SME 3009 tone arm with Shure cartridge..... seriously Who buys modern turntables for under 300 bucks and expects them to play well.
I watched quite a few of your videos you should have more subscribers by the way I recently got the pro-ject esprit sb which I really love and I have a pro-ject tube box s on order and I'm thinking about the ortofon blue unless you could recommend a better cartridge at that price point. The ortofon red came standard on my turntable.I have a video uploaded on my page if you want to check it out.
Thanks! I'd definitely go for th 2m blue as you can straight swap the 2m blue stylus onto the Red cartridge body. Will save you atleast £50, or whatever it is in your currency!
AudioLlama thanks for the info man, I have one more question I was looking at audio quest golden gate rca cables they look like really nice quality and I have herd from a lot of audiophiles that high end rca cables really make a difference, there 76 dollars a piece I would need 3 of them for my setup do you think there a good investment? Would be about $200.00 for 3 of them. Thanks :)
+Ezra Edison I'm very suspicious about investing in expensive speaker cables. It's a divisive topic to say the least. I'd say you need to try them out and a - b them versus another pair of less expensive speakers ideally without a dealer telling you how they sound. That's not to say that all dealers are likely to bullshit you but they often have their own biases that might sway you.
I'm from Hartlepool, which is a little town in teesside, so not a geordie by a long shot! I do live in Newcastle however, so the accents have started to blend :)
It's 2024 and I'll add record cleaning to the list. I use an inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner and the results are impressive. Most of my lps are 50 to 60 years old and despite looking clean and unscratched, most have accumulated contaminants from years of use. A good cleaning seems to "refresh" the sound.
I have made great sound improvements to many turntables by making sure there is no excess movement in the arm pivots and bearings ..Gentle adjustment is what is needed, just adjust so you eliminate any excess freeplay but not over tightening ...
I am new to your channel so apologies if you have covered this elsewhere but you did not mention correct cartridge alignment / turntable set-up before anything else. Wall mounting is pretty much essential with suspended floors . Lastly spend a reasonable amount on a well reviewed turntable or you will damage your precious records.
Great, informative video. I have had bought a Sony receiver of at least 85 Watts (of 2012), and realized I needed a phono preamplifier; I bought a ROLLS VP29 pre-amp, and it does fine. I upgraded my phono cartridge to a Stanton L-700E MM cartridge, elliptical stylus, several years ago. Hence there was certainly a difference; more detail, the sounds, and music is closer, and there is a more space between instruments in the music.
I like that you placed the phono preamp at second place!
It's often overlooked and underrated.
About one and a half years ago, I upgraded my Cambridge Audio 651P to an SPL Phonos - *it sounds amazing*
DIY isolation - I recommend a Rock Maple end grain cutting board with a small bike inner tube partially inflated underneath. Granite tends to ring - personal experience.
A possible addition to your list might be a record clamp/weight as an upgrade. Really good video and info.
Are you sure it's not going to be extra weight for the motor and wear it faster?
@@Livewire91 that's a heavy debate. A general rule of thumb is a direct drive can handle a bit more weight than a belt drive. In either department, don't get overzealous on the size/weight and you should be fine. There's alot of gimmicky ones available, but it's tough to beat a simple, solid brass weight, anywhere from 3/4 to 1 pound in weight. (300-420g) I prefer the Nobsound brass ones available on Amazon for $33 USD. It's the one with 4 holes in it with a gold finish.
@@AeroSS87 The Nobsound you recommended is 230 gr
Six Acoustic York phono stage is a ball buster for $400 Canadian, the Grace F9 best mm cartridge easy to get retipped . My Grace Boron cantilever and nude Shabbata stylus
Turntable isolation is the most important. I have 3 TTs and use a variety of methods - Granite slabs, Isonoe Feet, Sorbothne Feet, Dynamat damping on the TT rack. Bigger difference than upgrading to a Benz Wood Cartridge or a Origin Live tonearm.
Nice Video and Mug. Thanks.
No difference in changing turntable and what difference does a different sklipmant make? the other suggestions I agree with
Question, how much of a benefit would a piece of Granite saved from a countertop my turntable? It would sit atop of a 7' wood tv/stereo console.
May I suggest the Grado Blue or even the Gold?
I wonder what he’s on .. b fun over a beer. By the way; cork’s a good cheap mat material or hi-tech mat by Les Davis
I am interested in the valve preamp, but I’m not sure how it functions. Does it work in conjunction with the wattage inside your receiver?
Or if you’re using a Rega a machined subplatter is #1 upgrade after a stylus
Hi mate, great video! I definitely agree that the cartridge/stylus upgrade is the most noticeable improvement. Which are some of your favorites? One of mine is the Nagaoka MP-110, I think it's great for what it costs, it sounds fantastic 😀
Best turntable isolation what is dirt cheap is the place it on some fome ideally cellulose open-cell fome minimum 3 inches thick 5 inches better great for wobbly floors.
Make sure you take the feet off put the feet on some 2 inch bamboo chopping board make sure the foam is tight around the bearing and room for the tonearm cable if that's an issue. Any rack should have a concrete slab at the bottom 2" 14"▪ slab
Best low budget phono stage is art DJ ll about £40 go for the one without the USB.
Wouldn't bother with the ortofon red or any ortofon at low price and not every cartridge is suitable for every tonearm you have to look at compliance matching
Good tips!! Thanks!! Nice SW !shirt
Where can I get an audio Llama slip mat?
You might wish to use an acrylic turntable mat. They are sold in the UK, and they are being used by Thoren on their top TTs.
Fgbd we are I up in the ok gf BB fgv vvvvvf GBG vgfvbbgv
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Hi, I have been using my "Audio Technica" (AT-LP120-USB) since June 21st and I noticed that the FELT slipmat which it came with, generates a lot of static. I was wondering if I use an Acrylic slipmat will it be any good? Is Acrylic slipmat better than Cork slipmats?
In addition, I'm not very happy with it's internal phono pre-amp and since I'm on a really tight budget I wanted to add an external phono pre-amp called 'Pluto' by a company called "U-Turn". Could you please suggest a really nice phono pre-amp under $250 US Dollars? I had my mind fixated on a "Pro-ject" tube pre-amp but found I'll be left with nothing but an undergarment. Would really appreciate your valuable input. Is "U-Turn's" > Pluto pre-amp any good? I also plan to upgrade my cartridge to an "Ortofon 2M Bronze" later, so basically I need a phono pre-amp for Moving Magnets. Thank you! :)
+Sameer Sharma good questions! I think the results from an acrylic mat would be different rather than better. I've not actually used one with a turntable so I can't say exactly. Cork is definitely good though and acrylic platters are very good.
+Sameer Sharma the u turn gear is pretty good but I'd also check out Schiit's preamps. They're regarded as some of the best for the price. I'm someone skeptical of putting a 2m bronze on the atlp120. It's a very, VERY good cartridge. In fact it costs more than the turntable. I'd say you'd be better off buying a better turntable long before going for that cartridge.
I have ordered one Acrylic and one Cork slipmat, I shall try and share the experience with you, thanks a bunch for your reply :)
You're absolutely right about the pre-amp. I think I'll order a "Schiit Mani" as I have read positive reviews about it on the internet from multiple users, thank you for your recommendation. I know someone who is using an "Ortofon 2M Red" cartridge on his AT-LP120-USB and is pretty satisfied with it's sound, I guess I'll take a risk and install a 2M Bronze instead. Thank you very much for your replies, really appreciate it! :)
+Sameer Sharma let me know what it sounds like when it's all set up!
Great ideas!😉
Ahh we have a Steven Wilson fan here. Love him "to the bone"! :D
In other words. Just Change the needle to diamond and you will be fine.
And *improve THE TORQUE?* .. that could be amazing
That sleep record 👌🏽
WHAT!!!! For my Thorens TD 160; New Plinth, Hanze Hifi motor mod, an SME 3009 tone arm with Shure cartridge..... seriously Who buys modern turntables for under 300 bucks and expects them to play well.
Audio technica AT LP 1240. £200.
I watched quite a few of your videos you should have more subscribers by the way I recently got the pro-ject esprit sb which I really love and I have a pro-ject tube box s on order and I'm thinking about the ortofon blue unless you could recommend a better cartridge at that price point. The ortofon red came standard on my turntable.I have a video uploaded on my page if you want to check it out.
Thanks!
I'd definitely go for th 2m blue as you can straight swap the 2m blue stylus onto the Red cartridge body. Will save you atleast £50, or whatever it is in your currency!
AudioLlama thanks for the info man, I have one more question I was looking at audio quest golden gate rca cables they look like really nice quality and I have herd from a lot of audiophiles that high end rca cables really make a difference, there 76 dollars a piece I would need 3 of them for my setup do you think there a good investment? Would be about $200.00 for 3 of them. Thanks :)
+Ezra Edison I'm very suspicious about investing in expensive speaker cables. It's a divisive topic to say the least. I'd say you need to try them out and a - b them versus another pair of less expensive speakers ideally without a dealer telling you how they sound. That's not to say that all dealers are likely to bullshit you but they often have their own biases that might sway you.
I tried all, but hear no improvements, i'll should stop dancing trough the livingroom
En platines, j'aimais Thorens (td124)lemoteur?un vrai tracteur !bien réglée et vogue! cellule Shure!j'ai touché aTechnics, lePIeDdemarrage Instantané au poil etShure!en night-club........
Where are you from? In what place do you use an accent like that? Sorry if it soudns mean or anything I'm just curious
He might be Irish from the UK living in Ireland
Gerry K I think it’s a Newcastle accent
Obviously Scandinavian
I'm from Hartlepool, which is a little town in teesside, so not a geordie by a long shot! I do live in Newcastle however, so the accents have started to blend :)
@@AudioLlamaTube I said Scandinavian for your amusement only - . My Grandma was from Newcastle
Glass is the worst for any equipment.
This video needs subtitles!!
What are you...illiterate?
It has subs in english
I did all and added a tonearm upgrade. The improvent was so much more than i expected. . see #johannkvinyl on instagram
Sleep record!!!
Nothing new or ground breaking here, next !
Because a well recorded cd sounds better than a record
Cd sound is phoney...like you willie
Get a CD player
Why?.
I can see you have no clue about music.justin beeb fan?.....im thinking so
Got one! Still prefer vinyl...
CDs suck