Is a TT the way to go ?

[admin_exported]

Hi all

Been testing some reputedly good CDPs recently but they're just not appealing to me somehow. Starting to wonder if I'm just bored of the 'digital sound', and whether I should start looking at turntables instead. Already have a Project Debut 1 or 2 which is Ok but nothing inspiring. Would something like an RPM5 be a huge improvement?

Mr record collection isn't huge and most are in fairly poor nick too, but I'm not averse to getting some new stock if that's what it takes to reconnect me to hifi...

 

[JoelSim]

Can we have some more info about what you have, what you have auditioned?

ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Sure - currently have a Cyrus CD6, Cyrus 8 biamped with 6 Power, MA Silver 6 speakers.

Have auditioned CD8SE, Naim CD5i and CD5x.

 

[JoelSim]

Well, you seem to only have considered bright, clinical kit. You sound like you are looking for more warmth which would mean changing everything you have.

ÿ

 

[Kevin Stephens]

Alternately it may be interesting hearing some demos of your CDP and amp with dfferent (more expenseive and warmer) speakers, which I would guess may have a much greater impact on the sound?

 

[Anonymous]

Agree with Kevin re trying some warmer speakers but they don't necessarily have to be more expensive.

 

[the record spot]

jgw911:
Hi all

Been testing some reputedly good CDPs recently but they're just not appealing to me somehow. Starting to wonder if I'm just bored of the 'digital sound', and whether I should start looking at turntables instead. Already have a Project Debut 1 or 2 which is Ok but nothing inspiring. Would something like an RPM5 be a huge improvement?

Mr record collection isn't huge and most are in fairly poor nick too, but I'm not averse to getting some new stock if that's what it takes to reconnect me to hifi...

Try something like a P3-24 (£500 with Rega Elys 2 cartridge, £400 without I think). Apparently a superb deck for the money. Add to this something of the order of an Audio Technica 440MLa cartridge which will give you an open but very detailed sound. My P3 from 2001 (albeit a slightly different build to the current version) has this set-up and it's pretty astounding for the money (then £400 all in).

Expect a good deep bass, but not overblown and a nice full soundstage, open and airy as aforementioned. All depends on what you partner it with obviously, but a good well set-up turntable can sit within many a system and enhance it well.

Alternatives: Rega P2, used Systemdek II (and II-X / IIX-900, etc.), for under £250, Audio Note TT1, Clearaudio Emotion at over £500, Linn Axis (used around £200-£300), Pioneer PL12D for about £40. The latter being a great option if you find one in good condition.

 

[Anonymous]

i agreed with mr record spot...
i just bought p3-24 recently...TT gives me more satisfaction especially at high volume, details, low freqency etc...i would give AA+++++ to TT...heh

eventhough a decent TT can beat a superior CDP...

 

[Anonymous]

Quite a bright, clinical sound off your present kit unless you have carefully chosen your speaker cable and dealt with mains borne interference.

I found the Kimber 4TC was a lovely match on Cyrus. A 500va BT Mains Conditioning unit off E Bay would transfom your music making it richer with even more detail. Then there is no need for further upgrades with Mains cables.

 

[Anonymous]

for a mission 753 would be a bright problem..but with 753 freedom version...works well...
now i'm in the process of revamping my set-up for TT...heh

 

[Anonymous]

I can wholeheartedly recommend a secondhand Systemdek IIX. The difference in sound, for the better, between that and my Arcam Alpha 7se cdp is astonishing.

Plus it gives you an excuse to go vinyl hunting. I tend to rake my local charity shops on a Saturday morning for a couple of hours then hit the pub for a pint and look over the finds. A good start to my weekend.

 

[Mike_Schmidt]

Since I bought my Rega P5 I havent listened to my Cyrus 8SE since, honeymoon...sure but it walks on it. I have heard the P3 as well and it was amazing for the price.