raye

I've just read the entire thread, looked at the pictures, and followed the link to the seller's original listing. I know we've talked about this briefly in private, but I just wanted to say that if this guy was happy to tell you that he'd listened to them, that they were in amazing condition and didn't even need cleaning (jesus ...), before you bought them or he sent them out, then you have every right to either a full refund, a partial refund, or as you suggested, a partial refund for the return of the defective records only. And the seller should most definitely cover the p+p costs. If it were me, I would insist that he does this in advance, and if he isn't willing to communicate I'd take it over to eBay and insist on the same resolution. Why should you lose out because of this joker?
 
Seriously, it's completely unacceptable to send records out like this and list them as EX/NM, let alone PM the buyer insisting that they are, even when faced with the photos that clearly show they're not. To call the buyer a liar and a 'blackmailer' over it is just downright immature and, really, pretty devious. It sounds like he's actually trying to shift the blame onto you. He's definitely getting added to my list of 'never ever buy froms'.

Yes, I've seen it, thanks.

SOLVED.
 
New stylus arrived and the difference was obvious straight away: greater output volume, deeper and more controlled bass (than the Red), more definition and detail between instruments, and a better tone and timbre on strung instruments and high vocals. It also dials down the Red's annoying brightness on the high hats, so I'm no longer reaching for the treble just to try to control it.

Yes, I've seen it, thanks.

Brand new, tested, with around ten hours on the clock. Original packaging.
 
Please note: this isn't mine, so beyond the above I have no idea of the details.
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271972790209?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Yeah, on Wayward Pines.

Well, this is where I'm going to have to come clean and admit to playing a fair amount of devil's advocate. I wanted to see what advice I'd get, and I got exactly what I expected. But it's a positive outcome and I'm extremely grateful for the help.
 
Allenh - happy to prove your point. What did you think of the amp? It's the only thing I'm not 100% on. And also, what could you put together given the above as a baseline in quality? Also, how would you say the cart in the Esprit compares - subjectively, as always - to the Shure M97xe?

Funny you should say that - that's exactly how I came across this site.
 
The only thing I do want to hear are the reasons to back up the claim that Stanton turntables aren't very good for home use, whereas Rega RP1s and Pro-Ject Debut Carbons are. If you can't back up your own claims, other than through the medium of personal preference, then this thread benefits the few (which is sad, because there's some great information on here in some instances).
 
 
I'd argue that it is, in some respects. While you can't get a completely accurate representation, you can - if well captured - get a relatively basic idea of how a piece of equipment is going to sound. In fact, I'd argue that it's especially useful given the amount of people who may be looking for a turntable but have nowhere to demo one. If you actually listened to the clip and played that track against a FLAC version of the same track, you'd hear the difference in dynamic range immediately. So, while I can see where you're coming from, it's not an either/or. One size doesn't fit all. Etc. If you've never listened to vinyl before that video may help change your mind.
 
I'm quite surprised at the replies I've had so far. Again, all I'm asking for is a justification beyond the personal as to why a Stanton T92 or ST150 (with Shure cart) do not at least match up to the Rega RP1 or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. This information has got to be useful for anyone who is considering a turntable and coming up against a realm of new players that have severely mixed online reviews. I was hoping that some of the posters here could clarify this difference so that people don't make a first time mistake and wind up being turned off from vinyl altogether. As I said - I really am open to some real input here, and I'm looking forward to your replies.
 
Edit: I'm about to contact Richer Sounds in Edinburgh to see if they're willing to demo the Carbon. If so I'll set this up for tomorrow and travel there in the morning. Any advice as to amp/speakers to request also? I'm thinking maybe these:
 
http://www.richersounds.com/product/standmount-speakers/q-acoustics/2020i-gr/qaco-2020i-gra
 
http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/cambridge-audio/topaz-am5/camb-topaz-am5-blk
 
or maybe:
 
http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/denon/pma520ae/deno-pma520
 
What do you guys think?