danementzer

Here is a more inclusive view of the setup, and a closeup of the cartridge. Some recent changes have left some wires visible which drives me nuts. I'll be fixing that today. How embarrassing.

 

 

I'm all for a heavy weight, 350g and up, but there are really a lot of newcomers to this hobby with entry tables like the Pro-Ject Debut and the Rega RP1. Those weren't built to support such a heavy weight, so as a result slower playing speed and damage to the bearing are relatively common. A lighter weight can be used though, usually up to 200g, but then it comes to the question of how well such a light weight actually works.

 

So a perfect solution is a clamp, which s basically a weight that achieves it's goal not by weight alone but by "clamping" to the spindle. Some specialized clamps have a thread so they can be screwed onto a threaded spindle, but obviously this cannot be used universally. Others have a mechanism that grabs the spindle when you tighten them, essentially locking the clamp in place. These are usually light enough to be used on any table, but work just as well as a heavy weight.

 

A very basic example of this is the Clearaudio Clever Clamp. There's no mechanism to it, but it works much better than a light record weight. Another widely used clamp, one with a mechanism to grip the spindle, is the SOTA I Clamp. This is obviously harder to design than just a simple weight, but if you add something like that to your assortment, you can cover a much wider customer base.

 

I sent this information to my design partner. We will look into this as an additional product. For starters, I think, we will need to stick to higher end products. Although I definitely agree with you about covering the whole market. 

Another note about the Philips turntable: the on/off switch is known to fail and is hard to fix. Lots of info at audiokarma about options if it fails. If yours is working, I would just leave it in the on position and use your switched outlet on your receiver/amp.

 

That's great info. Thanks!

You are correct. It is currently not in use, though. My Yamaha cr-640 is currently my main rig. I really love it's natural sound. I also have a MCS that I'm restoring. The Sony may be for sale soon.

 

As a huge fan of vintage receivers, I can totally dig that. Great job. And I love those speakers!

Oh, I will check it out. Thanks for the heads up!

Ooooh boy, I need to get ENTERED!

 

EDIT: that came out terrible.

I've identified the cartridge. It's an AT221EP. From my limited research, it's a pretty stellar cart and should do me very well. So, I spent a while setting everything up from scratch again today and OMG, the sound is incredible! I must've had my weights grossly mis set.

And regarding my 312, thankfully all my touch controls work flawlessly. The gentleman before me took great care of this beauty.

Well, like I said, we are TOTALLY open to your input. We want to know what you want. We have virtually no limits. We have a full machine shop, complete with computer-guided aquacutting, laser cutting/etching, cnc, yadda yadda. I'm just looking for interest and ideas.

So, 350g isn't for you? Let's talk about alternative weights and clamps. Show me what you have in mind.

I went through my entire receiver with a fine-toothed comb (figure of speech). I used DeOxit Red for all pots and switches, then went back through with gold. Not only did it make the receiver sound great, it actually took it from non-working to working. As far as simply cleaning out dustbunnies, I typically use compressed air.

To be really honest, the goal would be to make something that a high end stereo would benefit from, but at a price that a newbie could/would buy it. It will be top end stock and construction, so that will be as good as any audiophile uses. The weights seem to be fairly standard around 375-400g. Everything would be automated on a super high-tec lathe system, guaranteeing balance and leaving no room for human error.

 

However, everything I am saying is up for discussion, since it is still in development. Maybe we make a 350g version at $30 up to a 425g version at $40...or something along those lines.

I bought a turntable recently, a Philips 312. The cartridge it came with is a folding style by Audio Technica. I have found a simple gif image of a comparable unit, but I'm not sure of it's model. My goal is to replace the current cartridge with something like the AT95e or another one you would recommend. So, a) what is it and what cartridge should I replace it with? Thanks dudes and dudettes!

 

Dane

 

 

EDIT: I understand very basic concepts regarding cartridges. As such, I believe I understand I can replace this style with another P-mount. Carry on.

What'd I say? Haha. We have about 5-7 custom (read: new) designs we are playing around with. We will also make some of the classic ones, too. Right now we are totally playing around with this, I just wanted to see if anyone else was into this idea.

Hey folks, I was looking for a nice record clamp/weight since my setup has a tendency to allow records to float a bit. In addition, I am always looking for a way to increase resonance/improve sound quality. Well, I never found the product I was looking for.

 

So, I began thinking, brainstorming, planning, and building the perfect product. In the works I am currently whipping up a few prototypes. All will be aircraft quality aluminum (aka billet), and they will be made in different shapes/sizes, and I will be experimenting with different finishes: anodizing (almost all colors), gold-plating (legitimate gold), and chrome.

 

In addition to the clamps, we will be playing around making 45 adaptors in the same finishes.My buddy really wants to begin to try and make turntable decks out of the same billet stock. Then we can combine them with exotic hardwoods. But that's another deal altogether.

 

I will post pics once the prototypes are finished. My question is, does anyone else use these? Would anyone else be interested in something like this? The price point if I were to sell them would be $30-50. They would be professionally manufacted out of quality components. This is half a feeler and half a statement of personal interest.

 

Thanks!

Dane

Just pre-ordered this right now. I'm so glad I didn't miss this. Looks like I still have a few months to wait, haha.

I ordered a handful of albums and a slipmat from No Idea. On the way, it appears the USPS broke a bottle of pure vinegar or something and it spilled all over my records, ruining the sleeve of an Alkaline Trio record and my Hot Water Music slipmat. On the package was a note that said, "sorry we damaged your package" with no way to rectify the situation. I emailed Matt at No Idea and within a day I had an entirely new package on the way at no charge. New records, new slipmat, new shipping, all at no charge. He also said, "Next time don't order your records and tobasco sauce at th esame time", hahaha.

 

Incredible service. I have already spent about another $100 with them and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Hey folks, I figure a bunch of you probably have this series and have already em. I would love to give this series a good read. Please let me know what you're looking to get for it. Thanks!

 

Dane