My adventures in analogue gear (turntables, vinyl LPs, valve amps, and more)

[Laura Knotek]

Now that my cartridge is broken in, I've decreased my antiskating from matching the VTF to slightly lower than the recommendation for that cart. I did the adjustment by ear using headphones.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Now is the time for another update! In my quest for continued improvement in analogue sound quality experiences, I’ve acquired some new gear.

Not content with simply listening to my vinyl using headphones, I decided to get new speakers and a valve power amp.

Since I already had good results with my Gemtune valve phono preamp, I purchased a Gemtune power amp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU5791013

I got Fluance SX-6 speakers. Fluance SX6-BK High Definition Two-way Bookshelf Loudspeakers-Black | Fluance Fluance recommends 18 gauge or better speaker wire. I bought 16 gauge speaker wire and opted to use banana plugs, rather than direct connections. I have my speakers on stands, so they sound better to me and don’t bother the neighbours.

I set up the new power amp and speakers with my Gemtune phono preamp and Audio-Technica LP120 turntable earlier this week. The recommended break-in period for the speakers is 10 hours, which I have now exceeded.

The speakers sounded decent even before the break-in period, but they sound even better now that they are broken in: the bass is more noticeable.

I’ve played rock and jazz LPs, and everything sounds better with the all-analogue setup, compared to what I heard when using my 32 year-old floor standing speakers and a solid state amp. I can hear the warmth of the vinyl. I’m very happy with my latest acquisitions, and my vinyl collection also continues to grow. I’ve ordered replacement tubes for my new power amp, but I’m not going to try them out until the current tubes go bad, since I love the sound out of the box with the included tubes.

 

[Guytronic]

Thank you for the update Laura!
As you know I'm a fan of the non-digital audio things.

Good write up!

 

[Laura Knotek]

Thank you for the update Laura!
As you know I'm a fan of the non-digital audio things.

Good write up!

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Update: I've retubed both my phono preamp and power amp.

I'm using Mullard reissue 12AX7 tubes in my phono preamp. The sound is warmer, with almost no noticeable microphonics. I'm using a matched pair.

For the power amp: Preferred Series 274B rectifier, which has improved the soundstage; Mullard reissue EL34 (matched pair), which gives a nice, warm, mellow midrange; and NOS RCA 6SL7GT.

I've also tried JJ Electronic 12AX7 and Electroharmonix EL34. However, both of those produced excessive microphonics. Sovtek 6SL7GT sounded noisy and distorted.

 

[Guytronic]

@Laura Knotek

Are you looking at any other tube amps for a future purchase?

 

[Laura Knotek]

@Laura Knotek

Are you looking at any other tube amps for a future purchase?

Not at this time, but I'll definitely upgrade at some point. I'm happy with the sound I'm getting with these latest tubes.

 

[azcruz]

I can’t find a replacement tweeter for my Infinity Kappa 200 bookshelf so i decided to replace it with Dali Zensor 3 bookshelf.

This is the current setup at my loft and I’m already running out of space for my records. I still have hundreds more i have not filed.

 

[Laura Knotek]

I've ordered more crates, since my collection is outgrowing my storage.

 

[azcruz]

I've ordered more crates, since my collection is outgrowing my storage.

Me, I need to stop buying. Ha ha

Sent from mTalk

 

[Laura Knotek]

Latest update: an Ortofon Red 2M cartridge.