Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

Audio Discussion => List your system => Topic started by: Audiopulse on July 26, 2014, 10:08:01 AM

Title: Setting up
Post by: Audiopulse on July 26, 2014, 10:08:01 AM
Getting a system together. Some older gear and some new. A few pieces trickling in from backorder. Excited about listening to LPs on new system and experimenting to fine-tune. Will be a process and fun at the same time. But now substantially together and breaking-in.

NEW
TT : VPI Scout w/mark III platter  ....SDS
Cart: Soundsmith VPI-Zephyr
PhonoPre: AVID Pulsus

OLDER
PRE: PS AUDIO 6.0  (will be trying different preamps)
AMP(S) : Classe DR10  also have Classe Ten and will be soon BIAMPing /differ configs
Speakers: Vandersteen 2ci's   cabling :audioquest 6

big inventory of interconnects to try

Been at this for 40 years ...enthusiasm undiminished


Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on July 26, 2014, 10:18:56 AM
You got the SDS!  I am still undecided on that.  It sounds good w/o it. (why would a company build a $5K turntable that can't keep track of speed by itself?) Let me know what you think with and w/o.  I know Esteban is a big fan of its impact on "depth"  and imaging,  but I suspect it has to do with how many glasses of wine he has had while testing.

Welcome back to the hobby.

OBG

Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on July 26, 2014, 10:21:48 AM
(why would a company build a $5K turntable that can't keep track of speed by itself?)

I would answer this, but it seems that I have offended enough people today.
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: bearjew on July 26, 2014, 10:26:14 AM
always wanted to check out that Vandersteen series.  Interesting speakers.
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: Audiopulse on July 26, 2014, 10:47:24 AM
Will try SDS w/o wine consumption and get back to you, OBG

Vandersteens replaced my Dahlquists DQ10's . That progression made sense at the time of acquisition,,Still happy with them, BJ


Off to work , now . Have a great day, all
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: bearjew on July 26, 2014, 10:56:01 AM
Will try SDS w/o wine consumption and get back to you, OBG

Vandersteens replaced my Dahlquists DQ10's . That progression made sense at the time of acquisition,,Still happy with them, BJ


Off to work , now . Have a great day, all

I think I'd rather have the Vandersteens as well, based on what I have read.
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on July 26, 2014, 11:31:03 AM
Mark - I know,  the VPIs are a bit crazy obscene expensive.  But they are also purdy.  AP - yes - please report back on the SDS.  There is an advantage in not having to move the belt to go from 45 to 33,  but that is an expensive way to achieve that. 
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: StephenWVU on July 26, 2014, 03:14:05 PM
I have tested the VPI SDS with the Aries as well as the Classic. I found 0 difference through the classic but a noticeable difference through the Aries. I also found that it is nice for calibrating the speed to an exact. If you use the speed test disc with the lines you can see the difference between with and without. I find VPI to be great at business. There is always an upgrade you can buy. The reason they would offer another piece that you can buy in addition to a 5,000 turntable is the same reason they would offer a higher sport class on a sport car. Options make money and offering less allows a lower price point. As for testing audio equipment with wine... Probably guilty of that one. :P
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: StephenWVU on July 26, 2014, 03:23:55 PM
The Aries does sound great with the SDS. Just like the improvement. The speed is pretty darn stable without.
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on July 26, 2014, 03:51:17 PM
Here's one going for $630.  :(

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-VPI-SDS-Syncronus-Drive-System-Excellent-Condition-/231287378581?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item35d9cd5295 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-VPI-SDS-Syncronus-Drive-System-Excellent-Condition-/231287378581?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item35d9cd5295)

Steve - did you see the TNT selling in England for 4.5K pounds sterling?   :P

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VPI-TNT-5-5-Hot-Rod-TURNTABLE-WITH-JMW-12-TONEARM-AND-SDS-PSU-S-/261504474726?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item3ce2e19e66 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/VPI-TNT-5-5-Hot-Rod-TURNTABLE-WITH-JMW-12-TONEARM-AND-SDS-PSU-S-/261504474726?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item3ce2e19e66)

Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: StephenWVU on July 26, 2014, 05:31:56 PM
I'd go for the SDS in the sub 700 range all day unless you want to buy my TNT with cart for less than the England with all the boxes.  :P
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on July 26, 2014, 06:21:42 PM
$400 for the SDS.   ;D

Remember - this is the VHF forum,  where low balling is king!

Have you posted the stuff in Agon?
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: StephenWVU on July 26, 2014, 06:30:06 PM
Not yet. That is on tonight's agenda.
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: StephenWVU on July 26, 2014, 06:49:43 PM
I have another guy interested in the table and would like to avoid paying the $100+ to put it on the gon.  I should post the amps, pre, and speakers...
Title: Re: Setting up
Post by: GraphicFX on July 27, 2014, 02:23:11 AM
I have tested the VPI SDS with the Aries as well as the Classic. I found 0 difference through the classic but a noticeable difference through the Aries. I also found that it is nice for calibrating the speed to an exact. If you use the speed test disc with the lines you can see the difference between with and without. I find VPI to be great at business. There is always an upgrade you can buy. The reason they would offer another piece that you can buy in addition to a 5,000 turntable is the same reason they would offer a higher sport class on a sport car. Options make money and offering less allows a lower price point. As for testing audio equipment with wine... Probably guilty of that one. :P

Wine, and weed always brings out the author in me. What sounds good, sounds better. what sounds like crap, well, sounds like crap...