For some unfathomable reason beyond me, I am unable to edit or upload pics in my existing(circa 2007)system. Hence, I am adding pics/brief description of the recent changes to my vinyl chain including some new pics of my enlarged and refurbished,dedicated basement listening room.Apart from the vinyl set up, the rest of the system is unchanged from 2006.
In the past 8 yrs I have upgraded/changed my TT four times, gone through 5 cartridges.I am almost embarrased by the naivety of my early enthusiasm for vinyl. This prompted the purchase/cartage of a VPI 16.5 from Chicago to New Delhi. The decapitation of my Transfiguration Orpheus L was a wake up call. The system and sound have evolved in a manner that is consistently pleasing.
Jan 2013
After 7 years the upgraditis flu strikes hard. New speakers, Rockport Aviors, a new pre bought on Agon but yet to arrive, the CJ GAT and drooling over the prospects of large SET monos driving the Aviors.
Baby steps in computer audio with a Macair and Mytek DSD. Initial results...this could be good and I am beginning to understand what all the hype is about despite my initial cynicism.
June 2013
All things vinyl. On that plea decided to do all the vinyl fun things I always wanted to. A restored Garrard 401, a 12" arm, a Ortofon SPU and a Miyajima BE mono cart. This required coordination between Hong Kong(Mint LP),Singapore(source of the 309D,SPU,Miyajima cart and a Ortofon 80 SE SUT),Switzerland(MM card for the Nagra phono stage) and two locations in Delhi for the woodwork and Garrard 401.
Jan 2014
The Final Frontier or Sunnyboy goes bananas or My All Out Assault on Being Done For Now.
The Rockport Aviors arrived in Jan 2013, followed by the CJ GAT in April and after a 11 month wait and several hiccups the Wavac HE 833 V2 mono blocs arrived in Dec 2013.
I guess I am at the pinnacle of a 40 year audio journey. I have achieved all that I could dream of
and much more besides. The best part of the journey are the friends and fellow audiophiles across the globe that I have got to know.
I'm still working on my plinth. I have refinished four sides, but the top has presented serious problems, bad enough I've ordered more wood, I'm going to completely redo the top with newly made replacement pieces, and I will attempt to use a different finish. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Pradeep, the spindle bearing is pretty simple to get at for inspection. Remove the platter, and first turn the spindle by hand, and see how it feels, and then turn it on, and engage the idler wheel, see if it turns smoothly.
If necessary, remove the chassis from the plinth, remove the screws that affix the bearing assembly from the chassis. The spindle can then be removed for inspection. Hopefully, the spindle and thrust pad are in good order. The bottom of the spindle can stand a bit of polishing, but care must be taken to not polish too deeply, and remove the hardened outer layer of the spindle bottom.
Another thing to check is the motor itself. It can be serviced if necessary.
Pradeep, your system is one of my favorites here on A'gon. It would be a real treat to be able to sit down and enjoy it. Lucky you. I see you are still using your old faithful Garrard 401, mine is down for some further internal rebuilding and servicing, and an entire refinish of the plinth (I've sawed the front off, and affixed a 1" thick slab of Purpleheart, with an inlay of Australian burl in the center). Should be done in a couple more days.
Best regards, and enjoy that wonderful system of yours.
Well, I've looked at some of the options regarding bearings and platter upgrades, and while I believe them to be efficacious, the ones worth using are beyond what I can currently afford.
Stefano Bertoncello is worth looking into, and I think Artisan Fidelity is now selling aftermarket bearings and platters.
I tried a different drop-in thrust bearing for quite a while, but when I did an inspection, the smaller bearing was causing too much wear on the bottom of the spindle bearing, so I went back to the original thrust pad.
If my situation was better, or if it somehow improves, it's something I would certainly do, but as you know, it's pretty darned good as is.
It's heartening to see you enjoying your 401 so much, I'm glad for the both of us we have one.
Pradeep, I am not at all surprised by your conclusion. My own DIY 401/Dynavector 501/Zu Denon 103R w/ESCCO cantilever and stylus, has had me smiling from ear-to-ear latlely.
A recent trip to visit some audio friends exposed me to some very fine analog gear (Transrotor, TriPlaner, Dyna XV1-S, etc; my old Garrard holds up remarkably well against these stellar systems.
This is not by any means a competition, this kind of comparison is well worth the six-hour drive for me, it's great to see and hear what others are listening to.
Being musically satisfied on a daily basis is something special, and I am glad to see you have achieved this.
Beautiful system and room, you have many fine components I would love to have, if I could afford them! (Especially your Talea, TW AC, and Atlas!)
Returning to vinyl, or just entering into, can be a bumpy road, but it certainly is enjoyable after time and experience paves the way to satisfying music-listening, much more rewarding than pushing buttons with a digital format.
