A new level of musicality....

[shaizada]

Folks,

I brought about a change in my system by giving it some more careful thought.

Basically, through some small steps, I have been able to bring the level of vinyl playback into another league altogether....WITHOUT a single component change

I did four things today...

1) I took out the flywheel in my VPI HRX Dual Motor and wiped it clean with a washed cotton t-shirt. Second, I applied some Dupont Teflon Multi Purpose spray on the inverted bearing and just a little into the flywheel sleeve. Just a little dab. I made sure the spray dried by using a fan and put the flywheel back on.

2) Took the platter off the plinth and wiped it clean again. Added a dab of White Lithium Grease and put the platter back on.

3) My VPI SDS speed controller was being run at 82 volts for the 33 rpm speed and 94 volts for the 45rpm speed. I simply bumped them down to the lowest possible energy state of 72 volts and re-calibrated the frequency for the 33.3rpm and 45rpm speeds.

4) I had changed out the VPI belts to some silk thread. I had two running from the flywheel to the platter. I took out one of the threads so the platter is being rotated by a single thread. Less contact should mean less noise. Voila!!! I hit the jackpot with this one.

The drop in noise floor was JAW DROPPING!!! There isn't a HINT of mechanical noise in the system. Everything was so silent that the only thing I could hear were the imperfections in the vinyl or mastertape that was being picked through the stylus. Friends, this is a NEW level of quiet that is so beautiful that you can hear into soundstage like never before.

This is the biggest bang for the buck tweak I have tried in my analog life so far. Basically a free upgrade!! You guys have no clue how big this difference has been in my system. :clapping:

Makes you realize that sometime you need to take a step back to take a leap forward........

 

[mahiruha]

That's excellent Shaizada you literally cleaned the sound and added a silky touch. I think there is a track in Hifi news test lp which if played quitely they say it means that there are no mechanical noise from the system one will hear nothing. Your effort really shows the affection you have for your system.:clapping:

 

[entsurgeon]

by the way, how did u loop the silk thread without a knot??

 

[iaudio]

Folks,

I brought about a change in my system by giving it some more careful thought.

Basically, through some small steps, I have been able to bring the level of vinyl playback into another league altogether....WITHOUT a single component change

I did four things today...

1) I took out the flywheel in my VPI HRX Dual Motor and wiped it clean with a washed cotton t-shirt. Second, I applied some Dupont Teflon Multi Purpose spray on the inverted bearing and just a little into the flywheel sleeve. Just a little dab. I made sure the spray dried by using a fan and put the flywheel back on.

2) Took the platter off the plinth and wiped it clean again. Added a dab of White Lithium Grease and put the platter back on.

3) My VPI SDS speed controller was being run at 82 volts for the 33 rpm speed and 94 volts for the 45rpm speed. I simply bumped them down to the lowest possible energy state of 72 volts and re-calibrated the frequency for the 33.3rpm and 45rpm speeds.

4) I had changed out the VPI belts to some silk thread. I had two running from the flywheel to the platter. I took out one of the threads so the platter is being rotated by a single thread. Less contact should mean less noise. Voila!!! I hit the jackpot with this one.

The drop in noise floor was JAW DROPPING!!! There isn't a HINT of mechanical noise in the system. Everything was so silent that the only thing I could hear were the imperfections in the vinyl or mastertape that was being picked through the stylus. Friends, this is a NEW level of quiet that is so beautiful that you can hear into soundstage like never before.

This is the biggest bang for the buck tweak I have tried in my analog life so far. Basically a free upgrade!! You guys have no clue how big this difference has been in my system. :clapping:

Makes you realize that sometime you need to take a step back to take a leap forward........

Gaurav, Now how am I gonna come to CA to get a listen, dammit!

Anyhoo, good work! I will keep this in mind, and recall hopefully as and when I get to join the vinyl bandwagon.

 

[esanthosh]

Gaurav, Now how am I gonna come to CA to get a listen, dammit!

Traveling within India is not enough? Something to look forward to in the future - iaudio International Audio yatra

@shaizada,

I'm keeping track of all your threads if I ever jump ship to the "left" side of things.

 

[iaudio]

esanthosh, Just one look at all the exotic stuff on Shaizadas audio rack and its drool,drool. Not that I really understand all of it, but still drool, drool!

As for international audio yatra, mann mein hain vishwas, someday, sometime!

 

[esanthosh]

^ Same drool here.

But, I don't think if I am ready for LPs and Tubes yet. They seem to require a parenting mentality for maintenance

 

[shaizada]

by the way, how did u loop the silk thread without a knot??

Did a blood knot...its really cool:
Blood Knot | How to tie a Blood Knot | Fishing Knots

You can also do a regular knot. Just make sure the knot travels on the outside of the platter. Just a little adjustment.

Gaurav, Now how am I gonna come to CA to get a listen, dammit!

Anyhoo, good work! I will keep this in mind, and recall hopefully as and when I get to join the vinyl bandwagon.

You are most welcome....just let me know when The vinyl world is really a more wholesome listening experience. You have to try it out......

Traveling within India is not enough? Something to look forward to in the future - iaudio International Audio yatra

@shaizada,

I'm keeping track of all your threads if I ever jump ship to the "left" side of things.

This "left" side really is the RIGHT side hehe...you'll know once you get a taste.

^ Same drool here.

But, I don't think if I am ready for LPs and Tubes yet. They seem to require a parenting mentality for maintenance

Actually, not at all. My tube equipment has been absolutely trouble free and very very stable. No problem at all. It all seems a little daunting at first, but you will notice its not all that difficult as it is made out to be. Musically, it is so satisfying that the little trouble you go with through with vinyl feels trivial. It's the sound we folks are after... convenience be damned.

You have to get up and flip the side....big deal

 

[iaudio]

I am mulling over going for a vinyl set up a little later on to see if it can play the ol' hindi,tamil,malayalam filmi music better than the usual cd player based hifi. The latter is rather unforgiving of the recordings of most regional music. Most of the music being recorded in analogue format of those times 'might' sound better on vinyl than anything else.
I have to listen to some and find out if it does.

 

[StanleyB]

A good TT setup will outperform a good CDP any day. So your reason for wishing to get a TT setup should be reconsidered.
IF you have the right amp and speaker setup already, then cost can be kept acceptable as far as the new TT/cart/PHONO preamp is concerned. The right amp is vital. Vinyl is best played on tubes or transistor stereo amps. If you have an IC based amp, or a prologic type amp, then save your money. It is likely to end in tears otherwise.

 

[entsurgeon]

well, being a surgeon, i ovuch for the 'tightness' of silk knots. what thread did u use?

 

[shaizada]

This is the exact thread that I ordered:
Griffin Bead Cord 100% Silk - No. 3 (0.50mm) Black

 

[iaudio]

A good TT setup will outperform a good CDP any day. So your reason for wishing to get a TT setup should be reconsidered.
IF you have the right amp and speaker setup already, then cost can be kept acceptable as far as the new TT/cart/PHONO preamp is concerned. The right amp is vital. Vinyl is best played on tubes or transistor stereo amps. If you have an IC based amp, or a prologic type amp, then save your money. It is likely to end in tears otherwise.

Stan, I have got a tube pre with solid state power and vifa based multi driver speakers. Are you saying that you need tube power to really get the best out of a TT setup?

 

[entsurgeon]

@stanely, iam keenly waiting for u to answer the last post of iaudio
@shaizada u think a same approach cud be tried to replace a tape decks rubber loop?? i d rather use a surgical silk thread. please upload a pic of ur silk loop up close if possible.

 

[shaizada]

Currently, I don't have ANY camera that can take such an up close shot and be clear.
I'm waiting for a good reason to buy a good camera...maybe next year.

Just type up Blood Knot in google and you will see a TON of pictures and youtube videos.