Added Dual 521 TT to my source

[Hari Iyer]

This week I upgraded my source list by adding a vintage Dual 521 TT to my collection. This was purchased from our FM 'Shafic' this week and it took me around a day to setup.

My current setup of Dared Tubes Mono-block do not have provision to connect the MM output from the TT to it. So i used the 'Phono' stage of my Vintage Sony Amp and used the Tape loop output to the Tubes. Unfortunately the phono stage of the Sony Amp is so rusted and loose that it could not output the right channel due to contact issue. Also tried cleaning contacts, opening the amp and soldering but could not help.

I have now planned to design a completely new pre-amp for my Dared Mono-blocks using the National Semi-conductor op-amp LM4562 with seven inputs (Phono stage included). The pre-amp will have balance control. Was wondering if it should have tone controls - Bass / Treble or Bass/Mid/ Treble. This will help to have all source connected and controlled from one place.

My first listening impressions with the Dual:
1. Mechanically a very robust TT with all controls working as intended.
2. There was a miinor off-set in the Auto load mode which cause the tonearm to drift when it was engaging with the vinyl, which needed me to use my hand for placing the stylus on the record. May be Shafic can advise me on this.
3. All my record collections are very old (30 years or more). I tried cleaning them with Godrej Ezee liquid soap diluted in tap water and then lightly scrubbing them with microfiber cloth afterwards rinsing them in tap water and drying them below a fan. I kept all the records on a newspaper to help them dry before using them. Hope this is the right method.
4. I noticed lot of cuts / pops in the tracks and also some kind of static noise from almost all of the records which was overpowering the actual tracks. Do not know if its the problem with the Vinyls or the TT. May be Shafic can help me with this. I am doubting the Vinyls but am keeping my fingers crossed. I have also balanced the tonearm meticulously and adjusted the stylus pressure and anti-skating pressure as per the user manual.
5. I am now looking forward for removing the hiss kind of background noise, cracks / pops from the records to enjoy the 'Analogue' sound.

Any tips from FM is a big welcome.

 

[jls001]

Congrats, Hari.

Ticks, pops, hisses - are from the record and not due to the player. Some phono preamps are better than others at suppressing such noises.

For cleaning instructions, please read malvai's thread on the topic. It has lots of relevant info.

 

[hemantwaghe]

What type of music u listen?
Are you planning to use it as Test device?

 

[reubensm]

Congrats Mr. Hari. Nice to know that you are adding a TT as a source.

Regarding tonearm drift, run a small check on the tonarm and the lift table. If the lift table is slightly inclined, this can happen. Also this is an indication that the tonearm assembly and the associated levers below, may need some aligning and lubing. I am sure that nothing would require serious repairs, though.

Cleaning methods are many, try one that works best for you. The ticks and pops aspect is a key element in vinyl listening. I love to hear them as they are part of the vinyl experience for me. Firstly, these are not caused by the TT. The amount of noise coming of the record, depends on the condition of the records, surface dust and scratching, groove wear and of course, the woofs caused by warping. Getting rid of ticks and pops is quite subjective, for example you can clean your record and get it spotless and free of dust but if it has surface scratches, you'll still hear the ticks and pops. If the grooves are worn, you'll still hear surface noise, if the record is warped or pimpled, you'll still hear the woofs. Don't worry, you'll get used to it

You can choose to electronically control scratch and rumbling with suitable filters. However I have always believed that these kill the natural listening experience. As Joshua has rightly pointed out, the phonostage is the key. For example, my NAD 106 has a wonderful phonostage. When playing records through it, I always found the sound to be very smooth and natural and a lot of the background noise and the ticks were supressed. When I compared it to the NAD 3020's phonostage, I noticed that the 3020's phonostage did not offer that level of filtering but sounded equally good.

 

[shafic]

This week I upgraded my source list by adding a vintage Dual 521 TT to my collection.

Welcome to vinyl club, sir!! Waiting for some nice pics.

Regarding tonearm drift, run a small check on the tonarm and the lift table. If the lift table is slightly inclined, this can happen.

That is correct Reuben!!:clapping: Same thing i told mr. Hari.

 

[Selvin]

I have now planned to design a completely new pre-amp for my Dared Mono-blocks using the National Semi-conductor op-amp LM4562 with seven inputs (Phono stage included).

Dear Hari Sir,

I had little bad experience with this LM4562 op-amp. In 2009 imported 4 numbers LM4562 for a Phono Stage which built for my own use. The sound stage and detail was good in initial but totally changed after a 100 hours of use. Then I replaced those op-amps by the common NE5532. With 5532 I done some trial with ST, Philips and Texas makes and finally settled with Texas make.

Even I read few similar user comments in net on those days. If you already tried and satisfied please proceed with LM4562.

 

[apk]

Congratulations Hari!

I see more and more people joining the 'vinyl' bandwagon now a days! Seems like vinly is truely on a revival course!

 

[jimcaseaves]

good,I noticed that the 3020's phonostage did not offer that level of filtering but sounded equally good. thanks

 

[Hari Iyer]

What type of music u listen?
Are you planning to use it as Test device?

Currently I am having a mix of Western, Indian Classical, Bollywood stuff from 60s to 85 for my listening. Also some good instrumental music also present which i am exploring from my archives.

I will prefer most of Bollywood numbers from 70s to 90s, some disco stuff and Carnatic classical music.

 

[Hari Iyer]

Congrats, Hari.

Ticks, pops, hisses - are from the record and not due to the player. Some phono preamps are better than others at suppressing such noises.

For cleaning instructions, please read malvai's thread on the topic. It has lots of relevant info.

I have now re-calibrated my tone-arm counter weight and this has reduced the background noise to a large extend. By cleaning the records more i am able to reduce the clicks and pops too. I think i need to spend more time with them to get the best out of them.

 

[Hari Iyer]

Dear Hari Sir,

I had little bad experience with this LM4562 op-amp. In 2009 imported 4 numbers LM4562 for a Phono Stage which built for my own use. The sound stage and detail was good in initial but totally changed after a 100 hours of use. Then I replaced those op-amps by the common NE5532. With 5532 I done some trial with ST, Philips and Texas makes and finally settled with Texas make.

Even I read few similar user comments in net on those days. If you already tried and satisfied please proceed with LM4562.

Thanks for your suggestion. I have used the LM4562 once when i replaced the op-amp in my Pionner DVD player with the LM456 with amazing / mind-blowing result. I had used them for over 2 years and did not notice any degradation in performance. Infact my Pioneer DVD player sounds even better than the Marantz CD player which uses a JRC op-amp.

I think the LM4562 requires a good quality power-supply for it to perform to its optimum. Any noise or ripple in the power supply may get amplified and start giving performance issues. Pls. suggest did you use a single or a dual power supply with your design? Was your PS regulated or a standard PS?

 

[Hari Iyer]

Congrats Mr. Hari. Nice to know that you are adding a TT as a source.

Regarding tonearm drift, run a small check on the tonarm and the lift table. If the lift table is slightly inclined, this can happen. Also this is an indication that the tonearm assembly and the associated levers below, may need some aligning and lubing. I am sure that nothing would require serious repairs, though.

Cleaning methods are many, try one that works best for you. The ticks and pops aspect is a key element in vinyl listening. I love to hear them as they are part of the vinyl experience for me. Firstly, these are not caused by the TT. The amount of noise coming of the record, depends on the condition of the records, surface dust and scratching, groove wear and of course, the woofs caused by warping. Getting rid of ticks and pops is quite subjective, for example you can clean your record and get it spotless and free of dust but if it has surface scratches, you'll still hear the ticks and pops. If the grooves are worn, you'll still hear surface noise, if the record is warped or pimpled, you'll still hear the woofs. Don't worry, you'll get used to it

You can choose to electronically control scratch and rumbling with suitable filters. However I have always believed that these kill the natural listening experience. As Joshua has rightly pointed out, the phonostage is the key. For example, my NAD 106 has a wonderful phonostage. When playing records through it, I always found the sound to be very smooth and natural and a lot of the background noise and the ticks were supressed. When I compared it to the NAD 3020's phonostage, I noticed that the 3020's phonostage did not offer that level of filtering but sounded equally good.

Thanks for the tips, i had recalibratted the tonearm counter weight and adjusted the stylus pressure, most of my noise have vanished / reduced. May be i need to spend more time with them to get used to its working.

 

[reubensm]

Good going Mr. Hari, you are on the right track. When buying any turntable, whether new or old, one has to go through the calibration excercise to get it to sing. For older turntables, one would often need to do a bit of adjusting here and there to get it to work well. But once you get through this excercise, all you'll need to do is to sit back and enjoy the music.

 

[jls001]

When buying any turntable, whether new or old, one has to go through the calibration excercise to get it to sing. For older turntables, one would often need to do a bit of adjusting here and there to get it to work well.

Absolutely!

Everyone who ventures into turntable playback must learn the basics of setting it up correctly. It seems daunting at first as it is fairly technical, but all of us can learn the basics like correctly levelling the turntable support, tonearm balancing, cartridge alignment, setting correct tracking force and antiskate, and adjusting speed. Advanced adjustments like azimuth and VTA can be taken up later, arm permitting.

Also, it is an excellent idea to equip oneself with basic tools.

 

[Record Player]

Another good habit I suggest is to read the user manual completely. This helps you get acquainted on a lot of tips and tricks for your specific TT and the overall schematics and features.

 

[hemantwaghe]

Currently I am having a mix of Western, Indian Classical, Bollywood stuff from 60s to 85 for my listening. Also some good instrumental music also present which i am exploring from my archives.

I will prefer most of Bollywood numbers from 70s to 90s, some disco stuff and Carnatic classical music.

So you bought mint records of this geners? Where?? That must be significant ivestment.....