Thanks for reply, one more thing, how to check the TT. Basically, what should be looked/observed during TT audition to get good info about bearings etc...
Regards..
1. Look for a TT with solid build. If looking in vintage class, Pioneers, Sony, Technics, Garrard, Marantz, Thorens made excellent tables. I may have missed some due to availability and cost.
2. Check for speed accuracy with strobe lamp & with your ears too. There should be no audible 'Wow' and no speed fluctuations esp during loud passages of songs. Believe me, I have seen TTs whose speed dropped due to tonearm weight itself while playing. Not a bad idea to test roughly the torque by placing your hand against the moving platter. This will give you some idea about the torque of the drive.
3. Check /enquire about the cartridge & stylus with the seller. ALong with make, also try to know playing hours on it. Not a bad idea to change the cart with your preferred one once you buy any TT. So you may consider buying one without a cart.; if the seller is willing. This will bring down the cost of the TT as well.
4. Check the tone arm for any 'play' in it. It should be free to move in the perspective of playing a record, but there should not be any movement at the bearing point. Similarly, with the platter, you can give it a spin by hand to see if it rotates smoothly without any obstruction and in a straight line when looked from sideways. hold the platter on opposite ends of circumference & check for any unwanted play in it by lightly pressing it side to side.
5. Also, cosmetically good TTs indicate that they have been taken good care back in time, but should not be considered a tell-tale sign. If you are buying an automatic TT, make sure all toys work fine, else you know it will be difficult to repair, esp. if spare parts are needed.
6. Do not go for plastic made TTs mostly advertised on flipkart & on saregama website unless you are sure that you won't grow upon it and wont be upgrading it, as they are not upgradable in terms of cartridges and not sturdily built.
7. For the phono and amp, you may consider an integrated amp. It will save significant cost and sound decent. THere are many integrated amps with phono being sold in the 'for sale' section of HFV.
8. Last but not the least, invest in good speakers with good midrange. This will ensure that you enjoy the analog sound to the fullest. Personally I would advise against small satellite speakers & a big sub-woofer type set-up.
BTW, are you presently looking at any TT in or outside this forum? Keep up updated.
Regards,
Saket
