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LP12MF: Installing the Naim Aro Tonearm and Greenstreet Subchassis
I’ve already written a bit about the Naim Aro in relation to the Tiger Paw Javelin. Much discussion is to come about the geometry of the Aro and its compatibility with various subchassis. For now, though, how about a guided tour of the process of actually installing my Aro? I decided to work in my…
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LP12MF Listening Test: Dynavector XX-2 on the Javelin Tonearm
In the latest edition of the LP12 Modification Frenzy, I put the Dynavector XX-2 cartridge — first seen on the Nima, last seen on the Ekos — onto the Javelin tonearm. You can check out my listening methodology here. Full listening impressions are below. Digestible, numerical summaries of all my listening tests are here. tl;dr…
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LP12MF Listening Test: Tiger Paw Javelin Tonearm
In the latest edition of the LP12 Modification Frenzy, I listen to the effects of swapping my Linn Ekos 2 tonearm for a Tiger Paw Javelin tonearm. I’ve yet to write my post about installing the Javelin, since it was quite complicated and I don’t yet feel like I really have a grasp on it;…
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Power Conditioning Shootout: Plixir BAC 150 vs. iFi iPurifier AC vs. Jackery Explorer 240
A few months ago, I installed Powerline networking in my home in an effort to get reliable internet out to my garage. Although it worked well for its intended purpose, it also introduced nasty AC noise into my stereo. Thus began a search for the best way to clean up dirty AC. As I wrote…
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LP12MF Listening Test: Linn Troika MC Cartridge
In the latest edition of the LP12 Modification Frenzy, I listen to the effects of swapping my Dynavector XX-2 MC cartridge for a retipped Linn Troika. You can check out my listening methodology here. Full listening impressions are below. Digestible, numerical summaries of all my listening tests are here. tl;dr Isn’t it nice when something…
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Best Pressing Shootout: Eric Dolphy, Out There — 1969 Prestige Blue Trident Stereo vs. 1968 Xtra UK Stereo vs. 1975 Toshiba-EMI Japan Stereo vs. 1977 Victor Japan Mono
Yes, that’s right, my friends. I have gone to absurd lengths to find you the finest (stereo) pressing of this very very fine record. Actually, I’ve gone a little further than even the title suggests. Time for the Best Pressing Shootout I’ve been planning the longest… Background Some time in the winter of 2018, when…
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Best Pressing Shootout: Can, Tago Mago — 1971 (?) UK First Pressing (?) vs. 1981 Celluloid French Reissue
When I realized sometime last summer that vinyl really did (or could) sound better than digital, I was thrilled and horrified at all the records I had to track down. In my digital days, I would smugly think how economical streaming was — but deep down inside, miss the fun of tracking down those big…
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LP12MF Mini Listening Test: the Adikt Returns
Here is a new genre in the LP12 Modification Frenzy: a “Mini Listening Test” in which I offer briefer thoughts on a minor alteration to the system. Here, I listen to the effects of putting my Adikt cartridge back into my system after a few months with a Dynavector XX-2. You can check out my…
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LP12MF Listening Test: Mober DC Motor Kit
In the latest edition of the LP12 Modification Frenzy, I listen to the effects of the Mober DC Motor Kit. You can read all about the process of installing the Mober DC Motor Kit. You can check out my listening methodology. Full listening impressions are below. Digestible, numerical summaries of all my listening tests are…
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Best Pressing Shootout: Pentangle, Sweet Child — 1968 Transatlantic UK vs 1970 Reprise USA
In this Best Pressing Shootout, I look at two copies of Pentangle’s 1968 classic Sweet Child. Oh how I love this record. I might like it just a touch less than their self-titled début (with liner notes by a young John Peel) — but I definitely like it way more than any of the sort…
