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  1. #1
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    John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  2. #2
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    So much here.

    He can upgrade from a P2 to a P3 and that solves the ease of speed change issue with a speed controller. Easy and gets a better sounding table to boot. He can add a VPI ADS to his P2 and then it’s perfect speed and changing with the push of a button.

    As for VTA, well, when you buy a REGA table, buy a REGA cart. They are designed to work with the Rega arm and table, so VTA adjustments is not required and they make some great carts.

    I’m not surprised he prefers even the REGA P2 over his DJ table (Technics). It’s a DJ table! That direct drive motor sits right under the platter and does what? Vibrates! Those vibrations remove those subtle nuances and details he’s missing. Think about a tiny tip in the groove having a bloody motor vibrating right below it. Thats why the belt drive Rega shines in this category.

    There are some excellent, well insulated DD tables. But there are always trade off’s. To me, belt drive is still the lesser of all evils (belt vs DD Vs rim etc).

    As for SPU, I wish they would make a come. Always been a fan. So easy to swap.


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  3. #3
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    I own both a Rega and a Technics. The Technics is a nice secondary table for lower level albums and late in the evening when I might tend to drop off to sleep for a bit (it has the auto-lift function). I also use it to do a pre-play cleaning. Starts and stops immediately, and has better torque for when a brush is engaged in cleaning. I hate doing pre-play cleanings on my belt drive table.

    But, as Mike said, the Rega is definitely all around a better table. I am happy with my Rega cartridge. It sounds great! Getting a table with the external speed control certainly is better. The NEO PSU is a nice improvement on my RP8!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  4. #4
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    Still have to pull the platter of and move the belt on the P3, the one I have.
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  5. #5
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowfax View Post
    Still have to pull the platter of and move the belt on the P3, the one I have.
    Speed controller is the REGA Neo. Reality is he should upgrade to the P6 to get all the goodies!


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  6. #6
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Speed controller is the REGA Neo. Reality is he should upgrade to the P6 to get all the goodies!
    Or even better the skeletal models, the P8 or P10!!!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  7. #7
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    whoever uses coins as shims to level their TT should be disqualified from reviewing said gear That's what threaded spikes at the bottom of your rack are for, IMO a rack should also have the capacity to level the TT shelf independently. John has stated many times he's not a vinyl guy and uses it as a medium of last resort.

  8. #8
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    not meaning to derail the thread but fremer seemed to have a more positive assessment of the new technics turntables ... at least the sl-1200g:

    "the new SL-1200G, which though it looks like the old 1200 is anything but!"

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  9. #9

    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    The same reason he doesn't own any "tier 1" stuff but, could probably get many at industry accommodation.

    He is cheap, frugal, or doesn't see any value in a lot of stuff re reviews although he can probably afford it.

    Ultimately , his business is based on clicks so, if he got end game stuff. He wouldn't have a need to make any more videos.

  10. #10
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    only seen 2 or 3 videos from him....yeah it is bla bla bla rather for housewifes than for freaks

  11. #11
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    Freaks aren’t a good audience for Mr. Darko as freaks often don’t know they are freaks but are the most critical of other freaks.

    I tend to avoid and often feel sorry for the freaks I have met.

    “The geeks don’t want no freaks!”
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  12. #12
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    I enjoy his stuff. He seems to have found a niche reviewing stuff that is better than Best Buy, but not in the monetary stratosphere (which is where many folks probably are). I also find his comments to be thoughtful and articulate - he doesn't talk about nosebleed $$ systems, but that's not his game. I like it, even though I'm not likely interested in most of the stuff he reviews.
    Amplification: DartZeel 468 (2) // DartZeel NHB18NS Mk. II
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  13. #13
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    +1

    I agree. I do enjoy his point of view and the way he describes how he arrives at his opinions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hounddog View Post
    I enjoy his stuff. He seems to have found a niche reviewing stuff that is better than Best Buy, but not in the monetary stratosphere (which is where many folks probably are). I also find his comments to be thoughtful and articulate - he doesn't talk about nosebleed $$ systems, but that's not his game. I like it, even though I'm not likely interested in most of the stuff he reviews.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  14. #14
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    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    Apologies - one more slightly off topic post, but he also has great music suggestions in his reviews. He's a big electronic music fan and, even though that's not my game, I've discovered several good recordings from his reviews. In particular, he talked about Matthew Sweet one time and, while I have no idea how I missed it the first time through, I now love Matthew Sweet. (Matthew Sweet is not an electronic music artist though).
    Amplification: DartZeel 468 (2) // DartZeel NHB18NS Mk. II
    Tuner: MagnumDynalab 108T/SE
    Table/Cart: J.Sikora Reference // Integrity HiFi Tru-Glider - DSAudio GrandMaster EX // Integrity HiFI Tru-Glider - Ortofon A Mono
    Equalizer/Phono Pre: DSAudio Master3
    Speakers: TAD R-1 MkII, REL Six Pack of REL Carbon Specials
    Power: Nordost QBase8 Mk3, QX4, Qkore1, 3 and 6 (chassis), QK1 (2), QV2 (2), Chord GroundAray (signal), Chord Line Aray (3), Chord Professional, AddPOWR EAU2 (2)
    DAC/Serv-stream: LampiZator Horizon/ Taiko Extreme
    Elrod Master Statement Diamond SE Speaker Cables
    Elrod Master Statement Diamond PCs (7), Evolution Acoustics 50 ohm (Zeel Connection), Nordost Odin2 IC (2), Nordost Valhalla II USB, CH Acoustic X20 IC, Final Touch Audio Elara PCs (6)
    AudioDesk Systeme RCM
    CMS Ultra 2.0 Footers TT (2) and TD (2), Revopods (2) and SortKones and EVPs where they work
    Critical Mass Systems Ultra-Q Rack > Silence Focus Amp Stands

  15. #15
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    John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Hounddog View Post
    Apologies - one more slightly off topic post, but he also has great music suggestions in his reviews. He's a big electronic music fan and, even though that's not my game, I've discovered several good recordings from his reviews. In particular, he talked about Matthew Sweet one time and, while I have no idea how I missed it the first time through, I now love Matthew Sweet. (Matthew Sweet is not an electronic music artist though).
    No apology necessary. I’m just scratching my head. These are very easy challenges he has. Maybe he needs a good dealer.
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  16. #16

    Re: John Darko - Why don’t I use a better sounding turntable?

    IMO the TT comparison is meaningless without using like cartridges. It's like comparing amplifiers using different speakers.
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