"21st Century Vinyl" - Two Thumbs Up

Just devoted a couple of hours to Michael Fremer's DVD, and I nearly posted these comment in the Raves section rather than here. If you've enjoyed reading interviews with industry pros in the magazine, you've got to buy this DVD just for the interview with George Marino - a really charming guy and a terrific exchange. I'll play it again some time.

I played through the set-up section for the Pro-ject RM-5, but not the other two. Sure wish I'd had this DVD back in the day when I tried to set up my first TT/cartridge. Great job of covering the specifics, made all the better by Mike's admonitions not to, "...get crazy". If you've got the analog bug (and any sensible person has), add this DVD to your collection of good stuff.

Congratulations, Michael, on a fine piece of instruction and entertainment. With all due respect, I think you talk better than you write - and you write pretty well.

July 28, 2006 - 2:24pm

Michael Fremer

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Joined: Jun 26 2006 - 9:49am

Re: "21st Century Vinyl" - Two Thumbs Up

Thanks!

December 12, 2006 - 10:39am

sharpnine

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Re: "21st Century Vinyl" - Two Thumbs Up

I did my first real turntable setup after watching Michael's Project demo. Fortunately for me I was setting up a Music Hall MMF-7 with the same tonearm. I was installing a Benz Glider and was concerned about installing such a delicate and valuable cartridge--I had seen some horror stories posted. I waited an extra week until the DVD arrived.
Watching Michael's setup of basically a similar cartridge (nude body) and the same tonearm was tremendously helpful. I felt very confident, because I know doing it quickly in front of the camera as he did is much more difficult than taking it slowly as I did.

Particular tips that helped me:
-The part about what to do if the metal clips don't fit right. I would have gotten frustrated over this step as all the clips were too large and would not stay on (I guess the Goldring Eroica, my previous cartridge, has larger pins). I used the toothpick tip and squeezed the shafts to correct the problem without breaking a sweat.
-Installing the cartridge with one screw first, to allow it to swivel out for a better angle. Great tip which I wouldn't have thought of probably.
-Having a good light. Again--I tend to forget things like that.

Everything went smoothly and the sound of the Glider was startling (in a very good way). The switch to a low-ouput moving coil may have been part of that. It made a big difference. I plan to wait for 40-50 hours of burn-in before going back and tweaking the setup. I didn't have a magnifying glass so had to eyeball it the first time.

My only hitch in installation--the green tonearm wire was hanging a bit low and dragging slightly on the record. It made the strangest (subtle) sound, like faint mumbling. That was easy to fix (just pushing the wire back up).

Thanks, Michael, for a great DVD and intro to turntable setup. I plan to enjoy the rest of the disc soon.

Roger

December 12, 2006 - 12:43pm

Michael Fremer

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Joined: Jun 26 2006 - 9:49am

Re: "21st Century Vinyl" - Two Thumbs Up

Thanks so much for such a thoughtful post! I do mention the problem with the hanging wire that you encountered...it can be really frustrating because you get so busy checking everything you can think of you forget to look at one thing you don't think of! Also be sure to check out the PDF file only accessible on a computer and watch out for an "Easter Egg" embedded in the disc. That's all I'll say about that!

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