Audiophiles?

1) I don't pretend to be a scientist - I am one by profession. Fact.

2) Of course I appreciate the effects of vibration - on mechanical systems such as CD players, speakers and turntables. Valves are not mechanical and I see no way that vibration will adversely affect their performance if they are securely fixed.

3) Yes, the mains is slightly affected by fluctuations in loading. That's why my PT uses an AC supply to charge a battery to power a DC motor. It's more stable that way. But it's only the voltage that's affected and in the UK the mains has been slightly downgraded from 240V RMS to 230V RMS to reduce this.

4) I agree that the test of a system is how it sounds - and I have not yet heard a cable or interconnect or a plug that significantly affects the quality of a system compared to the components in it. Physically, the capacitive, inductive and resistive differences of decent quality cables are relatively minimal and should not be significant. The output characteristics of devices vary far more. Of course, you may know better than I do.

Tony Fisher BSc, MSc, MEd.

Oliver,

Sorry, but I auditioned interconnects from £20 to 300 and speaker cable from £8 to £100 a metre when I chose my system (I had up to £30000 to spend if I wanted to!). Starting with my own Linn LP12 as source, there was almost no difference until I put a Roksan Xerxes (my original choice of TT) into the system when subtle differences between the extremes could be discerned. When I substituted the Pink Triangle Anniversary (the most neutral and transparent deck ever built without any argument) it was clear that there was a small difference but that a set of £90 interconnects (Sonic Link Violets) were every bit as good as the most expensive. Changing amps etc affected the sound VASTLY more than any tiny differences between the cables and you certainly couldn't tell any difference at all on a TT as third rate and outdated as an LP12.

Can I ask you, have you ever actually ever HEARD an LP12 (or a PT Anniversary for that matter) or are you just going on what your friend says? I have owned both and I can't take anyone seriously who suggests for one second that an LP12 is a reference over a PT Anniversary and that I can't hear subtle differences on my system because it's "average" when it is one of the most transparent systems possible. If you could fault my system, it's TOO neutral and transparent for some and a few people find it sterile, especially those who love the fat, warm valve sound. Personally, I like what I've got!!

Karnevil9

Anniversaries are rare (c400 made I think) and those who like the sound (or complete lack of it) will pay big money second hand. The bass is astonishingly deep but dry - you can tell easily the model of bass a bassist is using when you would have no chance on a LInn or Rega 3 (which I rate highly in the budget range). I have had no problem with the bearing; it's a novel design and seems to work well. The Audiolab amps and Mission speakers are also very neutral - that's the way I like it, but I accept it's not everybody's taste.

I heard a Logic DM 101 many years ago but the amp and speakers were not good (Pioneer + Bose (YUK!!!)) so it had no chance. Hence I can't comment on how it will sound in a decent system. My old Systemdek IIX does not disgrace itself against the Pink and still punches a long way above its price - I suspect so will the Logic. It will beat a Linn, I'm sure.

Best Wishes

Tony

Hmm, may have a go at those - though I've never heard them!!!! At the present price they gotta be cheap.

I paid £2300 for my Anny (arm/cartridge not included). I've been offered £2k for it alone but there's no way I would ever sell it. Until Arthur puts them back into production, they will remain extremely expensive 2nd hand.

Tony