Turntable question

Hello
I have2 turntables. 1 is Gemini xl-300. ion lp dock is the other. The ion is much louder I'm guess it has built in preamp. So if I want the xl-300 to be as loud, would I need a preamp?Don't know much about this stuff

yutchadol wrote:Hello
I have2 turntables. 1 is Gemini xl-300. ion lp dock is the other. The ion is much louder I'm guess it has built in preamp. So if I want the xl-300 to be as loud, would I need a preamp?Don't know much about this stuff

If the ion have a preamp you'll have to connect it to the LINE IN on your dj-mixer. The gemini has to be connected to the PHONO IN. When you're mixing you'll need to adjust the Gainknob of the channels to avoid big differences in amplitude.

What DJ mixer do you use?
peace

peterpiper wrote:

yutchadol wrote:Hello
I have2 turntables. 1 is Gemini xl-300. ion lp dock is the other. The ion is much louder I'm guess it has built in preamp. So if I want the xl-300 to be as loud, would I need a preamp?Don't know much about this stuff

If the ion have a preamp you'll have to connect it to the LINE IN on your dj-mixer. The gemini has to be connected to the PHONO IN. When you're mixing you'll need to adjust the Gainknob of the channels to avoid big differences in amplitude.

What DJ mixer do you use?
peace

what he said^^^^

rule number one: when mixing always use a pair of matching tables, the sound,pitch, torque of the motor will play havoc on you trying to get a solid set down..otherwise youll have to spend more time offsetting the variables then mixing..its just an all around pain in the ass..my advice sell whichever table you like least and use the coin to get the matching table. easiest solution.

I got the ion cause it was real cheap on Cyber Monday. I like the Gemini xl-300 way more it's just not as loud as the ion. Mixer is Vesta PCV-275

If you can't afford Technics, try the Gemini PT 2000. Just a step down from the 1200.

yutchadol wrote:Mixer is Vestax PCV-275

awesome mixer
props

Thanks for all the pointers. I'll probably pick up a preamp for the Gemini & see how that works. Will save up some $$ for matching turntables

yutchadol wrote:I'll probably pick up a preamp for the Gemini & see how that works

the mixer has preamps in it.

plug the turntable into the phono in.

Thanks tapedeck.Now my ion is going to be up for sell cause of you

You don't have to get rid of anything. You can get matching stylus and needles if the Ion allows you to. The Gemini can have its stylus upgraded.

Like the guys said, plug the Ion into the LINE INPUT and the Gemini into the PHONO INPUT.

I gave the Ion to my boss. Probably look for another XL-300. I have more questions though.

1. Cartridges - what are some good ones (good quality for sampling/rewinding, not much for scratching)? I'm using the Numark Scratch. It's good but I broke the thing where you use to lift the cartridge.

2. Slip mats - do they make any difference? I've been using one from Sam Ash for about 5 years now.

Thanks again. I say that a lot cause you guys have been helpful

yutchadol wrote:1. Cartridges - what are some good ones (good quality for sampling/rewinding, not much for scratching)? I'm using the Numark Scratch. It's good but I broke the thing where you use to lift the cartridge.

I myself use Shure M44-7 cartridges, been a turntablist I love the tough, durable and rugged design that can handle being manhandled, they rarely skip under pressure as well(It handles flares on 1.5 grams of tracking force on my Vestax QFO LE DX tonearm with ease) . It performs well as a cartridge to sample from as well, it gives you nice deep bass and crispy highs I've never had any issues with sampling with my Shure M44-7 either.

yutchadol wrote:Slip mats - do they make any difference? I've been using one from Sam Ash for about 5 years now.

The thinner the slipmat the slipper it becomes as it reduces friction and drag as you hold the record still or cue the record back and forth etc. I use Butter Rugs designed by Thud Rumble, they are like djing on ice . I've got friends with cheap turntables that use thicker slipmats to muffle the rumble noise from the motor as the platter spins on the turntable, as the stylus will pick it up.

I know the cartridge/needle do play a part in volume on a turntable.
On my 1200's, I had an old Pickering needle and an Ortofon Concorde Nightclub needle. I was surprised to find out that the Pickering needle/cartridge was louder and had more bass than my Ortofons.
I can't remember if it was an elliptcal or sphyrical stylus on the pickering but it sounded better.

I just got a used vestax pdx a1 turntable in Great condition. It came with a pickering xv-15 cartridge. The seller said the stylus is in "Good as New" condition.
It Sounds nice. Loud, warm, bassy and very detailed in the lows. However the HIs tend to distort, in very cymbal/crash-busy sections (on Jazz records for example) or the high end of vocals.
Now, I'm reading about " Breaking the needle in"....
I'm wondering is this a common thing with "new" styluses? Or is the stylus maybe not so New afterall? Do I Need a new One?

Solved
After reading a lot about stylus and cartridge, found out that HI end distortion also occurs when the needle is sitting in the groove too lightley, not picking up the high frequencies.
Simpley adjusting the counterweight solved it. Sounds awsome now

Pay attention to the specs of cart and stylus... It will give you a range like 2-4g. Don't be afraid to go the top of the range.