All play graded records are listened to through this system with either a mono or a stereo cartridge. My grading of those records is based upon what I hear during playback. This may not be as critical of a system as other people may have, but I think it is helpful to a purchaser to know what equipment I am using. I cannot tell you how a particular record will play on your system, only how it has played on mine.
My play grading of mono records is always done with a mono cartridge. Please remember that mono records will have more surface noise when played back through a stereo cartridge.
Cartridges:
Mono: Ortofon CG-25i MKII, new version with wood headshell
Stereo: Ortofon SPU GM MKII, new version with wood headshell
Stereo: Ikeda/Roland mounted on a new Ortofon headshell
Pre-preamp's:
Audio Design: MCP-1 with adjustable loading for stereo playback
Home made dual mini-Hammond transformers for mono playback
Tonearm:
Ortofon AS-309S
Anti-skating
Turntable:
Thorens TD-124 MK1 with the Ortofon AS-309S installed on a custom plinth. See the making of the plinth.
Open Reel Tape Deck:
Revox A-77MK4, 2 track
Pre-amp's:
Harmon Kardon Citation1 - this pre-amp has had many caps and resistors changed in it. I am very pleased with the sound of this unit. I have the Thorens TD-124, a CD player, a cassette deck, a tuner and eventually, an open reel tape deck will be plugged into the tape head input on this unit. It is very versitile, and since I listen to mono records a lot, the ability to change the EQ curves is a great benefit. It may also take another turntable for stereo playback.
Conrad Johnson PV-5 - for sale This unit is used very sparingly now, most of the time I use the HK. Though the HK does not sound as good as the CJ, having the HK's flexability is a great bonus. If I had the space to set up a dedicated system for stereo record playback, I would certainly keep this unit.
Power Amp's:
Grant GAMS-60 - for sale Nice 40 watt ultra-linear design amp's with new JJ KT-77's installed. I have had these amp's for 15 years, and I am only selling them to move up to triode amps.
Speakers:
Ars Acoustica: LaDiva's on 26" sand filled stands - I have had these speakers for about 6 years, and I think they are great. They may not produce sub-terrainian bass, but they have a balance to the sound that just seems very natural to me. I hope that the designer will continue to make these speakers and that they get some exposure, they are a great bargin.