Author: Paul

  • Replacement Stylus – Ortofon OM

    Replacement Stylus – Ortofon OM series

    If your turntable shipped with the Ortofon OM series cartridge, you can rest assured you can replace a broken or worn down stylus or you can test other styli in the OM lineup in a matter of seconds. Here you’ll find affiliate links to purchase some of the most common styli compatible with your cartridge.

    Ortofon OM 5e

    The OM 5e is where you’ll most likely start. It’s a capable, well regarded, performer at an incredibly reasonable price.

    Typically recommended for casual listeners or those just getting into vinyl playback. It’s often describes as clear and balanced, with a slight emphasis on the midrange, making vocals particularly engaging.

    Affiliate Link:

    Amazon (US)

    Ortofon OM 10

    While looks and shape, as well as the elliptical shaped stylus are extremely similar, the OM 10 is, in our opinion, a worthy upgrade if you’ll be replacing the 5e. In other words, if you need to replace your 5e, for whatever reason, there is virtually no reason not to get the 10 instead.

    It tracks at a slightly less weight, but if you don’t own a stylus scale, it’s acceptable to leave the same weight as you had on the 5e set.

    The OM 10 offers wider soundstage, delivering better clarity, especially in the highs and midrange, along with tighter bass control. Vocals tend to sound more lifelike and textured.

    Affiliate link:

    Amazon (US)

    Ortofon OM 20

    Keeping with the same body means you don’t have to mess with changing cartridges in your turntable and upgrade your sound hassle-free. If you’re looking for a serious upgrade, the OM20 is a fantastic place to be.

    The first in the lineup to offer a different stylus tip, the OM20 upgrades to a nude elliptical diamond stylus, which is more precise and allows for better and more accurate tracking and sound reproduction. This stylus also bumps up the frequency response to 25kHz (as opposed to 20Hz – 20kHz of the previous options).

    Often described as lively yet smooth, with a natural tonal balance that flatters everything from jazz and classical to rock and folk. It’s also forgiving enough for less-than-perfect pressings while still revealing the depth in high-quality recordings.

    Affiliate link:

    Amazon (US)

    Ortofon OM 30

    Moving up to the OM30 will cost a little bit more than the previous, but it might prove to be a worthwhile investment if you want to take your listening to a new level since this stylus manages to play up to 27kHz, particularly suitable for more orchestral sounds.

    It’s also an even finer stylus than the OM20, a nude fine line stylus, meaning it is even better at capturing the finest details in the bottom of the record grooves.

    While the OM 20 is often considered the sweet spot for value, the OM 30 is for those chasing that extra layer of nuance and realism.

    Affiliate link:

    Amazon (US)

    Ortofon OM 40

    While definitely overkill for one of our consoles, we’d only suggest this upgrade if you truly must have the creme of the crop, the top of the line, and honestly, would only truly be able to take advantage of this upgrade if you’re listening through more speakers throughout your house. But, for those who are seeking to get the absolute most out of their equipment, there is the OM 40, a high-performance stylus that delivers exceptional resolution, finesse, and tonal balance. Often considered one of the finest moving magnet options Ortofon has ever produced.

    Employs a nude Fritz Gyger stylus, with a highly sophisticated line-contact design allowing for ultra-precise groove tracing, especially in the inner grooves, and excels at extracting microdetail from well-pressed records. It also takes the frequency response all the way up to 30kHz.

    It demands meticulous setup though. VTA, azimuth, and anti-skate need to be dialed in carefully, otherwise it may sound too bright and unforgiving. Some people prefer the OM 30 for its slightly warmer, more forgiving presentation.

    Affiliate link:

    Amazon (US)

    Other styli compatible with your OM cartridge that deserve consideration (at varying price ranges)

    Ortofon OM 14

    As you may expect, this stylus sits somewhere between the 10 and the 20 in the lineup. It focuses on specific characteristics; in this case, light tracking force. Because of this, it is often recommended as a budget-friendly option for those with particularly valuable pressings.

    Often described as clean and neutral, with a touch more refinement than the OM 10, especially in the treble. It doesn’t quite reach the resolution of the OM 20’s nude elliptical, but it’s a solid performer for the price.

    Affiliate link:

    Amazon (US)

    Ortofon OM Pro S

    A variation of the OM10, focuses on being able to withstand higher vertical tracking force (i.e. weight), making it a great option for DJs.

    Described as warm and punchy, with a focus on midrange and bass. It’s not as detailed or refined as the OM 20 or OM 30, but it’s surprisingly musical for a DJ cartridge. Some listeners even find its conical stylus gives a smoother, more forgiving sound on worn records.

    Keep in mind its recommended tracking force is 4g (vs the usual ~2g in most of the rest of the lineup), so be sure to get a scale to adjust your counter weight.

    If you often experience skipping or other issues with your records, this might be worth the try.

    Affiliate link:

    Amazon (US)

    If you’re unsure, you can always contact us and ask what belt your record player needs. Don’t forget to attach a photo of your record player.

  • Replacement Belt – Pro-Ject Elemental (PN 1940 675 222)

    Replacement Belt – Pro-Ject Elemental (PN 1940 675 222)

    Belt Replacement – Pro-Ject Elemental

    Most of our early models were built using the Pro-Ject Elemental. This turntable is now discontinued, but the part number for the belt is 1940 675 222.

    If your record player looks like the ones in the pictures, or it was purchased before 2023, you’ll need this belt.

    Amazon (US)

    If you’re unsure, you can always contact us and ask what belt your record player needs. Don’t forget to attach a photo of your record player.

  • RCA Annapolis

    RCA Annapolis

    RCA Annapolis

    RCA Annapolis

    One of our favorite consoles, which we continuously try to get more of, is certainly the RCA Annapolis. With its curved front and slatted speaker grilles, this console’s design bleeds MidCentury Modern. No console have we restored and retro-engineered more of than the Annapolis. At one point, we were working on three of them at the same time and discovered that no matter how similar they look, they all sound different and therefore require just as much individual attention.

    Built and sold over the course of a few generations, through which the main cabinet remained unchanged, with just a couple of tweaks and two different amplifiers (as well as a larger model — dubbed “The Manhattanite”, that has somehow eluded our attempts to restore one), it is still one of the most iconic stereo console designs of the 1960’s.

    Acvstica Audio RCA Annapolis
    Photo Credit: Vintage Source

    By the time we’re done with this piece, it’ll have our usual stack of components and features:

    • Wi-Fi, fully compatible with Spotify Connect, Apple Airplay and more.
    • Bluetooth
    • TV-Ready Optical Input
    • Audiophile-grade Record Player
    • Custom tuned amplifier & speakers

    Check out what this looked and felt like in our last Annapolis!

    Acvstica Audio Youtube Channel
    RCA Annapolis advertisement

    Most RCA Annapolis’ we’ve retro-engineered were built between 1965 and 1969.

    All of our consoles, speakers and radios go through an extensive bespoke tunning using a professional calibration microphone and computer software, which then gets written into the amplifiers DSP (Digital Signal Processor) firmware. This is done in order to achieve outstanding fidelity and performance.

    Any more questions you may have feel free to call us at (913) 243 5913 or visit our shop at Vintage Source where we’re always happy to talk audio and show you around.

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  • Grundig 2066

    Grundig 2066

    We picked up this 1958 Grundig tabletop radio in non-working condition to restore and retrofit not knowing how well it’d turn out. We replaced its mono speaker with a stereo set from JBL with concentric tweeters and made this radio the overhaul it deserved.

    After installing our custom tuned amplifier we wired the volume control to the orinal volume knob and kept the original clacky buttons performing some modern functions — off, on and input selection, cycling through Wi-Fi Streaming (for Spotify Connect, Apple Airplay and more), bluetooth, and even an aux-in port in the back.

    It’s compact size makes it easy to underestimate  — this thing gets loud while keeping a clear, crisp, hi-fi sound.

    • Grundig 2066 Table Radio
    • Grundig 2066 Table Radio
  • Neckermann-Körting Radio

    Neckermann Körting

    This small radio was spotted in rough condition on ebay, and we had to have it. It’s blonde radio plate made it different enough to take a chance on getting a light, delicate piece online. Sight unseen. It couldn’t have turned any better. We replaced its single speaker with a stereo set by Polk Audio, our custom tuned amplifier and wired the volume control to its orinal knob, while the original buttons for off (“aus”) shut the unit off, and another button acts as an input selector switch. Beautiful little piece to add a touch of elegance to any room, while still connecting to your home WiFi as well as bluetooth and an aux-in in the back.

    • Neckermann / Körting Tabletop Radio
    • Neckermann / Körting Tabletop Radio
    • Neckermann / Körting Tabletop Radio
    • Neckermann / Körting Tabletop Radio
    • Neckermann / Körting Tabletop Radio
    • Neckermann / Körting Tabletop Radio
    • Neckermann / Körting Tabletop Radio
  • Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV

    Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV

    Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV

    I’ve wanted to own and restore a set of these speakers since forever. And I finally got the chance. I definitely overpaid for them, and they were the higher end model that included a vacuum tube amplifier inside each. Definitely the earliest powered speaker I’ve ever known of. The date I found in them was sometime in 1959. I wanted to replace the speaker cloth, but none of my sources had anything nearly as cool as the original, so we left the grime and patine as it was and gave them a new set of carbon fiber woofer speakers with AMT tweeters as well as a power amplifier with our custom tuning. They sold before I could even think up how much should we ask for them. Fortunately though, they went to an amazing family that also owns one of our Relikcs Timbre consoles in Omaha.

    • Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV
    • Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV
    • Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV
    • Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV
    • Grundig Lautsprecher Box IV

    Check out our basic operation video for these speakers and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

  • Zenith Y960

    Zenith Y960

    Zenith X930

    Zenith Y960

    Few consoles capture the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic quite like Zenith’s Louvered Door consoles. We’ve restored several over time and always admire the timeless elegance of these designs. Though not particularly rare due to their long production run, a well-preserved example remains a true statement piece.

    Over roughly a decade of production, Zenith continually refined its models while maintaining the signature look and feel—wider, deeper cabinets, with or without open-reel tape decks, and Danish or Modern-style bases.

    We currently have three different cabinets, including two of the larger Y960s. One is a YT960, displayed unrestored at Vintage Source‘s showroom. Unfortunately, its lifting R2R tape deck was removed long before it came to us, so we’ll repurpose the space as a storage cubby. The third console is a more compact model that keeps the same overall aesthetic.

    Picture of a Zenith Z930, restored by Vintage Source, Retro-Engineered by Acvstica Audio.
    Photo credit: Dan Posch
    Zenith X930

    Once restoration is complete, this console will feature our custom selection of premium components, including:

    • Wi-Fi, fully compatible with Spotify Connect, Apple Airplay and more.
    • Bluetooth connectivity
    • TV-ready optical input
    • Audiophile-grade record player
    • Custom tuned amplifier and speakers
    Zenith x930 advertisement

    The console pictured here is a retrofit we had refinished by what is now Vintage Source, back in 2022.

    The Zenith X930, built in 1966 specifically.

    Zenith provided little documentation regarding model variations and production dates for this design style, but we’ll continue updating this page as we uncover more. We aim to be a reliable resource for verified information on these consoles.
    Currently, our collection includes a YT960 (sans tape deck), a Y960, and a smaller unidentified model, all boasting Zenith’s iconic louvered doors

    Every console, speaker, and radio we restore undergoes extensive bespoke tuning using a professional calibration microphone and advanced software. The resulting data is programmed into the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) firmware, ensuring exceptional fidelity and performance.

    Any more questions you may have feel free to call us at (913) 243 5913 or visit our shop at Vintage Source where we’re always happy to talk audio and show you around.

  • Music for the (nearly) deaf

    Music for the (nearly) deaf

    Keep in mind this person, as well as my wife, can still listen to and enjoy music all the same, but of course, stereo imaging and the ability to determine location of a sound is now long gone.

    My genre of choice is punk rock, so my recommendations will be skewed in that direction, but at the same time, building and selling stereo equipment, I’ve accumulated some tracks in my personal collection that I love using to showcase and demo speakers that probably appeal to most everyone. Not just punk heads.

    I’ll try to focus my recommendations on outstanding channel separation and music pieces with great binaural qualities.

    one

    One of my favorite test pieces is the BBC 1973 recording of See What A Fool I’ve Been by Queen. Queen, not known for their blues, recorded this incredibly clean sounding song. I like to close my eyes after positioning my head right in the middle front between my speakers (or wearing headphones). You can hear the room Brian May’s guitar was recorded in, perfectly place his OD’d amp on the left side of the soundstage. Freddie gently pushing his amazing voice, a good couple of feet away, and by the time he’s halfway through the intro, you can hear him getting closer to the mic, which if you’re really listening, feels like he’s getting VERY close to you. Absolutely chilling, seconds before Roger Taylor introduces the band with a wonderfully recorded snare, rack toms and kick. The recording and mixing of this piece is, IMO, a true gem.

    two

    Some tracks you probably will enjoy regardless of the style of music you seem to show preference for, such as the previous one, whereas some may not be your cup of overdriven guitars and drums, such as The Cog In The Machine by Lagwagon and Midnight Hands by Rise Against. I’ve always been a fan of the way Rise Against‘s recordings sound, typically tracked and mixed in The Blasting Room in Ft Collins, by the time Lagwagon released Hang (the album The Cog In The Machine is from, which is a fantastic album. Hang & Revolve are both incredibly powerful and often chilling records that would certainly both be in my list to critically listen to again and again) I couldn’t help but feel the drums sounded familiar, only to find they were indeed recorded, mixed and mastered by the same team in the same recording studio. All thanks to Bill Stevenson (of Black Flag, Descendents and ALL) for opening that glorious studio.

    three

    For a more peaceful experience, even at high volume (you’re going deaf anyway), my wife’s favorite band, Guster, has quite a few amazingly recorded and performed albums, my recommendation here is Careful from the Lost And Gone Forever album as well as Long Night from their beautiful live recording with the Omaha orchestra.

    four

    For an acoustic recording, that showcases what binaural recording is all about, I personally like the Playing Favorites album by Meiko, which was recorded using just one (which is actually two) binaural microphone by beyerdynamic I believe. My pick is her No Rain cover.

    five

    Another favorite of mine to test channel separation in particular, from the way the simple drums sound to the melancholy in her voice, from the use of distortion as ambience and glockenspiel blended with plucked strings, to the heartfelt lyrics. Found is a stunning song by Still + Storm. A fantastic record to own on vinyl (I own all of the music I’ve mentioned on vinyl, safe for the Queen @ the BBC recording, I don’t think that was ever pressed on vinyl).

    six

    It is said that one of the most telling instruments for testing tape decks and records is the piano. Any sustained note, really. But recording piano is an interesting thing since there’s no one way of doing so. I submitThe Forks Are All Behind You by Brian Wahlstrom as a spine-chilling performance. And for an encore, his cover of the late Tony Sly of No Use For A Name’s songThe Answer Is Still No is a soul-crushing song from start to end.

    From that same Tribute to Tony Sly album, Karina Deniké, whom I have an enormous appreciation for, submitted what ended up being the opening track on said album, Biggest Lie. She doesn’t have much of her music on Spotify, haven’t asked her why. But her album, Under Glass (in her bandcamp page) is well worth a listen with it’s imaginative and quirky instrumentation complimenting her fantastic vocals and songwriting abilities.

    seven

    Back for a second on what an amazingly good sounding recording studio can unlock, I turn to The Get Up Kids, who recorded most of their albums in Eudora, KS. My favorite recordings are from their Eudora album, which happens to be mostly covers. All great covers, great songs, very natural sound to all of them. Being a drummer myself, I pay special attention to the recording and performance of the drums, and the way the covers for Up On The RoofSuffragette City, and Close To Me sound, the almost cardboard-y sound in the kick drum, with the continuous rimshot hits of the snare, along with not-so-overdone distortion on guitars give these recordings quite a punchy yet warm sound.

    eight

    No audiophile worth their salt is unaware of Sheffield Labs. My submission from Sheffield is from Lincoln Mayorga‘s Lincoln Mayorga & Distinguished Colleagues Vol. III. My all-time favorite album when it comes to the pristine quality of the recording and performance. Producer Douglas Sax and Pianist Lincoln Mayorga experimented with direct-to-disc recordings, avoiding recording to tape and then mastering into vinyl, they had an engineer operate a lathe cutting a record as they performed next door. No take backs, no repeats. Sadly, this means there’s only a set amount of copies that can be pressed with the same stamper; so when the album sold out and they somehow wanted to press more copies in Germany, Sheffield Labs sent in an alternate recording that was, frankly, much poorer in terms of performance. The worst part is that this is the recording they made available in CD and streaming platforms. So the only way to listen to this performance and outstanding recording is by owning a copy of the record. I buy a copy every single time I see it available at a record store.

    For my father’s birthday one year, I gathered all 3 copies I owned at the time and professionally digitized all of them using my highest end turntable, with the best cartridge and stylus I had at the time then proceeded mixed and match all three records, removing the clicks, pops and other imperfections from the recording to make one true master myself. You can feel free to stop by Vintage Source and request I play it for you. Mind blown guaranteed.

    From the same team at Sheffield Labs, this soul song is a great feel-good recording that showcases dynamic range just as it does Thelma Houston‘s vocals.

    nine

    Great music and recordings are all around us happening in real time; I recently really enjoyed Get It Yourself by Friendly Thieves a local Kansas City band that, IMO, are fantastic with a punchy sound that makes you want to turn it all the way up, which I’ve been guilty of back when Fetch was our downstairs neighbor. Stephanie can vouch for the power output of our consoles.

    ten

    Bringing it back to Queen; I found the 2011 remasters to be quite good, and from this, I suggest giving All Dead, All Dead, a good listen. And then, the 1977 live BBC recording of My Melancholy Blues ought to do it.

    bonus: eleven

    Classical music is hard to recommend, and Spotify is simply not set up for it the way that Tidal, Roon or other services are; unless you know exactly what performance, whom was it directed by and perhaps even who the soloist might be. Sidenote: if you’re a classical music nerd, skip Spotify and try IDAGIO, it’s fantastic. Thank me later.

    You must be familiar with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, I found great pleasure in listening to Max Richter‘s Recomposed. As an audio geek and a Frenchman, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 as recorded by Telarc, interpreted by the Cincinnati Orchestra is an amazing achievement of recording advancements, and it gives me chills every time. And pretty much anything penned by Mahler is just mind boggling.

    wrap up

    Fear Inoculum by Tool is a great altogether album that deserves a listen if you can stomach it. As mentioned, my preferred genre is punk rock, and I’d say you can’t go wrong with Bad Religion, No Use For A Name, Lagwagon, Bayside, NoFX, Trophy Eyes, Direct Hit!, MxPx, Alkaline Trio, and I could go on and on and on… But I tried to focus on tracks that anyone can appreciate that carry some acoustical significance that makes them special to me, and that I certainly wish my wife could listen in full stereo one more time.

    All of these songs are deeply personal and emotional to me, I can sit on a couch and test speakers at full volume with any and all of these tracks for hours on end and come out a changed man every time.

    If you’re of a certain vintage, you’ll remember the days of mixtapes. Playlists don’t feel the same, but my exercise to you is to make a playlist like this. Put yourself in the shoes of someone about to lose some or all of their hearing and appreciate one of the most amazing human experiences  — music.

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