Rd11s Up And Running

by **JayM481** » 16 Aug 2011 03:05

I've been a bit put off belt drives for a while due to bad experiences with low-end decks. A few months ago I came upon an RD11s and thought I'd give it a shot (after all, it's a sibling of the LP12, isn't it?)

For a variety of reasons I didn't get her up and running 'till this week. Finally overcame a nasty hum issue (original SME cable was duff), and now have her singing with a Shure V15 III/Jico SAS on the original SME Series III arm.

Once the stylus is broken in I'll do some comparison to my SP-25 (I have a second Series III arm, just to make it fair).

by **satanfriendly** » 16 Aug 2011 22:39

Congratulations on a superb turn table.

It is not quite the sibbling, as more the deck which as near as damn it the LP12 was copied from.

There is a faithful following for the 11 so you are in the right area. I have a 110 and the one thing I really love about the Ariston's is the solid build and general good engineering. Should last a life time.

In comparrison to an SP25? I think you'll find the difference chalk and cheese.

by **JayM481** » 17 Aug 2011 03:19

I was under the impression that the 11 was the daddy, and the LP12 and 11S were more siblings - with the latter getting kicked out of the house at an early age.

In any case, I've been pretty happy with the SP-25, and want to hear for myself the differences between DD and belt, since the discussion tends to draw more heat than light.

I'm trying a Grado Gold on her tonight. I have several arm wands for the SME, so I'm also doing a bit of experimentation there.

by **satanfriendly** » 17 Aug 2011 03:39

My apologies here. I never realised you were talking about the Technics SP25, I thought you were comparing to a Garard SP25! Completely different beasts.

Will be interesting to hear your thoughts as I would love the likes of the Technics SP being as I am after a good quality DD.

You are correct about the 11 and the 11S, so again I am barking up the wrong tree.

by **JayM481** » 18 Aug 2011 03:44

I often forget that Garrard also had an SP25. I have two ex-radio station Technics units, one of which is functional at the moment. Despite the signs of abuse, it works quite well.

I wish there was an easy way to compare. I need to cut an arm-board for the SME SIII for the Technics. At least swapping arm wands is a quick process. It's a question of time to do the work right now.

by **bubba45** » 18 Aug 2011 14:09

I owned an RD11 which as you point out is the daddy of the RD11s. I believe that the main difference was the shape of the armboard - round and small for the latter , long like an Lp12 for the former. The shape of the subchasis is also different but not masively.

I also now own several DD's - SP10, Sony 2250, JVC QL70, Denon DP60L and a couple of other Technics decks.

What you should notice with the Ariston when set up properly is that it is a very engaging, lively 'fun' sound. It plays funk, soul, dance music etc excellently. Really used to get me wanting to shake my butt (which ain't pretty). I never found it to be a subtle sound but I also never got fatigued by it.

The down side is that after a DD you will probably notice the lesser pitch stabilty and wow & flutter. You will most likely hear this on high notes, extended notes, piano, strings etc. it's a subtlely audible difference but IMHO & IME it by no means means the Ariston is not worth keeping.

Also Aristons are a PITA to set up for some reason but once done they tend to stay set up longer than an LP12 and there is a real sweet spot sound wise once the suspension is bouncing nicely. You'll know when you've got it as the sound suddenly focuses in a very noticeable way.They are however a lovely TT and one of the better vintage BD's IMO. Ariston made a few fine decks that are worth trying out.

If you like it then try a few little tweaks that improve it - Plywood baseboard, dynamat or cork damping the underside of the top plate, cork damping on the subchasis, Dynamat damping of the platter - only needs to be on the outer inside rim of the platter - and a better platter mat.

Placing them on a wall shelf or isolation platform makes a difference too.

Good luck and let us know your thoughts as IME they are worth keeping as a 2nd TT if not as your main.

by **steve195527** » 21 Aug 2011 00:17

bubba45 wrote:I owned an RD11 which as you point out is the daddy of the RD11s. I believe that the main difference was the shape of the armboard - round and small for the latter , long like an Lp12 for the former. The shape of the subchasis is also different but not masively.

I also now own several DD's - SP10, Sony 2250, JVC QL70, Denon DP60L and a couple of other Technics decks.

What you should notice with the Ariston when set up properly is that it is a very engaging, lively 'fun' sound. It plays funk, soul, dance music etc excellently. Really used to get me wanting to shake my butt (which ain't pretty). I never found it to be a subtle sound but I also never got fatigued by it.

The down side is that after a DD you will probably notice the lesser pitch stabilty and wow & flutter. You will most likely hear this on high notes, extended notes, piano, strings etc. it's a subtlely audible difference but IMHO & IME it by no means means the Ariston is not worth keeping.

Also Aristons are a PITA to set up for some reason but once done they tend to stay set up longer than an LP12 and there is a real sweet spot sound wise once the suspension is bouncing nicely. You'll know when you've got it as the sound suddenly focuses in a very noticeable way.They are however a lovely TT and one of the better vintage BD's IMO. Ariston made a few fine decks that are worth trying out.

If you like it then try a few little tweaks that improve it - Plywood baseboard, dynamat or cork damping the underside of the top plate, cork damping on the subchasis, Dynamat damping of the platter - only needs to be on the outer inside rim of the platter - and a better platter mat.

Placing them on a wall shelf or isolation platform makes a difference too.

Good luck and let us know your thoughts as IME they are worth keeping as a 2nd TT if not as your main.

The original RD11 was ,apart from a few small cosmetic differences,exactly the same as the very early LP12:-there was an announcement in the hi-fi press stating that the turntable sold under the name Ariston RD11 was now being sold as the Linn LP12,the RD11 did continue(without the s suffix or any other)for a short while after this but with slight mechanical changes(main bearing mainly as that was under a patent application)

by **gastondidi** » 01 Sep 2011 22:34

Hey Satanfriendly, I too own an ariston rdll0 sl and am wondering if you or anyone out there know where this fine turntable came in the ariston timeline :?:

by **satanfriendly** » 07 Sep 2011 16:16

I have to admit I have no idea where it came in the Ariston time frame, but of all the turntables I have it is the one which I am most likely to reach for as 'weapon of choice' simply as it's so dammed good and hassle free.

Overlooked and under rated.

by **Eoin** » 07 Sep 2011 22:59

Hi, SF and all.

I've wondered about getting an RD11 to replace my venerable RD80. Hmm..

Cheers,
Eoin

by **jsnider** » 07 Sep 2011 23:45

I have no experience with the RD11, but my RD11s is my go to table. It's got that, what the French call, I don't know what. It's never been embarrassed by any of its siblings. It's the only table I own that I'd never sell. The mission 774 original arm keeps people from wanting to mess with it. The mission arm loves to play music with this table.

Not to be contrary but the RD11s is the least fussy table I have. I put some long bolts and linn black springs with new bushings on it and it's reasonable to get it on song and in this configuration stays that way. Until I mess with it.

Tried damping with cork, killed some life, took it off. The base cover is junk so that's gone and I let it breathe. Free ball if you will. Loves it and makes keeping things set easier.

I've seen a few on the bay and c-list here in the states and a few have been down right cheap for the sound you get.

If you buy one and don't like it, let me know...

by **bubba45** » 08 Sep 2011 00:18

Hi Eoin
The RD11 is a big step up from the RD80. Much much better sound. Definitely get an RD11 over the Rd80 if you can.

by **alanomt** » 08 Sep 2011 09:48

re the question on the RD110SL, there was a review of this deck in the 'Hi-Fi choice' no 24 guide of 1981.

The guide also has reviews of the RD80 (the first version without the screw down clamp) and the RD11S, which gives the impression that the 11s was still available at that time. There is in the same book an ad from Ariston that refers to all three decks, my own 11s, has the date 1974 printed in the plinth.

Alan

by **audiodazed** » 08 Sep 2011 18:23

I also have the RD11 and it does have a lot of swing.
One thing that is a cheap must, is to build or buy the Armeggedon PSU for it.
Based off the Naim Armegeddon for the LP12, it is the simplest electrical product that you can build, but it is a massive upgrade.
I think an earlier post said that the Aristons / non DD TT's have wow and flutter issues. This may be true but with a better more stable power supply that pretty much goes away.
There are quite a few links around the net on how to build one. and ever since I had built one for mine, it was night and day.