Cool thread guys!
Although I'm not as qualified as you to discuss format differences I do agree that the stock RS1500 sounds mudded, I love the term. But couple it to a Seduction and it sounds fantastic, even without Doc's mods which I expect to take it to another level.
I have only heard Way out West on the $9.00 OJC reissue and like it very much. I use a Garrard 301 turntable with an EMT tonearm and cartridge (tondose) coupled via a pair of rare Peerless 4797 stepups to, what else, a Seduction.
In relation to digital I use an iPod. Actually is an iPod modified by Vinnie Rossi to take the signal directly out of the DAC. If you think about it it has all the advantages of a server: a hard disk reducing the reading problems and jitter and has the benefits of battery power. I only use tubed outputs (Bottlehead Foreplay, BH Sex and recently also a hybrid headphone pre by Pete Millet that sounds really nice).
I took a close look at my heads - didn't want to be damaging that valuable tape! It's hard to get a real good look, but they looked a bit worn, based on some of the info on JRF's site and others.
This reminds me I have to buzz Doc and discuss what to do with mine. I have been very distracted with other parts of the stereo, namely the amps that will triamp my speakers, but I guess it's time to revisit my deck.
