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Analog setup - do it your self or hire a pro?

Hello,

I happily got back into vinyl about 3 years ago. I bought a little Rega P1 and a NAD PP1 and I was ready to rock and roll. When I got the P1, I had trouble adjusting the weight on the cartridge, and getting the anti skate right, so I found a local HiFi shop that specializes in vinyl, and paid him a visit. He made the proper adjustments in my Rega, and I could tell he is a thoughtful, very experienced, analog pro.

Over the past 4 years, my Rega got upgraded with a Dynavector 10x5 and a glass platter. Then, the Rega went away and and a JA Michell came my way. In fact, I bought the JA Michell from this very shop. I asked the man at the shop to take my Dynavector 10x5 off the Rega, and install it on my new JA Michell. 6 months later, the Dynavector was replaced with a Lyra Delos. Also bought from my local shop and expertly installed on my JA Michell by the shop owner.

The NAD phono pre also went the wayside for a series of phono preamps, ending just last week with a Whest .30R

So, now for my question...

This series of upgrades has led me to start questioning my reliance on an expert to set up my rig. Perhaps I should be doing this myself! I don't have any experience with it, and I don't have any of the tools, and the whole thing is a bit of a mystery to me. But I am good with my hands and have an eye for details.

What do you think? Is it better to drive my turntable to my local expert, or to learn this myself? What are the benefits of doing this in my home, versus leaving this tedious work to the professionals?

thanks!
Mark
marktomaras
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with Sarcher30, learn to do it yourself. You say you are good with your hands and have an eye for detail, it's not brain surgery. Sure, having the proper tools helps, and you can buy them easily with the money you've saved from paying someone else to do the work. After all, you've made a lot of changes in just 3 years, and believe me, it sounds like your journey is just beginning, not ending.

Your ears, a digital scale, a circular bubble level, a protractor (even a custom one like a MINT LP), and your set. Do a little reading, ask a few questions. It's really not that hard once you get the hang of it.

Here's one link to get you started.
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banquo363
371 posts
 
Perhaps best is a hybrid suggestion: have the pro do the initial set up so as to set a benchmark, and then you can make adjustments from there all the while mentally recording the differences that you note and acquiring practical knowledge. Things change in vinyl playback all the time and one needs to be able adjust in order to maximize the rig. For instance, different records can sometimes sound better with different VTA settings and so there's no way for the initial set up to maximize your whole record collection. And suspensions wear down and require differing VTF across time, and so one cannot just rely on initial set up, even if done by a pro.

If one is willing to learn, then there's no reason to remain helpless. The learning curve is steep and sometimes you'll want to pull your hair out, but take your time and enjoy the process and the rewards are many.
pops
2,273 posts
 
Without question learn to do it yourself, a little time and patience goes a long way, it really isn't that hard. Plus, you don't want to be reliant on others when a problem arises. I was where you are in the beginning, a little apprehensive and now wouldn't consider getting help unless it was something above my head like building an arm board or something similar.

It also gives you more of an appreciation for the hobby and is more rewarding also. Go for it!
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,463 posts
 
As for Me I found that I can do it better. Whether the pro just doesnt want to take the time, just isnt as festideous as I, just hears differently than I, or is it trolls.... never the less, I can do it better for ME. The added plus is that its fun
mingles
796 posts
 
I encourage you to learn as much as you can. You'll appreciate vinyl more when you know how to make adjustments to optimize the sound.

I strongly recommend Michael Fremer's instruction video. It's an excellent starting point for seeing the big picture, as well as understanding the small details. He talks about the tools you need and how to use them. Then he walks you through setting up a cartridge on three tables: Project RM-5, Rega P5 and VPI Scoutmaster. He's also very funny and entertaining. Here's a short Youtube clip of the intro:

21st Century Vinyl: Michael Fremer's Practical Guide to Turntable Set-Up
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