2. analog
  3. 1295820131

Considering analog...but nervous

Well, I've been here before. Once again, I'm thinking of venturing into the Analog world, but before doing so, I wanted to pose a few questions to fellow agoners to make sure my head (ears?) are in the right place.

Some Background: My current setup consists of a Modwright Transporter, Musical Fidelity KW 500 (hybrid tube pre/SS Amp), and Focal/JM 1027be speakers. My entire current collection is digital and I have NEVER owned Vinyl before NOR have I ever heard a high-end Analog setup.

My Tastes/musical likes: I am all about soundstage and imaging. Vocal accuracy is hugely important and instrument placing (hence, imaging) are part of what I look for when listening. Genre wise, mostly rock, folk, acoustic and blues. Some jazz as well. I generally try to stick to labels that produce good-sounding material...not over-compressed garbage.

On with the questions:

1. One of the biggest things that has kept me from trying Vinyl thus far is the concern of excessive hiss and crackle/pop that vinyl is known for. Is it safe to assume that purchasing new Vinyl and played on a higher quality setup will reduce (eliminate?) the pops and crackle sounds? I have no problem purchasing exclusively new vinyl, knowing full well that the process of shopping used is what draws so many to this market...

2. If I purchase new vinyl, only play it on a decent player, and store it properly, will I still have to clean it? How expensive is a cleaning machine? Are there (reasonable), less expensive alternatives to a cleaning machine?

3. Based on my integrated (tube-pre,SS amp) and speakers, are these a good match for Vinyl? Does anyone know if the KW 500 Phono input is adequate for a good turntable? My digital system has a tendency to be on the bright side for a lot of material, but not everything. Strangly, even at 31 years old, I can still hear up to around 19Khz so I'm a bit picky about the highs...

4. How complicated is the setup of the TT? Being that I've never worked wtih it before, I'm somewhat intimidated by the "setup" requirements of the equipment. What are the core requirements/knowledge to properly setup a TT.

5. And finally, the most subjective question of all. If I had a budget of about $1,000-$1,500 for a TT, Tonearm and Cartridge, what would be a good starting place? I'd obviously be looking for used here from Agon.

I know this was a long post so thanks for hanging in and reading it all :-). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

-gh0st
fatgh0st
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

01-25-11: Fatgh0st
Maineiac: You may be getting closer already :-) I've already started thinking about how I can edge my initial budget up closer to $2,500 by getting rid of something else.

So tell me, what does an extra $1,000 (from $1,500 to $2,500) open up for me in terms of options? Should I still just stick to the $1,500 for starters?
There are a few excellent rigs at $1500--the Marantz, the Clearaudio, Rega P5, and some I'm less familiar with from Pro-Ject and Music Hall.

At $2500 the choices expand with VPI offerings, the Rega P7, more sophisticated models from Pro-Ject and Music Hall, and a couple that have reputation of challenging the high priced spread--the Well Tempered Amadeus and the Townshend Rock 7 with damping trough option (though by the time you get a tonearm it's more like $3500 or more).

If you want it simple and good, I'd go for the Marantz TT-15S1 with included, mounted, set up, balanced and aligned Clearaudio Virtuoso wood-bodied MM cart (it's an $800 cart). Audio Advisor has a closeout demo on sale for $1359.99. Clearaudio makes the Marantz turntable, so there should be exceptional turntable/arm/cartridge compatibility.
riley804
1,224 posts
 
seems that you asked this question once before:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1218926373
maineiac
649 posts
 
Let us know what direction you took and how you are doing with your vinyl adventure. This could be our version of a drama.
raquel
841 posts
 
I had checked out your prior threads as well. It is less than ideal that you have your system on the short wall - everyone says to set up systems that way, but for someone who values soundstaging, you'll have a much wider, more natural stage if you go with the long wall (you may lose a bit of depth, but you'll eliminate the tunnel effect). Since you listen at 7 ft., this should work well unless your listening chair or couch is thick-backed and thus keeps your head far off the back wall (I suspect that it would still be preferable to the short wall). Try it and report back.
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banquo363
371 posts
 
@Riley804: the OP said as much at the beginning of his post. Funny though since that was over 2 years ago--evidently, it didn't take back then.

I started down this vinyl journey only 5 months ago. Gone through 2 phonostages, 2 preamps, 2 turntables, have 2 carts, 4 headshells, yards of cable and just bought another tonearm. It's frustrating as all get out, what with all the seemingly endless tweaks and nanometer adjustments, the seemingly endless possible cart/tonearm/cable combinations, the purchasing of nearly inevitably poor quality used records, and of course the non-stop draining of one's bank account.

My tt is currently in the shop and so have been listening to CD's. It's just not the same--not nearly. And so despite the not insignificant inconveniences of vinyl, I persist and will do so for some time---assuming I don't hurl it all in the garbage and come to my senses.

Rational deliberation is pretty useless in this domain. Like falling in love, passion for vinyl is more of a discovery than a decision. If you find yourself reading about tt's and tonearms at 3 in the morning and ignoring your loved ones, then you're a candidate. If not, well, there are other options.
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