Converting to Analog

I recently made the jump back into analog. I have an ARC Ref 2 (tube) preamp, Plinius SA 250 MK IV (ss) amp. I did spend around $7500 for a VPI Mk.V turntable w/Graham 2.2 arm and Ruby Benz 2 cartridge, BAT PK V phono preamp and Synergistic Research tonearm cable.

Most of my nonaudiophile friends claim they can't hear the difference when I a/b the same album and cd. I find the analog sound more natural and prefer the analog to the cd of the same music. Now I'm enjoying albums I haven't listened to in over 20 years. Fortunately, I've always keep my albums clean and never left them out on the turntable. Most of them sound great. You will definately need a good cleaning machine. The VPI 16.5 or 17 are considered the best out there. Good luck, you won't regret it.

I believe that analogue reproduction is always according to the price you're investing. To get the sound level for $10k you must either spend $10k or acquire it used for less.

Good post David99!
I just got back to vinyl and find it hard to listen to most CD's anymore. In fact, I'm listening to music more now, finding that vinyl is much more pleasing to the ear -- none of that harsh digital edge on the highs.
I'm sure I don't have the sound of the "Show," but I do have analog at the same level as my digital and am VERY satisfied.
I started with a VPI HW-19 jr, a Rega RB300 arm, and a Grado cartridge, plus rewiring the arm and other modifications, for around $1500, to keep my investment down and see if I really would be into it. Well, yes I am!
CD's are about convenience, but, in my book, my ears are happier with vinyl.

I'll second David99's comments, but I don't consider it "work". A few extra seconds to sweep a record and stylus before playing and a few minutes here and there for regular maintenance. Initial set-up is not a big deal- just relax and spend a couple of hours or so. One could say that analog is slightly more "interactive" than digital and can certainly be more rewarding.

Tony, you didn't mention what you had heard at the Home Entertainment show. Maybe if you could share that information, someone could give you an idea of similar equipment/cost to approximate that "sound".

Regards
Jim

I think that you can do a good basic vinyl system for a lot less than what people think. I would suggest starting off with a moderate set-up and go from there. Just keep in mind that there are a lot more rungs on the ladder should you choose to climb higher. Obviously, you can go "sky's the limit" if you choose to do so and obtain correspondingly better results. This approach minimizes your investment should you find that you don't want to put forth the initial effort that IS required with vinyl.

If you keep in mind the following basics, you'll do okay:

1) ALL TT's benefit from placement on top of a platform that is very rigid, well damped and vibration free.

2) All vinyl based systems benefit from having thoroughly cleaned records and "needles". Once cleaned, records should be put into sleeves that are also clean without contaminants to re-pollute the vinyl. The stylus should be cleaned on a regular basis, but be VERY gentle. Do not use Pine-Sol or Formula 409 to "clean" the tip : )

3) All TT's benefit from the proper selection of arm / cartridge combo's and the appropriate fine tuning involved.

4) All cartridges can be fine tuned in terms of tracking specifics and loading within the phono section. If in doubt, follow the manufacturers' recommendations as closely as possible and then "tweak" as you learn more. Fine tuning can literally transform the tonal balance, amount of noise, etc.. from one extreme to another. Just be careful whenever working around the stylus : )

5) Don't be afraid to buy a used TT and / or arm so long as it is in good shape. I would stick to new cartridges and an arm / table combo that is already set up at this point in time though.

Good luck and hope this helps... Sean
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