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Wanting to get into Vinyl - Need help

I'm a complete neophyte when it comes to turntables and vinyl. Recently I've gotten the itch to take the plunge, but I'm a bit out of my element so I'm looking for suggestions.

My system is Rotel electronics and Vandersteen 2 ce sigs. Nothing grandiose, but I like the sound and it fits my budget. I currently have a Denon DP300F with a Ortofon RED cartridge upgrade on order. The TT won't be in until April so of course this has given me time to look around and read more reviews. Now I'm having second thoughts, and I'm debating changing/canceling my order.

The phono preamp I've decided on is the Musical Fidelity V-LPS MKII. I've also kicked around the NAD PP3i, but the the reviews don't seem as favorable. Any others I should be looking at?

Now for the TT options. The "short list" in my price range seem to be the Rega RP1, Music Hall MMF2.2, Pro-ject Debut III. These three seem pretty indistinguishable from eachother. I guess the Denon DP300F could fit into this catagory as well. I've also seen suggestions for looking at used "vintage" TT's but honestly I wouldn't know what I'm looking for. I don't want something twitchy that I have to lube or whatever people do :) I would consider a more modern used TT if the price is right.

I'm not planning on being a tweaker here. I just want to play music. Can someone help me whittle this pack of TT's down to a choice?

Thanks!
mustangjeff
sibelius
256 posts
 
Don't want to burst your bubble but I think you would be better served staying in digital unless you plan on spending about $3K+ on an analog set-up (assuming new). In my humble opinion, this is the range when analog starts to separate itself from digital. Do not underestimate the importance of the phono stage. Many people skimp here and it will ends up hurting them.

I would also recommend buying your first analog system through a local dealer rather than buying through mail order or audiogon. Analog set up (VTA, VTF etc..) is critical and this is some of the value add of dealing with someone locally.

Most people I know who jumped into entry level analog ended up either upgrading to higher level equipment fairly quickly or moving back to digital.
adam18
670 posts
 
Rega RP1 and MF V-LPS Mk. II should be a very nice combination. You'll be able to enjoy the wonderful sound of analog music through your Vandersteens, and have $$$$ to start a nice LP collection. There are many A'goners who will try to discourage you and tell you that you need to spend big bucks to enjoy vinyl. Sure, the more you spend (up to a limit) the better your LP's will sound...... but, believe me, you can really enjoy yourself with a good starter system like the RP1/V-LPS. I started with an NAD 533/Goldring Elektra front end years ago, a system that a "hard core audiophile" would have laughed at. But, ya' know what ?.....I loved that little system, and it enabled me to really enjoy the music and have enough money left over to buy a lot of records. Then, as time went by and my "audio budget" expanded, I upgraded to what I have now. Vinyl is a fantastic medium, a great way to listen to music. Start small, enjoy yourself, and upgrade later on, as you are able. Happy Listening.
dayglow
1,893 posts
 
You might want to consider the Rega RP-1 with a Goldring 1042. It will retain the 2ce sig. smothness but will also wake up the laid-back sound. The 1042 is good enough to survive several table upgrades so the $500 is well spent. You will also need a record cleaning machine. I know it's not fun to purchase an "appliance" but a clean record preserves your cartridge and will let your system reach it's potential.
manitunc
795 posts
 
While I wholeheartedly believe that vinyl is superior to CD on every level, buying a cheap turtable, arm and cartridge might disappoint you. A vintage turtable at the same price will open your eyes to the joys of vinyl. A VPI HW-19, Oracle Delphi or Alexandria, Sota Sapphire or Star, Townshend Rock 3, Well Tempered or even a better Rega3 or 5 will greatly outperform a Rega 1 and its like. And dont skimp on the phono preamp. At least a Cambridge 640p or PS Audio GCPH.
Vinyl Classic Rock from the 60s and 70s sounds like its supposed to, when people listen to entire album sides, not cuts.
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
I agree with Sibelius and Audiofeil but it is a fun aspect of the hobby that I am very glad that I took the plunge into a few years back. I bought my first table (in years) from a local dealer but I set it up myself right from the box and it was a worthwhile experience because you really are forced to understand the various rules of engagement with your TT set-up. I started with a decent TT and cart using my MM phono stage on my integrated and over time upgraded to a good stand-alone phono and MC. I will likely try to upgrade the table next but it has been a blast along the way. Don't forget to factor in a record cleaning capability of some kind (lots to read in the archives on that).
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