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Brand new to vinyl: Help!

I am brand new to vinyl, but quite established in digital (CDs, lossless streaming, etc.).

I made the first foray to vinyl by purchasing an entry level turntable - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Esprit.

I am using an Ayre pre-amp with phono stage and also Ayre amp.

While I am happy I have it up and running, I don’t think it sounds as good as my digital setup (Directstream DAC).

So what can I do to improve, short of buying a much more expensive turntable?

Things in my mind:

1 - Since it accepts DC power, buy a linear power supply

2 - Since my Phone stage on my preamp only accepts XLR three-pin connector, I bought a male RCA to male XLR cable from Amazon, less than $20. Do I need a better interconnect?

3 - Upgrade the cartridge (it comes with Ortfofon Red something)

Thanks!
128x128thyname
2channel8
758 posts
 
@thyname, DH Labs is a reputable firm; but the Bl-1 is XLR OR RCA; not RCA to XLR. You could call them to see if they have what you want; but I think the savings would go out the window. You are not just looking for RCA to XLR. The cable must be executed to be balanced, which involves how the ground and shield are attached to the connectors. Dis I say that well, @cleeds ?

@spoutouzert, I am located in Madison, NJ. There are several really good shops in the area that do great turntable work; but it wouldn't be cost effective to have them come to you. If they do it in their shop, the only things you usually have to worry about at home are placement and leveling.
 I'd be happy to discuss it off-line if you can provide contact info. 

Does AG have a messaging function?

2channel8
758 posts
 
@spoutmouzert,
There is a group of us that get together a few times a year. You can get info here and if you join you can private message me.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/ny-blue-mountain-lodge-audio-fest-next-meet-dates-sep...
bac2vinyl
78 posts
 
I started with a Project Debut a few years ago. One Scout and thousands of dollars latter dedicated to the analog side, on it’s best day it sounds as good as a cd depending on the record. Most new repressing sound like crap.
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
That’s not very encouraging @back2vinyl...
fleschler
2,021 posts
 
When I was starting out with a high end system back in the 1981, I purchased the Dynavector 10X3, an Ultracraft tone-arm and a VPI 19 (since upgraded to a IV version and used for 78 rpm records).  Sure, my current turntable/arm/cartridge system is $16K, but the old system is still very musical.  I suggest looking for a good condition, used high end table, same for arm and a matching cartridge for that arm (compliance-wise).  A Denon 103 makes an inexpensive but great sounding cartridge to start with on a good used tonearm (or maybe a Rega 3 if compliance is correct).   You should spend about $1000 total to get a set-up to at least meet the CD quality sound and in some ways better it.  Analog is just more cumbersome than digital.  I love both, mostly based on mastering of the recording.   Look for a higher end used deck or stick with the Project. 

Get a better cartridge for sure.  I've used that deck for 2 friends who inherited their father's large record collections but didn't want to spend much on turntable/arms.  After using my recommendations for a better cartridge, they thanked me for the great sound at a bargain price (one got the Ortofon mm Blue, the other a Dynavector 10X5)
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