2. analog
  3. 163422-6055

New to analog

I spent the last 6-8 months building a decent (at least to me) system that I enjoy quite a bit. I sold my CD player about a year ago and currently only relying on streaming. I was in the market for a nice CD player but figured why not give this analog thing a shot and see what all the fuss is about. So here we are :)

One thing to keep in mind is that while I might be a total noob when it comes to analog/vinyl, I've been dabbling in audio for almost 15 years and have gone through my fair share of system. So I have a good idea of what I like -- warmth over neutrality, but not overly lush. I like dynamics but not at the expense of timber and tonality. Mostly listen to jazz, vocals, classical, and classic rock. My system includes ...

Sonore opticalRendu streaming via Roon/Qobuz/Tidal
Luxman DA-06 DAC
Luxman 590AXII
Sonus Faber Olympica II

My goal in building an analog rig is to treat it as a journey instead of trying to get to the end game right away. I want to start with buying a turntable and use the phono stage in my Luxman. Just like other things in audio, I suspect there's a tipping point, in terms of dollars, below which you cannot appreciate what analog brings to the table. I know a few folks who bought fairly low end TTs and gave up claiming that vinyl is no better than CDs. I don't know if that really is the case, or they were playing below the tipping point. So the question is where does that point lie? I obviously don't want to start with SOTA turntables but also don't want to cheapen out so much that I'm not able to experience the magic if you will. So now on to some specific questions ...

1. Since I'm starting out, I want to buy used to maximize value and stay within the sweet spot (whatever that happens to be). Good idea? Or too risky given so many moving parts (literally) when it comes to turntables? Is $2500 a decent target for used and 'gentle' introduction? Feel free to suggest cheaper alternatives by all means. At this point, I want to set the bar to a max of $3000.

2. Which manufacturers/models to consider and which to stay away from? I don't want something that's too complex for a newbie. I know that I will be upgrading in the future so something with good resale value would be nice.

3. I've seen some TTs sold without cartridges. Given that I'm totally inexperienced I think I want to get something that includes everything except phono stage. Am I overthinking, or should I be open to buying separately?

4. Finally, feel free to share any obvious do's and don'ts that I should keep in mind.
128x128arafiq
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
Do take a drive into Dallas and see the guys at Audio Concepts. 
These guys know analog and they are a Luxman dealer so you will be able to at least hear different turntables on your rig.

Great folks and I have spent a ton of money there over the years.

With COVID you may need to set up an appointment.

Cheers.

arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,699 posts
 
Thorens, Technics, Nottingham, all sound like great suggestions. Keep 'em coming folks. I've also heard good things about VPI and Rega. I have been buying used equipment for a very long time with great success (knock on wood). But am I to assume that a used TT presents a greater risk compared to, say, amps or DACs? If so, then maybe new it is.

Also, what are the pros and cons of MM vs MC?

@oldhvymec -- man, you're right about the vinyl prices. I was looking at some well known recordings (Miles, Coltrane, Chet Baker, Patricia Barber, and other usual suspects) to get my collection going, but the good ones seem to be quite a bit more expensive than CDs.

@yogiboy Thanks for the links. This looks interesting and very much within the ballpark of my budget.

@inna The Nottingham looks really nice, but the link you provided is being shipped from Netherlands and does not include a cartridge. Not sure if there's a US dealer, but I'll definitely research.

Lots of food to munch on! 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,484 posts
 
Disagree with MillerCarbon....depends on the quality of CD player/Turntable setup/recording itself.  Many times the CD is better, many times the turntable is better.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,614 posts
 
@arafiq,

Take the information with a grain of salt, especially when it comes from a Vinyl fanatics like millercarbon. He’s been ‘high’ on Vinyl for way too long and unfairly pooping on digital (streaming or CD) ever since he graced us with his presence here.

Analog is not for everyone. If you have a reference quality digital setup, investing in a analog does not make whole lot of sense. Are you a patient man, cause your patience will be put to ultimate test with Analog. And I’m not talking about the initial setup, it is quite a process and will require your total commitment.

A decent Analog setup requires lot of care and attention to the detail. Even then, It is not without its quirks...prepare yourself to get used to clicks, pops and surface noise, it is simply unavoidable. You will end up with pressings that are inherently imperfect regardless of label and price. You will need to be judicious about record labels, random buys will leave you frustrated. Just like digital, there are plenty of bad sounding pressings. But pressings from Analog Productions, MoFi, Blue Note Records are of very high quality and 98% free from surface noise. They will cost you from $35 to $60.

You will also need to invest in a decent record cleaning machine. Estimated cost $700 to $5000.

I will not suggest you to buy used TT / cart...buy from a retailer that offers 60 days no questions asked return policy. Two distinct advantages,
1. You will get invaluable customer service support while you get yourself acclimated with the initial setup,
2. If you decide, analog isn’t for you, you pack n ship the TT / Cart back to the retailer and get your money back.

Look at Pro-Ject, Clearaudio or Thorens Turntables, you should be able to find good options under $3500. As far cartridge goes, check out Hana S or Hana M MC cart, they would be a great match for your phono in Luxman.

Don’t buy used Vinyl at least not in the beginning. I am happy to send over couple of LP’s your way to listen. Or better yet, take a drive and come over to my home for one on one experience with Vinyl :-)

PS: The weakest link in your otherwise awesome system ~ Sonore opticalRendu.
inna
7,354 posts
 
As far as I know, there is only one Nottingham US distributor/dealer - Holywood Sound, http://hwdsound.com/ , in Florida. Larry is good but he is a Moving Coil fanatic and will try to dismiss MM cartridges. Pay no attention if you want MM. He can install and align it for you, even if you don't buy that cartridge from him. You would just have to send it to him.
You might also want to check out analogueseduction.net in the UK. I am just not sure if they now sell Nottinghams with US voltage motors. They can also install and align cartridge for you. Price should be lower than in the US because you wouldn't have to pay VAT. US customs fees might apply and might not, don't know for sure. I just bought cartridge from them once a few years ago.
Nottingham Interspace is also good and less expensive.
Nottingham gives you a very musical and articulate sound. And speaking of Spacedeck, it sounds bigger than one might suspect before listening to it. I use simple Goldring 1042 MM cartridge and I like the sound. Sure, you can put $1500 MC and get more speed and resolution, but it might not be better in every respect. 
More to discover