2. analog
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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
elliottbnewcombjr
5,609 posts
 
My journey last year, lots of help here, led to an extremely happy result, one deck with 3 tonearms: Long 12.5" Arm for MC; 9" Arm for MM; Compact 9" Arm for MONO. All aligned, balanced, instant back and forth Stereo/Mono in a listening session. I play a lot of Jazz, many Mono LPs.

It began with a Vintage JVC Dual Arm Plinth CL-P2: Stereo Arm and Mono Arm.

This, from Japan is expensive shipping, but shows the JVC deck well:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Victor-JVC-CL-P2D-Plinth-for-TT-71-TT-81-TT101-Direct-Drive-Turntable/32440...

Then I realized I was using my MC to play LP’s that were fun but not audibly dynamic, or to test LP’s for sale, wearing out a non-replaceable Stylus, so I squeezed a 3rd arm on the left side, to get the 3 types, use the replaceable stylus for ’less than special’ LP’s

My finished 3 arm deck can be seen in the last photo of my eBay listing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133612076659

New 3 arm solutions exist, the special 7 layer plinth is terrific.

I went with TT81. None currently. Check out previously sold items on hifishark:

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=victor+tt-81

Happily I found this Vintage SUT with 3 inputs, bypass for MM and 4 optional loads for MC, so I only need 1 MM phono input.

Now, 1 beat up, 1 too expensive, they frequently come up in eBay, and other SUT's exist with 3 inputs.

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=fidelity+research+frt-4

Good luck with your search, expect lots of good help here.







millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
A turntable is really the combination of the table and the rack. A lot of the best performance is only really possible with a massive stable solid rack. Which extends to include the floor. So while all your choices may be pretty similar when used on that massive solid stable floor/rack system, if that's not what you have that's not what you'll experience.

I've helped people solve the problems with not so good placements, and the problems are usually worse and harder to solve when the turntables are really light weight. So you will want to consider very realistically where and how it will be used.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I forgot a real good one.. The Russco, QRKs, and Sparta. If you want to get CRAZY look at EMT and Fairchild.. Look at my home page. Click the speakers.. You’ll see a Russco Broadcast. I Mounted it in 1" Red and black oak. (stair flats). At the primer and wet sand stage now.

I paid 60.00 for the flats, and 130.00 for the TT. I picked up 6 at one time at a FM station that shut down.. QRKs. Sparta, ALL the same I love um.. Just about twice as big as ANY of the Garrards, or TD121 or 24s. I got um all..

They que an LP to speed in less than 1/2 a revolution. They will out last my great grand kids..
They have "GEAR SHIFTERS". LOL YUP!

EASY plinth to design too. Just big and square, I added Queen Ann legs to match the speakers..
Different for sure. 65 lb un weighted.. I’m sure it will hit the 200lb mark when I’m finished..
4-6" of Plaster of Paris (hot set) comes to mind for the insert on the bottom..and 1/2" of Butyl Rubber.
That's about 200 lbs. :-)

Garrard Killers.. "for peanuts", as the Titan of tinker would say..

Washing machine motors.. HUGE fractional motors and LOTs of OEM and after market parts..

If they ever catch on I’ll make a quid or two.... I have a few.. LOL

Regarde
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@arafiq, here you go. All you have to do is plug it in and you are good to go. For $3000 it would be very hard to do better. You will love the cartridge. It is superb. https://elusivedisc.com/clearaudio-concept-black-turntable-maestro-v2-mm-cartridge-satisfy-tonearm-c...

I have purchased 3 cartridges and over 100 Albums from Elusive Disc and their service has been exemplary. So much so that I owe it to them to send them business. I have no financial connection to them what so ever.  
jond's avatar
jond
5,905 posts
 
+1 on buying from a local dealer, shipping turntables is difficult and fraught with danger. A good dealer will set the table up for you and help you troubleshoot any issues that arise. Also a dealer can offer you an upgrade path most likely if you want to move higher up in whatever brand you choose. And of course the chance to both audition and return if unsatisfied.
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