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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
alexberger
935 posts
 
Lenco L70, L75, L78 with heavy plinth and better tonarm.
I had heavy plinth (50 pound, birch plywood) Lenco L78 with vintage SME 3009 tonearm and it beated hand down Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck with Spacearm tonearm.
Lenco has much more accurate pace and rhythm, better bass definition and texture, better instrument separation. The difference is huge if you listen classical piano or pipe organ.
Regards,
Alex.
inna
7,304 posts
 
Some people do put better tonearm on the Spacedeck, I just don't want to complicate the matter for the OP.
I have no complaints about pace and rhythm of the Nottingham. Bass, resolution and instrument separation might use improvement, that's true. But not bad at all.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,741 posts
 
FYI: The original Technics SL-1200 was not produced for DJ use. It did become popular with DJs because of its features!

Technics SL-1200 is a series of direct-drive turntables originally manufactured from October 1972 until 2010, and resumed in 2016, by Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic Corporation) under the brand name of Technics. S means "Stereo", L means "Player". Originally released as a high fidelity consumer record player, it quickly became adopted among radio and disco club disc jockeys, thanks to the direct drive, high torque motor design, making it initially suitable for pushbutton cueing and starting of tracks on radio and in dance clubs. It is still extremely popular with audiophiles.[citation needed]
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,695 posts
 
I really appreciate the suggestions and well-thought out responses. Reading through the comments I've realized two things. First, getting into analog is even more complicated than I thought, but I was kind of half expecting it anyways. It certainly is a lot more work than choosing a DAC or streamer given the various pieces of the analog puzzle.

Second, I agree with everyone who suggested working with a dealer to get my feet wet. That's certainly good advice. I'm going to reach out to my local dealer and see what they can do to get me started. 
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