So only new turntables?
I have an old one, which I got new.
There is a also your location, which can alter what might be readily available… both new and used.
The best way to start adding A=analog to my system
When I started this hobby, I never thought I would need a turntable, so I didn’t think about phono stages etc. That changed with a recent listening session. Vinyl just sounds better to me so now I am trying to figure out where I need to spend, where I can go cheap for the moment. Should I balance all parts at the same level or begin with one great piece and gradually upgrade around it?
For context, my current system has:
Blumenhofer Genuin FS2 speakers, Art Audio PX-25 power, Audio Research SP16L pre-amp. I have a Ayre Cx5 CD player/DAC and an MD-90 tuner.
For turntables, I have auditioned Pro-Jects Xtension 9, Rega P3 and the Clearaudio Concept. I am planning to listen to the Clearaudio Performance next and based on what I have read and heard, I think that may be the answer. but that is a $2k step up in price. Part of me is thinking just get the better table and maybe the Tracer arm and start with cheaper cartridge/stage for now, vs matching things that are more within budget and then having to change everything later.
What makes the most sense?
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@saulh - My analogue journey started back in 1981 and through the years I’ve owned one turntable, but that has been modified and tweaked many times, and several phono stages and cartridges, Throughout all of those purchases the one thing that really stood out and has lasted, is my phono stage - a Simmaudio MOON LP5.3 RS
So that might be something to consider in your initial purchase, because once you have a good phono stage, it allows you to really hear what the cartridge and turntable can do I have also tried several brands of phono stage, but the MOON really stood head and shoulders above all the others. Once you have a good phono stage you can focus on the other aspects of your analogue components. Cartridges will change over the years
Turntables/arms may change until you get one that you are happy with
Hope that provides some assistance Regards - Steve
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The size of your collection of LP's is not made known, if there is the need to create a LP Collection, this can quickly create a cost that is quite substantial. Buying Cheap Vinyl can get one a large collection speedily, but the enjoyment of the vinyl experience and replaying LP's can cause disturbing concerns for the stylus if the source materials is noticeably imperfect. If a collection is desired to be owned, as a start place I would suggest a selection of New or Used VGC Condition LP's from your preferred performers are purchased and experienced with some of the TT's that are being considered for your TT Set Up. If the Albums are familiar to you in another medium, then the impact of them being replayed as an LP, will be identifiable. Once the level of playback quality for the vinyl is established, a estimate of the quantity of vinyl that would like to be collected can then be budgeted for. This will assist with getting a grasp on the estimated total a new TT set up and LP collection can accumulate to. There are most commonly Belt Drive and Direct Drive TT's available as New Models, each has their own fan clubs. To broaden the experience, it might be worthwhile experiencing each drive type as part of a pre-purchase investigation...
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Saul, The Clearaudios offer a substantial discount for cartridges with a new purchase, so it is likely a good idea to take advantage of that, say with either the Concept MC or one of the Hana's, or other. Your dealer will likely give you the same discount option with another cartridge. But with an inferior cartridge, you'll never hear what you're paying up to attain. If you must make compromises for now on the excellent Clearaudio Performance setup, the Satisfy Carbon tonearm is a reasonable substitute for the Tracer and can be easily swapped out later.
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Origin Live recommend a budget of 30% on turntable 30% on tonearm 30% on phone preamp 10% on cartridge I agree with that assessment. However I would alter this for the first setup. I’d start with a turntable and arm combo and and an appropriate priced cartridge and phono preamp. Maybe 10 % cartridge and 15% phono preamp.. Then, upgrade the phono preamp ASAP when the budget allows.
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