I’m not pushing my choices, just concepts and only equipment I have personal experience with
links repeated
LT-22 I just found for my friend (scroll down)
vertical LT-5V
hifishark, LT-5V, parts are available
LT-20 for sale
my systems, TTs shown here
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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@clearthinker I wasn't making blanket statement with digital vs. analog, just directed solely at my present setups. What you suggest I do has been often contemplated by me. Which brings to mind another factor is starting vinyl setup from scratch. I purchased vast majority of my records back in 80's at record shows and used record stores, I don't recall ever paying much more than $10, often $5 or less for these albums. Last time I went through some of my albums to determine values, I discovered some hot stampers and other rather rare albums, in some cases value was into the $100's. Since this was a few years ago, I'd expect values have only gone up, When I think in this manner it would seem a no-brainer to sell off entire collection and vinyl setup. At this point 50/50 as to whether I do this or not.
This also brings to mind that starting vinyl setup from scratch these days would be a no go for me. Between inflation and far more sophisticated vinyl market where record values easily determined, it would be far too costly for me.
Another aspect of digital vs. analog that favors digital to my way of thinking is access to far more music with streaming vs. vinyl, the very reason I've concentrated on digital upgrades vs analog. While $3k+ albums seems like a large collection, it pales in comparison to streaming. Also, the storage of these albums is a bear, I've got albums stashed all over my house, simply takes up too much physical space in listening room to have more than perhaps one quarter of them at the ready for playing. I just may have talked myself out of maintaining this mass 🤔
But then, there is the nostalgic factor and the nice cover and gatefold art. Also, having actual physical media gives one a feeling of ownership, real intrinsic value. https://digest.bps.org.uk/2017/10/24/the-psychology-behind-why-we-value-physical-objects-over-digital/ |
Real helpful when the "experts" here say you've got to spend $15,000 to get started in vinyl. My suggestion: get the Rega P3 with a Rega cartridge, build up a record collection, THEN think about a TT/cart upgrade. Unless you are a gear junkie, the vinyl software should always be more important than the hardware. |
"But then, there is the nostalgic factor and the nice cover and gatefold art. Also, having actual physical media gives one a feeling of ownership, real intrinsic value."
That's the heart talking! I thought so! Yes, I'm lucky I don't have to start from scratch. And quality of old pressings is very often better than current ones, a lot of poor vinyl used now. But if a youngster is into vinyl now there is a lifetime to build a collection. My collection is similar to yours - more than 3000 pieces, built up since the early 1960s, some really valuable items now, very nostalgic. Will never part while I have ears.
I also think 'new' music is mostly over-rated. Unlike many here, I don't listen to much new stuff and what I do I usually don't keep. Kinda puts me off streaming. |
Introducing vinyl playback can lead to substantial expense. My first action would be to upgrade the digital playback. Put the CDs on a NAS (with SSD) and get a recent streamer/DAC (eg Meitner MA3). If still wanting vinyl playback be aware in addition to the familiar cartridge technology (MM, MI, MC, strain gauge) there is affordable optical from DS Audio, https://www.ds-audio-w.biz/ds003/ |
- 59 posts total