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?
Re: Hagerman Trumpet MC I also am ’tubed up’ with a Don Sachs 6SN7 tube preamp and a Primaluna Evo 400 power amp and I didn’t find the Hagerman to be ’tubey’ even with the stock tubes. I did insert NOS tubes as well: Mazda + RCA clear tops. In the past, I have had noise driving MC carts even with an outboard power supply. But not with the Hagerman.
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Once I got used to digital, it was very difficult to go back to listening scratchy sound and diminished dynamic range on my Linn Sondek LP12 + SME 3009R + Nagaoka MP500 + Schiit Mani phono stage. Even tho I consider my tt system to be decent, I find myself listening to digital more and more because of clean sound, convenience and its great dynamic headroom. Many people here will disagree with me but vinyl is inherently inferior since it is impossible to store a wider dynamic range on it due to the limitation of the medium itself. Necessity of the RIAA equalizers in phono preamps are the proof of this. But.... if you are dead set on it, I would recommend a DD table like a Technics, an MM cartridge like Ortofon black, Goldring or Nagaoka and a reasonable phono preamp. MM cartridges are more convenient since you can replace the stylus. Belt driven tables are nice but a hassle in the long run. There is no need to spend any more on any analog gear since you will not hear any improvement in sound and it will not be worth spending any more on more expensive analog gear.
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LOL! I just transitioned from digital to analog! I would have to agree with you that most people will enjoy digital more than analog, especially with analog rigs costing less than $7-10k; however, at the top end, analog is much, much superior in musical quality and enjoyment. Start with a MC cartridge that costs $2k+, and you’ll begin to hear the differences, but for cartridges less than $2k, I would have to agree with you that digital will be much more superior in sound quality. |
@saulh Hi Saul, I have just seen I did not reply to your suggestion of using a Okki Nokki Device for cleaning records. A machine is a convenience, I have a DIY design Ultrasonic Bath and a Motor unit to control the LPs during the clean cycle all in cost approx' £200. I also have cleaning solutions prepared and the consumables for a manual cleaning method, as advised by Neil Antin in his document produced for Vinyl LP Cleaning. I have the manual method down to about 10 minutes a LP when done as batch of Six, when LP Number Six is complete LP's One and Two are dry and good to go into a New Inner Sleeve, or be played and the given their New Sleeve. The Manual Method has produced such good results, I am wed to it, I have not even set the US Tank up to be used for the final rinse only as I intended, as the results are so impressive from the manual clean method. |
