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?
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. |
@pindac intriguing. Your post made me do some research. Maybe this Vevor Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner will do the trick for $200.
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Page 120 of the Link will get you to see very good information about US Tank Cleaning and the Hz that deal with certain Particle Sizes. I do believe there is also information about the best place for the Transducer which is bottom mounted. There are lots of user reports on DIY US Tanks along with others that have used Branded Purpose produced models. It is a large document so best to be read in small proportions and take notes to try and remember some of the key points. Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records - The Vinyl Press
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