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Turntable noobie...what advice do you have?

As this forum has corrupted me and I have decided to dive down the rabbit hole of LP's.  Usually I stream but I find the tactile experience of records appealing.  I have ordered a Pro-ject RPM-3 Carbon with Sumiko Amethyst cartridge and a Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono preamp. Oh, and a record brush.  I will be plugging them into my Voyager GAN amp and from there powering my LSA 20 Statement speakers.

I know there is always better equipment to get but I feel this gives a good starting point.  I picked up some new records but a half dozen does not a record collection make.  So I do plan on making my focus for the near future getting more and expanding my collection.  I listen to all kind of music so they will be many different genres.  I will be getting new ones but I will undoubtedly get some used ones too.  

Okay, so what all would you recommend for someone just getting into this hobby?  Especially if I am getting any used records, I should probably look at a record cleaner.  What else for equipment or doodads?  What about tricks or tips for increasing my collection?  In my city there is a record store called Music Millennium that I will be checking out and there of course if Barnes and Noble (where I purchased my other ones).  Do you know of places online  I should check out?  Thanks in advance for your advice. 

 

ddonicht
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

A bottle of AT stylus cleaner and a bottle of Stylast preservative. I use the first after playing a side, then the Stylast before playing the next side.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Due to the condition variability  of used LPs sticking to new reissues is a safe plan.

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,025 posts
 

Once you accumulate a decent amount of records, I’d advise you to purchase a Record Dr record cleaner. They are relatively cheap and available at audio advisor.

When buying used records, look at them carefully under the brightest light available. Look for excessive signs of play by focussing on the spindle hole area/label. Note if there are excessive amounts of wear and striations indicating it was played to death. Also look at surface of record for excessive wear/scratches. If you see a scratch, tilt the record at an angle in good light. If scratch tends to disappear, then it is not deep and should not play.

I find good used records almost any place I go. I’m always on the lookout. Online, both ebay and discogs can be great sources for both new and used records. Although sometimes people are asking crazy prices.another good source is audiophile usa. 

Invest in some quality inner record sleeves, like those from sleeve city. Be certain that your turntable is level, and check tracking force with a quality digital vtf scale. Maybe later on, invest in a turntable wall mounted shelf for better isolation.

Lastly, don’t fret and make this work...enjoy it and know that record collecting/playing can be a very rewarding experience, warts and all. Have Fun!

One more word of advise is be wary of some new records or reissues, as not all are sourced from analog. A lot of them have a digital source. Older records generally will sound better, as they were cut from the analog tape or source. Then there is the many pressing variations, but that is a whole nother can of worms...

chayro
3,015 posts
 

My suggestion is to get your new record player, set it up, play the few records you have and then decide whether you want to continue. Many people prefer the ease of digital, without the need for record and stylus cleaning, TT setup issues, stylus wear…. Just don’t get ahead of yourself. 

petg60
1,486 posts
 

Just buy lp's and enjoy. Ebay, Discogs, stores, adds whatever you prefer, hunting is nice both physically and mentally.

Get useful tools for setting up, cleaning, study, read, experiment and have fun.

 

 

 

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