Turntable noobie...what advice do you have?

Not many have had their first experience of Vinyl with such an itinerary of items in place to prepare for the upcoming eventualities.

I sense you are a 'duck to water' on this method of replays.

Taking on this quite different approach to streaming, has surely presented a few head scratching moments, with the basic considerations being presented. 

As I have read the debates about cleaning methods and static reduction, I started to think about the power and the grounding. So I looked at my AMP and my DAC/Preamp and there is no ground screw like I have seen on receivers I’ve owned. I double checked pictures of the RPM 3 Carbon and the Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono and both have ground screws. Am I supposed to connect the 2 or do I need to ground them both elsewhere? If so, where?

Also, an isolation system was mentioned.  My current plan is to put it on top of my DAC.  The DAC is on my Amp and both are on a wood file cabinet a couple of feet to the side of my left speaker.  I am considering getting another cabinet and putting it to the other side, about the same distance from the right speaker.  I do have some silicon isolation feet. I was thinking about getting a sheet of granite (scrap from countertops), putting it on those feet, and then the turntable on top of that.  

The turntable and phono stage are due in tomorrow so you know what I will be doing tomorrow evening. :-) 

Connect the TT ground to the phono stage ground. You do not need a special wire. A piece of solid copper 24 gauge insulated will do!

A few comments. Cleaning new records is important to keep future static down. A new uncleaned record after a few months of play will develop static / dust faster than one that has been cleaned - both kept in the same sleeve - that’s why we clean new records. I do think a good method of recording to digital is important - and I have been collecting records for 35 years and will never stop.  Once you have bought the record you will get more from your investment if you can switch between formats and still listen when you don’t have the time (or steady hand) to fire up the analog rig. Tascam makes a good DSD ripper. I only have time to catalog about 20% of my collection and put it on shuffle when working around the house.  According to Jriver, 20% is about 43 days of music. 

I have built many variants of a Support Structure for a TT.

My experiences of trialing different materials has created a method for producing a structure that always utilises Granite as the Base Tier, I have no concerns if this Tier is seated onto a Cork Pad, I have found the use of it has a attractive influence when used as a footer in a variety of situations.

I have always achieved a set up that if totally satisfactory by using a Two Tier Sub Plinth as the minimum, built of a rigid structure. This has been the preferred method over other options, such a Wall Mounted Shelf and suspension of the base platform from a Wall Mounted Shelf.

The use of Granite as the lowest tier is in my view a very good place to build from, and will be a good place to initially seat the TT.

Do not overlook the need to have a rigid structure under the Granite.

Also keep in mind that your environment selected to set up your TT is unique, energies transferred within it, are most likely not the same as any other TT users environment.

Methods adopted to control energies transferred within the environment,  will have a impact unique to your situation, being inquisitive about the choices available can bring great benefits, over time, a lot of different materials can be experimented with for almost Zero Outlay and a very attractive mounting method can be discovered.

My Cabinet Floor Standing and Stand Mount Loudspeakers when used, are always on a Two Tier Plinth, with Granite as the lowest tier and Kitchen Worktop Chipboard as the upper tier, with Spike Separation.

The Speakers are seated onto a suspension footer. I know chipboard as a upper tier has worked very satisfactorily with my TT mounting method in the past.