2. analog
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Admitting my error…

Admitting my error of some years ago, when downsizing residences I sold my 1500 lps (my father’s, uncle’s and my collection :) because, of course nearly everything is available digitally, I am considering getting back into vinyl. Kit-wise I’m looking at Dr. Feikert Venti/J Sikora Initial TT level - full kit approx $15k including phonostage.

The Joseph Audio/Doshi/Aurender/J Sikora room at AXPONA simply blew me away. Switching between amazing digital and uber-rich and detailed analog, I kept returning to the room like the sweets table at a Bar Mitzvah. I understand that at $250K the rig was 2x’s mine (Pathos Heritage/Tannoy Kensignton/Innuous MK3/Phoenix USB/NET/Chord HSM/DAVE w/ SJ DC4 ARC6 lpsu. But still the character of the vinyl sound was utterly entrancing.

My question: If I go this route, I’d like to "restock" my collection to some extent by purchasing a reasonably sized vinyl lot, then add selectively over time. Any recommendations as to lot purchasing? ("Don’t do it!" is an acceptable recommendation.)

TIA

 

 
 
 

128x128cantorgale
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,134 posts
 

Back in the 70’s, I had to work a few hours to afford to buy an album and it’s not much different today. If you really want to get back into vinyl, I say go for it and buy what you like.

musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349
203 posts
 

As others have said, buying used is a crapshoot. And I'm not sure buying a large lot is really all that economical. How many treasures do you think you'd get versus the amount of dreck? Then there's the disposal of the stuff you don't want. Nah. Better to hunt and acquire LPs of the music you want, in the condition you require. Besides, it's more fun that way right?

I inherited my pop's LPs and system. There are 14, 16" long boxes of records to go through. 😲(I didn't have time to review as I packed them.) I'm guessing 85-90% are classical. While I love classical, will I want ALL of them? I won't know until I unpack and catalog but I somewhat doubt it. Then again I won't be hunting for classical LPs for awhile!

Happy listening...

grislybutter
2,248 posts
 

one more: as other said - digital gets you the same sound quality for much less. The quality of vinyl has a lot of issues. BUT. If you can tell when you are listening to vinyl vs digital and I don't mean the hiss and pop that's probably a sign that vinyl is for you.

I buy 2 used albums a week, 5 to 15 bucks each and at least one of them is junk. Is the other one worth it? ABSOLUTELY. One out of 10 of my finds is an incredible joy I would never experience with digital. Every aspect and step of the vinyl journey.

edcyn
1,876 posts
 

I'm sure I've said all this a dozen times, but occasional cracks and pops are fine with me. Gentle warps are fine, too. It's fun watching the tonearm rise and fall. It's off-center pressings, spitty sibilants, and outright distortion in voices & strings that get my goat. Then there are the warps that are sharp enough to bounce the cartridge into the air. Yeah, the record clamp usually mitigates this, but not if the warp is at the proverbial edge.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,134 posts
 

Interesting short video about vinyl.

https://youtu.be/lfTuK06YqVY

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