2. analog
  3. 183949-99308

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
grislybutter
3,304 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
4,857 posts
 

Interesting short video about vinyl.

https://youtu.be/lfTuK06YqVY

anotherbob's avatar
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anotherbob
344 posts
 

Why take a step backwards in both sound quality and convenience?  It’s really as simple as that, stay with streaming.

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
276 posts
 

If I had to start over I would go all digital and streaming.  The odd CD can be transferred to online storage (or a hard drive if you must).
If you really want to go vinyl, why not get something reasonable like a Rega P-8 or a Technics SL1200 GR.  You can have enormous fun with these, change out cartridges, fiddle with actual media, read the covers and inserts, compete with hipsters chasing down rare records, and show off to friends. Anything more expensive will have a limited return on investment in terms of sound quality.  Sort of like buying a Rolex (a cheap Timex keeps better time).
Of course, if you're loaded go where your heart leads you, but remember those expensive vinyl rigs are tedious and can be frustrating – the fastest way to audio nervosa!

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