Volume levels

+1 @audphile1 

I did the same a few years ago.  I then decided to buy a direct drive turntable, because I had always lusted after one back in the day and it was a bucket list thing.

I’ve limited my lp purchases to vintage lps that were never issued digitally or are not currently available.  I listen to Classical Music exclusively and so most of these are Nonesuch or Vox/Turnabout labels.  One nice benefit of buying digitally unavailable recordings is that I am not tempted to waste time comparing digital vs analog.  I only have about 15 lps at present, as I am not looking to build a big catalog here in what should be my downsizing days.

  The Direct Drive table is great for fixing speed instability, and while it won’t approach digital for absence of background noise, it is awfully quiet.  And I am again enjoying a few favorite artists from my past, such as the pioneering conductor Karl Ristenpart.

  One of the regular posters in the analog forum here criticized me for seeking a “digital sound” in turntables.  To which I replied “Bring it on”.

@audphile1 @mahler123 

i hear you!!

I feel the same way, constantly comparing analog to digital.  It’s a no win situation.  But I have a big investment in analog and I’m really fascinated by it.  The problem is, only the best records really are competitive with digital.  Very frustrating and discouraging.  Those old Nonesuch and Turnabout Ristenpart LP’s are wonderful.

I don’t have an XLR connection so I can’t try that suggestion.

@bigtwin 

I agree for the most part. Listening at the right level is definitely the best approach. As my system has improved, my ability to hit that level and not be fatigued at all has been one of the greatest achievements I’ve had in this hobby. 

However, sometimes, I have to drop the decibels (for work, for family etc.) and I still enjoy listening. Of course, I can’t wait to have a chance to turn it up another time.