2. analog
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Getting into vinyl for the first time

Hey guys, I just am now getting into vinyl and I am really enjoying it. My wife got my a Audio-Technica turntable (LPW40WN) for christmas a few years ago and initially tested it with a cheapo emotiva integrated amp that had a built-in phono preamp. I was less than impressed and didn't really use the turntable much after that.

However, I recently felt I wanted to make more use of it so I went to a local audiophile shop (Just Audio in Middle River, MD; and a big thanks to Tom for helping me out) and inquired about getting a basic phono preamp.

I walked out with a Parasound Zphono and a new audio-technica cartridge (VM540ML). I know these are the basic of upgrades, but I didn't want to spend too much if did like the end result.

Since I never really look into vinyl music, I only had to albums: Metallica - Metallica and Imagine Dragons - Mercury pt 1. 

I have to say I really liked what I heard. The sound was...meatier than what I am use to hearing from streaming. Played at the same setting, the sound was louder and much fuller too compared to Tidal streaming. My wife who isnt really into the audiophile scene could easily tell there was a notable difference between streaming and the vinyl version. She liked the vinyl sound too.

I have ordered a few more vinyl albums and can't wait to hear them.

As a rookie when it comes to vinyl, what are somethings I should know about as I am very clueless. I am considering on bringing the Zphono back and see if they will let me upgrade to something better without any restocking penalty. What phono preamp should I consider for under $1000? Is the cartridge I have good enough? Thanks for any and all information!!

bomt697
panerai557's avatar
panerai557
65 posts
 

Get ifi iPhone 3 if you can. When I was shopping for phono stages that came up highly recommended in that budget. Once you have a basic analog setup, just build up your vinyl collection and gradually upgrade your gear. This hobby can take you to stratosphere in terms of financial commitment so knowing what you want n where you want to be early will save your money. I recently got started into this analog game and I started watching lot of different turntable setup videos. At the end of the day, know how to setup the table using a basic protractor and tracking force scale. Plenty of over engineered tools out there to help you set up the table but I do not need those. Know relationships between cartridges and tonearm, i.e compliance. Normally MC carts sound better than MM, so I'd invest money in mc carts. In terms of upgrad path, table > tonearm > cartridge > phono pre

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,731 posts
 

OP starting to vynil is intimidating at first. Try to learn on what you have.Be patience.If you know someone who is willing to share his analog set up in your area that will help.I did not made a big move on analog until I got a very good idea.Vynil is amazing if you do it right.

hifiguy42
131 posts
 

Welcome to the vinyl club!  It is a thoroughly rewarding pursuit. Ignore the haters and have fun.  That is a great cartridge and phono pre pairing, and replacement styli are inexpensive and easy to replace.  That particular cartridge allows the listener to replace the microline stylus (the ML in the model) with a Shibata or Special Line Contact for a few more clams.  I've found that I prefer the SLC for classical listening and ML for rock/jazz. 

My one recommendation is to ignore anyone who says that there is ONLY ONE WAY to listen (analog v digital, tubes v SS, dynamic v planar/electrostats, etc). You know which beer/car/ice cream/genre you prefer and someone else telling you that you're "wrong" for liking them has issues that run much deeper than audiophilia.

Enjoy!

chayro
2,931 posts
 

I think the Zphono is a good match for your system and you should just hold on and play records for now. If you stay interested and are ready to break some eggs, you can upgrade to something like a Technics 1200 (about 2k I think). If you’re not willing to go to that level, stay with what you have IMO. The TT you have looks nice for the money and buying another one for $500+ or so is a waste IMO. But just go slow and play records. 

thecarpathian
4,177 posts
 

Keep what you have for now, buy a couple more albums and importantly, get them nice and clean! I don't mean things like Disc Washer clean, I mean dedicated album cleaning machine deep clean.

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