2. analog
  3. 1126838060

Analog newbee looking for advice

So after contemplating buying a universal player, I've decided that there aren't enough titles to justify the cost of a high-end player. As an alternative, I've decided to give vinyl a try. It seems there is a consensus that vinyl sounds better than redbook, so here's my question: How much do I have to spend to get an analog setup that will sound "better" than my redbook setup?

My CDP is Resolution Audio CD55 and I'll be buying an Opus 21 soon (inevitably).

It's my opinion that the production quality of the recording is a bigger factor than the format/media so let's assume we're comparing the same recording on CD/vinyl.

I am actually satisfied with the sound of my best sounding CDs with my current setup, but those great sounding CDs are few and far between...

Please be kind with your responses, I'm too lazy to search the forum for similar questions/answers.

Thanks in advance!
dburdick
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Great response by Albert.

Vinyl can beat the world's best digital, substantially, but not without considerable and ongoing efforts. If you're not prepared to commit to a long learning curve plus daily work and fussing that will never end, the results may disappoint or frustrate. Doing vinyl well can either be a chore or a calling. Only those smitten by the latter spirit are likely to stay with it.

Despite having over 800 CD/SACD/DVD-A titles, our well-regarded universal player spends far more time playing movies than music. We listen to music on vinyl 2-4 hours/day, but I just can't recommend it to everyone. Cleaning records and adjusting even the most reliable of high quality rigs is a good deal of ongoing work. Make sure you're prepared for that (by doing alot of searching and reading!) before you commit yourself or any serious funds.

Regards,
Doug

P.S. to Albert
I drive a six-speed every day. Even in city traffic I never tire of it. Does that say anything about my tolerance for nuttiness?
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
What a man Doug :^).
76doublebass's avatar
76doublebass
254 posts
 
If you can get a VPI MK3 with a decent arm this should give you a solid performance without investing to much money into an Analog rig.I bought mine with a Morch Arm for a little over 1k,But you have so much to choose from if you want to get your feet wet.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,125 posts
 
There are decent virtual plug-and-play units that will give you good sound. Some of the Rega units come to mind. If you buy something new from a good store (of which there are very few) they can assist in picking a product and setting it up.

If you are on your own, this can be a time consuming and frustrating endevor.

Ultimately one does not need a state of the art vinyl setup to exceed the sound quality of a SOTA digital setup.

Check into the Rega or VPI units that come with their own arm. Rega sells good cartridges also which will not require as much dedication to install and set up as a system of seperates.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
I agree with the comments of the posters although I think some are far too negative. The many rituals that pertain to playing LPs become enjoyable after a while.

What you do need to consider in a good phono stage. As somebody that ‘roll-my-own’ when it comes to amplification, I have ample opportunity experiment with a number of different amps, pre and phono’s (since I build them myself!). I have come to realize that a good phono stage is really key I getting good results from analogue.

So budget for the phono when considering a TT/arm/cart.

Regards
Paul
More to discover