Record wear

Record wear is a problem no matter what the system. If you've never owned records, starting with a budget system is a good way to go. But my recommendation as to software is not the 50 bucks a pop fancy 45's, but a trip to the used record store where you can buy 20 lps for that price. Plus buy some new "regular priced" lps from sundazed, etc--and on major labels that release them on occassion. See if you like what you hear. In my mind the ultra-priced analogue software products are aimed at folks with pretty high-priced turntables. In my opinion you cannot "live" musically on the reissues...there just isn't the selection (compared to cd's and used lps). Maybe as a treat or experiment buy one of the high priced spread and take your chances on record wear. Hell, for the several thousand dollars it sounds like you may end up spending on an eventual "high end" table, you can replace a few of the records. Although I have owned lps forever, I may not be the best to advise you on this if sound quality is your main criteria--for the most part, audiophile type software bores me. The most 'spectacular' lp I ever bought was a direct to disk Missing Linc on Sheffeld. When I think of great (lp) sound, that one always comes to mind. But in truth I never play it, nor do I play very much the cd's I have purchased for strictly audiophile reasons. GOod luck in whatever you decide.

Record wear is not a problem in my experience if a few simple rules are followed. Keep the record & stylus clean. Cartridge alignment and setup is key.

With clean software and a properly set up turntable records can last a lifetime. I have a copy of the Stones Beggars banquet that I've been playing for over 30 years and it's in excellent shape.

An alignment protractor (available free from the Vinyl Engine), a stylus force guage (the Shure is aprox $25), a method to clean the records (new ones too!), and poly lined sleeves will keep your collection in top shape.

Good Luck!