2. analog
  3. 1221146076

Help me get back to vinyl

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I can't take it anymore. I've got a 25-year-old Rega Planar 2 sitting around doing nothing, and my parents just moved and brought over 4 boxes full of my old records. There's even an Original Master Recording of Donald Fagan's The Nightfly that I forgot I even had and can't wait to cue up since the CD sounds horrible. Ditto Aja. God knows what else.

Anyway, I'm looking to do this on the cheap just to get the disease started while avoiding divorce. I need a new cartridge and a phono pre (I have interconnects already), and the whole thing has to cost under 1000 bucks. I tend to favor neutrality and transparency with good imaging and 3D soundstaging, and I definitely do not want something that sounds polite or rolled off in the highs if that helps. I assume I should buy the cartridge new, but I'm open to a used phono stage and would prefer solid state but am open to tubes if the benefit warrants.

Also, the Rega hasn't been fired up in probably 20 years, so what service should be performed and about how much should I expect to pay for it? Or should I just start it up and see what happens? Would I be better off just buying one of the newer less expensive turntables rather than resurrecting the Rega?

Many thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.
soix
soix OP
9,585 posts
 
Well, I've gone through all your posts and as a result did a lot of digging, thinking, etc. I learned a lot in exploring all the options you put forward -- thank you.

If I could I'd start w/ the Graham Slee and a good MM cartridge and add a stepup and start playing w/ LOMC later, but alas it's not in the budget right now. This could very well end up being my upgrade path though.

So for now I'll probably start w/ the 640p and the AT150MLX and be up and running for around 400 bucks plus accessories. I noticed I could get a AT-OC9ML/II for $50 more. Would it be a worthwhile upgrade from the 150MLX or just different?

Thanks again.
Post removed 
crem1
672 posts
 
Soix : As a old hand with analog I see you have some solid advice from the postings I reviewed. Since 25 years has passed, may I suggest having the Rega serviced & the cartridge of choice dealer installed , unless you feel confident in regard to your skills. An incorrectly installed cart can ruin your listening experience regardless of price.The dealer cost to you could be insidental to the extra's ,GEO Disc, etc. All the best.
More to discover