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Analog Noob: I have a few questions

Hi,

I am hoping I can be pointed in the right direction. I am looking to get into analogue, and as far as I know, will need the following: turntable/cartridge (usually sold together on lower-end product), a phono preamp, and some cables. And, some LP's!

Where should I start? I don't have an unlimited budget: trying to keep it around $1000 for starters, perhaps a bit more. Any suggestions, either new or used? I am typically an A'gon shopper, buying used from the boards, but there is a good 2-channel analogue shop a few hours away, so I don't mind buying new, either. They know their stuff, but I am not sure they have anything in the price range I am looking at.

I listen to jazz, vocals, acoustic guitar, and orchestral and chamber music. My system is solid yet forgiving: Dehavilland preamp, upgraded McCormack DNA-125 Gold, and Tyler acoustics Linbrook Signature full-range. I am anticipating some great-sounding music with LP's!
dawgcatching
nzera
68 posts
 
I would recommend a new KAB Technics with at least some of the mods (outboard power supply, arm fluid damper) and one of the plug-and-play KAB cartridges (eg Trackmaster). Along with a used Bellari phono stage, you would have a setup that can compete with a lot more expensive rigs. Also requires no set up skills and should have good resale value. Can be upgraded later with a better phonostage or cartridge if desired. I recently upgraded to an Eastern Electric phono pre and Denon l03R cart, but was very happy with the Bellari and Trackmaster combo. FWIW, the KAB Technics replaced a Music Hall MMF5 and Nottingham Spacedeck in my system.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
dawgcatching
my $300 music hall (new with cartridge) was more musical than my $6500 cd player. not saying it was better, but more enjoyable. start cheap, buy some cheap used lp's, clean them, play 'em. decide. if your liking it, move up the line. my home theater set-up had a phono stage. not the best, but enough to make me see the light. don't let any snob tell you you have to spend tons of cash to "get it", you don't. as with ALL systems more "better" cost, but it's all relative.
Vinyl Rules!
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
For that budget, I'd recommend a KAB Technics SL-1200MK5SE ($535.00), a Audio-Technica 440MLa Cartridge ($199.00), some Disc Doctor supplies (around $100) and a KAB EV-1 Cleaner ($159.00).

And just incase you missed this piece of advice from Newbee, "...unless you are already up to speed on set up, or have a good handy friend, buy from a dealer who can AND WILL help you with set up issues. It is a time consuming process and a lot of them reserve their set up time for customers who have bought expensive rigs and/or have bought their high end stuff thru them."

Buy from KAB and have Kevin check everything out for you and set it up. This is the single most important factor for your first table. Anyone who tells you anything different probably has something they want to sell you.
casey33
260 posts
 
In response to staying digital,analog takes dedication.Why don't you forget about fresh food, frozen dinners are soooo easy to prepare.And get one of those Stepford wives,very low maintainence.As far as Vinyl being hard to acquire,I'm choking with laughter as I have personally purchased over 600 LPs in the last two weeks.Get a turntable.Quit worrying so much.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
12-19-08: Casey33
And get one of those Stepford wives,very low maintainence.


Best advice I've seen in these forums in a long, long time.

Cheers,
John
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