2. analog
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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
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
grimace
624 posts
 
I'd second an old Thorens as a good starter table. TD-160s can usually be had for $3-400 dollars depending on the version. They sound good and when you want to upgrade you'll get all you're money back reselling it.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
It's not rocket science.

Millions of people with good ears have spun records for years...it's not that complicated.

Can't go wrong with a used Linn in good operating condition.

The best thing about it these days is you can pick up used albums that sound great cheap for the most part.

If listening for 20 minutes then having to change sides doesn't put you off, or if your not mostly into newer music, go for it. Your price target is a good one for a first rig.
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