Clueless Analog Newbie, Looking to Buy

Sounds like all your father's advice on the subject has done is delayed your enjoyment ( or perhaps dissatisfaction ) of an analog front end. Is he willing to pony up some cash to get you an "acceptable" table?

Quite frankly, when I was your age, I "wasted" far more than $400 on far worse ideas. If you don't like the AT table, you'll get most of it back by selling it here on the 'gon. I wish I could say the same for my "bad ideas".

For some, it's an investment and calculated move for others - passion and joy.
Kids at my local, used LP joint do not need thousands to enjoy vinyl.
Here, most do.

Here's what will happen. You'll buy an inexpensive table and cartridge. You'll
buy cleaning materials and set-up tools. You'll buy some used and new LPs.
Before you know it, your inexpensive $300 foray into vinyl will hit the $600 -
$900 mark.

And...you'll be wondering why vinyl doesn't sound as good as your CDs. So,
you'll buy a more expensive table, arm and cartridge. You'll lose 50% or more
selling your old table and cartridge. Quickly, you'll have spent $2000-$3000,
and you'll still wonder why vinyl only sounds about equal with your CDs.

Read the threads and you'll discover the same story told over and over again.

Listen to your father. He's been down this road already, and he's trying to
save you time, money and frustration.

Unfortunately that is the road we've chosen and there is not ONE person here who didn't get his cherry popped.

To cause you less grieve and expenses - buy used.
But do not be discouraged - try it, listen, be your own judge.
There were a lot of experiences/decisions in my life that cost me dearly - analog rig isn't even close to any of those ..... but I enjoy(ed) them all.

Mariusz

04-22-09: Tvad

If you don't like the AT table, you'll get most of it back by selling it here on the 'gon.
Nrenter

Really? Based on what evidence?

Well, since the PL120 can be had new with warranty through Amazon for $161.78, you can't lose much at all. Even if you take a 50% hit, you've only lost about $80--the cost of 2 or 3 new albums.

The Audio Technica would be worth keeping around at that price to play 78s if nothing else.

And you don't need to spend a lot on cleaning or aftermarket accessories. The PL-120's counterweight calibration is accurate enough, and a bundle of Fibertex microfiber towels from Costco plus a spray bottle of record cleaning fluid will do the job. And you can get a Magic Eraser for $2 to clean the stylus forever.