Analog System to Beat Digital - - for little$$ ??

Les-creative-edge: I do clean my records on a VPI record cleaner. I have a good friend who is kind enough to share his cleaner. I am using the Walker 4-step process, including enzymes and high resolution rinse. It makes a great difference.

Your turntable and preamp are a little lower end than my thoughts, but then maybe I don't need to spend so much. Do you find Vinyl to sound better than digital in your system?

Johnnyb53 - Thanks for your note. It sounds like you have spent quite some time listening to this recommended system. I will give it some strong consideration, as it is less than my budget - so I can get more Vinyl!

06-27-09: Jbryngelson
Johnnyb53 - Thanks for your note. It sounds like you have spent quite some time listening to this recommended system.

Yes, I have listened to it a lot as I had to stop working 2-1/2 years ago and I spend a lot of time at home listening to records, maybe 2-4 hours/day. That's given me plenty of time to listen, tweak, and refine. The same rig has a decent Sony CD/SACD player and my MacBook with CDs ripped in Apple Lossless Codec is also connected to it for comparison. So I have plenty of sources to compare CD, SACD, server-based digital, and LP for hours on end.

Looking at my rig, I also have to say you'll improve the Technics more by swapping out the supplied feet for SuperSpikes ($69/set) and then place the TT on a thick butcher block cutting board supported by something soft such as Vibrapods, Foculpods, or silicon gel pads from an office supply store.

The platforming tweaks do wonders to drop the noise floor, isolate the TT from room-borne vibrations, and improve inner detail and clarity.

Either get a Technics SL-1200mk2 or a JVC QL-7, mount a nice cartridge like the Audio Technica AT150 and you are in business. And spend the rest of your budget on good records. If you are into DIY, then find ways to mount different and better tonearms, you will have to spend more obviously, to the above tables. Personally, belt-drive turntables with wimpy toy motors just don't do it for me. A modified Empire 208 with the great Papst motor is one of the few BD tables that has the oomph to get close to direct-drivers. Idler-drive tables are also great but too much maintenance for someone new to analog. Whatever you are going to get, have fun! Just always remember that this is a hobby not a religion, so don't take anything too seriously.

Yes, I agree with your budget mix. Watch out for deals on the PS Audio GCPH. It's a well regarded and very flexible phono stage that can often be found new for $700. And even less on Audiogon. Others that, found used, may fit your budget are an EAR 834p and a Graham Slee Reflex Era Gold.

Good luck.