2. analog
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Suggested entry path into vinyl...

...if cost is not a major constraining factor (within limits :-)). I guess my question is do experienced vinyl enthusiasts recommend starting with a "entry-level" analog set up and tweaking and upgrading over time to maximize one's learning of what one likes by sampling different tt/tonearm/cartridge/phono setups (as well as learning how to correctly set-up and handle tts and associated gear on less expensive equipment), or would you just buy a more "evolved" (and likely more expensive) setup at the outset that you have heard within the context of the rest of your playback system and that you like the sound of (but perhaps make expensive mistakes on that gear). I am deliberately staying away from specific examples to get at folks' opinions/recommendations about the approaches. Thanks for your thoughts in advance.
cmalak
cmalak OP
681 posts
 
Thx Clio09. I got the same advice from Samhar offline on the use of MM cartridges. He also recommended battery powered phono because of the lower noise floor which is so important in vinyl application. Thank you all. Great stuff.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
I said med output moving coil so a lower db setting could be used in the phono section and the hassles with amplifying extraneous noise in a beginning system wouldn't be a big problem.
cmalak OP
681 posts
 
Hi Samhar. Absolutely right. I misspoke. Thanks all for your continued advice. Appreciate it.
koegz
317 posts
 
i don't know, i am on my 5th album tonight and not one pop or click, just great sounding music and dead quiet in between, go figure.
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hi,
let me second Clio09 and of course MM Raul :-)
I'm currently listening to an MM in my system (Shure V15 III xMR) and it makes me and my phono-pre a lot happier then any MC managed to date.

Some would say it's due to the phono-pre seeing a more 'workable' cart output voltage and I think it holds some truth. The next best think (in my system) was a 0.3 MC but ONLY when using a step-up transformer, but note: I have NO need for extra gain, as my system can muster some 78dB with relative ease.

Please NOTE, that I say in MY SYSTEM. A lot depends on the performance level of the phono-pre when it is supposed to produce TRUE music like output from e.g. an <=0.3mV cart output. It is there where the phono-pre chaff separates from the wheat.

I think MCs are much overrated in the presents of 'general' phono-pre performance. I have not had the pleasure to listen to a $32'000.00 phono-pre like e.g. Boulder 2008 so all I can relate by is something more 'middle-of-the-road' (see my system).
My advise be also: Get the best MM you can afford when looking for a cart.
Greetings,
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