2. analog
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$300 Budget - help

I've spent time reading this forum, so I've gotten some good ideas already, but hoping for some feedback nonetheless.

I listen to classic jazz (instrumental and vocals) only. I love CDs, it's all I have ever known. I was in an audio store a year or so ago demoing an Arcam cdplayer, and the salesman put on a favorite cannonball adderley album of mine, but on vinyl. I forget what player he was using, but he said it was entry level. I was taken back by the warmth of the sound -- not as clear as the CD, but there was something amazing about the sound of the record that I just can't put my finger on.

Anyway, I want to try vinyl. My current system is as follows: Exposure Super XV integrated amp (apparently it has a good phono stage); Arcam CD73 cdplayer; Wharfedale Pacific Evo 8 bookshelf speakers; psaudio duet power center; audio art cabling throughout.

I only have about $300 to spend (just bought a home). If I like vinyl, in a few years I'll spend hundreds or thousands on a high-quality record player, but for now I just want to see if it's something I will like.

The Rega P1 seems like the recommended choice. Would you agree? What cabling do I need?

Thank you,
David
dmloring
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I think that there are an assortment of mediocre tables around already set up that will provide the analog spirit. I think some is better than none and while I bought only crappy tables after initially finding the MMF-5 and Goldring a little less analytical than I desired that I never felt I pissed away the money. I did buy a different cartridge but haven't the spine to install it. In the meanwhile in my listening den of iniquity I bought a Scout factory set up with a Dynevector 20X H an ARC SP6B fuirst then a Graham Slee phono stage and I like it a great deal. I don't feel that the tables are the same as unattractive ladies pretending to be alluring . I keep my singles in my pocket but I still look.That said
A friend is a home dealer for Allnic and I found myself thinking about a starter unit but not until I can afford it. I don't feel like I peed away the money on the Amp 2 SE at all, even though I think it could be bettered.
zenblaster
504 posts
 
The tables that have been recommended to you have very little risk. You would almost certainly get back close to what you paid if you want to upgrade or get out of analog.
dmloring OP
34 posts
 
Thanks all for the responses. I think we've beat the strip-club analogy to death, but I get the picture.

Part of the reason I want to go vinyl is that my father has a nice collection of Bill Evans and Sinatra recordings. They survived a flooding, so while they look "ok" they may not actually play well, but I do have access to some records to start.

That Technics SL1200 player seems really cheap looking and built for DJ's rather than listeners. Am I missing something?
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the technics is quite good actually.
zenblaster
504 posts
 
Do not go by the looks of the Technics, it is built like a tank. Do a quick search on Technics or go to www.kabusa.com. Under $1k you will not find a better built table and it is a blast to play. Easy to set up and a great upgrade path. One thing I would stay away from is a used Technics table from eBay, a lot are beat to death. Yes, they are popular with dj's. Because they are extremely overbuilt. They are very heavy and just feel like a well machined tool. You are going to have to determine if the sound is for you but one thing is certain there isn't a more overbuilt table anywhere near it's price.
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