2. analog
  3. 1295820131

Considering analog...but nervous

Well, I've been here before. Once again, I'm thinking of venturing into the Analog world, but before doing so, I wanted to pose a few questions to fellow agoners to make sure my head (ears?) are in the right place.

Some Background: My current setup consists of a Modwright Transporter, Musical Fidelity KW 500 (hybrid tube pre/SS Amp), and Focal/JM 1027be speakers. My entire current collection is digital and I have NEVER owned Vinyl before NOR have I ever heard a high-end Analog setup.

My Tastes/musical likes: I am all about soundstage and imaging. Vocal accuracy is hugely important and instrument placing (hence, imaging) are part of what I look for when listening. Genre wise, mostly rock, folk, acoustic and blues. Some jazz as well. I generally try to stick to labels that produce good-sounding material...not over-compressed garbage.

On with the questions:

1. One of the biggest things that has kept me from trying Vinyl thus far is the concern of excessive hiss and crackle/pop that vinyl is known for. Is it safe to assume that purchasing new Vinyl and played on a higher quality setup will reduce (eliminate?) the pops and crackle sounds? I have no problem purchasing exclusively new vinyl, knowing full well that the process of shopping used is what draws so many to this market...

2. If I purchase new vinyl, only play it on a decent player, and store it properly, will I still have to clean it? How expensive is a cleaning machine? Are there (reasonable), less expensive alternatives to a cleaning machine?

3. Based on my integrated (tube-pre,SS amp) and speakers, are these a good match for Vinyl? Does anyone know if the KW 500 Phono input is adequate for a good turntable? My digital system has a tendency to be on the bright side for a lot of material, but not everything. Strangly, even at 31 years old, I can still hear up to around 19Khz so I'm a bit picky about the highs...

4. How complicated is the setup of the TT? Being that I've never worked wtih it before, I'm somewhat intimidated by the "setup" requirements of the equipment. What are the core requirements/knowledge to properly setup a TT.

5. And finally, the most subjective question of all. If I had a budget of about $1,000-$1,500 for a TT, Tonearm and Cartridge, what would be a good starting place? I'd obviously be looking for used here from Agon.

I know this was a long post so thanks for hanging in and reading it all :-). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

-gh0st
fatgh0st
fatgh0st OP
43 posts
 
Maineiac: You may be getting closer already :-) I've already started thinking about how I can edge my initial budget up closer to $2,500 by getting rid of something else.

So tell me, what does an extra $1,000 (from $1,500 to $2,500) open up for me in terms of options? Should I still just stick to the $1,500 for starters?

-gh0st
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
He's hooked even before he put the needle in... I mean DOWN!
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,216 posts
 
That crack about labradoodles was way out of line!

If you go down to your local druggie hangout and ask the crack/meth/heroin/pill popping dope fiends if you should give it a try, what do you think they will answer? Do you think they have your best interest at heart or are they validating their own choices?
frogman
7,441 posts
 
Stick to $1500, and spend the other $1000 on quality LP pressings. They are expensive, and $1000 will get you fewer quality, QUIET, pressings than you might think. Buying used vinyl is great, but it's hard to find really quiet used vinyl. Diehrard vinyl addicts like myself are often willing to overlook some noise, but since you are (by your own admission) really sensitive to clicks and pops, don't sabotage your experiment by buying vinyl on the cheap. Good luck.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
I agree! I love those new bred-breeds. In fact, my friend is now developing a new breed combining the best of Shitsou's and Bull Dog's. It will be called a Bull-Shit.
More to discover