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
raquel
841 posts
 
Most places will take back new vinyl that has problems, yes, but always pay with a card so you can do a chargeback if your seller tries to make you pay for defective merchandise (the law is on your side in most states, but practically speaking, you're not going enforce rights over a transaction of such small value).

Yeah, you can get a superb phono stage and cartridge for a combined $5k!

Colleagues snickering about the analog rig - take pity on the great unwashed and try to educate.
maineiac
649 posts
 
Congrats on a fantastic cliff dive into vinyl. My prediction was for 18 months in so, although we already hit the over, it would be fun to know where things will stand come the fall of 2012. As for phono stages, check out the K&K threads.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
banquo363
371 posts
 
Given the current trajectory and level of enthusiasm, no way Fatgh0st makes it to 2012 without upgrading.

The process of "identifying" upgrades is tantamount to deliberating about whether to acquire them.
braab8
56 posts
 
02-22-11: Maineiac

"As for phono stages, check out the K&K threads"

AMEN you said a mouthful....

I LOVE happy endings. Fatgh0st
you've just got a VERY GOOD education,....not to discount anything anyone has said...If you take nothing else from this thread Maineiac just gave you and admission to Grad school.

enjoy this part of the hobby it is truly gratifying
-b
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
Fatgh0st,

Congrats. Good thing you didn't listen to the digital naysayers. I myself took the vinyl plunge 2 weeks ago. Clearaudio: Performance SE, Satisfy Carbon arm, Talismann V2 MC cart and the Balance Plus Phono Pre. My digital system is top of the line 24 bit playback capacity. I will give digital one advantage over analog...if 24 bit, then the vise like grip on the lowest octaves is tighter in digital. Where digital blows it is in the actual texture of the musical notes whether it be voice, percussion, instrumental. This tangible feel of the music is completely lost in the A/D conversion. I also feel sound stage is much deeper and wider in analog playback.

Vinyl certainly has it's drawbacks in terms of cleanliness, surface noise pops, clicks and crackels but in the end, it doesn't matter. Nothing beats vinyl sound quality save for the studio analog master tapes. I am stilled stunned by the analog experience.

All the best and welcome to the sickness. I'm already looking at future turntable/tonearm/cart upgrades...disturbing as that is...
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