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How do you roll? First LP on a new TT.

I am new and I am sure there are threads that touch on this, but I was wondering what others play that first virgin time they hook up a new turntable.

I will be getting my kit in a couple of days, and I naturally started thinking about what I wanted to play. Of course, it is not just about the turntable, but the amps, speakers, cartage etc. but just in terms of music: what do you use to test your new kit out?

My family is very musical. A great relative founded the Vancouver symphony; I have two family members in the Chicago symphony chorus; and my grandfather was an accompanist to Italian opera singers in the 40s. 'Classical' is natural, so some Sir George Solti comes to mindm -- but I don't have any of his vinyl.

I also have a soft spot for punk rock (yikes), and laying down some Lagwagon or Authority Zero would really make my day -- but probably wouldn't tell me much. It would be fun though.

In the end, I think I am going to go with some Andrew Bird (Scythian Empires) or even more contemporary, such as First Aid Kit. Nice vocals with some good instrumentation.

Just wondering what other people's play-back reference is.

Cheers,
k.
drinky
drinky OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for the input. I have to admit that it didn't occur to me the break-in for a cartridge would be that long.

Also that is a good idea to not lay down the best LP I have just incase something isn't set right. I am getting the Pro-ject Carbon Debut Esprit pkg, and I think the cartage comes factory mounted, so I'm hoping it is ok on arrival.

The concept of playing something I know appeals to me now though. I just might go for some classic Billy Joel -- maybe Turnstiles.

k.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Glass houses
drinky OP
15 posts
 
Glass Houses was the first album I got to know as a child. I had bought some 45s before that, but Glass Houses was the first full-length album I played oner and over, BUT I don't have that album right now.

k.
terry9
2,333 posts
 
Hello Drinky.

Assuming that the factory mounted it right may be a bit risky. I would take an afternoon and check everything.

As for break-in, my Koetsu sounded very fine after just a few hours - it probably sounded that good at the outset, but it took my ears a few hours to catch up. According to the cartridge builder and rebuilder Soundsmith, the main reason why cartridges need time to break in, is because it takes time to twist their guts around to accommodate a poor setup.

As for records, consider anything you know well, especially an Angel 45RPM. Happy listening!
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Glass houses is somewhat of an anomaly in the BJ canon...his true attempt at a full out rock lp via post punk and new wave to great results...this was a fun era...seems like everybody was turning out new wave....even Linda Ronstadt and Alice Cooper!
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