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New to Analog and just played my first record in

30 years. Just thought I would try to see what all the fuss is about with records. Long time Aphile and well versed in all but analog. Love my CD's, but had to try.

Ok, I was given a B&O Beogram RX table with B&O MMC3 cartridge. I purchased a very inexpensive Applied Audio Technology phono preamp for $50 and am using a nice power supply on it. The ART phono preamp is said to be pretty good for cheap.

I was given 5 lp's that I am now listening to. Sounds decent, but not as good as my CD front end. Not sure if I need a better table, cart or phono preamp. Not sure which would impact the sound more and give me a better taste of analog. Please help me!

Should I look at a better table or phono preamp? I don't want to spend that much , but want to be sure I am not missing something special. I would spend $150 or so.

What model table or phono preamp would give me a better sense of good analog?

Based on what I am now hearing I don't think I would bother with analog. My CD front end simply sounds much better.

Bill
128x128grannyring
glory's avatar
glory
1,614 posts
 
Ring,

Enjoy your digital playback system until you are ready to jump into analog. When you are ready, go all the way and don't look back.

I have 8K in analog and it's smokin. It eats digital for breatfast ,lunch and dinner. Digital is only in my system for back up to my analog. Background music for cleaning the house and making love.

Ej has wisdom and good insight. Hear him.
smeyers
181 posts
 
It's a well known fact that good vinyl beats digital every time...
Oh really!!! Where exactly did you find this fact?
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,375 posts
 
+++Oh really!!! Where exactly did you find this fact?+++

Sorry, let me re-phrase. It is the general consenus (amongst those who have owned both) that good vinyl beats digital every time. Just about every professional reviewer says the same thing.

However there will always be the die hard digital guys who just can't contain themselves when vinyl listeners talk about how nice it sounds.
Post removed 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,506 posts
 
Ejlif,

I understand your point and hear you saying I must spend big $$ to make records sound as good as my current CD front end.

I have learned one thing over the years I have enjoyed gear and music. One can spend very little money on a piece of gear and it can sound wonderful. My current reference system is proof of that. Yes, a $50 phono preamp can sound as good as highly reviewed $500 units. The company that makes this $50 phono preamp makes a $200 amp that has bested many amps costing up to $2000. I know this first hand. ART is a Pro/recording studio gear company. They make great sounding gear for a song and most Aphiles are simply to closed minded to try it.

I listened more last night and one Sting LP sounded very good indeed. I think the table and pre needed to warm -up and more burn in is needed in the $50 preamp. I also realize that the sound is greatly impacted by the quality of the LP recording. I was amazed at the sound of the Sting LP with my free turntable and $50 phono preamp. I did have a taste of something special for 45 minutes last night.

I may just keep the few great sounding LP's I can find for cheap and have fun with my $50 set -up!

I did read the table and pre set up directions and everying is set up properly and working well.

Bill
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