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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
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grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,507 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
blbloom
286 posts
 
The problem is that your $50 phono stage beats $500 phono stages, but a good $500 phono stage beats $2000 phono stages and a good $2000 phono stage beats $5000 phono stages and........

You should just stick with your $1500 cd player that beats $4000 cd players.

Your post is silly.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,507 posts
 
Blbloom

I don't follow, but sorry you find it silly.

I have worked pretty hard and have had fun finding wonderful gear at modest prices. Yes the little rant you gave above can and is true if one takes the time and a/b's lots of gear like myself.

Again, sorry you don't understand.

Bill
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Well if it analog beats digital every time I have not heard it. I have listened to some faily expensive rigs 10K+ and while it is very good; it would not be worth the hassle for me. A friend of mine has a very nice rig and I have listened to his on a couple of occasions; I am not running out to buy a TT. But thats me and everyone likes what they like there is good and bad with all formats.
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