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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
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.
herman
2,261 posts
 
So you are willing to invest $150 and want it to beat your $1,500 player that beats $4,000 players. There is a minimum buy-in to get decent analog and $150 isn't even close.

I want a car that performs like a Ferrari and I'm willing to go as high as $5,000.

I think we'll both find what we want at about the same time.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Come on, lighten up folks! Grannyring is having fun experimenting at a minimal cost. Help him enjoy what he's doing, don't beat him up.
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czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Exactly the idea is to have fun and enjoy the hobby.
herman
2,261 posts
 
OK, here is your answer.

For $150 buy a new cartridge. That will have the biggest impact. Unless there is something wrong with the table or the pre you are not going to have much impact on those for the money. Not knowing the age of the cartridge or how many hours are on it the money is best spent there. They do wear out and are easily damaged so assume it is shot.

Now to the bigger question. It definitely is worth pursuing if you are eventually willing to invest more money. You are not going to get by on that budget if you want to stay in this for the long haul. You will need $150 or more to buy the supplies needed to clean the bargain records you want to buy.

There is something inherently "right" about analog that CDs can't do. I believe higher resolution digital can. Not to be dismissive but statements like "I heard vinyl in my buddies high end system and wasn't impressed" don't carry much weight because with all the variables we must assume something wasn't right about his set up. Too many of us have compared very high end CD to middle of the road vinyl and found the vinyl better in many ways, and the most important ways. If you want to listen to everything a high-end system can impress you with buy a CD player. If you want to listen to music and tap your toes buy a turntable.
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