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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
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,375 posts
 
Ed,

Well I have almost that same system you are describing (less the Synergistic USB cord which I want to try) sitting on the rack right next to my turntable. YOu know what, it sounds awesome. I love it, I play it more than my turntable. I love itunes and the convenience it affords. If I could only have one or the other it would be my itunes no doubt about it.

But, my vinyl rig sound A LOT better, no doubt about it. I have a fairly expensive vinyl rig, but I used to have a rig I bought for 1000.00 used on Audiogon, table cart and arm. That sounded better than any digital I had owned prior including Wadia, Ayre, and Audio Aero players costing upwards of 10K.
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istanbulu
291 posts
 
.

Ejlif... nice! And I agree with Tvad as well.

I am facing a pound for pound test of my iRoc against my Cary 303/300 here real soon. And I'll be testing the Synergistic USB against the Ridge Street Audio Poeima!!! as well.

The truth is *in there*.

And I agree that if money and time & the near fetish-like quality of vinyl care and playback are of no consequence in the equation, I prefer the qualities of vinyl.

But having said that, my money and my time (especially the ritualistic aspects of vinyl care and playback... which I'd be the first to agree are nearly a life-style... not something to find fault with or to criticize) do matter.

And part of my preference (I must admit) is sheer fun. I like the ability to explore new music and do so in a reasonably quick, HQ (and inexpensive) manner (e.g. Rhapsody) that the MacMini and the iRoc offer. I am very curious, very interested in many different genres of music, and this allows me to get *there* in a HQ manner.

Nice to meet a fellow iRoc'r... keep in touch!

Ed

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mmakshak
589 posts
 
Grannyring, Palasr gives some good advice. Your turntable is not up to snuff. I would also suggest that when you get a proper one, that you compare how the music makes you feel. Good analog is very relaxing. Digital has almost a "did you hear that" quality. It's like you admire its sound quality without actually warming up to it.
electroid
283 posts
 
I agree with Rushton, listen to a good setup. Then check the cart under a microscope and make sure its good. The canilever suspension can go on old B&O carts so maybe a Soundsmith rebuild or replacement is in order. Definitely a phono pre upgrade. Find a dealer that loans so you can try before you buy.

ET
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