Analog newby question


I have a relatively high end digital musci/HT system and would like to add a turntable. However, as I got into the audio habit during the heyday of the CD, I don't think I've ever owned a record... Here's what I think I need, could someone let me know if I'm leaving something out? Suggestions of units to look for would also be appreciated

Cartridge
Arm
Turntable
Line stage

Also, is the function of the line stage to boost the signal from the cartridge to a level that will drive the pre-amp (actually a DAC/Pre-amp, HT processor in my case)?

FWIW, the 2-channel portion of my system is currently:

Proceed PMDT cd/dvd transport
Proceed AVP processor/preamp
MF NuVista 300 front channels
Revel Studio front speakers

Thanks in advance,

Thomas
tmitchell
If you decide to buy one, buy one from a dealer. They can help you with setup. Also, what you need to buy extends a little from the four major components. You will need to get, at the very least, a stylus force guage, and record care items. audioasylum.com has a decent FAQ for vinyl playback.

Psychicanimal- How does the Monolithic compare to the AES PH-1 and the EAR phonostage? I have not run in to anyone who has listened to these three, let alone everything under $1200, and have some post hoc curiousity (I won the PH-1) about differences. Thanks.
Hi Tmitchell-If I were starting over I would have skipped the entry level tables,arms,cartridges,phono-pre.I can almost promise you the vinyl bug will bite you hard.I would buy the best "used" I could afford if I were you.You will save money in the long run too.Keep educating yourself here before you make a purchase.HAVE FUN! analog RULES!!
get some vinyl costs and figure on 50 to 100 pieces and only then consider what you will spend on a vinyl front end. in vinyl the more and the better isolation the better
Listen, i just did what you are looking to do. By the looks of your system i think you are looking for some quality sound since your components are of high quality. To me, i think analog done right is no comparision for a true audiophill. Analog can be sooo-involving something my great sounding digital system was just not conveying properly to these 50yr old seasoned ears for music. I recommend starting off with a better analog set up than suggested. It's not really that hard to setup for a anyone willing to put time into good sound and having good common sense. I would find a good knowledable local dealer who KNOWS analog and get educated and see what is available. It's your ears and taste. Go for it. Analog just does music properly. If you keep thinking about your equipment when listening to CD, than you need a good decent analog setup and forget about the equipment and be amazed at how good your system really is. Don't forget the treatment, very important if needed. Lp is good. Just keep reading and searching. Get the best you can afford and enjoy beautiful music. Let me tell you, the bass just pounds my chest and sounds so natural. Brass sounds like brass. Strings are strings like they use to be. Oh boy, the guitar, so proper. I'm using a BAT vk-p5 tubed phono stage with Telefunken nos and Siemen nos tubes and a 1986 Sota Star with some upgrades and pump/ps and a cheap Dynavecter High output MC and arm i never heard of (AT 1100, anyone?) to start off. I haven't played a CD since and my LP collection is growing like warp speed compared to buying CD. I don't think about the equipment anymore. The only thing is having to get up every 20min or so to change albums or sides. Good-luck
I had a B&OI turntable that looked great and sounded like crap.As I collected jazz CD's obsesively I found that many titles were not availible on CD whereas I'df see them in the record bin.I bought a Rega Planar 3 with one of their cart's.I couldn't believe how much more natural the harmonics were on a good 50's to mid 60's record than on CD.They also sounded more 3-d in soundstage and imaging.With your rig I'd go for at lest a Rega 25 ($1200) with their best cartritdge ($595??).Or what I like is the upgrade route with the VPI 19.You can have fun upgrading it.I went for broke and got a Aries with a 12" arm and a Grado Sonata cart.Go for a used tube phono.Try giving Bes a call at Music direct and tell 'em chazz sent you 1-800-449-8333.He will work in your budget an dis superb at system matching.