2. analog
  3. 1011848462

TOTALLY CONFUSED about analog

I want to start into high end analog but I just don't get it.

I am confused with all this "belt drive/direct drive", MC for this or that, some guys fighting for Rega...one of you guys is a 'SELF PROCLAIMED EVANGELIST' about the DJ turntable!

What is reality anyway? Do I have to get a DJ turntable and modify it? If I buy a Rega I'd have to modify it, too...right? There's a counter weight, new wires, rings for VTA, you name it.

What about 'turntables for classical' or 'turntables for rock and roll'? What is this? What about the Star Trek turntable?

Is there a way to just buy something and enjoy?

Any suggestions in a couple of price ranges (new--I don't want to hear how you found in a garage sale this $3000 turntable for $150), say in the $300-600 and $800-1500 ranges?

Thanks and please bear with me.

Ken
waxcylinderfc6d
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Well, If you can start higher you should go for Basis1400/RB300 combo and define for yourself a cartridge which you want to use. There are 4 variables in analogue playback: Table, Arm, Cartridge and Phono.
I've started from Rega p3 and I was pleased with it's performance for 6 months and desided to upgrade. If I started from Basis I would probably still keep it.
waxcylinderfc6d OP
10 posts
 
Thanks, guys. I have been reading these posts extensivelly (hence the confusion) and I read some posts by Extremephono just bashing the Rega. It seems nobody could counter those viewpoints. Would that make the Rega the belt drive equivalent of the DJ turntable, then? I mean it's got to have so many things done--yet you guys seem to like it so much.

I just don't want to bother with changing this or that, adjusting things...

Ken
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Ken-

The suggestions in the posts so far have been pretty much on-target. I'll echo what has been about a good used Rega P3 or Music Hall for your quest in your lower price range, although you would need to be careful about Grado cartridges with the Rega as Grados have a tendency to hum which sometimes is exagerated by the Rega.

In your higher price point, the Basis 1400 that was previously mentioned should be on your short list, but you may want to consider the RB-250 arm which has already been modified by Origin Live to go along with it.

As a suggestion, you may want to get started with a good basic UNMODIFIED used table/cartridge like the ones already mentioned and use that as your reference point before you spend alot of money.

Regards
Jim
praudio
39 posts
 
Go with Classic WTT/WTA used on Audiogon for around 750$ sometime w/good condition quality cartridge.You will never come back.
bishopwill
369 posts
 
And develop an appetite for bacon because once you begin to listen to vinyl there will always be some frying in the background.

That's a JOKE, folks!!!!
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