Converting to Analog

I think that you can do a good basic vinyl system for a lot less than what people think. I would suggest starting off with a moderate set-up and go from there. Just keep in mind that there are a lot more rungs on the ladder should you choose to climb higher. Obviously, you can go "sky's the limit" if you choose to do so and obtain correspondingly better results. This approach minimizes your investment should you find that you don't want to put forth the initial effort that IS required with vinyl.

If you keep in mind the following basics, you'll do okay:

1) ALL TT's benefit from placement on top of a platform that is very rigid, well damped and vibration free.

2) All vinyl based systems benefit from having thoroughly cleaned records and "needles". Once cleaned, records should be put into sleeves that are also clean without contaminants to re-pollute the vinyl. The stylus should be cleaned on a regular basis, but be VERY gentle. Do not use Pine-Sol or Formula 409 to "clean" the tip : )

3) All TT's benefit from the proper selection of arm / cartridge combo's and the appropriate fine tuning involved.

4) All cartridges can be fine tuned in terms of tracking specifics and loading within the phono section. If in doubt, follow the manufacturers' recommendations as closely as possible and then "tweak" as you learn more. Fine tuning can literally transform the tonal balance, amount of noise, etc.. from one extreme to another. Just be careful whenever working around the stylus : )

5) Don't be afraid to buy a used TT and / or arm so long as it is in good shape. I would stick to new cartridges and an arm / table combo that is already set up at this point in time though.

Good luck and hope this helps... Sean
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My analog front end brought a recent dinner guest to tears ("the music is so beautiful"), while the digital had her dancing all over the living room. Cost for each: (not counting integrated amp & speakers as both were the same), Analog +/- $2,200.00; Digital +/- $6,000.00.

Both are worth every penny!

Best regards, Dave.

By "work" I mean mostly cleaning vinyl,jackets and getting the original sleeves in better condition.I save all the original sleeves for possible re-sale.Many need to be taped or glued.I clean the original sleeves also.It is lots of work getting vinyl and jackets clean.I hate to do 1 LP at a time so I wait til I have several to clean.
To me thats work.I'd rather be spinning than cleaning.
When I got my Nitty Gritty wet-vac I cleaned my whole collection in a 2 day period.At the time that was 400 LPs including applying groove-glide and cleaning the jackets and sleeves and putting the vinyl in rice paper sleeves and the finished product in a jacket cover.I also put a label on the back of each jacket with the date of the cleaning for future reference.
400 LPs in 2 days,NOW THATS WORK and maybe obsessive :~).I still have a buzz from the groove-glide!

David- Geez, you're even more obsessive than me!! Yes, I'd concur that cleaning jackets is real work- certainly alot more work than I'm willing to put in! You're going to give us vinyl junkies a bad rep. ;) (Yeah, like we don't already deserve it.... hehehe!)

A couple questions for you, David- 1)What process do you use to clean jackets and 2) what is your personal long-term experience w/Gruv Glide?

Regards
Jim

I recently rejoined the analog parade as well and I share with you my decisions. For your information:

I purchased a VPI MK IV with SME 309 and currently use the Clearaudio Beta Aurum cartridge. I am considering upgrades to the Grado Reference, Clearaudio Virtuoso, or other next year.

I purchased 500 rice sleeves and a VPI 16.5 wet vac.

I use Stylast products for cartridge maintenance and a Zerostat for static pops.

I opted for a Shure stylus gauge and fine tune slightly by ear.

My phono pre-amp is MM in a Cary SLP98P. I have thought of
upgrading to a separate but I am currently content with the sound.

I use the High-Fi News test record to evaluate the set-up. The turntable sits on an Atlantis rack with point suspension. Very stable, level, very low vibration and wide enough to support the size of the TT.

This set-up is relatively modestly priced and versatile.

I am biased to favor warmth over high-end shimmer, which can sound too analytical to me.

I hope this helps.