get vinyl rig or audio aero capital

Tom:

Yes, why not hook it up in the BR for starters if you have a place to set it?

The following is a link to an inexpensive phono preamp that looks interesting (the $300 version offered in the US). Not familar with it myself, just recently ran across the site.

http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/gram_amp_1_phono_preamplifier_st.htm

If I do not end up building the new Bottlhead phono preamp (thought it might be fun as I already have their line preamp and amps) I may seriously look into this one.

Hi Audiotomb:
You mentioned a concern in your thread that you were weary of having only a 'dated collection to play'. I just wanted to mention that in my recent move into the world of vinyl, I find that I can source about 70% of new music on vinyl over the web. Hence, I don't find there to be too much of a software/music availability issue with vinyl, which surprised me (check out eBay or MusicFringe to really see what you can source on vinyl - you may be surprised). Overall, I find I'm way happier having gotten a great vinyl rig(Teres 135/OL Silver/Shelter 501Mk2) that just upgrading my CD player. My CD player is a pretty respectable YBA CD1a. I toyed with the idea of upgrading to a Capitole or MephistoII, but I don't think the CD upgrade would have been that material. The turntable really is quite a gem to listen to though. Go analog! All I can say is that I've no regrets. Cheers,
Outlier

I think you need to start a new thread called
"What analog setup is best for $$$$$$$"
I don't know what the audio aero capital sells for but like TWL says He spent just under $4k for a killer analog setup. I think you could get a great sounding front-end and still have a lot of $$$$$ for some LP's, IMHO.
Ron

FWIW, I'd let my choices in music dictate which direction I would follow. I have an older Oracle and I'm considering upgrading to a Nottingham - I like the design - but every time I get out the check book I start looking around to see whats available in recordings to justify the purchase. I enjoy jazz - very hard for me to find good jazz records. I enjoy Classical - easy to find, but its mostly stuff I already have and don't listen to much anymore. I like BWhites comments, get a good but less expensive TT/amr/cartridge with good trade in value, Rega comes to mind, and concentrate on expanding your LP collection (but I wouldn't commit to a new CD player yet). Your success in expanding your collection might well dictate where to spend your big bucks.

thanks for all the suggestions

looks like I have a wonderful deal on an ARC ph2 and am going to buy it. I can always use the B&O to start out. Being that I have a balanced ARC LS5 this looks like a perfect match. I've heard great things about Nottingham and my local hifi dealer in New Orleans has ordered a few, so I may get to go demo a spacedeck.

I guess I'll need another rack to hold the ph2 and turntable. Are there shelf units where I might be able to add a section below to house the phono stage, or a floor framed rack (I have carpet on slab flooring).

thanks

tom