2. analog
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Getting into analog is tough....

I have been thinking hard about getting into analog, but the more I research, the more it puts me off. First, I need a phono stage. Then, of course, I need the turntable. Then, I need a tonearm. Then a cartridge. Then a needle. Ok, now will it be MC or MM? How about the arm? Will I get a turntable without an arm? No, get a turntable with an arm because setting up an arm for a newbie can be a disaster, right?. How about the cartridge? Ok, my budget is $1500 for a phono stage and a turntable. But, a tone arm by itself might be more than the turntable and the stage. Oh, the cartridge might be more than everything, but which one? Who has a turntable I can listen to? What, almost no one I know has a turntable these days? What about the thing and the other thing and then there is this thing and that thing and cables and..........AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!

You know, my CD player doesn't sound that bad. In fact, CD players are easy. You just plug and plug and listen.

So, what was the reason I wanted to get into analog?
matchstikman
ultrakaz
187 posts
 
Here are some reasons to get into analog:
1. You have a large record collection.
2. You want the best sound possible.
3. Your system has extremely high resolution/ transparency that it make cds unlistenable.
4. Cds make your ears hurt.
ohlala
1,238 posts
 
Geez Sean, I swear I've read your post somewhere else. Its eerie ;)
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
If you already have an extensive Cd collection, don't bother. What you might do is buy one of those fancy Cd layers that can mimic analog so well. Yes, I do know that one can be a bit crazy to buy a mimic when the real thing is available, but I point to two of us who went in opposite directions at a mutual benefit.

I own an Audio Aero Mark II CD player which runs on tubes and sounds fantastic. I had already owned a really big collection of CDs and I did not want to change. I bought the audio Aero from a Gentleman who had already owned a huge collection of LPs and he realized the change-over wasn't worth it. This was a match made in heaven. His sale was my gain.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Was your your first car a Lexus?
I think you should stick with digital discs, which are improving lately. However if you want to mess around with vinyl, do yourself a favor...buy a used turntable/arm for about $150 (on E-Bay)...buy a Shure V15X-MR pickup for about $250 (Arguably as good as any)...buy a used preamp (Adcom or the like) for about $300.
Start playing records. Only "upgrade" if and when you can hear an improvement.
jwblaschke
25 posts
 
i think there's another aspect of vinyl that seldom gets mentioned here. i find it great fun to tweak my turntable (adjust vta, realign thhe cartridge, etc.) & hear the difference almost immeasureable changes make in sonics. i do not find playing w/ my turntable all consuming but rather an additional aspect of the hobby that enhances listening. in short, i think the best argument for vinyl is that it's fun.
regards,
jon
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