would you bother?

Just over a year ago I bought my first TT and LP in over 15 years. I now have close to 500 LPs. I still think it was worth the effort. I had almost given up on high-end systems as the digital stuff was just not involving enough to keep me interested.

Then I had the good fortune to over-hear a speaker demo at a local hifi store. The customer was into LP's so the store owner had setup his Linn TT ahead of time and they were spinning some CSN&Y. It caught my ear immediately. I promised to stay out of the way so they let me listen along. There it was, the sound I had been missing for so long but had forgotten what the secret was. Next the owner changed the Levinson SS pre with a McIntosh tubed pre. Another huge leap towards where I wanted to go. I have never heard any SACD or DVD-A that sounded as good as a well setup TT.

Heed Sdcampbell's words. It is getting harder to find LPs without paying a premium, but even so it is usually cheaper than buying ceedees. From my experience this is no different with SACD and DVD-A. These formats still have limited releases and cost alot more than the average used LP.

Ok, I'm going on too long. But I think you get the idea that I know for me it was absolutely the right thing to do.

I was you 12 years ago, took the plunge and have not looked back. A key word I would suggest is patience. I have a very limited budget and my system is still lo-fi but I enjoy the hell out of everything about this deal.

I don't know where you live, but you might look around and see if there is used vinyl available inexpensively. You can get into this hobby at any price range you want. There is lots of help available also, when you have more questions.

Steve

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With so many re-issues of great recordings This is a fabulous time to spin Vinyl.

Personally I struggle with the concept of people pouring tons of money into a system and then not bothering with vinyl cuz "it's too much trouble". Some of these same people have $1000 power cords! Our hobby is all about the music, not whether or not it's convenient.

I would suggest you conduct a A/B with an analog set-up that you can afford at a local dealer vs. a similarly priced digital front end. Better yet, bring it home and try it out in your system! Use the same music to compare; If you find the analog sound is worth the trouble, buy the 'table from your dealer. Trust your ears, Jeff

I bothered to get a turntable and have found that I could have done without it. It is a bit of a hassle and the need to attend to it is frustrating.

The reason I got my table in the first place is probably the same reason for your inquiry, it's the unknown. We could read every review and opinion written and still not know for sure what it is all about until we get it home and live with it.

I still believe I can live without it, but I am much better for the experience. I think it is necessary if you wish to get an overall clearer perspective of the many aspects of this audio hobby.