Vinyl, should I take the plunge?

Vinyl is much more fun.....The hunt & search at garage sales & estate sales is wonderful. I finally solved the noise problem after much advice & don't think it's a problem. I have bought only 3 or 4 new albums in the last 3 years and just buy select used when I can. All my equipment is "quality used" bought here on Audiogon from vinyl enthusiasts who really care about their products and helping newbies. Finding & playing 30 or forty year old vinyl that sounds perfect is such a treat. The best jazz seems to be on vinyl (and Blues) and I usually start my day with an album (this morning it was Dave Brubeck that I bought for $8, no noise no pops-really smooth on my Rega P3.) I play CD's but the warmth and feel is not the same. Analogue is where it's at...each vinyl record has a story and a history (look at those labels-covers) . CD/SACD seem sterile and antiseptic. Vinyl seems to carry the life and energy of the original performer & the performance plus the interesting history of used vinyl...who originally bought it ? Where? How did it fall in my hands? I'm going dowtown right now and see what's new in my local antique store that gets vinyl on consignment. (that's where I got the Brubeck)

I agree............

with 4yanx. David, correct again, BUT, both sides make noise. Our side just sounds better!!

JJ, try it, on the "inexpensive" side. Whatever you get, if you don't like it, sell. You won't take too much loss if you buy right.

And, I also agree with Dla405j. Vinyl IS more fun IMHO. Sure, I wanted to get into "high end" vinyl to replace an old TT as the rest of my system grew. And, I'm kinda there, almost.

Of course, I've now got some substantial (for me) change AND TIME involved in my rig.

BUT, I wouldn't trade it for no stinkin' silver discs period. They are only for vehicular travel and constant noise at a party.

You have high quality equipment now, and my OPINION is that vinyl will bring out the best of it. You can get lp's anywhere. Your son may learn to gently drop the stylus before he can read. Then you might even let your wife play it (I don't, just threw it out there!).

Eldartford, you're correct! I misspoke in my post. I meant to say that CD's are quieter and have better channel separation than vinyl. Thanks for picking up.on that!

Here's an article regarding children around hi-fi gear that might be interesting for you:

http://www.generubinaudio.com/articls.html#parenting

That aside, don't be afraid to try vinyl out, but as others are saying, to be aware of the time commitment--vinyl isn't as convenient as CD/SA/DVD/Whatsits, not by a long shot...but vinyl can be a very rewarding way to play back music as long as you accept the extra duty it requires.

IMO, with dilligent shopping you can find great equipment at low cost, and as far as vinyl, I have little trouble finding new LPs right in the middle of hell--OOPS I mean Wisconsin. ;) In fact, a vast majority of my collection is new vinyl, though I do have some old "used vinyl joint" ones. I bring extra money any time I travel to a major city for those "great finds" in record shops, and otherwise, I've built a good collection on what's available locally, and have only ordered a few LPs through the internet. I do disagree with whomever said a good 180-200g costs over $50--I have several excellent sounding 180gs that were well under $30, and 200g for under 50. Some of my favorite LPs cost less than $10! It doesn't have to be expensive if you don't want.

Thanks to all who took the time to respond. It will take me a while to get through Albert's great set of URL's for finding vinyl.

It is encouraging to know that others have navigated hifi with children.

Brett44, you don't know my wife. I can't have the upgrade conversation w/ my wife any more. I'd need Johnny Cochran in my corner to try and win that debate. I think the angle I'm going to try this time is that I'll sell off all of the old systems gathering dust for this new purchase (what ever it turns out to be. Any one need a crappy rotel cd player and a decent adcom processor :)?

Bob's comments about enjoying the music and not pursueing the collection of equipment is particularly fitting. He must know my wife!

Dirtyragamuffin- I live in Iowa, so I am familiar with "hell" and not being able to readily find software or hardware from dealers easily. I have to trek to Des Moines or Chic., which are hours away and that isn't happening much since my little guy came along.

BTW, I do have a really good collection of vinyl available. My dad who is 100% Czech must have 200+ 45's and records (he has a totally crap system though as he can't hear squat any more and refuses to use his hearing aids). To bad they are all polka!!! The tuba and the singing just get to me after a while. Maybe I'm not drinking enough beer when I'm down there.

Thanks again for the responces.

JJ