2. analog
  3. 1401025949

Thinking about getting into vinyl again...

After 25 years. Any suggestions (besides don't ; )?

Thanks to my Audio Note Dac, I have an Awesome Digital setup and am very pleased with the sound. However I do love vinyl setups when I hear them. Further, now that my system's just the way I want it, I have nothing to obsess about, research, tinker with...etc.

I have a Modified Musical Fidelity A5 integrated...to my, ears the best sound I've ever heard and I've tried many many pieces. (In fact, that may be why I've run into a wall, I'm done looking at amplification too). Hoping to avoid the whole phone stage thing... assuming the A5's is decent.

I want a decent vinyl setup -- but don't want to spend a fortune either. After exhaustive research I'm pretty set on trying a Rega P3 w the Elys2 cartridge (bit over a thousand new). Right or wrong, part of the reason I chose this is relative simplicity of setup and use. Although I'm open to messing with accessories and upgrades, I don't want to mess with spacers, complicated adjustments, changing arms, or hacking the table in any way.

Any thoughts about:

The move in general
Tips and tricks
Accessories: Cleaning Kits, scales, etc.
Upgrading that MM Cart (slightly, I don't want to spend more than a hundred or so more)
I thought a bit about getting a professionally restored Thorens?
Vendors (No real table dealers around me...looking at Music Direct...especially because of the easy return policy ....and they've been good in the past)

(Note: I will very likely stick to new on this as the idea of buying and shipping (again) a used turntable seems fraught with risk)

(One bonus question: When I switch my a5 to phono (nothing connected) i get some hum/noise...I'm assuming that's because nothing's connected to the the inputs or the ground?---Just hoping I don't go through all of this just to find out I have a bad phono section!)
128x128ml8764ag
sbrownnw
700 posts
 
RP3 is a solid table. A groove tracer ref subplatter will make it much better. I would try it with an audio technica ml440la cartridge. You can get them for less than $150 on amazon.

Did you try listening to an audio refinement complete integrated when you were looking for amps? I have on for sale. PM me if you are interested.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Denon DP62L

Save $600 and buy used, this one seems like a deal.

Best of Luck

Peter
terry9
2,341 posts
 
Hello M.

After 50 years of analog, I find that a well-set-up budget vinyl rig is superior to a poorly-set-up premium rig. I suggest that you buy a minimum vinyl rig (new, because then you can expect it to be OK) and learn how to set it up. Everything matters, so it takes patience and practice.

After you are pretty good at set-up, buy a better rig. The better stuff is not only more sensitive to set-up, but more sensitive to damage. Buying good stuff before you have set-up experience is risky, and can be counter-productive.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
For your table/cartridge look into U-Turn Audio, a start up in Boston. It sells direct and has gotten some great reviews. Go for the Orbit Plus model.
More to discover