2. analog
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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!)
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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.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I'm doing the same thing. I've done a lot of research and the Rega 6 is a great choice in that price range. I'm most probably going to save until I can afford a Well Tempered Simplex based on what my friend has told me about their upper line tables. It's one of the few TT's that sounds a lot better than anything in it's range is what he's said and there are a ton of reviews on that one and the Armedeas that say the same thing. That golf ball pivot set up for it's arm is amazing I guess. Just something you owe your self to look into.
les_creative_edge
174 posts
 
Ok, If you want to follow on here. This is what I would look at doing with about $1000 to spend.

First, I'd shop for a good/great used turntable. I'd look for vintage higher end Made In Japan, Direct Drive models circa oh say 1975-1985 or so. Denon, JVC, Technics, Yamaha, Sansui, Kenwood, Pioneer etc all had quality tables that would be very good spinners. (price range oh maybe $500 ).

Next I'd buy a good reliable cartridge. But not spend more than $200 max. Check out Shure M-97xe, Denon DL-110, Audio Technica AT-440, Ortophon 2M Red or 2M Blue. To name a few (price range $80.00 to $200.00)

Finally, I'd buy a Spin Clean Record Washing system (about $80.00) a Carbon Fibre Brush (about $20-$30) A basic stylus cleaning brush. about $10.00>.

IMO this will get a listener off to a great start in enjoying vinyl. Total cost under $1000.00
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
If you are starting with no lps, I would be factoring in a VPI 16.5 for cleaning so you can build your collection with good used finds. In a year you will have a stand alone phono, mc cartridge, and a different table.
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