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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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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.
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Good advice by Les....
Vintage Japanese DD turntables are the cheapest way to 'buy' into quality vinyl sound.
Second hand vintage MM cartridges can often sound better than über expensive LOMC cartridges......unless you're a brain-washed herd-following snob....:-)
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Don't forget the steam unit for cleaning the vinyl. At about $30 it is a must. Think about it, steam is the best way to clean your carpet, it also is the best way to clean your vinyl.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
what device do you use and how? thanks.

I've got a couple of boxes left of LP's that the ex didn't toss by 'accident'. I've got a Rotel RT855 with VandenHull MM1 with very low hours. Both are working nicely. I worry a bit about the arm bearings and wonder if they need to be oiled or anything. Going with a 16.5 most probably and also getting the Bellari tubed MM pre amp as it's not too expensive and my dealer loves it for what it is. I'd love to hear the Well Tempered Simplex and Amadeus vs each other with a better pre and maybe Dynavector cart
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