Analog Noob: I have a few questions

I started to creat a long post about analogue, but instead let me ask a simple question. Are you up to speed on how much effort is involved in getting and setting up a good analogue system? It is a lot of work and a long learning process. Analogue is not plug and play - as reading all of the various threads in the analogue forum will reveal. Analogue is a hobby within a hobby.

Finding good used vinyl is not a walk in the park either, and IMHO getting good used LP's is the only reason to get into analogue. The quality of audiophile company reissues of the classic LP's is more often than not both expensive and unsatisfactory. QC is the pits much of the time. Another hobby within a hobby.

While you can get an entry level TT/Arm/Cartridge for around $1000, I would expect, judging from your other posts about much more advanced equipment that you might not be happy with it very long, any more than you would want to go back to lesser electronics or speakers.

BTW, Rega's are a good place to start, but unless you are already up to speed on set up, or have a good handy friend, buy from a dealer who can AND WILL help you with set up issues. It is a time consuming process and a lot of them reserve their set up time for customers who have bought expensive rigs and/or have bought their high end stuff thru them.

Just in case you aren't at all discouraged, and you decide to get a bargin priced used TT (etc) and have it shipped to you make sure you get a guarantee that it will arrive in perfect working condition. Most folks aren't up to packing these delicate devices adequately and the shippers destroy them without damaging the box.

If you are prepared to proceed, I would confine myself to looking for used TT (etc) within driving distance of your home - you can get some excellent quality TT's locally if you are patient, and when you have some decisions to make you can always ask specific questions of folks here.

FWIW

BTW, I just noted the post below about antiskating - read it and get a feel for just one of the parameters involved in set up....That aught to get your head scratching. I'm still trying to figure that issue out, and I can speak Greek too. :-)

Dawgcatching, I'm not sure if I can add much, but regarding the supremacy of analog to digital at $1200 price range, that is an unquestionably foolish statement made by someone with more ego than sensibility or experience. In fact I'd guess that most folks, with a little system guidance, could get far better sound out of a 1200 CDP than any comparably priced analogue system. And, I would argue, that until you are talking about 'systems' that are in the many thousands of dollars that they remain on the same level assuming care has been taken in creating system synergy. At some point, I think a great analogue system will rule. They both have inherrent warts so, for the most part its really apples to oranges in any event.

I think you really have to deal with the software issue before you decide whether or not to go forward. What music do you want to hear/explore. Where do you expect to find it. How much effort are you willing to make to find it. You get the idea.

FWIW, about 10 years ago, after I finally got immerged in jazz I decided to get some LP's. Well after about a year of rooting thru all of the used bins I could find, I picked up about 10 records in good or better condition, and enuf marajuna seeds to plant 100 acres. :-) No leaves though, damm it!

I'm not trying to turn you off of vinyl, there is good stuff, it is a good format, but it is a hobby, time consuming, and if you are not careful a mony pit as well.

Good luck though.........