2. analog
  3. 1258809135

Coaching wanted on how to get back into vinyl

I could really use some advice on how best to get back into vinyl at the vinyl 101 stage. I have a Bryston BP20 preamp which does not have any phono inputs and I am now kicking myself for not choosing the BP which had the phono stage option. Do I sell this preamp and start over with the other one? Is there an alternative while keeping my present preamp? I run twin Bryston 3B NRB power amps and a set of KEF 103.2 which I like very much. I will also need a turntable which I will focus on later but would like that issue considered while makng these decisions ie MM or MC. This might sound basic to many of you, but we all start somewhere! I don't have to stick with Bryston but would prefer it. Any input is appreciated.
franklin356

Showing 2 responses by chayro

chayro
3,023 posts
 
What I did was get myself a Music Hall 5.1 and play with it for a bit, just to see if I really wanted to get involved. I bought new records from Acoustic Sounds and a carbon fiber brush to sweep off the surface dust prior to playing. The table worked great and with no fuss. I also bought a Bellari phono preamp, which was fine too.

After collecting some good records and deciding I wanted to continue on this path, I hooked up with a dealer and purchased a high-end table and a record cleaning machine, which I believe is mandatory if you are serious about vinyl. So is a dealer with analog expertise, unless you know a private person who can set stuff up for you.

So that's how I would suggest you go about it. Vinyl can be very rewarding, but it does require more of an investment of your time and energy than CDs to sound its best. BTW, I sold the Music Hall at very little loss.
chayro
3,023 posts
 
I agree with the above post to the extent that you should be aware that not all records, new or used, sound good. I've had great reissues and horrible ones. Same with new or mint copies of original pressings. There's an illusion to some people that all vinyl sounds great. Far, far from it, IMO.

Unless you were a meticulous audiphile back in the day, many of your old records are probably going to be damaged. Also, as I understand it, apart from sounding bad, playing damaged vinyl can damage or accelerate wear on your new stylus.

I've bought a lot of very nice records from Better Records. He has certain records for hundreds of dollars, but plenty of reasonably-priced stuff as well.
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