I think that you can do a good basic vinyl system for a lot less than what people think. I would suggest starting off with a moderate set-up and go from there. Just keep in mind that there are a lot more rungs on the ladder should you choose to climb higher. Obviously, you can go "sky's the limit" if you choose to do so and obtain correspondingly better results. This approach minimizes your investment should you find that you don't want to put forth the initial effort that IS required with vinyl.
If you keep in mind the following basics, you'll do okay:
1) ALL TT's benefit from placement on top of a platform that is very rigid, well damped and vibration free.
2) All vinyl based systems benefit from having thoroughly cleaned records and "needles". Once cleaned, records should be put into sleeves that are also clean without contaminants to re-pollute the vinyl. The stylus should be cleaned on a regular basis, but be VERY gentle. Do not use Pine-Sol or Formula 409 to "clean" the tip : )
3) All TT's benefit from the proper selection of arm / cartridge combo's and the appropriate fine tuning involved.
4) All cartridges can be fine tuned in terms of tracking specifics and loading within the phono section. If in doubt, follow the manufacturers' recommendations as closely as possible and then "tweak" as you learn more. Fine tuning can literally transform the tonal balance, amount of noise, etc.. from one extreme to another. Just be careful whenever working around the stylus : )
5) Don't be afraid to buy a used TT and / or arm so long as it is in good shape. I would stick to new cartridges and an arm / table combo that is already set up at this point in time though.
Good luck and hope this helps... Sean
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If you keep in mind the following basics, you'll do okay:
1) ALL TT's benefit from placement on top of a platform that is very rigid, well damped and vibration free.
2) All vinyl based systems benefit from having thoroughly cleaned records and "needles". Once cleaned, records should be put into sleeves that are also clean without contaminants to re-pollute the vinyl. The stylus should be cleaned on a regular basis, but be VERY gentle. Do not use Pine-Sol or Formula 409 to "clean" the tip : )
3) All TT's benefit from the proper selection of arm / cartridge combo's and the appropriate fine tuning involved.
4) All cartridges can be fine tuned in terms of tracking specifics and loading within the phono section. If in doubt, follow the manufacturers' recommendations as closely as possible and then "tweak" as you learn more. Fine tuning can literally transform the tonal balance, amount of noise, etc.. from one extreme to another. Just be careful whenever working around the stylus : )
5) Don't be afraid to buy a used TT and / or arm so long as it is in good shape. I would stick to new cartridges and an arm / table combo that is already set up at this point in time though.
Good luck and hope this helps... Sean
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