2. analog
  3. 1209769450

getting back into vinyl

I've long been a lurker on these forums but would like to hear the wisdom of this group. My old table broke years ago and was never worth repair. But I do have a good collection of vinyl I still own. I thought I might want to get back into analog playback so I brought a few recordings which I have in both CD and vinyl and listened at a dealer who seems to know their stuff. They were demoing an SME 20 through all ARC tube gear. The CDs were also played through an ARC unit. No question, the analog setup beat the digital in every regard. I was quite surprised by this - but even in dynamics and bass weight, the vinyl was superior. It was just more enjoyable listening.
The dealer tells me every table really does sound different and that the SME 30 is a big and noticeable upgrade over the 20. He didn't have that for me to listen to. In thinking about this, I can't see how there could possibly be that much difference at the high end? Between SME 20 and a budget table? Perhaps. Surely, the primary differences must really be in the cartridge and phono preamp. Perhaps some is the wiring of the arm.
Regardless, here's my quandary. No matter how much I might like it, I'm not going to spend $15k on a table, and another $6k on a phono preamp. But, I'm willing to spend some money if it gets me close to what I heard today.
Does it make sense to put a better MC cartridge and good phono section together w/ a basic table (ie VPI Scoutmaster) or is that foolish? I've already heard the Marantz w/ Clearaudio Virtuoso, but it didn't sound nearly as good as what I heard today. Was that the cartridge and electronics?...
So, seeking the wisdom of the group. Is it the table, arm, cartridge or phono section that is most noticeable to you? I'll use your suggestions to narrow my focus. Thanks much in advance!
mgrif104

Showing 2 responses by dcstep

dcstep
1,518 posts
 
You obviously can afford $20,000+ for a vinyl front end, otherwise I think you wouldn't be talking about it. Maybe if you talked a little about the rest of your system (speakers, amp, pre-amp, cable) we might be able to help you judge whether you'll gain much by going way over the budget for a VPI Scoutmaster or Pro-ject RM10.

Apparently you past TT was not that great, so I suspect that the step up to a Scoutmaster or RM10 will a major step.

Doesn't your dealer have any midpriced players? Sounds to me like he sized you up and aim you at his most expensive gear. Surely he's got a couple of other price points. Have him bring a couple of tables below $5000 into the same room with the SMEs. If he won't do it, walk and find a better dealer. He should be encouraging you to listen for yourself, but guiding you in reaction to your comments and feelings.

You might consider going used, starting at the Scoutmaster level, with a good cartridge and good phono-pre and see how involved you get in vinyl. If you want more later, then you can resale and buy at a higher level with only a nominal cost.

Dave
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Since you plan for the Cremonas in the future I'd suggest putting a budget of $4000 to $8000 together for vinyl and leave money for the Sonus and a much better amp (which they DEMAND). ARC stuff is good, but I don't think it's the best value, particularly for the Cremonas. I'd suggest something like:
VPI Scoutmaster or Pro-ject RM10 with a high output MC, like the Sumiko Blackbird $3000
Jeff Rowland Design Group Continuum 500 integrated amp with phono stage $9500.
Cremonas $9800.
Cables, Disc Doctor cleaning materials, etc. $2000
I'm assuming that you've got decent digital already.

The Pro-ject and Scoutmaster are consistant with this level of system. If you become "Dr. Vinyl" and want to upgrade, then you can do that later. You'll hear 99% with this set up and you'll probably want to buy some better LPs, if your best stuff is "scratchy".

Dave
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