I am interested to update my 15 year old system !

@markny2011 At the beginning of the pandemic I decided I would “upgrade “ my 20 year old system. Forty thousand dollars later all the 20 year old components are in the garage in boxs. Its been explained to me by management that my “ upgrades “ are complete now or I might be looking to upgrade my 25 year old marriage. My advice, be careful its a slippery slope. Btw, new system is just fantastic,we’ve made a lot of progress in the last 20 years in audio.

Thanks BikeBoy !    No real replies this far but appreciate your comment !  Looks like I will have to figure it out on my own.  Perhaps I threw too many questions and issues into a single post.  
   Are you into cycling ?    Cycling and my boat are also money pits !!

i dont believe ps audio still marketing  mumbo jumbo stuff on youtube while a lot of custumer not served well

I am 98% vinyl/analog.  That being said, if you’re starting from scratch vinyl is a money pit.  If I had to start over again, I’d do it all over, but honestly, that’s probably not the smartest idea.  P3 is a nice TT with lots of upgrade options but based on the rest of your equipment is probably not an end game table.  Whatever TT you settle on, IMHO the cartridge makes or breaks it.  Personally, go with the best Hana  or Soundsmith you can justify/afford.  When looking at Soundsmith, keep the retipping cost in mind, that’s a huge bonus with Soundsmith.

Power, bite the bullet and go with PS Audio.  Their regenerators are fabulous, dead silent background.  I use two, a 5 and a 12, and can’t imagine my system without them.

Since your music leans towards vocals, consider Harbeths.  Budget and room size will guide you as to which ones.  I have SHL5+XDs and in addition to being beyond amazing for vocals, they also sound amazing at any volume.  I have no tone controls of any kind and even late night low volume listening is magical with them, no subwoofer required.

Anyhoo… just my $0.02.

The older SF speakers were voiced much warmer and darker than their latest models. I would encourage you to listen to their new lines.

Add Harbeth to your list as well. +1 on that recommendation above. 
Newer DACs will help with lower level listening as well as they’re more resolving and transparent than your 20 year old DAC. Depending on what speakers you like, select your amplifier. If you go the integrated route, there are options with built in DAC and or phono stage. The Rega table is fine but offers no VTA adjustment so you’re limited on cartridge choices unless you use optional spacers. 
 

Fun journey! Enjoy!!!

The PSAudio experience is not unique.  I had the same problem with them with a Phono Pre Amp and these Forums are filled with similar stories about their lack of support for various components.

  The capacitor issue seems to ROP up with a lot of different components that have been unused for years.  Things simply go bad from lack of use, be they cars, expensive audio, or hiking boots.  I would budget for additional problems that you may encounter.

  Is a power conditioner really your first priority?  For me it would be the cherry on the top of the sundae after you get everything else right.

  Your major issue will be accessing the files on the MacBook.  The simplest answer would be to go with a high end streaming service.  If you find that it fits your needs, then you are done.  Qobuz and Tidal and I presume others have desktop apps so you can try them out with you MabBook, if it still works.  If you decide on a dedicated streamer, see if you can get one that will play the files on the laptop in the Apple format.  It would be better in the long run to move them to a dedicated HD in FLAC, not for sound but ease of use going forward.

  I’ll leave the analog discussions to others

Analog, Phono Stage, TT, Cartridges:

Do you have a collection of Vinyl?

Are you sure you will stick with Vinyl, or very probably to?

IOW, a good 'starter' setup to test the waters, then move up as your collection/interest proves itself.

my recommended 'starter' TT (built-in optional phono stage) (removable headshell) (cartridge body provided accepts upgraded stylus)

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-pvnFCuG5EdZ/p_057120XBTB/Audio-Technica-LP120XBT-USB.html?XVINQ=D74&XVVer=29P&awcr=632474866790&awdv=c&awnw=g&awug=9003512&awkw=dsa-1244242300542&awmt=&awat=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1rqkBhCTARIsAAHz7K39FpfzZY23zFQ0a_06TWoTG7EFpm-VuO6caOAA9pynaEEkzood13AaAg70EALw_wcB

I had one for years, liked it a lot, then upgraded, gave it to a friend.

I find my listening habits have changed over time with the technology…I used to think nothing of getting up every twenty minutes to change a side…now I read about the artist or material as I select from a limitless source of materials from a comfortable seat. I think now that quality of the source is a more even playing field other  factors weigh in to the listening experience.

Mind you I am also somewhat heavier for all the convenience!

I want to echo the above, vinyl is a money pit. I just went down that road and ended up spending a fortune to get my system where I wanted it. Your consideration of a Planar 3, etc. can easily be matched/exceeded in the digital domain. Really great analog is very costly.

Regarding power, I’m unclear as to why you are fixated on power regenerators vs top conditioners. Again, this is an area where powering your power amplifier/integrated is a very expensive proposition if done right. This means not limiting peak current. That said, I personally believe that attention to power is, along with room acoustics, a fundamental concern.

Regarding PS Audio, I can’t defend them, but I have been following their forums and they, along with all audio manufacturers, have faced a much more limited supply chain. They have had to greatly delay products, because missing one critical part can doom a design. This recently was the fate of their AirLens streamer. I suspect that a vast majority of their customers are happy with their products and take advantage of their trade-in policy. If I were to buy a PS Audio product, I would definitely wait for a promotion. Once they brought all sales in-house, they didn’t reduce prices, but do put many items on sale at least once per year. Good luck and take a close look at power. Please make note that many comments on power conditioners are based upon wildly differing budgets and technologies.  There is a reason why manufacturers such as McIntosh recommend plugging their integrated amps directly into the wall. I would suggest that a better solution is plugging them into a high end power product from a reputable company.

Levinson 383 integrated amp, into

Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home floorstanding speakers

Speaker cables were Transparent Music Wave Super

Are you still satisfied with this combo?

If yes, then, I would get the Levinson checked by a tech.

Get a different Source/Front-end, a better DAC, and a new Conditioner.

Thank you all for the very valuable input thus far !    I am out for the day - but will send my initial thoughts after this feedback tonight !   Thank you again !

I have the P3, and tried 4 different Phono stages. I ended up with the Moon 110lp v2. You can spend 10K on a phono stage, for sure, but unless you have 10K speakers, it won't matter much. It's a fantastic little phono stage. 

OP there are plenty of options you can do now in this hobby? If you wish to go vynil? I recommend to contact Upscale audio their rep are very knowledgeable.Its their passion I could tell.From TT , phono preamp to cartridge they will help you.There are plenty of cables to choose from. With your systems , Norsdost, Kimber , Tellurium Cables might work. I do own ps audio 300 power regenerator  I like it a lot I still use it.One day I decided to give it a break and call Jim from wisdom cable to buy his power strip , I felt wisdom power strip is equal the ps 300 or a bit better.One other options Audioquest niagara start with the 1200 see if you like it, I have one I love it .Steve Huff has a good review on this unit. Speakers maybe check out Tekton design and the forum here. 

I want to add, pay attention to the warnings above on starting vinyl from scratch. 
Not worth it. @vonhelmholtz nailed it - it will take an uber expensive analog set up to be on par with good digital. Take what you were planning to spend on table and phono stage and invest that in a better digital source. 

I went through a similar exercise recently.

Roon + qobuz or Tidal is the thing to check out first. Any entry level Roon ready streamer from NAD or Cambridge Audio will do, then do the free Roon tidal and qobuz trials all at the same time. See where that gets you then take a breath and go from there as needed.

Kat at upscale sure is awesome

I see nothing wrong with analog. I have the smallest budget imaginable of all members here, I find incredible $1, $2 LPs at thrift stores every week, with content and quality nonexistent or just as expensive with a decent streaming service. 

Of course you pay 100s for an album, and call it a money pit.

If you like Bluesound, you can purchase a Vault and point the address where your files are on the Harddrive of the Macbook pro. I think you can do that with your Node now. Either will play them on your stereo. Additionally you can copy any new CD into the (Vault) for a duplicate copy. Just a thought...

I have a Denafrips 12 Annniversary Pontus that makes the Bluesound sound great. But I like Schiit DACs as well.

If you want to try something different for vocals, get the Magenapn LRS+. A really beautiful speaker for jazz and vocals that will not break the bank. IMO

As for the rest, just look long and hard before buying and try to listen to anything you might like. I took long road trips to listen to equipment that peaked my interest.

Avoid hype with products, some of the best sound can be found in non-hyped audio gear.

Good Luck..

I would go out and audition some high end systems. Have your tastes changed? There has been a lot of advancement in each sound type. So first verify the direction. Then you can start thinking about how to get there. Take a trip to a big city if you do not already live in one.

The efficiency of Zu speakers pair well with low power SET amps which would be a big draw for me.  SET amps when paired the right speakers are very enjoyable in my limited experience.  Your listening taste of Sinatra, Krall and Jazz would benefit greatly from pairing Zu speakers with a Line Magnetic LM845ia, which I was able to demo... the sound that amp puts out is truly sublime with vocals... a real game changer.... but unfortunately not a good pairing with my current speakers.  I would buy the Line Magnetic new in case you need service. 

I've owned two Bluesound streamers previously... both worked well for the cost, but the built in DAC is weak in my experience and I preferred the sound when paired with an external DAC.   DAC age is less a concern than the quality of the DAC.   I use a Weiss 202 that's > 10 years old and it sounds wonderful IMO.  Are there better DAC's?  I'm sure there are, but it all boils down to budget.

@grislybutter 

The money pit is not the records, but the equipment.  Digital equipment has a relatively high benefit to cost compared to analog.

@vonhelmholtz 

I guess the vinyl components of the the rig can cost twice as much as its digital match. I have no idea, to be fair, that's just what I read.  

• @markny2011 Happy Father’s Day if that applies! Yes I am an avid cyclist after giving up running (knees). My upgrade started with the idea of just adding vinyl playback to my old system (pics on profile) started with a P3 and an inexpensive phono stage, don’t know if you’ve researched the Rega turntables yet but they are known to present ground noise problems for some and they did for me.The dealer that sold me mine let me swap it out for P6 which still presented ground hum but ultimately I was able to trace that down and eliminate it. After that I upgraded the phono pre amp to a Gold Note with it matching linear power supply, huge improvement in SQ there. That should have been the end of the story there but then I discovered streaming. Originally I purchased a inexpensive Marantz streamer with the notion that it would be used for daily music while puttering around the house or whatever. Well it didn’t take long for me to become completely hooked on the ability to be able to pull up any song or album that popped in my head that day , I’ve got unusualy diverse taste in music, I,d have to hit the lottery to buy all the music I like to listen to. It’s rare now that I spin or purchase vinyl since I’ve gotten my streaming SQ near or equal to that of the vinyl but you may have a different goal or experience, good luck with your endeavor it was both fun and rewarding for me (and the sellers) Enjoy!

Hi Everyone, Thanks so much for the input thus far ... it has already had a big impact on my thinking. I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the choices I had to make, and this has already put me into a prioritized direction.

I will put off the expansion into vinyl for now. It seems from all those with good experience in vinyl that it is a long journey, and expensive ! I have no vinyl now, so it means a focus not just on equipment, but building up a collection of vinyl - which seems like its own full time job getting this right. So I will deal with my digital upgrades first.

I will start auditioning speakers to the best that I can. I was still intrigued with Zu from what I have read, and the suggestions above on Harbeth seem very good based upon my research into the brand just now. There is a dealer not far from me who handles Audio Note, which also seems to be a solid choice.

A QUESTION ABOUT STREAMING ... If I am now streaming from Qobuz through the Bluesound Node, should I expect that source to be as good as the Apple lossless files on my Mac? If they are both high res digital bits coming in to my DAC, is there a reason they should sound different - one better than another ?

Also - why would a high end streamer sound better than a Bluesound Node ? Again - if 2 different streamers are pulling a digital stream from Qobuz - and both are feeding the same DAC - would the streamer affect the sound ?

PMM SUGGESTED GETTING MY LEVINSON CHECKED BY A TECH. As long as it is playing well, what could be needed if it hasnt been used for several years.

And finally - the power regenerator replacement I will also make a lower priority as I focus on the speakers and digital source. I will also try to get some ideas on cables - but obviously - that comes after a speaker change !

Thank you all - and would still appreciate any input based upon my comments here and what I suppose will now be my first priority of looking into speakers, and whether the Bluesound Node (although new) should be replaced with something better.

Really appreciate all the help !

The albums you have stored on your hard drive as Apple Lossless (ALAC or AIFF I assume) may not always be the same versions of those albums you would stream from Qobuz. Original in AIFF vs. remastered and or high res on Qobuz for example. 
 

As to the difference between streamers, some of the driving factors would be better quality of parts, better designed and isolated interfaces, better power supply (linear vs switch mode, type of transformer and filtering, etc.) and a better implementation and integration of firmware and hardware. 
There are DACs available on the market that include network renderer either as an option or a standard feature, that makes them Roon ready. That eliminates the need for a streamer, interconnect cable between streamer and DAC and possible power related upgrades you can get sucked into such as external power supplies, power cords, etc. Roon is a subscription based music management service that consolidates your stored music and your streaming services into one platform. It requires you to run Roon Core on your computer and a remote app on your mobile device. You can also use Roon with pretty much every major streamer today with some exceptions, i.e Aurender. 
The network renderer in the DAC typically costs less than a dedicated streamer but in some cases beats out a separate streamer and DAC combos of comparable cost in performance. 
 

All these differences between digital sources will very in degree depending on the quality and price range of the source component(s), the rest of your system, synergy and your ability to hear and identify these differences. 
 

As far as the amp goes, if your Levinson integrated works and sounds fine, I wouldn’t bother getting it checked out by a tech. Just use it you like how it sounds until you are ready to upgrade.
 

@vonhelmholtz 

 I agree with you on the value of digital vs analog equipment.  With digital a relatively small investment will get exceptional results.  It tends to get better as you spend more but the ceiling is easily obtainable. An equivalent amount spent on analog usually leaves you lacking in some areas.

   I disagree with you re PS Audio.  Their issues started well before the pandemic.  Their attitude is: Thanks for buying our stuff, it shows that you are a discerning consumer.  It broke?  Sorry man, we are a small company, and it is your responsibility as an audiophile to keep us going, so here is the replacement which costs 3x what you originally paid and might last half as long.  Watch our YouTube channel!

  If they are now blaming the pandemic for their issues, that is a convenient cop out

@markny2011  The reason that I recommend you take your ML amp to a tech, was that it may be good to have those capacitors checked. Would also help on resale if you decided to go that route.

@pmm it would not help the resale in any way. If it works, use it if you want to keep it, or sell it in working condition. If it doesn’t work, figure out next steps. 
Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. Doesn’t add value no matter how you twist it. 

 A follow-up to Audphile1 about streaming equipment.  I had questioned what a better streamer does.

Right now I use the Bluesound to get music from Qobuz.  I then bypass their DAC and go to my DAC (Musical Fidelity), which then feeds the amp.

The digital stream is digital bits (1's and zero's).  The 1's and 0's come from Qobuz and go to my DAC for processing.  Assuming I continue to use my own DAC, what difference does it make which streamer you are using?  It is just a pass through for 1's and 0's, and I dont think it is processing anything in anyway.    Maybe I am wrong ?  If so, could someone please explain.  Thanks!   

PS - I had considered buying a NAIM Unity for $3,000+.  Does that do anything better than the Bluesound ?

If digital is 1s and 0s then why are you bypassing the Bluesound built in DAC and going to an external dac? What am I missing? Because based on your understanding as long as it’s ones and zeros neither the streamer nor the dac matter, right? But that’s not how it works. I think I explained the difference in my post above. Re-read it please  

Audphile1 ...   Thanks for your reply.  Maybe I wasnt clear in my question...

Of course I believe there is great importance, and also variability in DAC's.  They are not the same, and they range from cheap, to extremely expensive, and they perform accordingly.   Your phone basically has a cheap DAC built in because it has to change the digital connection to analogue music that you can hear.

My question is about getting the 1s and 0s to the DAC - to be processed to analogue music.   I need a streamer to pull the music from Qobuz (or any other digital streaming source).  My DAC does not interface with Qobuz.  My DAC just takes 1s and 0s and processes them.

Therefore - I need an intermediary "box" to pull the 1s and 0s from the internet, and pass it to the DAC.  (I bypass the DAC in the Bluesound, which I have heard is not that good).   So the Bluesound just grabs the 1s and 0s, based upon instructions on what to get, and then passes the 1s and 0s to the DAC.    It does nothing more than retrieve digital bits, and passes them on to the DAC.

So my question is, if I am not using a streamer to process in any way - it just hands off 1s and 0s - then what difference would there be with an expensive streamer handing off the bits, or the bluesound handing off the bits.

I hope I am making myself clear.  Thank you !

Read up on these forums, watch videos on YouTube, read magazine reviews…educate yourself. 
Good luck. 

Audphile1,

Thanks for the reply !

I suggest you also educate yourself !    I dont think you can answer the simple question - which is fine - but if you cant answer a question, perhaps just say so, instead of shooting out an arrogant reply demonstrating your lack of knowledge.

Just a suggestion.  No malice intended.  Hope you have a good day ahead !

Hahaha ok. I spent time detailing it for you in my reply on 6/19. Whether you read that or not, or read and didn’t understand it, you came back with it’s all 1s and 0s argument. So my recommendation was for you to get more information from what was already written and available. I don’t owe you anything. Neither do I have time to write a War and Peace on digital playback here. Hence my recommendation for you to put in some effort and educate yourself based on the information that’s already available. But you’re just another entitled snowflake. Remember…no one owes you anything. Pretty simple concept. I’m over and out. Good luck!

a dedicated streamer may not sound significantly better than your phone (if you don’t have a zillion_$_gear) - when your phone is not doing anything else, and your connection is superb. But that’s often not the case, so a streamer is mainly a better and more convenient way. Try to bring home that new fridge from your home depot in a Mazda 3, or a Truck. The truck was designed to do it, the Mazda can.

@markny2011 Just a guess but Id say next to the AC cable debate that actually never really stops that the streamer/ dac debate would have to be number two on these boards.Your getting good advice from @audphile1 go to the digital threds here and read up on this subject. It has been covered extensively and Ive got first hand experience here as well, I had a hard time with the concept but finally took the advice of other members here a spent some real money on an actual high end streamer and the difference in sound quality was shocking. Save yourself some money and read some of the old threads, Ive got two mid fi streamers out in my garage gathering dust cause I was convinced bits was bits, they aint. Enjoy the experience and the music!

Thanks Bikeboy!

sensible and mature reply...

@markny2011 I think theres a couple of threads about the  Aurender N200, that,s what I ended up with, its blown more than a few minds with its performance. They’re Conductor app is awesome also ,haven’t had one glitch.

I will check it !

In my opinion, before suggesting equipment, a lot depends on two things.

1.  The sound quality you want.  

     a.  how real and detailed do you want the system (music) to sound?

2.  What budget you have for this?

I don't recommend replacing everything at once.  When one has an already decent system.  upgrading one item at a time in my opinion is the way to go.  Because the "upgrade" roller coaster is a long trip is you aren't "there" with the system's sound quality.

If it doesn't sound real and can drive you out of the room, then we are talking substantial funds.  But again, one piece at a time to see (hear) the improvement over that piece you are considering replacing.

Aurender music server/streamer/ripper is the way to go if you have a large CD collection.  No reason to pay a streaming service to hear music you already have.

There is a huge difference between servers.  Some will tell you that digital (one's and zero's) are the same and that is actually not true.  Just like cables make a noticeable difference,

So, my advice, is to try to find stores/dealers that will let you take equipment home or purchase with a no questions asked return policy and hear it in your home in your system.

Again, change only one thing at a time and set the listening level with the old piece, listen, then measure the db level of that music, swap the new piece in, adjust the listening level to match the previous level and then listen.

Volume/gain level differences, will falsely convince people that something is better, when actually it is simply a gain/volume difference.

For example on changing pieces.  If you like having an integrated amp, then stay with that and listen to other integrated amps, to see (hear) if the differences are substantive enough to warrant an upgrade. The new Mark Levinson integrated are pretty nice.  But, so are several others.  Are they substantially better than your current one?  Only you can make that determination in your home doing an A/B comparison.

Digital upgrades.  Find some decent servers to compare with what you have now.  Aurender is excellent.  There are some others, but $$$$$.  Again, bit perfect ripping is what you want.  Unless you don't want to rip and want to pay for streaming.  

Speakers?  Wow what a deep rabbit hole that one is.  If you upgrade speakers first, a very good pair will reveal the issues with equipment, and the upgrade path will definitely continue.

If you are okay with your current pair, then if it was me, I would look into the digital source first.  A good streamer/ripper and a really good DAC.  The newer integrated amps might also include a pretty decent DAC, so you might look into that also.

Anyway, more to come?

enjoy

Bits are not just bits when talking about making sound from them. The bits have to be correctly read, processed and applied to produce an analog signal. Furthermore, while still in the digital domain, anything is possible in regards to how those bits are manipulated either by design or otherwise. Some products are simply more focused on doing it right for best possible sound quality than others. In some cases a particular “house sound” might be the goal similar to other products by various hifi makers. It’s a combo of hardware and software that gets the job done. So pretty much anything is possible. The only way to know is to do your homework up front before buying and then listen and compare.

and btw if someone gives me relevant advice, I try to do my best to respond. Not a big deal, just to echo @audphile1 in that regard

:)

I have been a Vinyl as the Source System owner for approx' 40+ years. I added CD as a Source a few years past and have a 2 Source System that has the capability to present very attractive replays. I enjoy both sources 'equally', even though my being wed to Vinyl is my first love.

I never feel I am being sold short when using CD.

A 1000 CD's are already owned, concentrating on a Digital Source along with the kept Power Amp, will certainly assist with your hitting the ground running, for the finding out where changes are to be made with the other ancillaries. An alternative Source can be worked out for what is most suitable over time.

If you are looking for a streamer, check out the Eversolo DMP-a6 streamer. For a extra $260 it is a way better choice over the Bluesound Node2.

I suggest you look at a Puritan PSM 156 to replace your PS Audio unit.

Very positive reviews and experiences. So much demand, they have had to significantly increase production. I have one on order.

http://www.puritanaudiolabs.com/products/master-purifiers/psm156/

Thank you to everyone for the added comments in the last 2 days.  For one thing - I clearly have learned and accept the good advice that I cant do this all at once !

The least important change I believe is my amp.  While I may decide to change in the future to a tube amp - I cant argue that the Levinson is probably excellent for anything else I do now.

Based upon the suggestions - I have started to listen to some speakers.  I found a place to go hear Audio Note (E's and J's) and listened to them with an OTO amp.  It was fabulous.   I will try to hear some other speakers, including Harbeth.

To my surprise, I thought there would be a great deal of comparison blogs between these 2 speakers - but I have only seen 1 or 2.   Even from the writings, I dont have a feel for what users feel are the differences.  I a also a bit intrigues by the Soul 6 by Zu.  The reports are all faboulous.  The physical size for me is excellent, and the price is right around my budget (6k) (which is also where I can get a solid pair of AN or Harbeth)

For now I am relatively new to streaming - so I will keep the Bluesound - but it sounds like a better streamer will help - but I also think that can wait until after I finalize the speaker choice.

Thank you all again for your invaluable help !   Any thoughts on my speaker comments above will be of course welcome !

I've owned several pairs of Harbeth's over a 14 year period... and while I obviously enjoyed my time with them, I feel they've become over priced, especially new ones.  The beauty of Audio Notes and Zu's are they pair nicely with low powered tube amps, particularly SET amps.   I encourage you to continue down that path (Audio Note and Zu)!

Since you mentioned your system not sounding right at low volume I will relate my experience. In a previous system I had a similar experience. At the suggestion of my dealer, Audio Connection, I swapped out my speaker cables for a set of Audioquest CV-4 speaker cables and the improvement at low volume was huge. For whatever reason my speaker cables were the issue. So before changing out your speakers I would find a dealer who might loan you something to try so you can see for yourself. It may save you some time and money.

Thank you again.   The latest 2 contributions were very valuable.   I loved the Audio note speakers I tested.  And I have heard some mixed comments about Harbeth - but there are certainly people out there who love them. 
 

I will also look into trying a different set of cables to see if they make they improvement I am looking for at low volume.  
 

any cable suggestions for running a Levinson integrated into Sonus Faber Home speakers.   
 

thank you !!!

OP

If you review the whole list of responses, you realize the responses shifted from TT advice to ’don’t do it’, stream instead. Good advice about streaming I suppose, I don’t stream.

I still advise at some time you get a decent ’starter’ vinyl system, and see if you like Vinyl. If not, put it in a second system or sell it, or if you start with the AT120 recommendation, not much money lost, give it to a friend.

Finding used LP’s in shops or eBay in decent shape is not that hard, and buying ’very good’ on Discogs is fairly inexpensive. I find what I am looking for, sort by ’condition’, then check the total delivered.

Best of Stan Getz, Near Mint: scroll down, $12.00 delivered

https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/709899?ev=rb&sort=condition%2Cdesc

eBay, $9.50 delivered

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256099328865?hash=item3ba0b5a361:g:RpsAAOSwJeJkfLPU&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwCe8C%2BfO5dGHyqfR%2BFvdB9bEEblkiBFAXelBbM%2FFs6tH7F4Kl5ZQjluBGZg74VlZFvCn82JDVmMge1i52vRRscPEyU4fGt5BaKMfAPDddm7xiKrdu592tACdfnFYMtgd9Zp6L8DCIVITtdJqZsdab8BlrgnPRtqvmCXKj6RHFeZ7jZQqfrqUPN7otR28IFQ64Nd8wOaQ2yprxTQWj%2BOEtGrC%2FVPx56rCOPoAmPIOt44e%2FsPpOPi%2BDilMqZ0OrhhJgw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8ior9ydYg

Stan and Gerry Mulligan, $8. delivered

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266291171361?hash=item3e0030d021:g:hvQAAOSwUuRgRtSI&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4CkL4FobcBjtWG6IF%2B%2FlKogxjlz47TuCC2LQuE9Xpa7wRx01VtXXU1QdrZy8A2QO2xsLMbERvCBwRBjtLlnc09kTN0jtheVu3TlvGktD9G34DVc5tmZHpEZigRIGfoLU3EzTKCtN0O5xXeGGMRKeFW5WkAgd%2BePoSccnAnRNQsE3p%2Fly4DoMowstbNZPfDe5KcuknUz0z9KM91lqVF3RjaFEZQpY920dgoR4DsHx1j%2Fpng0NsfjKbESMvex0CwuNXa25Bzzz%2FyzhmujMjyiX8r5nKagAmx2mhEa60fPBOpV5%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4qVwdydYg

Point is, a simple start to find out about vinyl, and if you will stick with it does NOT have to be a confusing difficult mess, or cost much.

My original advice: don't jump in the deep end to start.