Just got back in the vinyl community


It has been years since my last vinyl memory. Glad technology has been improved and cost of good quality components are more affordable nowadays. Just gone through the websites and YouTube channels, I have finally assembled my vinyl system at my budget. Got everything online and received them at my doorstep. Put everything together after work and get everything going on my day off. After extensive research and price checking, I have settled on the following components:

1. Speakers: a pair of 12th generation Uni-Q driver array KEF R3 speakers in my favorite glossy white finish.

2. Amplifier: Audiolab 6000A integrated amplifier in black finish (I can only budget it for integrated amplifier).

3. Source: Rega Planar 2 turntable In glossy white finish to match my speakers. However, I did upgrade the standard Carbon MM cartridge to the in house Exact MK2 MM cartridge to max out the potential along with Pro Ject Tube Box S2 phono stage (still in back order ETA in July).

So far playing everything on Audiolab built in phono stage with good results. Expecting improvement over Tube phono stage in July arrival. 
 

Any recommendations on the next upgrade? I can plan ahead on my budget. Thanks. 

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Showing 1 response by whart

Welcome back to spinning LPs. I think @bkeske ’s suggestion to build your collection is a good one as is @bdp24 ’s observation that all LPs are not created equal. In my experience, the more different records you play, the more you hear the strengths and weaknesses of the system.

Also, one of the critical areas that costs very little is placement in the room to take advantage of your room’s acoustics. I’d start simply by buying Jim Smith’s book, which is very down to earth, doesn’t involve taking fancy measurements and covers the basics. A lot of people get caught on the hamster wheel of upgrades in search of some elusive (and often ill-defined) goal of "better" sound without: a) maximizing the potential of what they own simply by improvements in set up and positioning and b) not knowing what a good system is capable of. The latter is something that is probably best accomplished by going to other audiophile’s homes (normally, people are generous in inviting listeners). Dealers can be good, bad or indifferent-- kind of hard to say, depending on where you are and how much you are willing to travel. Obviously, there’s nothing like in system trial but leave that to the side for the moment- you need to spend more time listening to what a great vinyl set up is capable of, all other things being equal (which they never are).

There is a compulsion to upgrade in this pursuit that is very hard to resist- who doesn’t like nice shiny objects- but resist! Make your changes after you get more seat time, after you have optimized what you have and after you have a better idea of what your system is lacking or where it needs to be improved.

Good luck and remember, this is supposed to "fun" and entertaining, enjoyable and a refuge from the rough and tumble of the outside world, not a race to get to the top of the mountain. Because all you will see is another, higher peak! :)