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. 

128x128sfvolvo

Welcome back. I did the same about 5 years ago after leaving vinyl for over 35 years. 

You have a nice basic system as a starting point. I would simply relax and enjoy it. Carefully listen and find the weak areas over time you want to improve.

Buy records.

Soon enough, let your ears tell you what you want to improve upon.

But, if it does stick, be aware, an ever improving vinyl rig can become a deep ‘rabbit  hole’. In 5 years I have spent much more to improve my system than I ever imagined I would, and it’s been all worth it. It didn’t take me long after dragging my old turntable out of the basement 5 years ago that I knew it was, indeed, magical vs digital I had become accustomed to for so long. And now, much more so. But it takes another level of cash.

Well I love what you’ve done with the system! However, I feel strongly that your not going to get the full potential out of the Exact cartridge upgrade using the awful bearing (steel) and brass thrust plate (end of spindle on sub platter) of the P2. There is however a wonderful and "Must have" upgrade,. This will change the bearing to a Cubic Zerconia bearing and a Sapphire thrustplate at the end of a polished steel shaft. REGA dosent make great tables, they make fantastic tonearms, so doing these simple do it your self upgrades will really make the table a lot more quiet,stable and reliable. The sound will improve by being more authoritative, dynamic, detailed, lively!

 

This will take that P2 to super heights and would be hard pressed to find better sound for less than $2,000!

 

www.groovetracer.com/subplatter_groovetracer.htm

 

You can change the platter too, Highly recommended.

https://groovetracer.com/images/P5_Black-GT.jpg

 

Please Please do your self a favor and dont buy new records of old music or new records of new music because no one presses records from original master tapes they use a digital master which sux! and then they dont know how to press a record so you get horrible sound just horrible. Find OLD USED records from Atique malls and friends family or record conventions or estate sales ...anywhere but Barnes and Nobles or Walmart or Target...OMG! Find used record stores!

I understand. Thanks for your tips. Like Bekeske said, I will look into the current system and records that I enjoy to determine the direction of upgrades. Thanks for mattmiller comments on the Rega and new remastered recordings for vinyl. I do look around for vintage records too. 

As a Pre-Planner for anything you may choose to bring into the system at a later date.

I suggest that you spend some time learning what might be a good structure to mount your TT on.

There are endless options at varied costs. My experience is that very attractive results are able to be created at not too much monies, using Items that can sell on quite easy, if investigations are showing up support devices that are being superseded.

Getting the Support Structure to a place where it is undoubtedly perceived as being Optimised, can have a impact that will create the impression a New TT>TA is in use, when recollected for the sonic produced on a previous method of support. 

Such an Optimised Structure should prove its value to any future endeavours.

Congrats. I agree that vinyl can be rewarding, but it tends to bring out the OCD in some.  I think you were wise to go with a Rega table/cart combo because you can relax in knowing that it’s set up to Rega spec and you don’t have to fiddle with alignment, vta and all that stuff. I would wait a few months and if you still enjoy records, I would invest in a record cleaning machine. You don’t need anything fancy right now. I think Record Doctor makes one for about $200 that looks good. After a year or so, if you’re itchy, I would consider moving up 2 notches in the Rega line. Your dealer might even take yours back in trade. Keep the box. Have fun.