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My Analog Journey - Opinions Sought

When I first started out in this hobby 10 years ago, my first source was a Bluesound Node 2. Eventually I upgraded to a Lumin T2 which was a nice step up in sound quality and I’ve been happy with it ever since.

Around 2021 or so I decided I want to explore the analog side of things. With the guidance of this forum, I settled on a Technics SL1210GR, AudioTechnica VM760SLC cart, and a Herron VTPH1 phono stage.

Somewhere along the line I decided that I preferred the convenience of streaming and there my turntable sat. Collecting dust as they say.

Fast forward to two weeks ago. I decided that maybe it was time to start letting some of this gear go that I’m not using. The Herron was first up on the chopping block, but something told me I better turn this thing on and make sure it still works.

So, I hooked everything up. Dropped on Everybody Digs Bill Evans, a recording with which I’m well familiar. Well, I almost cried at how good it sounded. <Insert all the flowery audiophile language here>. The background was blacker. The tone richer, more air and separation around the instruments within the soundstage, and the imaging is more precise.

The difference between my digital and analog rig could not be more apparent. I heard someone say on this forum that you need to spend much more on digital to obtain the same results as analog; or maybe it was the other way around?

I am absolutely hooked on vinyl right now and don’t see myself turning back. Although I do see myself looking into MC carts in the not so distance future.

Thanks to everyone on this forum that shares their knowledge so freely. Comments welcome on future upgrades or anything else.....

Cheers,
Joe

audionoobie

Showing 2 responses by redlenses03

redlenses03
101 posts
 

@bipod72  great post.  As one just getting into vinyl (i’m set on dig rig) I’m still in very early stages deciding on weather to make the jump as it is very $ to match a good dig rig, but your approach is really spot on.  One doesn’t need one format/medium, it’s not a competition between formats.  Use them all (if you can).  
 

I like the idea of compiling some albums on vinyl that the counter part in other formats are just plain crap and vice versa.  There’s more to it than that of course, but no reason to be strictly all one format.  
 

Having invested a ton into dig and a good size local library, I’m enjoying the alternate format, shopping for albums, learning all about the analog side of things etc..  no doubt vinyl rig is or can be depending on one’s goals.

redlenses03
101 posts
 

One thing I find interesting and is a pretty consistent theme on these types of threads/subjects, many of the indiv getting out of vinyl are the ones that have been at it for decades and decades. I suppose the whole ritual and $ looses its appeal to convenience after some time?

Not at all criticizing that if that’s the case. Just interesting to see how many are getting out of it and how many are entering it are - again just a perception.

Personally, I have spent all my energy on room, setup, learning the dig side of things etc…one day something sparked my TT interest (not for wishing to better my dig or due to being bored with dig, far from it) just the mechanical / physical aspect of it. The more I researched it (and have fantastic friends/resource with vinyl experience) I thought hmmm that would be cool to add another format/ method to my rig. Thats where I’m at currently.

The one obvious thing about considering a vinyl rig is the $. For me to add this medium is finding the right balance of not too cheap and not too $ with regard to SQ. Not trying to match my dig side but just getting something that’s fun and enjoyable. I have no expectations of surpassing my dig

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