2. analog
  3. 163422-6055

New to analog

I spent the last 6-8 months building a decent (at least to me) system that I enjoy quite a bit. I sold my CD player about a year ago and currently only relying on streaming. I was in the market for a nice CD player but figured why not give this analog thing a shot and see what all the fuss is about. So here we are :)

One thing to keep in mind is that while I might be a total noob when it comes to analog/vinyl, I've been dabbling in audio for almost 15 years and have gone through my fair share of system. So I have a good idea of what I like -- warmth over neutrality, but not overly lush. I like dynamics but not at the expense of timber and tonality. Mostly listen to jazz, vocals, classical, and classic rock. My system includes ...

Sonore opticalRendu streaming via Roon/Qobuz/Tidal
Luxman DA-06 DAC
Luxman 590AXII
Sonus Faber Olympica II

My goal in building an analog rig is to treat it as a journey instead of trying to get to the end game right away. I want to start with buying a turntable and use the phono stage in my Luxman. Just like other things in audio, I suspect there's a tipping point, in terms of dollars, below which you cannot appreciate what analog brings to the table. I know a few folks who bought fairly low end TTs and gave up claiming that vinyl is no better than CDs. I don't know if that really is the case, or they were playing below the tipping point. So the question is where does that point lie? I obviously don't want to start with SOTA turntables but also don't want to cheapen out so much that I'm not able to experience the magic if you will. So now on to some specific questions ...

1. Since I'm starting out, I want to buy used to maximize value and stay within the sweet spot (whatever that happens to be). Good idea? Or too risky given so many moving parts (literally) when it comes to turntables? Is $2500 a decent target for used and 'gentle' introduction? Feel free to suggest cheaper alternatives by all means. At this point, I want to set the bar to a max of $3000.

2. Which manufacturers/models to consider and which to stay away from? I don't want something that's too complex for a newbie. I know that I will be upgrading in the future so something with good resale value would be nice.

3. I've seen some TTs sold without cartridges. Given that I'm totally inexperienced I think I want to get something that includes everything except phono stage. Am I overthinking, or should I be open to buying separately?

4. Finally, feel free to share any obvious do's and don'ts that I should keep in mind.
arafiq

Showing 6 responses by inna

inna
7,923 posts
 
I understand you will be buying records. Cost will vary from, say, $1 to, say, $100, speaking both used and new.
Judging by what you said and by the choice of your equipment, you should be happy with Nottingham turntables.
But then again, I always recommend them within certain price range.
Used table is a gamble to a degree, I bought used here on Audiogon and won.

inna
7,923 posts
 
As far as I know, there is only one Nottingham US distributor/dealer - Holywood Sound, http://hwdsound.com/ , in Florida. Larry is good but he is a Moving Coil fanatic and will try to dismiss MM cartridges. Pay no attention if you want MM. He can install and align it for you, even if you don't buy that cartridge from him. You would just have to send it to him.
You might also want to check out analogueseduction.net in the UK. I am just not sure if they now sell Nottinghams with US voltage motors. They can also install and align cartridge for you. Price should be lower than in the US because you wouldn't have to pay VAT. US customs fees might apply and might not, don't know for sure. I just bought cartridge from them once a few years ago.
Nottingham Interspace is also good and less expensive.
Nottingham gives you a very musical and articulate sound. And speaking of Spacedeck, it sounds bigger than one might suspect before listening to it. I use simple Goldring 1042 MM cartridge and I like the sound. Sure, you can put $1500 MC and get more speed and resolution, but it might not be better in every respect. 
inna
7,923 posts
 
Oh yes, I forgot.
Okki Nokki $500 record cleaning machine works just fine. I use it with Disc Doctor brushes and Audio Intelligent fluids - three solutions: enzyme, archivist formula and distilled water. Three bottles. Sometimes, as a pre-cleaner, I first use..#15 solution or whatever they call it.
Ultrasonic machine might do better. Some people even use two - first regular machine and then ultrasonic.


inna
7,923 posts
 
In terms of simplicity, Nottingham is easy to set up. I remember it took me probably less than half an hour to do it. Cartridge installation and alignment takes additional time. After that you just change the oil every year or so, and you might want to check everything at about the same time. The belt lasts for a long time, the motor is reliable and not really expensive if you have to replace it. 
I replaced the record mat that comes with Nottingham, as does just about everyone, with Boston Audio mat. There are other options. I also don't use the Nottingham platform, I put the table on 3" thick maple platform. Again, most people do just that. 2" thick is minimum, some do 4" thick. And you would need some decent cones under the platform.
inna
7,923 posts
 
Two brands have not been mentioned yet so I'll mention them. 
SME and Roksan. Take a look. I don't know if you could get even used SME with tonearm for $3k, though.
In any case, I would go British.
Technics would play alright but it's in essence DJ table, don't expect sophisticated sound. Rega is mass market.
Nottingham conveys emotions of what is being played, that's why it has such a cult following.
inna
7,923 posts
 
Some people do put better tonearm on the Spacedeck, I just don't want to complicate the matter for the OP.
I have no complaints about pace and rhythm of the Nottingham. Bass, resolution and instrument separation might use improvement, that's true. But not bad at all.
More to discover