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New Vinyl Setup

For somebody who is new to vinyl, is there any advantage to buying new vs. buying used? Or is the cost savings of buying used the same advantage with a vinyl setup that it is with most other audio components?

I know there are some setups that come ready to plug and play, cartridge and all. Shy of somebody coming to one's house to install and verify setup, it would seem like the new owner needs to be well versed in setup to really get what they're paying for, new or used, out of vinyl.

Given the mechanical nature of a vinyl setup, it seems like there might be advantages for a newbie getting it right with brand new stuff, but would appreciate any input.
kthomas
Post removed 
shersta
140 posts
 
KThomas,
I'm not sure what your budget is, but a safe option would be a Rega P3 (new or used)with a Rega cartridge. Rega carts feature a 3 hole mounting system which makes alignment foolproof. Other than setting antiskate, there's no other adjustments to make. It's about a close to plug and play as you're going to get, and this setup will give you a pretty good taste of what quality vinyl playback is like. Could you get better sound for less money? Sure. Could you get better sound for less money and no tweaking, adjusting, modifying, futzing? Probably not.
greenp3
3 posts
 
Hey guys It's my first post. I myself just purchased a new table - actually a demo P3. It's certainly a step up from the old Technics & Pioneers I've had in the past. My previous table of any worth was a 1200MkII when I used to dj.

anyways, now that I'm grown up - or at least older ;) I'm enjoying a wider variety of music + I love the involvement that vinyl requires and the rewards that it gives. I've never really messed with the setup of my previous tables, but with the P3, I'm really learning alot. Trying different setups (Rega vs. OL) teaches you how everything works togeather. Plus there are tons of mods for the Rega.

Long story short - I'm glad with the deck I bought, I'm glad I didn't go cheaper and right now couldn't afford to go much higher in $$.
Post removed 
greenp3
3 posts
 
I was using the 1200s way back about 10-12 years ago, I did a few house parties, but mostly just for my own entertainment. The 1200 is a rock solid table, with very fast startup/stop and a strong motor which I'm sure most people here alredy know. I have read some info recently on TNT discussing the direct drive vs. belt drive war - very interesting. Too bad I got rid of the 1200s - it would be a neat comparison test.
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