2. analog
  3. 176110-172731

The best way to start adding A=analog to my system

When I started this hobby, I never thought I would need a turntable, so I didn’t think about phono stages etc. That changed with a recent listening session. Vinyl just sounds better to me so now I am trying to figure out where I need to spend, where I can go cheap for the moment. Should I balance all parts at the same level or begin with one great piece and gradually upgrade around it?

For context, my current system has:

Blumenhofer Genuin FS2 speakers, Art Audio PX-25 power, Audio Research SP16L pre-amp. I have a Ayre Cx5 CD player/DAC and an MD-90 tuner.

For turntables, I have auditioned Pro-Jects Xtension 9, Rega P3 and the Clearaudio Concept. I am planning to listen to the Clearaudio Performance next and based on what I have read and heard, I think that may be the answer. but that is a $2k step up in price. Part of me is thinking just get the better table and maybe the Tracer arm and start with cheaper cartridge/stage for now, vs matching things that are more within budget and then having to change everything later.

What makes the most sense?

saulh

Showing 2 responses by clearthinker

clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

@sns 

An idea.  Since you consider digital sound beats analogue, why do you remain heavily invested in analogue?  You say you would sell up if you didn't have ~3k albums.  But selling up is logical for you.

Record to digital all the LPs you don't already have on digital or can't hear for free on the internet.  Then sell all your analogue kit plus all the albums.  This will realise many $10,000s.

Results

1.   You will be a lot richer

2.   You won't be wasting space storing 3,000 LPs

3.   You will have better sound (in your opinion)

What's not to like???

clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

@sns 

"But then, there is the nostalgic factor and the nice cover  and gatefold art. Also, having actual physical media gives one a feeling of ownership, real intrinsic value."

 

That's the heart talking!  I thought so!

Yes, I'm lucky I don't have to start from scratch.  And quality of old pressings is very often better than current ones, a lot of poor vinyl used now.  But if a youngster is into vinyl now there is a lifetime to build a collection.

My collection is similar to yours - more than 3000 pieces, built up since the early 1960s, some really valuable items now, very nostalgic.  Will never part while I have ears.

 

I also think 'new' music is mostly over-rated.  Unlike many here, I don't listen to much new stuff and what I do I usually don't keep.  Kinda puts me off streaming.

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