@pindac I was planning on getting an Okki Nokki or something similar to clean the records regularly.
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?
Showing 10 responses by saulh
@holmz I am looking at new turntables, because there are a lot of delicate moving parts. I am definitely considering used phono stages though. |
@jonwatches1 that is sort of what I was thinking: that there would be some learning I could get from a cheaper system that I could put to use when I make the longer term, much larger investment. A lot of good info in this thread though! |
@audioguy85 scrollng back through. not sure how I missed your post before. I hadn’t seen the Tavish Design Classic, so I am going to check that out in addition to:
On the Pro-ject, it seems like changing tubes will be annoying, and for no good reason. Hagerman seems ridiculously straightforward in every way. Plus buying direct feels less wasteful.
Thanks! |
@pindac great point. I am inheriting about 200-250 33s of mostly jazz and R&B, which is likely most of what I will listen to, though I have added (yes, even before the tt! some additional rock albums). |
@mijostyn thanks for that info. You give me a lot to think about there. I eventually I plan to get to what you are talking about, but I definitely need to figure out some baby steps on the way there. That way while I am en route, I can listen to some lps. |
@sandthemall intrigued by the hagerman. I am all tubes in the pre, power stages I read a review that seems to say the hagerman might be too "tubey"? |
@pindac intriguing. Your post made me do some research. Maybe this Vevor Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner will do the trick for $200.
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As I have gone through this process, here is what I think I am learning so far about setting up an analog system. I know it's like a chain, where all of the links have to work together, but I don't think all of the elements have equal priority. In terms of building my turntable/analog "chain," I would put the links in the following order: 1-phono stage because you can have it for a long time and it dictates the signal that gets sent to the pre, so I think get the best you can afford; 2a: turntable: I am still not convinced that the actual turntable makes as much difference as people think, especially when you get to a certain level. It seems that the object of a turntable is to be passive and transparent--to not corrupt the signal, so those differences get small quick, but otoh, turntables can last forever, so whatever difference they do make is potentially permanent and that makes them more important to get right; 3: cartridge -- I go two ways on this, because cartridges are the origin point of the signal coming off of the vinyl and they determine what you have to work with, but they are by definition temporary, so they are tough to build around, and their performance can differ substantially depending on the type of record or music; 4--tonearm/internal wiring. similar to the turntable, the tonearm is an ancillary component that in terms of sound quality works best when you don't experience anything from it at all; 5--interconnects. the difference between wirings seems overblown; 5--stabilization platforms. I could see this making a difference, but can't put it ahead of the other things on this list; 6--power conditioners. this seems to have the most snake oil potential. But what do I know? tell me what I got right, if anything and where I am missing something. I know you all will and that's why I love you folks... |