2. analog
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Thinking about getting into vinyl again...

After 25 years. Any suggestions (besides don't ; )?

Thanks to my Audio Note Dac, I have an Awesome Digital setup and am very pleased with the sound. However I do love vinyl setups when I hear them. Further, now that my system's just the way I want it, I have nothing to obsess about, research, tinker with...etc.

I have a Modified Musical Fidelity A5 integrated...to my, ears the best sound I've ever heard and I've tried many many pieces. (In fact, that may be why I've run into a wall, I'm done looking at amplification too). Hoping to avoid the whole phone stage thing... assuming the A5's is decent.

I want a decent vinyl setup -- but don't want to spend a fortune either. After exhaustive research I'm pretty set on trying a Rega P3 w the Elys2 cartridge (bit over a thousand new). Right or wrong, part of the reason I chose this is relative simplicity of setup and use. Although I'm open to messing with accessories and upgrades, I don't want to mess with spacers, complicated adjustments, changing arms, or hacking the table in any way.

Any thoughts about:

The move in general
Tips and tricks
Accessories: Cleaning Kits, scales, etc.
Upgrading that MM Cart (slightly, I don't want to spend more than a hundred or so more)
I thought a bit about getting a professionally restored Thorens?
Vendors (No real table dealers around me...looking at Music Direct...especially because of the easy return policy ....and they've been good in the past)

(Note: I will very likely stick to new on this as the idea of buying and shipping (again) a used turntable seems fraught with risk)

(One bonus question: When I switch my a5 to phono (nothing connected) i get some hum/noise...I'm assuming that's because nothing's connected to the the inputs or the ground?---Just hoping I don't go through all of this just to find out I have a bad phono section!)
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Showing 1 response by les_creative_edge

les_creative_edge
174 posts
 
Ok, If you want to follow on here. This is what I would look at doing with about $1000 to spend.

First, I'd shop for a good/great used turntable. I'd look for vintage higher end Made In Japan, Direct Drive models circa oh say 1975-1985 or so. Denon, JVC, Technics, Yamaha, Sansui, Kenwood, Pioneer etc all had quality tables that would be very good spinners. (price range oh maybe $500 ).

Next I'd buy a good reliable cartridge. But not spend more than $200 max. Check out Shure M-97xe, Denon DL-110, Audio Technica AT-440, Ortophon 2M Red or 2M Blue. To name a few (price range $80.00 to $200.00)

Finally, I'd buy a Spin Clean Record Washing system (about $80.00) a Carbon Fibre Brush (about $20-$30) A basic stylus cleaning brush. about $10.00>.

IMO this will get a listener off to a great start in enjoying vinyl. Total cost under $1000.00
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