TOTALLY CONFUSED about analog

Ken-

The suggestions in the posts so far have been pretty much on-target. I'll echo what has been about a good used Rega P3 or Music Hall for your quest in your lower price range, although you would need to be careful about Grado cartridges with the Rega as Grados have a tendency to hum which sometimes is exagerated by the Rega.

In your higher price point, the Basis 1400 that was previously mentioned should be on your short list, but you may want to consider the RB-250 arm which has already been modified by Origin Live to go along with it.

As a suggestion, you may want to get started with a good basic UNMODIFIED used table/cartridge like the ones already mentioned and use that as your reference point before you spend alot of money.

Regards
Jim

Ken-

What is confusing you, I think, are these references to all the tweaks, modifications, specifications and opinions. A few random thoughts- 1) Are all these guys that are spending time and $$$$$ modifying their gear THAT much smarter about such things AND have more/better test equipment, education and experience than the engineer that designed it to start with? 2) Does all of that time and $$$$ spent for modification really qualify as "no fussing"? 3) Comparing a $700 table to a $3000 table is futile. 4) There are usually multiple ways to solve any problem, but first there needs to be a problem. 5) When I first got involved with audio, I tried very hard to listen to a spec, but never heard one. 6) CDP makers brag about their players getting closer to sounding like analog, but when was the last time you heard a turntable maker brag about their product sounding like a CD?

Develop a short list of good used unmodified moderate-priced belt drive tables and reasonably good used high-output MC to get started. Most of them have already been mentioned above. Don't get wrapped around the axle about trying to achieve audio nirvana with $600 'cause it's not going to happen no matter what you get. But at least you'll get an idea what direction you want to go to get there.

Regards
Jim

Bishopwill-

Regarding surface noise (as well as the original question on cartridges)- I noticed a remarkable decrease in surface noise in going from a Sumiko Talisman (a somewhat modest high output MC) to a Benz LO.4.

To tell the complete story, originally had a P3 with the Talisman, then got a Well Tempered Classic and installed the Talisman. Some noise went away just in moving to the WT, but the REAL noise reduction came when the LO.4 was installed.

Additionally, I make judicious use of a DBX 3BX in the tape loop, which gets rid of ALOT of surface noise. While some may scoff at the extra connections and theoretical distortions from 'signal processing', friends are almost always surprised that an LP is playing because they don't hear the bacon frying in the backround and Phillips has convinced them that CDs sound "perfect". Except they now now that LPs can sound "perfecter". (Yeah, I know that ain't no good english, so you CD guys don't write me no letters...)

I also have a Burwen TNE that I haven't used in several years because I haven't heard much 'Rice Krispies' with this rig. Know anyone looking for a TNE?

This thread is making me hungry for some breakfast....

Regards
Jim

I'm having a little difficulty undestanding why there are numerous off-subject posts on this thread, especially the diatribes against analog. Audiogon provides a nifty forum for digital for those who are so inclined.

How is this type of post helping Ken get started in analog?? PBB, perhaps you could start the ball rolling???

Forgive me if this post sounds strident, but if one doesn't like analog, why would one spend so much time here? I'm a sailor and don't care much for powerboats, but I don't spend my weekends at the power boat dealership haranguing their customers- I simply go sailing!!

Please, and with all sincerity, could any one of the analog-averse posters fill me in on why you are here and how the analog community is benefitting?

Sincerely
Jim