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Turntables

I am kicking the idea of trying out vinyl. It’s been a long time since I had a turntable and it took a lot of thought whether I can deal with what always seemed like the snap, crackle & pops of an album. Anyway, I’ve decided to take a plunge after all the buzz how awesome it is. Of course before I make any final decisions, I always turn to the Audiogon community for their expert thoughts, opinions and education. I’m also looking for suggestions for a nice affordable table with tone arm and cartridge. Being the fact this is new to me and I may hate it, I’m looking for suggestions on the best affordable set up I can do for a new or used in the price range of $1000/$1500. I’m sure I can get a better bang for the buck going used. I just don’t know anything about these animals. My system is older but I still enjoy it which consist of a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp, Proceed AVP 2+6 used for 2 channel audio, Audio Acoustics model 9 speakers, Ayre DAC for digital with Transparent Audio Ultra mm2 cables. Any input is greatly appreciated!
128x128luvrockin
luvrockin's avatar
luvrockin OP
208 posts
 
Got my rega RP6 TT, cart and rega FONO MM today and am going to set it up a bit later. Thank you got all the great information as I knew I could count on this AG forum for excellent info. I am looking forward to hearing it on my system. I heard it on the sellers system which was amazing and also a top notch guy. So far, great experience!
paulcreed
559 posts
 
Cool, enjoy it that's a nice table, easy set up too.
bret_dixon
9 posts
 
Good for you luvrockin. I thought about swapping my Ortofon 2M blue cart for one of the Rega carts. I haven't decided on what to replace it with though. Any advice AG members?
sns
3,199 posts
 
My experience with getting back into vinyl has been frustrating thus far. I've had top notch digital setup for many years, wanted to get vinyl setup that would be on or near equal footing.I've had perhaps five or six different systems over the past number of years, everyone couldn't compete with the digital setup. Lack of resolution relative to the digital was the major defect that doomed every attempt. Total system price ranged from $1300 to 10K (exclusive of all accessories). Initially, the novelty had me playing vinyl on a regular basis. Over time I would find myself playing vinyl so infrequently I couldn't justify keeping the equipment.Setup was not the culprit either. I've had a number of protractors, I understand VTA, azimuth and every other parameter that affects performance. Top notch cabling, custom TT stand, every i dotted and t crossed.So, now we come to my latest attempt, soon to be up and running. Technics SP10 Mk.II and SH10E, both completely refurbished. Modwright SWP 9.0 SE, Jelco TK850L with dynamic VTA adjustment mod, custom plinth, start off with Denon 103R (other cartridges to follow if not satisfied).So, the deep dark spending hole of vinyl continues. If I didn't have over 2500 albums I would have quit this pursuit some time ago. To reiterate, I find vinyl far more frustrating than digital at getting satisfying levels of resolution. Vinyl does have some outstanding sound qualities, highest resolution very difficult to get to. Have to add macro dynamics as well.

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
@sns Start a thread about your new setup when you get it. I had great success w/ SP10mkII. One concern, is the compliance match a good fit between the 103R and the Jelco? I've heard widely varying results for the cart depending on the arm. 
One suggestion, play around with different clamps and mats if you get a chance. I found that you can clearly hear impactful differences with every change and finding a sympatico match will be well worth the trouble! Cheers,
Spencer
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