Turntables

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.

@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

I hope you will love your new turntable. I began with p-24, which I heavily modded over time and learned with. The motor died last spring and I got the new P6 with Ania cart and I love this one as well. I think I will next try my DV cart on it. But I love to know about hardware setup and such as well as enjoy the music when I have finished a cycle of learning curves. I prefer vinyl still and I am sure my system is not as high end, but I get great joy out of it and out of tweaking a little at times. I concur about next focusing on a record cleaning protocol and caring for your stylus so even crappy albums can sound decent until you get a copy of more pristine ones. Plus, even new albums need cleaning of the residue. And I heard Viridian - his points always ring true with me and he has helped me avoid costly errors over time. I think if you have enough age on you that you had albums in the past, you can really “get” their value. I love physical media and all things pre-cell phones, so vinyl is joyful and fun. But if you have enjoyed hi-rez streaming and digital ease, this may not be your cup of tea. And no biggie, you will be able to resell just fine. So, enjoy the journey wherever it takes you. Mine returns me to quad and vinyl and now Vocallion re-issues of SACD’s from nice quad sources. Who woulda thunk? To each her or his own! But ain’t it fun! Good luck! 

So, the journey has began. I set up my Rega RP6, Rega fono MM and almost immediately I’m about ready to sell it lol! I have 2 albums. One was given to me with the table and the other is a brand new Norah Jones Come away with me. As I did 35 years ago when I had a TT and vinyl, immediately the first thing I did before playing the album was clean it. This album is horrible, scratchy sounding in spots with all kinds of crackles & pops. Is this what you get with “new vinyl” or is it a bad album? The Rush album I was given is fine with minimal pops. The SQ is not of my digital set up but that cold be because I’m using pretty shitty Monster Cables until funds build to get a pair of Transparent Audio Ultra’s. Any thoughts or recommendations?

I would try a few more records before giving up.  There is a record store "2nd and Charles" in Highland according to their website.  I had one near me but they closed.