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Brand new to vinyl: Help!

I am brand new to vinyl, but quite established in digital (CDs, lossless streaming, etc.).

I made the first foray to vinyl by purchasing an entry level turntable - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Esprit.

I am using an Ayre pre-amp with phono stage and also Ayre amp.

While I am happy I have it up and running, I don’t think it sounds as good as my digital setup (Directstream DAC).

So what can I do to improve, short of buying a much more expensive turntable?

Things in my mind:

1 - Since it accepts DC power, buy a linear power supply

2 - Since my Phone stage on my preamp only accepts XLR three-pin connector, I bought a male RCA to male XLR cable from Amazon, less than $20. Do I need a better interconnect?

3 - Upgrade the cartridge (it comes with Ortfofon Red something)

Thanks!
128x128thyname
reubent
6,939 posts
 
@thyname - Also insure that you have a few really good sounding records to judge the sound quality of the TT when comparing it to your much more expensive digital rig. Make it a fair fight.....

Some records are simply outstanding, some are good and some are bad. Just like digital.....
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
Here is the cable I am using for now:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M6A73GA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
What is a good recording @reubent ? A few examples?
perkri
893 posts
 
+1 reubent.

I would suggest picking a recording that you are very familiar with, research what is the best available pressing of that particular recording and buy a new copy of that to use for your "reference" piece. 

Pretty much everything ever made is avail here:

https://www.discogs.com

And you can source what is "best" here:

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv

Good luck!

P
dgassie
6 posts
 
Align the cartridge

Upgrade to the Ortofon Blue needle. It fits on your Red cartridge and is only $200. It tracks well at about 1.80 grams

Upgrade RCA interconnects.

I use an acrilyc mat. Some people prefer rubber or cork. Yes...it makes a difference you'll be able to hear.

Like Reubent said, play a good recording. Pink Floyd's remastered Dark Side of the Moon on 189 gram vinyl sounds pretty good and although it seems Diana Krall is pretty much hated around here, her new Turn Up the Quiet album sounds pretty good.

Best of luck Thyname!

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