Vinyl...should I stay, or should I go?


I've sort of hit a crossroads and have decided to part with my turntable, all accessories which go with the turntable, and my record collection. However, before parting ways with my analog gear I wanted to gather some feedback and make sure I've given vinyl a fair shake.

My setup is a VPI HW-19: a Zorin tonearm and a Dynavector 17dx cartridge, with a Manly Chinook phono-stage, It plays through Primaluna dialogue Pre amp and amps. The speakers are Goldenear Reference. 

Confession, despite this setup, I've mostly streamed Roon music through an ultraRendu into a ModWright oppo 205. It's just recently I decided to give listening to vinyl a try. I'm pretty much a novice to the finer points and nuances of getting the best out of vinyl.

Experience: I'm finding the streaming music seems to be more centered with a deeper and more textured soundstage. When I stream, no matter what era the music is from, the singer/music is front, center, deep and wide. On the other hand, the last couple of records I've tried. A very old and somewhat used Alan Parsons Project lp and Jim Croce, Don't Mess around with Jim 180 gram lp, have not presented the same quality soundstage. In fact, in both cases while much of the music is centered, the singer's voice is coming mostly from the left side (speaker). Also, I'm finding the bass to be lacking. Last night in a side by side comparison, I was taken aback by how much better sounding was the streaming music.

Question: Is this typical of vinyl or is there something in my setup (again I'm a novice) I'm overlooking? With all this said, any advice on what to check or look for would be much appreciated. I'm not trying to start a debate about the merits of vinyl vs. streaming. I'm really just trying to find out if what I'm experiencing is typical of the vinyl experience or if there's something I should be correcting before pulling the plug and selling off the analog gear. Thanks
liv2teach
What people said. Its not set up correctly. Get some help and then make a decision when you heard what the system can do.
Looks like I can’t respond individually, so I’ll just go down the line...

Cleeds....I had to ask

russ69...it’s not the size of the collection that counts...LOL, I had too. I actually have about 400 records. I bought out what was left of an older gentleman’s collection a few years ago and parked in my "media" closet. Just opened it and started going through it a while back. I have about 16 MFSL, half a dozen 200 and 180 gram, a number of Pink Floyd unopened and what looks like an original pressing of The Wall... I’m still sorting as I clean my way back through the closet.

elliottbnewcombjr... I live in Washington state, about 60 miles north of Seattle...use to be called the Emerald City...now it should be called the brown pile city. I agree with you, if I can find someone to help me dial this in, it would be worth trying. I did have a friend who put the tt together and got it up and running, but I’m not so sure he really did his best work.

coys21...good thought, I bought the cartridge used from a dealer...it’s in good shape, but I’m sure it’s well broken in at this point.

ebm...I want to believe my friend.

mijostin... I hear you, that’s kind of the thing. I tend to use my music as an escape after work and I often fall asleep for awhile. With records, I’d have to get up about 20 minutes...not to say I don’t have those time when I just sit and listen and would love to hear good vinyl playing.

knotscott....agreed, thanks

dekay....huh? LOL... I’ll try the first thing you suggested and work my way from there. Thanks

vinylzone... I’m always in trouble, staying or going...LOL. Actually told my girlfriend’s 17 year old son the other night he should check out the Clash, Combat Rock.

tom2015...you summarized the situation succinctly. I’ll invest some time and effort into seeing this through...

Thanks guys for the help and advice... Skip
Your cart is out of fine balance, most are. 
Compensate. 
 Azimuth could be non optimum too. Probably is.
I'm OK with you selling out. Vinyl is soooo 20th century.
Call Hawthorne Stereo and see if you can bring your turntable in and have them set it up properly. The setup you have should sound better than an Oppo.