Real helpful when the "experts" here say you've got to spend $15,000 to get started in vinyl. My suggestion: get the Rega P3 with a Rega cartridge, build up a record collection, THEN think about a TT/cart upgrade. Unless you are a gear junkie, the vinyl software should always be more important than the hardware.
The best way to start adding A=analog to my system
When I started this hobby, I never thought I would need a turntable, so I didn’t think about phono stages etc. That changed with a recent listening session. Vinyl just sounds better to me so now I am trying to figure out where I need to spend, where I can go cheap for the moment. Should I balance all parts at the same level or begin with one great piece and gradually upgrade around it?
For context, my current system has:
Blumenhofer Genuin FS2 speakers, Art Audio PX-25 power, Audio Research SP16L pre-amp. I have a Ayre Cx5 CD player/DAC and an MD-90 tuner.
For turntables, I have auditioned Pro-Jects Xtension 9, Rega P3 and the Clearaudio Concept. I am planning to listen to the Clearaudio Performance next and based on what I have read and heard, I think that may be the answer. but that is a $2k step up in price. Part of me is thinking just get the better table and maybe the Tracer arm and start with cheaper cartridge/stage for now, vs matching things that are more within budget and then having to change everything later.
What makes the most sense?
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"But then, there is the nostalgic factor and the nice cover and gatefold art. Also, having actual physical media gives one a feeling of ownership, real intrinsic value."
That's the heart talking! I thought so! Yes, I'm lucky I don't have to start from scratch. And quality of old pressings is very often better than current ones, a lot of poor vinyl used now. But if a youngster is into vinyl now there is a lifetime to build a collection. My collection is similar to yours - more than 3000 pieces, built up since the early 1960s, some really valuable items now, very nostalgic. Will never part while I have ears.
I also think 'new' music is mostly over-rated. Unlike many here, I don't listen to much new stuff and what I do I usually don't keep. Kinda puts me off streaming. |
Introducing vinyl playback can lead to substantial expense. My first action would be to upgrade the digital playback. Put the CDs on a NAS (with SSD) and get a recent streamer/DAC (eg Meitner MA3). If still wanting vinyl playback be aware in addition to the familiar cartridge technology (MM, MI, MC, strain gauge) there is affordable optical from DS Audio, https://www.ds-audio-w.biz/ds003/ |
I have used a Well Tempered TT/TA for 35 years and only now am considering replacing it. Not many products give lasting satisfaction like that. Give them a look. One thing about theirs is I have never had a static pop in all those years. Before, with LP12 and SOTA Sapphires it was a constant wintertime struggle. Stressless analog is good! |
To get really good, satisfying, enjoyable vinyl playback needn’t be expensive.
I have 18 turntables, all legacy designs. I have 130 vintage cartridges. I have 5,000 LPs. Anyone who says you must spend $2K+ on a table, $2K+ on a cartridge, $2K+ on a phono pre, $2K+ on a record cleaner, is high as a kite! A vintage table of $400, a vintage cart of $200, hand cleaning your records, and using the built-in phono pre of a competent $300 vintage receiver is all you need to reap full enjoyment from a collection of vinyl. Don’t overthink or over spend this. It just isn’t necessary. |
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