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Getting into vinyl for the first time

Hey guys, I just am now getting into vinyl and I am really enjoying it. My wife got my a Audio-Technica turntable (LPW40WN) for christmas a few years ago and initially tested it with a cheapo emotiva integrated amp that had a built-in phono preamp. I was less than impressed and didn't really use the turntable much after that.

However, I recently felt I wanted to make more use of it so I went to a local audiophile shop (Just Audio in Middle River, MD; and a big thanks to Tom for helping me out) and inquired about getting a basic phono preamp.

I walked out with a Parasound Zphono and a new audio-technica cartridge (VM540ML). I know these are the basic of upgrades, but I didn't want to spend too much if did like the end result.

Since I never really look into vinyl music, I only had to albums: Metallica - Metallica and Imagine Dragons - Mercury pt 1. 

I have to say I really liked what I heard. The sound was...meatier than what I am use to hearing from streaming. Played at the same setting, the sound was louder and much fuller too compared to Tidal streaming. My wife who isnt really into the audiophile scene could easily tell there was a notable difference between streaming and the vinyl version. She liked the vinyl sound too.

I have ordered a few more vinyl albums and can't wait to hear them.

As a rookie when it comes to vinyl, what are somethings I should know about as I am very clueless. I am considering on bringing the Zphono back and see if they will let me upgrade to something better without any restocking penalty. What phono preamp should I consider for under $1000? Is the cartridge I have good enough? Thanks for any and all information!!

bomt697
chayro
2,930 posts
 

I think the Zphono is a good match for your system and you should just hold on and play records for now. If you stay interested and are ready to break some eggs, you can upgrade to something like a Technics 1200 (about 2k I think). If you’re not willing to go to that level, stay with what you have IMO. The TT you have looks nice for the money and buying another one for $500+ or so is a waste IMO. But just go slow and play records. 

thecarpathian
4,176 posts
 

Keep what you have for now, buy a couple more albums and importantly, get them nice and clean! I don't mean things like Disc Washer clean, I mean dedicated album cleaning machine deep clean.

bluorion
438 posts
 

Congrats on your new TT! Buying vinyl takes me back to the 80s when record stores were everywhere! Main thing is to have fun! Here's my two cents: check out some accessories (you may have them already): stylus cleaner, record cleaner, maybe an upgraded mat or vinyl weight stabilizer (kinda looks like a hockey puck). All of these little things can also improve the sound. Cheers!

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,222 posts
 

Time and time again I have set up systems and when the customer compares "high resolution" streaming like Qobuz to a local 24/96 file of the same recording they are shocked at the poor quality of the streaming. It is no surprise that the vinyl also outperforms it in your case. You have to compare it to a local file. Streaming is for background music only. The better the system the the worse streaming will sound. Personally, I think this is being done on purpose. The industry wants you buying records and files. There is no reason that streaming should not sound just as fine as a local file. 

corelli
948 posts
 

Suggest enjoying what you have for a bit before you hop on board the upgrade train. For your given setup, sounds like you made some good changes.

My small vinyl collection is approaching 50 yrs of age!  Half a century.  Still sounds great. I always took extra care with my LP's.  Had nothing more than a discwasher that has served me well for just as long.  If you get into buying used LP's, a more aggressive approach to cleaning would be ideal as noted above.

If you do have to satisfy that itch, suggest you talk to your dealer about a home audition to see if it is really worth it to you.  My guess would be if you upgrade to a $1000 phono preamp, your turntable will be the next item to go and so on.  Honestly, your system right now seems pretty "balanced" in terms of fund allocation.

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