2. analog
  3. 1126838060

Analog newbee looking for advice

So after contemplating buying a universal player, I've decided that there aren't enough titles to justify the cost of a high-end player. As an alternative, I've decided to give vinyl a try. It seems there is a consensus that vinyl sounds better than redbook, so here's my question: How much do I have to spend to get an analog setup that will sound "better" than my redbook setup?

My CDP is Resolution Audio CD55 and I'll be buying an Opus 21 soon (inevitably).

It's my opinion that the production quality of the recording is a bigger factor than the format/media so let's assume we're comparing the same recording on CD/vinyl.

I am actually satisfied with the sound of my best sounding CDs with my current setup, but those great sounding CDs are few and far between...

Please be kind with your responses, I'm too lazy to search the forum for similar questions/answers.

Thanks in advance!
dburdick
dburdick OP
61 posts
 
Hey guys, thanks a lot for the advice. It sounds like there's no easy or cheap way into vinyl. Now I'm leaning toward Flyingred's recommendation and getting the Opus 21 and more CDs. I guess it can never be easy...
pauly
1,012 posts
 
Dburdick, if you don't try, you will never know. As I mentioned before, the posters do have valid points BUT they are too negative. My experience is that to get anywhere in life is to take some level of risk; losers are ones that always take the safe route.

Enough philosophy already.

Fact is if you put together a well thought out used TT for around $750, no CD player on the planet regardless of price will give the same. Another poster made the comment that vinyl is expensive and there are not a lot of titles. Really? I pay an average of $3 for each my vinyls (I have about 2K LP's now) and I have titles that you'll never get on CD.

Regards
Paul
afro18
51 posts
 
You can get a quality rig for low dollars if you just take your time. First, do some reading. Buy some used Stereophiles and The Absoulute Sounds. Read-up on this forum, Audio Asylum, Soundstage's Vinyl Column, and high-endaudio.com. Take your time. Explore your options.

Start small. I have no problem recommending a Rega P2 or P3 as a start for most audiophiles. Don't misunderstand my thought, for there are many other tables out there. But for the ability to keep a world-class tonearm, the multitude of tweaks, and more; Rega is unpresedented. I started with a Thorens 180, but next moved to a Rega P2 and have a 250 arm on my VPI-Mk IV (thinking on if I'm going to move to a JMW-10 or just "Mongoose" the 250---any thoughts anyone?).

For a basic setup, you will want a table with an arm and a cartridge. Since you don't now what type of sound you like, take the new stock cartridge and go from there. You will have a lot of learning ahead as you relish in the customization that vinyl can give.

Also, goto a site like www.euclidrecords.com and blow a 100 or so on albums you don't have by musicians you have a stong affinity for. Get used to discovering new music as vinyl makes this possible on a daily basis.

Yes, vinyl does require you to work for the sound; but that's the fun of it all. You go on-line, find a tweak, execute it and get better sound. In some respects, you never see fully what your rig can do; but based on what you've seen thus far, it's so good you know it's the way to go.

I hope you find vinyl a good home for you. I can't get everything on vinyl, but I do a 50/50 split with my Cd player---each have thier own sonics.

Marty
More to discover