Ok I am ready to Take The Plunge.....

[wingnut4772]

I am ready to take my first foray into vinyl but I have no idea what I will need (besides the TT and the records:D ). I am looking at getting a Pro-ject III. What else will I need to get to get it going in my set up? I don't see a phono place on my Anthem D2 so what does this mean for me? Sorry if this is rudamentary but I am a little lost here.

Also , I have no real room left on my front stage so I was thinking of placing the TT back a bit to the rear of the sofa and just running whatever length of cables to whatever I need wherever...ok idea or crap? TIA

[TroyD]

COOL

The Project is nice table. Yeah, you are going to need an outboard phono stage to go into your pre/pro.

Put it whereever it works best, I say. Vinyl is a VERY worthwhile idea!

BDT

[Fireman32]

I just got into vinyl thanks to Troy and I got the NAD PP2 pre for christmas and when I hooked it up it was awsome. I never though records could sound so good. You wont be dissapointed.

[zombie boy 2000]

Awesome Darla...

I'll be purchasing the Project Debut III myself in the next three weeks... I was just planning on picking up their $119 Phono Box MK2 to start out with.
http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=ASUMPHONO

Let me know what you think in case I need to change any of my plans at the last second;)

[pblanc]

If your reciever does not have inputs labelled "phono" you will need a phono preamp. You can do a quick search on Froggle for "phono preamp" and find units for as little as $40. On the other end, you can spend thousands for a phono preamp. The signal coming from a phono cartridge has much less gain than from a CD player, tape player, tuner, etc. and needs to be boosted. You also need to apply an RIAA equalization curve (Recording Industry Association of America) to the signal. When records are cut, low frequencies are deemphasized (which results in less excursion of the record grooves so that more music can fit on the disk) and high frequencies are boosted. By having the RIAA curve deemphasize the highs at playback, surface noise is reduced.
In addition to a turntable you will also need a cartridge. The cartridge is the transducer on the end of the tonearm that carries the "needle" or stylus. If you are buying a used table, the cartidge may or may not be included. If it is, check and see if a stylus replacement is available. You can change the whole cartidge if needed. Like phono preamps they go for anywhere from about $20 to thousands of dollars. They also come in multiple flavors: moving magnet (common) and moving coil (high end). Moving coil cartridges may be low gain or high gain. If you have a low gain MC cartridge you will need a preamp that boosts the signal more. The odds are a first turnatable will have a MM cartridge.
I have attached turntables to receivers using long RCA interconnects without any problem. You can also put the phono preamp in an intermediate position between the TT and the receiver. I have used long shielded RCA "patch cords" designed to hook up auto amplifiers for this purpose with good results.

[unc2701]

If you're going to do a long cable run with phono, you probably will want to put your outboard phono stage right next to the TT. The lower-level signals are a lot more susceptible to noise.

The Pro-ject is a very solid table and comes with a decent cartridge.

[Early B.]

Nooooo, don't do it, wingnut! Be afraid -- be very afraid. For once you go down that road...

TT temptation is a hearty dish where the appetite can never be satisfied.

Oh, how my heart trembles in fear for you...:eek: :eek: :eek:

Run! Faster, I say, run faster!!!

[Early B.]

Well, if you're gonna insist on doing it, then do it right the first time, 'cause you're not gonna be happy until you do. Set a budget of at least $2-3K.

IMO, of course.

[shack]

The Project is a very nice table. I almost bought one myself. I ended up with a Goldring GR-1.2. The tonearm is based on a very highly thought of Rega design and the cartridge included is a Goldring Electra which is better than most entry level cartridges. As I understand the cart and the arm are easily worth the cost of the entire table. This is was literally a plug and play setup. Very easy and very nice.

The Project is definitely a good choice, this is just an alternative. I bought mine at AudioAdvisor. Here is the link if you want to take a look.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=GOGR1%2E2

This is a great "entry level" table. Just be prepared...it is only the beginning.

[Ricardo]

If your reciever does not have inputs labelled "phono" you will need a phono preamp. You can do a quick search on Froggle for "phono preamp" and find units for as little as $40. On the other end, you can spend thousands for a phono preamp. The signal coming from a phono cartridge has much less gain than from a CD player, tape player, tuner, etc. and needs to be boosted. You also need to apply an RIAA equalization curve (Recording Industry Association of America) to the signal. When records are cut, low frequencies are deemphasized (which results in less excursion of the record grooves so that more music can fit on the disk) and high frequencies are boosted. By having the RIAA curve deemphasize the highs at playback, surface noise is reduced.
In addition to a turntable you will also need a cartridge. The cartridge is the transducer on the end of the tonearm that carries the "needle" or stylus. If you are buying a used table, the cartidge may or may not be included. If it is, check and see if a stylus replacement is available. You can change the whole cartidge if needed. Like phono preamps they go for anywhere from about $20 to thousands of dollars. They also come in multiple flavors: moving magnet (common) and moving coil (high end). Moving coil cartridges may be low gain or high gain. If you have a low gain MC cartridge you will need a preamp that boosts the signal more. The odds are a first turnatable will have a MM cartridge.
I have attached turntables to receivers using long RCA interconnects without any problem. You can also put the phono preamp in an intermediate position between the TT and the receiver. I have used long shielded RCA "patch cords" designed to hook up auto amplifiers for this purpose with good results.


Note to self: Bookmark this post so that every time you have that stupid idea of getting into vinyl, you come here and get confused as hell and stay away :) :) :)

[pblanc]

I agree entirely. Saddly, its too late for me.

[billbillw]

If you are just dabbling (or even if you are serious), I would recommend going used for a turntable. Scour Craigslist or local Ebay listings. As a starter table, you might keep your eye open for a used Technics SL-1200/1210mk2 (or newer Mk*) and put a Shure M97xE on it. DJs are selling these all the time for around $300 or less. They are bulletproof, have cheap parts availability, and they hold their value very well, so you won't really loose anything if you decide vinyl is not for you.

If you decide you are serious, wait until you can spend $1000+ for a good high end table (VPI/Oracle/Sota, used of course).

[wingnut4772]

Thanks guys. A lot of good ideas. The research has officially begun.:p

[shack]

If you are just dabbling (or even if you are serious), I would recommend going used for a turntable. Scour Craigslist or local Ebay listings. As a starter table, you might keep your eye open for a used Technics SL-1200/1210mk2 (or newer Mk*) and put a Shure M97xE on it. DJs are selling these all the time for around $300 or less. They are bulletproof, have cheap parts availability, and they hold their value very well, so you won't really loose anything if you decide vinyl is not for you.

If you decide you are serious, wait until you can spend $1000+ for a good high end table (VPI/Oracle/Sota, used of course).

This is a good idea if you can get one locally. I would never buy a used TT sight-unseen unless you really know what you are doing or purchase from someone your really trust (like here on the forum).

[billbillw]

This is a good idea if you can get one locally. I would never buy a used TT sight-unseen unless you really know what you are doing or purchase from someone your really trust (like here on the forum).

Agreed. You may also be safe buying a TT from Audiogon if the seller has good feedback and they have orignal packing materials. I would avoid Ebay TT sellers unless local p/u is possible. Rare cases where the seller has obvoiusly sold many high end audio pieces may be ok too, but if you can't see recent feedback with similar types of gear, stay away.

[TroyD]

Me personally? I would skip the used table thing unless you can pick it up and demo it.

The older direct drives are, IMHO (keep that in mind), not worth the hassle and after you put a decent cartridge on them, hell, the Project or entry level Music Hall end up being as, if not more, economical and probably better sounding.

Also, don't forget if you get into vinyl, a record cleaning machine isn't optional.

BDT

[billbillw]

Before you dis the Technics, you might want to read this review:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/technics_sl1200_2_e.html

This reviewer has also had direct experience with the MMF9 and the MMF2.

In the end, he believes the Technics (with or without a KAB dampener mod) is far superior to either of the Music Hall offerings.
In the end, reviews are somewhat subjective and personal, but think about this, Technics has sold more than 3 million SL-1200 series tables over the last 30 years. Due to that large sales volume, the scale of economics allows you to purchase vastly more engineering/research, and better quality parts for your money.

[reeltrouble1]

Darla,

That table has won a few awards, the box project makes to help run it is also well reviewed.

Have fun.

RT1

[cfrizz]

ROFLMAO!!!:D AMEN, talk about taking something so simple & making it so long, convoluted & confusing, that I gave myself a headache reading it!:eek:

Note to self: Bookmark this post so that every time you have that stupid idea of getting into vinyl, you come here and get confused as hell and stay away :) :) :)

[TroyD]

Before you dis the Technics, you might want to read this review:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/technics_sl1200_2_e.html

This reviewer has also had direct experience with the MMF9 and the MMF2.

In the end, he believes the Technics (with or without a KAB dampener mod) is far superior to either of the Music Hall offerings.
In the end, reviews are somewhat subjective and personal, but think about this, Technics has sold more than 3 million SL-1200 series tables over the last 30 years. Due to that large sales volume, the scale of economics allows you to purchase vastly more engineering/research, and better quality parts for your money.

I'm not dissing the Technics per se. Again, I'm stating my OPINION. I've heard the SL1200, personally, I don't think it's a terribly musical table....but, again, that's my opinion.

Also, the SL-1200...they are generally not cheap either and when you factor in that a new cartridge is in order (anything a DJ uses, color me uninterested).

Anyhow, back on track, IF Darla is serious about getting into vinyl and judging from her past episodes, I think that if she decides on getting into vinyl, if she starts at the entry level she won't be there long....so why even start there.

If I were her (and this need not be complicated ;) ).....I'd look at entering the vinyl world a little farther up the food chain. A Music Hall MMF-5....or even, gulp, the VPI Scout. Both are excellent tables in thier respective price points....a decent phono stage and a LP cleaner. Viola.

BDT

[billbillw]

If I were her (and this need not be complicated ;) ).....I'd look at entering the vinyl world a little farther up the food chain. A Music Hall MMF-5....or even, gulp, the VPI Scout. Both are excellent tables in thier respective price points....a decent phono stage and a LP cleaner. Viola.

BDT

Just sell her your VPI, your about ready to move up to a TNT aren't you?

[BlueMDPicker]

Anyhow, back on track, IF Darla is serious about getting into vinyl and judging from her past episodes, I think that if she decides on getting into vinyl, if she starts at the entry level she won't be there long....so why even start there.
Precisely. You're in a large audio market in S. Florida. Watch Audiogon for a local VPI Scout, or similar, used. My Bluenote TT came from your area and has been stellar. You'll be happier quicker and stay that way longer, with better resale options if vinyl isn't for you. Good luck!

[TroyD]

Just sell her your VPI, your about ready to move up to a TNT aren't you?

heh heh....no.

I just aquired the stand alone motor assembly for mine, so, for awhile, I'm happy.

Besides, I'd NEVER ship this thing. It would be pickup only.

BDT

[reeltrouble1]

Besides, I'd NEVER ship this thing. It would be pickup only.

BDT

So you are not really happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RT1

[TroyD]

Ted,

Are we ever REALLY happy? There is ALWAYS something else.

;)

BDT

[unc2701]

Ted,

Are we ever REALLY happy? There is ALWAYS something else.

;)

BDT

Yeah, try telling that to your wife. I'm talking about stereo gear, of course.

[TroyD]

I just celebrated my 11th anniversary with TLW....this is one case where I couldn't upgrade.

Gear, man, there is ALWAYS more gear.

BDT

[wingnut4772]

Ok....maybe I am not quite ready. I don't want to have to upgrade that's for sure so I think I need to think on this some more.....

[BlueMDPicker]

Darla,

Hollywood Sound is always on Audiogon with TTs, record cleaners, etc. Might be worth a drive North a few miles. Here's a NICE TT they currently have listed: http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?anlgtabl&1172901434

[wingnut4772]

That's definitely more $$$ than I want to spend right now which is making me wonder if I should wait until I can. I want it to be on par with the rest of my set up.

[hoosier21]

your original plan was a good one wingnut get the 300 TT, you do have to add a phone preamp, but for 500 bucks you will have a great sounding set up, enjoy

[wingnut4772]

your original plan was a good one wingnut get the 300 TT, you do have to add a phone preamp, but for 500 bucks you will have a great sounding set up, enjoy
Ok. I just starting to get skeered :p .

[hoosier21]

I would do what blue said drive somewhere a listen to a TT setup and see what you think, is it something you really want to do or just something to try?

[wingnut4772]

I would do what blue said drive somewhere a listen to a TT setup and see what you think, is it something you really want to do or just something to try?
Well............something I want to try and my roommate has a zillion vinyl records...

[hoosier21]

by all means try it out
some type of record cleaner would be a good idea, none of us took very good care of our records back in the day

[Ricardo]

Ok; here's a crazy idea; many people have thought about getting into vinyl, but don't know if it will be somthing they'd like, and just to try it you need to invest anything between $500-$1000, just to keep it conservative; of course you can spend many grands.

What if we have 10-15 forum members drop $50 each to buy a starter set, TT, phono pre and a few LP's and start a demo program? You get the "kit", play with it for a couple of weeks, and pass it on to the next. Too crazy of an idea??? I'd be in for it....

[shack]

Ok; here's a crazy idea; many people have thought about getting into vinyl, but don't know if it will be somthing they'd like, and just to try it you need to invest anything between $500-$1000, just to keep it conservative; of course you can spend many grands.

What if we have 10-15 forum members drop $50 each to buy a starter set, TT, phono pre and a few LP's and start a demo program? You get the "kit", play with it for a couple of weeks, and pass it on to the next. Too crazy of an idea??? I'd be in for it....

To much potential for damage and a turntable is very easy to get out of whack. Maybe if there were a couple of guys n a local area where it didn't have to be shipped it could be workable.

[shack]

Darla, Russ is right. Get a starter table like the Pro-ject III, Music Hall MMF 2.1 or Goldring GR-1.2. All are very good tables that could last you a lifetime if you choose. Any of these $300± tables are on par with tables costing much more in years past. They are easy to set up and will give you an excellent idea of what vinyl is all about. We at the forum tend to jump to conclusions that everyone will want to jump past the start to the ultimate end point, when in reality it is often the journey from the basics up the learning curve that is so much fun. Start simple see if you like it, upgrade when/if you decide that is the direction you want to take.

[Dennis Gardner]

My experience has been that vinyl investment is 3-5 times that of comparable cd gear. $500 invested right on a nice CD/SACD will yield much more than the same $$$ on TT rig and this doesn't take into fact that the LPs themselves in great shape are such a hit and miss voyage.

And this is from an old vinyl hound that still has his first LP from 1968.............I do like the current offerings from Music Hall, Pro-Ject and Rega.

My current spinner..............1984 Ariston RD-40 The last effort from Ariston to upstage Linn for leaving the fray.

[shack]

Dennis, I have to disagree to some extent. A $500 vinyl rig can sound as nice as a $500 CDP/SACD. I too have my first LP from 1967 as well as my first REAL turntable from 1970. The key factor is the shape of the LPs IMO. I bought an entry level table just to see how the whole vinyl arena had changed over the years and was very impressed with what can be had for a very modest sum. I will agree that as a general rule it takes more dollars once you get to certain levels, but even that has a lot to do with the esoteric and eccentric nature of the hardcore vinyl crowd.

[Dennis Gardner]

No problem with a disagreement Shack, I thought awhile about my trials before I put down my statement and I guess that what I was alluding to is that with all the trial and error of a proper setup, you rarely hit a homerun on your first at bat. This would not really include the turnkey tables that are on the market today, but I really went through alot of hassle getting phono/pre/arm/cart combos that worked well enough to overcome the inherent noise floor of the medium. Your rig really needs to sound great to override the hassle of the journey.

[shack]

I would suspect you would fall into the "hardcore vinyl crowd" category. ;) I am not a fan of the hassle of turntables. I am a fan of the music that is readily available, has excellent sonic characteristics, may not be in print in CD/SACD format and at a fraction of what CDs cost (if even available).

A great example is a month or so before Christmas I went to the Goodwill near my office. It is on the edge of a fairly affluent residential area. I noticed the LP area was full of albums....well over a thousand. Upon further inspection it was obvious that is was primarily a single collection as they were individually numbered in a simple catalog system. With very little effort I was able to determine it was the personal collection of Dr. W. J. Julian. He was the longtime band director for the University of Tennesse Pride of the Southland Band. A well known and respected individual in the college music field. There were literally hundreds of excellent LPs in great shape. Mostly classical and marching band albums. For $60 I left with as many LPs that I could carry. Through friends I have come up with music for free that I would never imagine purchasing. They had no need for those "old records". I guess worrying about extracting the last level of noise from my rig is less important to me than increasing my collection of music. My vinyl journey is a little different from yours...and both are just fine.

[pblanc]

I agree with shack. Back in the early 70s vinyl was the only thing that sounded decent (except maybe for a high quality reel to reel rig). Even after Advent introduced the cassette tape player, LPs were still vastly superior to anything else. In those days spending $200 on a turntable and cartridge was a major investment for most folks. Turntables from that era are still widely available and they still sound better than CDs in my opinion.

I recently picked up a Philips 212 TT on ebay from a seller with good feedback. It came well-packed with an entry level Audio Technica cartridge and it works fine. I bought an NOS Adcom high-gain moving coil cartridge from underwood wally for less than $150 and installed it. I hooked it up with a cheap $75 phono preamp. Total investment for TT, cartridge, phono preamp = $400. Is it as good as a VPI TNT or Linn Sondeck? Of course not. Does it sound better than CDs? Hell yes.

[reeltrouble1]

Darla, that Project is no slouch be any means, it is very well reviewed as being a musically satisfying piece, they make a box to run it which is also recommended as a helping the synergy, is it the best table, well no, but it is a great way to get a new entry table with a high performance to dollar ratio, is it the best, no way, you can now spend a hundred grand on one of these, this table is supposed to be all that and a box of chocalates.

Other good tables are VPI, Rega, Music Hall to name a few, its like everything else lots of good stuff, the Rega tables are noted for their easy set-up, but none of this is rocket science.

RT1

[zombie boy 2000]

FWIW one just popped up on the 'gon for $125 sans the cartridge..
I've contacted the seller and he seems kosher.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1173795700

The wife want it in green, so "no go" for me.

[zombie boy 2000]

Probably a worthless, stupid question... but Music Direct or Needle Doctor?
Which is the better vendor?

[shack]

I've never ordered from Music Direct. Needle Doctor has been very good to work with the times I've bought from them. Very knowledgable as well.

[reeltrouble1]

MD has been good to me. They once had an item on the demo list, I called on it to buy, they could not find it and sent me a new one at the demo price.

I have bought several things with no issues. They do have some folks that will offer some advice on audio gear who know which end to plug into the socket.

RT1

RT1

[zombie boy 2000]

Well.... I flipped a coin and went with Needle Doctor. Have a green Project Debut III and a Project phono box headin' my way:D

[cmy330go]

Take the plunge Darla!

The project Debut III is a fine table, as are the Goldring GR-1.2, and the Music Hall MMF-2.1

I did extensive research on all three of these tables not long ago for the HT system. I personally chose the MMF-2.1 due to it's more adjustable tonearm (VTA and Azimuth).

However I would currently take Shack's recommendation on the Goldring. Had the Goldring GR-1.2 been only $299 at the time I was shopping, I probably would have gone with it. Out of the box you can't adjust the VTA, but since it comes with basically a Rega RB-250 tonearm you can purchase an inexpensive kit that has spacers to adjust it.

Any of these tables are going to provide an excellent listening experience. Sure there are better tables to be had, but you would have to spend significantly more $$$. Any of these will allow you to test the waters, and if you decide that vinyl isn't for you, you'll be able to turn around and sell it with little loss. Of course the same applies if you choose to upgrade.;)

Just Do It!!!!!!!:D

[cmy330go]

I've never ordered from Music Direct. Needle Doctor has been very good to work with the times I've bought from them. Very knowledgable as well.

I've dealt with Music Direct on a few things, and have zero complaints. Everyone I've talked to there has been very knowledgeable.

[wingnut4772]

What about the Music Hall MMF -7? What phono pre would go with that one?

[reeltrouble1]

Well hats off to BDT. You are moving up the chain a bit with that table, the Jolida, PS Audio, Dodd, Lehman, Creek and Acoustech are some phono-pre's to consider. You would need to determine if you are going MC or MM for your cartridge.

RT1

[TroyD]

I think the MMF-7 is a fine entry point. Other than that, next stop would be a VPI Scout.

I'd consider the Jolida phono stage, IMHO.

That said, don't forget about cleaning your vinyl.

BDT

[BlueMDPicker]

What about the Music Hall MMF -7? What phono pre would go with that one?
Get the PS Audio GCPH and Ronco the Mofo, you're done.

[DarqueKnight]

+1 on the PS Audio GCPH.

[cmy330go]

What about the Music Hall MMF -7? What phono pre would go with that one?

I couldn't be much happier with my MMF-7, and I'm only using a Parasound PPH-100. A new phono preamp is on my short list of future upgrades. I personally have had my eye on a dynavector, but I have also heard a number of good comments about the PS Audio.

Keep us posted!

[reeltrouble1]

The Acoustech is better!!!:) actually I never heard the PS audio. But the Acoustech PHP-1 is awesome.

RT1

[shack]

You guys are amazing (I still luv ya though). The lady starts looking at $300-$500 to test the vinyl waters and you've already got her up to a $1,200 turntable and a $1,000 preamp, and with a record cleaner and all the other stuff she's looking at $3,000 retail and around $1,500 used. Let her ease into it guys.

[reeltrouble1]

Hey ShackDaddy, just for the record, the Acoustech is 1500.00.

Wing is well aware and has driven a few fellows to their own Chapter 11.

She is the one that mentioned buying a 1100 or so retail table.

Wing, I think you would like the VPI SuperScout Master.

Rock on.

RT1

[shack]

Yeah Big Ted....but you guys are encouraging her. Given her profession we don't want her to have to turn to the dark side to feed her vinyl habit. She's a good cop now...we need to make sure she stays that way.

[cfrizz]

LOL for sure Shack!

I think I would kill myself if I invested all that money & ended up thinking that the sound & all the work that has to go into getting that sound sucked!:eek:

You guys are amazing (I still luv ya though). The lady starts looking at $300-$500 to test the vinyl waters and you've already got her up to a $1,200 turntable and a $1,000 preamp, and with a record cleaner and all the other stuff she's looking at $3,000 retail and around $1,500 used. Let her ease into it guys.

[wingnut4772]

This is getting a bit pricey...still researching. Don't worry..I am not going to jeapordize my job for a turntable:D

[SCompRacer]

That's definitely more $$$ than I want to spend right now which is making me wonder if I should wait until I can. I want it to be on par with the rest of my set up.

You said it all here. Do you have any local audio emporiums with nice tables? Thirty minutes from me, they will let me take home anything that will fit on my credit card to demo. That is how you can find out what it will take to make you happy.

[wingnut4772]

That PS Audio pre is 1000 bucks!:eek:

[BlueMDPicker]

Msrp

[DarqueKnight]

That PS Audio pre is 1000 bucks!:eek:

They usually go for around $700 on Audiogon. I have even seen some under $650 on Audiogon. I highly recommend it. It has balanced outputs, which really come in handy if you have to use a long run of cable (assuming your preamp has balanced inputs).

[wingnut4772]

I dunno...I haven't had a good experience with PS Audio and that's a LOT more than I wanted to spend right now on the phone pre....

[reeltrouble1]

Wing, the Parasound units are quite good and can be had for around 150.00 new, I used one for a while with the Rega TT and it certainly is a good entry pre, I spent a whole lot more to do better. The Bellarri has gotten great reviews but I never owned one, they are 250.00 new and have a headphone out to boot.

RT1

[wingnut4772]

What about the Graham units?

[BlueMDPicker]

I think I'd cruise on up and see Larry at Hollywood Sound. They seem to have a full line (entry to ecstasy level) of tables, phone stages, cartridges--new and used. There's nothing like hearing it before you buy it. Take along some of your favorite vinyl. Good luck!

x2&even over and out

[reeltrouble1]

I think Music Direct sell the Graham, I never heard them, but MD has the thirty day refund policy if it does not to do it for you. It might be Acoustic Sounds but either way you get to try it and most importantly in your space.

I am thinking of shooting my gain cells with bb gun Mike. j/k

RT1

[BlueMDPicker]

I am thinking of shooting my gain cells with bb gun Mike. j/k
They'd repel the shot with their super secret energy field and put your eye out.

BTW - You did hear the PSA GCPH at my house in the SDA SRS setup downstairs.

[jm1]

Used VPI Scout with Dynvector 10x4 cartridge for $1000 (http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1175297624). This will be an excellent start to the vinyl rig.

[hearingimpared]

Note to self: Bookmark this post so that every time you have that stupid idea of getting into vinyl, you come here and get confused as hell and stay away :) :) :)


No, wrong impression Ric. The initial set up, if you have to do it yourself can be grueling but is fun . . .it takes care of that upgrade/tweak urge. But once it is setup the only thing to do from there is to take care of your vinyl collection and check the VTF every so often as the cartridge breaks in.

[hearingimpared]

This is a good idea if you can get one locally. I would never buy a used TT sight-unseen unless you really know what you are doing or purchase from someone your really trust (like here on the forum).


Big time agreed, never sight unseen!!!

[hearingimpared]

Used VPI Scout with Dynvector 10x4 cartridge for $1000 (http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1175297624). This will be an excellent start to the vinyl rig.

If you can get this kind of deal in your area or within say a good drive, then this is the table and good price, Darla. You absolutely can't go wrong with a VPI. They are very much like Polk in that they continue to support products that are over 20 years old.

Then you must get yourself a really good wet/vacuum record cleaning system. Don't go on the cheap there, it will pay for itself in spades, next is a good cartridge cleaner. I just purchased a Zerodust and used it on a stylus that hasn't been used in many years, it took the oxidation and grunge right off very safely.

[wingnut4772]

Okay....So after much research I have decided to go with .......wait for it........





wait for it...........








The Project Debut!!!:D LOL


The significant other and I are in negotiations to go halfsies but when I showed her the prices of the TT and the Pre amp her head spun a little.:p Imagine me trying to explain that this is a BUDGET system to her.:eek: Anyhoo......I gave her the literature and she took it to read so maybe. I chose a Project phono amp also but that is still open.They have a tube one also.......?

[hearingimpared]

Okay....So after much research I have decided to go with .......wait for it........





wait for it...........








The Project Debut!!!:D LOL


The significant other and I are in negotiations to go halfsies but when I showed her the prices of the TT and the Pre amp her head spun a little.:p Imagine me trying to explain that this is a BUDGET system to her.:eek: Anyhoo......I gave her the literature and she took it to read so maybe. I chose a Project phono amp also but that is still open.They have a tube one also.......?


Excellent and congrats now don't forget the next important part of that puzzle!!!

[madmax]

Great choice! What kind of music do you like? For me, my music interests changed completely when I found vinyl. My latest fancy is strip music. Burlesque (sp?) is the official genre name I guess.
madmax

[starchaser]

Congrats and excellent choice.
I really enjoy my classical lp's and older stuff like Bread, CSN&Y, Boston etc.
Let us know when your set up and have your groove on!

[TroyD]

Great choice! What kind of music do you like? For me, my music interests changed completely when I found vinyl. My latest fancy is strip music. Burlesque (sp?) is the official genre name I guess.
madmax

I am officially wierded out. ;)

Chuck poledancing, that's something I could have gone all day not thinking about.

BDT

[wingnut4772]

I am officially wierded out. ;)

Chuck poledancing, that's something I could have gone all day not thinking about.

BDT
LOL:D

Well we still have to see what the other half says. Budget is tight.

[madmax]

I am officially wierded out. ;)

Chuck poledancing, that's something I could have gone all day not thinking about.

BDT

Install pole, check. :D
madmax

[madmax]

LOL:D

Well we still have to see what the other half says. Budget is tight.

Are we talking about installing a pole for dancing here or purchase of a turntable?
madmax

[hoosier21]

I am officially wierded out. ;)

Chuck poledancing, that's something I could have gone all day not thinking about.

BDT

it rubs the lotion on the skin ;)

[zombie boy 2000]

Awesome Darla! Congrats... Looks like we'll both be tackling this head-on:)
I take it you went with the Pro-Ject Phono Box SE? And are you going with yellow for the TT?
It would be funny if that played a role in your significant other's enthusiasm, as it did mine:D I swear, she has never shown the least amount of interest toward a piece of gear -- either visually or functionally. But when she saw that the Debut was a horse of many colors, she suddenly became an audiophile:D

[wingnut4772]

Awesome Darla! Congrats... Looks like we'll both be tackling this head-on:)
I take it you went with the Pro-Ject Phono Box SE? And are you going with yellow for the TT?
It would be funny if that played a role in your significant other's enthusiasm, as it did mine:D I swear, she has never shown the least amount of interest toward a piece of gear -- either visually or functionally. But when she saw that the Debut was a horse of many colors, she suddenly became an audiophile:D


I was thinking that champagne color would tie in to some of the maple I have going on in the room...and I am not sure how enthusiastic she is. I think even going halfsies she thinks it's ridiculously expensive. (And I haven't even told her about the cables yet!:D )

[zombie boy 2000]

Ah, it is the champagne... isn't it? I saw yellow at a glance...
Never, ever mention cables at all costs. That is one pill that can't be swallowed:D

I found the excitement to rest mainly in the fact that we'll be able to hunt vinyl together... and that's a part of this hobby which she takes great interest in.
A lot of stuff she loves can only be had on vinyl. And she is very passionate about music.

[strider]

It would be funny if that played a role in your significant other's enthusiasm, as it did mine:D I swear, she has never shown the least amount of interest toward a piece of gear -- either visually or functionally. But when she saw that the Debut was a horse of many colors, she suddenly became an audiophile:D

Funny, but true. I was interested in the red one 'til mine saw the other colors. Now I'm all about the silver! I was on the SL when I got home with 2 huge boxes chocked full of SDA's. She didn't want to hear about anything audio unless it was something leaving our house. Now there's enthusiasm again. I'm certainly not questioning it.

[shack]

I think even going halfsies she thinks it's ridiculously expensive. (And I haven't even told her about the cables yet!:D )

NEVER go halfsies (is that really a word?) with your rig. When the time comes to change/upgrade it should not be decision by committee.

[reeltrouble1]

Concur with the rest, a wise choice and solid way to get a vinyl rig going and test the waters.

Balancing relationship's with audio rigs can be slippery, encouraging she is at least considering a split on the costs.

RT1

[wingnut4772]

Concur with the rest, a wise choice and solid way to get a vinyl rig going and test the waters.

Balancing relationship's with audio rigs can be slippery, encouraging she is at least considering a split on the costs.

RT1
Yeah...she is coming around:p

[SCompRacer]

Okay....So after much research I have decided to go with .......wait for it........




Kewl! Congrats. I tried one of them Bellari tube phono pre amps and it sounded pretty decent. The tube Project would be a good start for your seperate, all tube, analog two channel rig.:D