2. analog
  3. 141645-34305

Turntables

I am kicking the idea of trying out vinyl. It’s been a long time since I had a turntable and it took a lot of thought whether I can deal with what always seemed like the snap, crackle & pops of an album. Anyway, I’ve decided to take a plunge after all the buzz how awesome it is. Of course before I make any final decisions, I always turn to the Audiogon community for their expert thoughts, opinions and education. I’m also looking for suggestions for a nice affordable table with tone arm and cartridge. Being the fact this is new to me and I may hate it, I’m looking for suggestions on the best affordable set up I can do for a new or used in the price range of $1000/$1500. I’m sure I can get a better bang for the buck going used. I just don’t know anything about these animals. My system is older but I still enjoy it which consist of a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp, Proceed AVP 2+6 used for 2 channel audio, Audio Acoustics model 9 speakers, Ayre DAC for digital with Transparent Audio Ultra mm2 cables. Any input is greatly appreciated!
128x128luvrockin

Showing 6 responses by viridian

viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
IMHO, it’s a fool’s errand. You are very unlikely to enjoy the level of involvement that LP replay demands. I would skip it and put the money into software and upgrading your current front ends. 

This from someone who never gave up their LP collection in the dark years, and has 5, very nice, turntables, and a collection of artisanal cartridges to go with them. Just my 2 cents; my advice is probably worth what you paid for it. 
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Great table! I bet you will love it. Super choice.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Orpheus10, no need to be puzzled. It’s not the part of the score that he knows that may cause the project to be still borne, as you said, it’s the part that he doesn’t.

I genuinely hope to be proven wrong and luvrockin loves rockin’ with his new table. It’s always great to find a new convert to analogue replay. However my experience with folks who have well sorted systems adding moderately priced turntables was the basis for my comments.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
It’s interesting, one of my overseas trading partners asked me to put together a phono system to integrate with Naim gear for him. I tried to wave him off but he’s stuck on it. Budget was 2K. So I went to work.

Right now, in my listening room, I have a Rega Planar 25 with P9 feet, Groovetracer jewel sub platter, weight, Delrin platter and Exact 2 with under 20 hours on it. Cost $1250, Rega Fono 2, another $250 and Chord RCA to DIN cable, $70 more. It really sounds great. I love Technics tables as well, but the received wisdom is that they do not slot in well to a Naim system.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The P25 that I am setting up for a friend has a new Exact 2 on it. The cartridge is very high gain, putting out approximately 7mv. Additionally, the shielding is in the Grado camp.

I had a hum problem as well. My Naim CD player, which is always on, was on the shelf of a Target rack at least 10” below the shelf with the Rega. While still connected, and humming away, I picked up the turntable and moved it around and the hum became louder and softer. Which lead me to turning off the Naim CD player, and the hum was, miraculously, gone.

I think the Exact is a bit hum prone and other internet threads tend to reinforce my impression.

To alleviate static, mix a small amount of commercial fabric softener in water. Put this in a spray bottle and spray on the carpet around the stand, covering the stand if need be to keep the spray from coming in contact with it. A simple solution that will alleviate any static problems that you are having.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Kreber my condolences on the loss of your husband. Unless you are comfortable with packing, and shipping, stereo components, it might pose a challenge to you. 

You may find that selling locally by posting an ad on Craigslist, for free, is an easier solution. Another option is to sell to an audio dealer that handles used gear in your locale. I hope that this helps.
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