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Brand new to vinyl: Help!

I am brand new to vinyl, but quite established in digital (CDs, lossless streaming, etc.).

I made the first foray to vinyl by purchasing an entry level turntable - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Esprit.

I am using an Ayre pre-amp with phono stage and also Ayre amp.

While I am happy I have it up and running, I don’t think it sounds as good as my digital setup (Directstream DAC).

So what can I do to improve, short of buying a much more expensive turntable?

Things in my mind:

1 - Since it accepts DC power, buy a linear power supply

2 - Since my Phone stage on my preamp only accepts XLR three-pin connector, I bought a male RCA to male XLR cable from Amazon, less than $20. Do I need a better interconnect?

3 - Upgrade the cartridge (it comes with Ortfofon Red something)

Thanks!
128x128thyname
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
257 posts
 
Great advice everyone! Thank you.

I did have to remove the load resistor out of the phono board on Ayre K-1xe, as it was 100 ohms and muffled the sound a lot. According to Ayre, the Ortofon red cartridge was best with no loading. I had to open the Ayre up to do all this.

The gain resistor is 10 ohm, so that means loudest setting, but it's OK, I can manage. 

I don't know what re-alignment means, but I will look it up.

The cable I got is RCA on one end and XLR on the other. No adapter used. That's what Ayre's manual recommended.



simao's avatar
simao
656 posts
 
 With that project turntable feeding your air system, it's like using a red solo cup to drink really good champagne. The table is good for what it is, but your downstream components are going to reveal all its weaknesses. 

 Still, you can do a lot with it with a better cartridge. You might try a Dynavector 10 X5    Also, ask around your audio store if there's anyone in the area who might be free to come over and help you set up your turntable in cartridge so everything is aligned and cracked the right way. Someone who's in the know about vinyl can really teach you a lot about how to get the best sound out of your system. 
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
I agree with the comments above you dropped a budget cable into what sounds like a very revealing top tier system. I would recommend finding a good dealer who will not only sell you a table but will expertly set it up and fit it with a cartridge that is compatible with your phono stage. Trust me if you don't have a TT that sounds as good as or better than your digital you will stop listening to it.
hizzy
1 posts
 
You might want to experiment with a new cartridge? Maybe a Nagaoka? the MP 150 is great. 
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
257 posts
 
You are killing me guys! Especially with those analogies. I know it’s an entry level TT. Totally aware. Trying to figure out whether the inconvenience of vinyl is something I can live with, while improving the sound with what I have right now and minor tweaks.

It seems like upgrading to Blue Ortofon is probably doable.

Maybe some ~ $200 Interconnects too.

I have already ordered a cleaning kit, and a level.
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