2. analog
  3. 134625-94588

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
perkri
39 posts
 
+1 reubent.

I would suggest picking a recording that you are very familiar with, research what is the best available pressing of that particular recording and buy a new copy of that to use for your "reference" piece. 

Pretty much everything ever made is avail here:

https://www.discogs.com

And you can source what is "best" here:

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv

Good luck!

P
dgassie
6 posts
 
Align the cartridge

Upgrade to the Ortofon Blue needle. It fits on your Red cartridge and is only $200. It tracks well at about 1.80 grams

Upgrade RCA interconnects.

I use an acrilyc mat. Some people prefer rubber or cork. Yes...it makes a difference you'll be able to hear.

Like Reubent said, play a good recording. Pink Floyd's remastered Dark Side of the Moon on 189 gram vinyl sounds pretty good and although it seems Diana Krall is pretty much hated around here, her new Turn Up the Quiet album sounds pretty good.

Best of luck Thyname!

mgolpoor's avatar
mgolpoor
19 posts
 
I will not even try to get into digital vs analog discussions. At best it’s been covered a trillion times and at worst what sounds great to me may sound average to you. But to put your situation in another perspective that may make better sense you have a high performance car with the cheapest tires. You can change the air pressure, balance the wheels differently even put a heavy load in the trunk and each time the ride will be different. You will only get the best ride out of your car when the tires are appropriate for your car. In all instances all tires will get you from A to B.
Post removed 
cheeg's avatar
cheeg
80 posts
 
+1 on the Nagaoka 150 cartridge; also, their MP-110 is very good, and only $120.  I’d forget about the turntable until you find a cartridge you like, and have it correctly aligned.   What are you using to play CDs?  
More to discover