Want to get into Analog

Dear mrpostfire,

Analog that tops digital is not inexpensive, and coming from a guy that started with analog, a grand in used gear won’t quite cut it. But it’s a start. Why?


A bring home the bacon cartridge starts at around the $500-$1200 mark, with the sky being the law of deminishing returns limit. Ortofon 2M Bronze $440, Dynavector 10X5 Mk2 $750, Grado Sonata V2 $600, Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo III Hi MC $550, and this is quality "entry level" gear. That doesn’t leave a lot left for table, wire and tonearm. So for a grand, in my experience, tough to do. But it’s a start.

If buying new I’d suggest a Rega Planar 3 Turntable $950, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit Black with 2M Blue stylus $760, Thorens TD 203 Turntable w/ Arm & Ortofon 2M Blue $700, get you in for around a grand.


If you’re going used? I’ve had an Oracle Delphi since 1982. Ya, ya, some will comment suspension tables this/that, but the fact of the matter is it’s a fine and rock solid table. They start at about a grand for just the table, no arm or cartridge. Add another $500 for a Rega RB300 arm, add a starter cartridge for another $500, and for $2000 G’s you’ve got a table you can build on from here to eternity. "Caveat" - - don’t mix a Rega arm with a Grado Sonata cartridge !


Another table I’ve had experience with is the VPI Scout, and there’s a Scout Jr on eBay right now for $700, which is something to take a good hard look at.


Happy hunting.

I don't know if there is a consensus but it seems like more people believe $1000 isn't enough to capture the "analog magic."  I can up my budget to $2500 new or used.  The Nottingham's look intriguing as do the vintage Luxman PD 441.  One thing I want to avoid is manually fiddling with the belt to change play speeds.

I'll have to do some more research but I appreciate those providing specific suggestions.

Thanks.

Start out "new", there are too many bad things that can happen used.

Mrpostfire, I'm over 70, I had vinyl until CD's came out, and I have no idea what the "vinyl experience" is about; without a high end analog rig it was "crap" and good riddance.

However, it's entering a new dimension in music with a top flight rig. What you don't want to do is waste money by buying something cheap. This is a long term investment; musical pleasure for the rest of your life.


    https://www.soundandvision.com/content/luxman-aims-reach-more-vinyl-enthusiasts-new-high-end-turntab...



That looked like something you could live with, I believe I could. The best thing about new, is the possibility that you might be able to try before you buy; this TT business is very competitive.

In regard to a cartridge, I recommend that you get one in the vicinity of 1K; like ice cream, they come in different flavors, but more or less the same quality in said price range.

The best way to choose a cartridge without auditioning it, is to carefully read the reviews, and read as many as possible. Pay close attention to the music, the reviewer is using;  if he uses music that is compatible with your tastes, and gives that music glowing reviews, you've got a match.

It ain't easy being an audiophile, but the rewards are tremendous.

@mrpostfire ,
Many good suggestions here. I believe all the Nottinghams require manually moving the belt, so probably not for you. 
Vintage Luxmans, Thorens and the new Technics with built-in phono stage all sound like good options. 
A couple of sub-topics not addressed too much yet:

1) Record cleaning is the key to minimizing ticks & pops, even if you plan on playing mostly new LPs. For about $500 of your total budget you can get significantly cleaner, quieter LPs using a combo of ultrasonic cleaner, DIY fluids and rinse/dry with a wet vac. Read @rushton 's thread here where includes his PositiveFeedback article and other posts that expand on how to do it most cost-effectively. A commitment to cleaning records and immediately storing them in good new sleeves is required to get anywhere close to the sound you are investing in.

2) Phono stage needs to accounted for in your budget. It also must be carefully chosen to match gain and loading with the cartridge and preamp you'll be using. Don't just buy individually suggested items without informed opinions on if they play nice with each other. Aspects to note in your questions will be phono stage gain options, loading options, cartridge output and compliance. Don't feel like you need to become an expert overnight, just ask "Hey does this cart match well with this tonearm and this phono stage?". You'll get plenty of help. Cheers,
Spencer