2. analog
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Considering analog...but nervous

Well, I've been here before. Once again, I'm thinking of venturing into the Analog world, but before doing so, I wanted to pose a few questions to fellow agoners to make sure my head (ears?) are in the right place.

Some Background: My current setup consists of a Modwright Transporter, Musical Fidelity KW 500 (hybrid tube pre/SS Amp), and Focal/JM 1027be speakers. My entire current collection is digital and I have NEVER owned Vinyl before NOR have I ever heard a high-end Analog setup.

My Tastes/musical likes: I am all about soundstage and imaging. Vocal accuracy is hugely important and instrument placing (hence, imaging) are part of what I look for when listening. Genre wise, mostly rock, folk, acoustic and blues. Some jazz as well. I generally try to stick to labels that produce good-sounding material...not over-compressed garbage.

On with the questions:

1. One of the biggest things that has kept me from trying Vinyl thus far is the concern of excessive hiss and crackle/pop that vinyl is known for. Is it safe to assume that purchasing new Vinyl and played on a higher quality setup will reduce (eliminate?) the pops and crackle sounds? I have no problem purchasing exclusively new vinyl, knowing full well that the process of shopping used is what draws so many to this market...

2. If I purchase new vinyl, only play it on a decent player, and store it properly, will I still have to clean it? How expensive is a cleaning machine? Are there (reasonable), less expensive alternatives to a cleaning machine?

3. Based on my integrated (tube-pre,SS amp) and speakers, are these a good match for Vinyl? Does anyone know if the KW 500 Phono input is adequate for a good turntable? My digital system has a tendency to be on the bright side for a lot of material, but not everything. Strangly, even at 31 years old, I can still hear up to around 19Khz so I'm a bit picky about the highs...

4. How complicated is the setup of the TT? Being that I've never worked wtih it before, I'm somewhat intimidated by the "setup" requirements of the equipment. What are the core requirements/knowledge to properly setup a TT.

5. And finally, the most subjective question of all. If I had a budget of about $1,000-$1,500 for a TT, Tonearm and Cartridge, what would be a good starting place? I'd obviously be looking for used here from Agon.

I know this was a long post so thanks for hanging in and reading it all :-). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

-gh0st
fatgh0st
isochronism
1,447 posts
 
You've been thinking about this for a while. Do you have any friends who have a TT, where you can get an idea of living with one? If you don't already own any records, you will be in for a long time search, maybe develop a habit!! Not trying to dissuade you, as I am beginning to get back to it in a big way. I already have a bit of a collection going back 30++ years. There is nothing like it, but does require some commitment. Records can be cleaned with a modest manual set-up. There's plenty of information in the forums here.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I would strongly suggest NOT getting onto vinyl for you.
The reasons are:
1) you are sort of on the fence; bad, not really enough desire. without some 'black licorice' lust, it would be a mistake. (to think it would develope)
2) you have NO records. The PRIMARY (and ONLY real reason to play vinyl) is because one HAS vinyl, and loves to collect vinyl. The real question you SHOULD ask yourself is: "How many GOOD local used LP sources are around my area" (if you plan on going ahead with the desire to buy into LP playback)
3) the playing of LPs is just different than CD. The results are different, with different tradeoffs. I vacuum my LPs and usually never wash them (used) and have NO problem with surface noise (but i grew up on LP)
4) the rituals are complicated. You DO have to clean off the LP, whether by vac, or wash, or carbon fiber brush. Then you only get to sit for 20 to 30 mintes, AND MUST get up halfway through the music to turn over the LP. If you listen to opera, this is from 4 to 10 times.. getting up to change sides!!!
So as a lazy 6,000 LP and three turntable owner, I tell you it is a fad, and is NOT worth getting into for a neophyte.
IF you must, because you feel driven to do so, then BY ALL MEANS do it, if you ARE on the fence, asking real advice. My BEST advice is DO NOT DO IT.
If you want to explore something new.. look into hi rez downloads and hi rez on memory sticks. That would be more rewarding in the long run (IF) if you do not have a real 'need' to get into vinyl.
IMO totally IMO.
and hope this helps.
chayro
1,801 posts
 
Vinyl absolutely requires more of a commitment than digital, but many feel it's worth it. Yes, there will always be some noise somewhere on the records, but if you're buying new vinyl, it should be minimal and outweighed by the better sound - assuming YOU think it's better.

I would not buy a used tt, as there are too many things to go wrong. My advice it buy a Music Hall MMF5 or MMF7. They come all set up and ready to go. When I got back to vinyl, I purchased an MMF5, which was not as nice as the one they have now, and I felt that it gave me a decent taste of what vinyl was about.

As to cleaning - at first I bought only new vinyl and used Gruv-Glide to clean them. It was OK for starters, but I think you will need to eventually buy a machine. They go for between $350-$600 for a decent one. One other idea. I buy a lot of vinyl from Better Records. They have some very expensive records, but plenty of reasonably priced stuff as well. And, for $5, they will machine-clean your records, so you really don't have to worry about it. Unless you mess it up, one cleaning will last a long time. Oh, you'll probably need a phono preamp. Ask underwood about it. Probably $150-$250, depending...

I would check out Underwood HiFi here on A'gon for the Music Hall. He usually has perfect trade-ins at fair prices and you'll have some support when you have questions. Well, that's my opinion anyway.
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