TOTALLY CONFUSED about analog


I want to start into high end analog but I just don't get it.

I am confused with all this "belt drive/direct drive", MC for this or that, some guys fighting for Rega...one of you guys is a 'SELF PROCLAIMED EVANGELIST' about the DJ turntable!

What is reality anyway? Do I have to get a DJ turntable and modify it? If I buy a Rega I'd have to modify it, too...right? There's a counter weight, new wires, rings for VTA, you name it.

What about 'turntables for classical' or 'turntables for rock and roll'? What is this? What about the Star Trek turntable?

Is there a way to just buy something and enjoy?

Any suggestions in a couple of price ranges (new--I don't want to hear how you found in a garage sale this $3000 turntable for $150), say in the $300-600 and $800-1500 ranges?

Thanks and please bear with me.

Ken
waxcylinderfc6d
Bishopwill-

Regarding surface noise (as well as the original question on cartridges)- I noticed a remarkable decrease in surface noise in going from a Sumiko Talisman (a somewhat modest high output MC) to a Benz LO.4.

To tell the complete story, originally had a P3 with the Talisman, then got a Well Tempered Classic and installed the Talisman. Some noise went away just in moving to the WT, but the REAL noise reduction came when the LO.4 was installed.

Additionally, I make judicious use of a DBX 3BX in the tape loop, which gets rid of ALOT of surface noise. While some may scoff at the extra connections and theoretical distortions from 'signal processing', friends are almost always surprised that an LP is playing because they don't hear the bacon frying in the backround and Phillips has convinced them that CDs sound "perfect". Except they now now that LPs can sound "perfecter". (Yeah, I know that ain't no good english, so you CD guys don't write me no letters...)

I also have a Burwen TNE that I haven't used in several years because I haven't heard much 'Rice Krispies' with this rig. Know anyone looking for a TNE?

This thread is making me hungry for some breakfast....

Regards
Jim
I've been collecting vinyls since I'm 5. When I've got my first cheap used Nad CD player and played "Dark Side of The Moon" (That was the first CD I've ever played back there) i was literally dissapointed with the sound. I was TOTALLY CONFUSED and by advise of my friend bought newer Marantz CD 67se. I continued to complain to my friend and he said me to hook up the turntable back and quit complaining.
That's what I did. One of my favorite Pink Floyd albumes "Dark Side of the Moon" "fries for me a bit of beacon" but I live with it and still listen to it.
The first thing to benefit from ANY turntable that vinyl is already in most cases better software than digital CD.
Good Bishop, I have to disagree with you.
Good beer and rare beef...it goes without saying. But chocolate???

Sincerely, I remain
hey, jimbo, i use a 3bx, too! also in the tape loop, so it's not in the signal path when not in use. but, i find it more useful for increasing dynamic range, than for suppressing vinyl surface noise. in fact, it seems to get as much, if not more, use for cd's than vinyl, cuz they're so compressed! ;~) it also works great on compressed fm, but, fortunately, the stations i listen to, are relatively compression-free. that burwen tne sounds intriguing, but i dunno if it's really worth it, for the so-small number of vinyl discs where i feel it would be useful> :>)

doug s.

Getting back to Ken's confusion. I am in the process of going through this. Thought about the DJ table. Seems there is only one guy who thinks it is a good idea. Looked at the Basis. Decided it was too much money for starting out. Looked at Music Hall. Too cheap looking. Won an auction for a Thorens TD125MK2 on ebay for 200. Then a NIB Rega 25 came up for sale here for 900 and I bought it . Now I have two tables. Ken, if you are confused now, try cartridge selection. The Thorens comes with a cartridge, but I don't have it yet. I am shopping for a cartridge for the Rega. Thinking about getting a glider from juki when I figure out which output to go with.(see my thread) This is going to be fun.