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Trying Analog Again - Sugg for $2K-$4K Budget?

After reading all the comments from everyone about how Vinyl has such a superior sound vs CD, I am interested in giving Vinyl a try again. My only memories are from 20+ years ago with an inexpensive TT.

I enjoy all types of music and especially instrumental piano, guitar, and quality female vocals.

My current system consists of McIntosh MC2102/C2200, Naim CD5, and Alon (Nola) II speakers. The C2200 has a phono stage that Stereophile rated as "good, but not stellar" and Absolute Sound rated as excellent. Phono stage specs are MM only, 4.4mV for 2.5V output (not sure what 4.4mV sensitivity means). I would prefer not to have a separate phono stage if possible, but would entertain the possiblity if current equipment is holding me back. The new table/arm/cartridge will be sitting on the top of a Salamander Synergy S30 rack.

After lots of research and considering the wife approval factor, the VPI line looks to be the direction I'm heading. The Scout has gotten great reviews, however, there are so many other turntables (Scout Master, Super Scout Master, Aries)in that line it makes me wonder. I would prefer to purchase a high-quality table/arm/cartridge the first time vs. entry level. This strategy may not be possible on my budget - not sure.

I have no problem buying used, but have never set up or aligned a cartridge or arm. I really appreciate your help and suggestions so I can begin enjoying the "Vinyl Sound"!
encyclopediabsh
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
Find a cherry condition Linn Sondek (Valhalla/Cirkus level) table with an Itok LVII arm and mount a Shelter 901. It will be hard to find a more enjoyable sounding configuration for less.

The table and arm are important, but probably the biggest impact on the sonic characteristics you will hear is going to come from the cartridge. The Shelter 901 is a wonderful cartridge: deep, tight, extended bass, beautiful midrange, gorgeous highs, open and airy, great transient attack and decay, and a very good tracker at a decent setting (about 1.6g and certainly no more than 2.0g). The cartridge is going to set you back 900 to 1300 or so. A very good Linn/Linn should fit within the balance of your budget, and the Shelter 901 likes the Linn arm. You will find lots of VPI, Basis, and other fans on Agon, but you will also find a lot of Linn fans; the Linn table has stood the test of time. It is a classic that has done it's share to preserve enthusiasm for LPs. If you ever decide to try something else it shouldn't be difficult to find a buyer for the Linn/Linn - perhaps for near what you will pay for it.

The table came in various wood finishes; go for whatever you like; the dust cover came in a tinted/smoked version and a clear version - go for the clear.
jmslaw
95 posts
 
Do yourself a favor: Buy the Scout or Scoutmaster w/ Dynavector 20x cart. and use the phono stage in the C2200 preamp. I had that same amp/pre combo and really enjoyed the phono stage. In fact, I thought it was much better than Stereophile said. I also found the Ginkho Cloud to be a tremendous improvement under the Scout.
c123666
871 posts
 
Tables such as the Teres and Scheu are in another league from any British sprung table including a Linn LP12. They were pretty good 20 to 30 years back.
screwdriver
5 posts
 
im a first time buyer and got a vpi scoutmaster with dyna 10x5 and an ear834p.

ive researched a lot and went with this combo blind .
hope i get satisfied . ill set it up next week wednesday.
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
Hey Screwdriver,

You did well. Your table and the EAR will serve you well. For the money, the Dyna 10x5 is a fine cartridge. You should listen for a while and establish a good sense of what your system can do; when and if you decide to upgade, you can go for a bigger investment in the cartridge and the table and EAR should easily hold their own. You have a good system now and a clearly upgradeable path if you choose to put more $ into the cartridge. Happy listening.
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