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getting into vinyl

Like the title says, I’m thinking I should get into vinyl what do I need to know? I’ve been looking at some used Music Hall MFM and Ikura turntables in the 500 range over kill for 1st TT?
jfondell
mesch
1,679 posts
 
While saving for the right TT, spend some time researching pnonostages regarding the amount of gain provided and cartridge loading parameters. Systems differ in the gain provided post cartridge and phonostage and cartridges vary in gain provided and electrical load requirements. Many threads available on this forum refer to these characters. 
djfst
163 posts
 
For a first rig, if possible, I'd try to get a VPI Scout Jr.  One can be on sale for around the $1000.   For a versatile phono preamp, I'd go with the Lehman Audio Black Cube for around $400.  That will serve you well for a while.  The dealer I work with loves this combo, so feel free to message me if you'd like to get in touch with him.   It's a great value in my opinion.  Best of luck.
dentdog's avatar
dentdog
300 posts
 
It's apparent by your system that you're accustomed to high quality reproduction. It will take some doing and expenditure to equal your present setup. When I got into vinyl about three years ago I decided to wait until the system that I could afford was a keeper. Glad I did. 
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
181 posts
 
OK. WHY do you want to get into vinyl? Have you heard turntable set ups that blew you away? Are there titles available only on LP that you can't find on CD? Have people told you that LP's sound better than CD's? For the life of me, this new phase of vinyl nostalgia is bewildering at best. Pops and clicks, the possibility of needle damage and the unnerving impossibility of track selection is enough to make me scream! And better sound? If YOU think so then go for it. I do own a turntable (VPI TNT Mark5 with 12 inch VPI arm and a Benz ruby cartridge, all set up at the VPI factory). Does it sound as good as my Cary 306 SACD player? It's very close. I upgraded my Cary to an Esoteric X-03SE player. It isn't even close now! Man, the Esoteric is a mile ahead. Certainly I can throw more money at the VPI but how much to better the Esoteric? Thousands! Get a turntable if you're really compelled to BUT, hear one that sounds great to you. Don't read about how warm or great they are. The only real advantage I can think of is the vast number of records out there that may never see release on CD and of course the great 12.5 X 12.5 area for artwork. Other than that, $2000.00 put into a great CD player will blow away most $5000.00 turntable set ups. My humble opinion. Good luck. Joe
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
702 posts
 

I think its great your getting into vinyl is great as always its just another medium to find music. and the factor of holding it in your hand is not to be ignored. I like both good digital and good analog so both can be a good source for music. I think your idea to hold out to buy somthing in a higher budget is a good call. there is some nice tables in the $1200-2000 range that will satisfy long term. also the black cube is a good phono pre as well as the Gram Slee stuff and the ifi iphono2 is gettiing great reviews all in that $500 range of course more mony will yeald beter sound but i think thats a good starting piont. as you will want to invest in records '-) good luck.

Another idea is to buy a good vintage Garrard 301-401 or lenco and build it up your self. that will take some research but well worth the time and long term investment.

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