VPI table
Soundsmith cart
VPI 16.5 record cleaner
Soundsmith cart
VPI 16.5 record cleaner
Turntables
I am kicking the idea of trying out vinyl. It’s been a long time since I had a turntable and it took a lot of thought whether I can deal with what always seemed like the snap, crackle & pops of an album. Anyway, I’ve decided to take a plunge after all the buzz how awesome it is. Of course before I make any final decisions, I always turn to the Audiogon community for their expert thoughts, opinions and education. I’m also looking for suggestions for a nice affordable table with tone arm and cartridge. Being the fact this is new to me and I may hate it, I’m looking for suggestions on the best affordable set up I can do for a new or used in the price range of $1000/$1500. I’m sure I can get a better bang for the buck going used. I just don’t know anything about these animals. My system is older but I still enjoy it which consist of a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp, Proceed AVP 2+6 used for 2 channel audio, Audio Acoustics model 9 speakers, Ayre DAC for digital with Transparent Audio Ultra mm2 cables. Any input is greatly appreciated!
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With your setup, seeing you’ve spent $1800(?) on speaker cable, I’d strongly recommend stepping up to Clear Audio turntable at $2200. More than you want to spend but that’s the minimum for your setup. I wouldn’t go into a MC cartridge, unless it’s a high output one that you can play through a regular phono stage. |
@luvrockin Here's a modded 1200 that is a great step towards 1200g performance well fitting your budget. Read theartofsound Techiepedia for many enthusiastic comments about why this would make lots of sense for you both now and as you can invest a bit more later. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a00b-technics-sl-1200mkii-turntable-with-kab-upgrades-turntabl... Cheers, Spencer |
Hi folks, Im a little late chiming in here as the OP has already made his move, but I know this thread will read by others making similar decisions and I also just went through the same thing my self recently joining the vinyl club.. I was originally looking at a Rega RP6 with the neo PSU when I stumbled upon a refurbished MUSIC HALL MMF 7.3 with a Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge pre installed from Partsconnexion. Both TT’s were in the same price and quality range (priced new). Long story short after [A lot] of research I pulled trigger on the Music Hall , I could not resist the discount as I too was unsure whether or not this Vinyl stuff would be my cup of tea so to say.. Then it was the Phono pre, that was a MUCH BIGGER DECISION than the actual TT its self. I’m no newbie to audio and I also know pre amps are a very important part of the stereo be it Phono or not. I knew if I wanted good sound that I could not skimp out on the Phono pre. I read up on all the usual suspects, newest Blackbox, Grahm Slee, Rega, Dynavector which Im sure are all great but in the end I settled for another great deal which was a USED Sim Audio MOON LP5.3 - This pre amp is dead quiet and matched up very well with the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartidge.. I must admit I was surprised the sound is Very good , It rivals my digital setup… my digital setup is no slouch..
Tidal/Jriver/PC Laptop To Matrix Xspdif 2 (dig to dig Converter) Powered with Uptone audio Ultracap LPS1.2 feeding latest iteration if Schiit Yggdrasil DAC via AES/EBU cable in turn feeding Audio Research LS26 (bal conects) preamp to Bryston 7B3 mono blocks feeding ELAC FS209.2 speakers. There are small differences for sure like the bass notes will come out lower on the digital setup but for $1600 bucks USD id like to think I built a nice Analog setup.. It also seems that I have a achieved a nice analog sounding digital setup which is what were all chasing with these high performance Dac’s and such. I got the Music Hall MMF7.3 discounted at $1000 Usd, and the SIM Audio Moon LP5.3 for $600 usd. Just some food for thought for any one else looking to jump into Vinyl. |
Great responses here but no one has addressed the fact that unless you have a great source to buy clean, well cared for records... your records will still sound like crap no matter how much you spend. You mention snap, crackle and pop in the first line of your post. Having a good, used record store in your town is a must. Just my opinion anyway. Have never bought an LP online. I need to be able to look at the record under some bright store lights to see if it's been properly cared for. Have fun in your quest for the 'vinyl' sound anyway! |
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