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!
128x128luvrockin
@sns Start a thread about your new setup when you get it. I had great success w/ SP10mkII. One concern, is the compliance match a good fit between the 103R and the Jelco? I've heard widely varying results for the cart depending on the arm. 
One suggestion, play around with different clamps and mats if you get a chance. I found that you can clearly hear impactful differences with every change and finding a sympatico match will be well worth the trouble! Cheers,
Spencer
I hope you will love your new turntable. I began with p-24, which I heavily modded over time and learned with. The motor died last spring and I got the new P6 with Ania cart and I love this one as well. I think I will next try my DV cart on it. But I love to know about hardware setup and such as well as enjoy the music when I have finished a cycle of learning curves. I prefer vinyl still and I am sure my system is not as high end, but I get great joy out of it and out of tweaking a little at times. I concur about next focusing on a record cleaning protocol and caring for your stylus so even crappy albums can sound decent until you get a copy of more pristine ones. Plus, even new albums need cleaning of the residue. And I heard Viridian - his points always ring true with me and he has helped me avoid costly errors over time. I think if you have enough age on you that you had albums in the past, you can really “get” their value. I love physical media and all things pre-cell phones, so vinyl is joyful and fun. But if you have enjoyed hi-rez streaming and digital ease, this may not be your cup of tea. And no biggie, you will be able to resell just fine. So, enjoy the journey wherever it takes you. Mine returns me to quad and vinyl and now Vocallion re-issues of SACD’s from nice quad sources. Who woulda thunk? To each her or his own! But ain’t it fun! Good luck! 
So, the journey has began. I set up my Rega RP6, Rega fono MM and almost immediately I’m about ready to sell it lol! I have 2 albums. One was given to me with the table and the other is a brand new Norah Jones Come away with me. As I did 35 years ago when I had a TT and vinyl, immediately the first thing I did before playing the album was clean it. This album is horrible, scratchy sounding in spots with all kinds of crackles & pops. Is this what you get with “new vinyl” or is it a bad album? The Rush album I was given is fine with minimal pops. The SQ is not of my digital set up but that cold be because I’m using pretty shitty Monster Cables until funds build to get a pair of Transparent Audio Ultra’s. Any thoughts or recommendations?
I would try a few more records before giving up.  There is a record store "2nd and Charles" in Highland according to their website.  I had one near me but they closed.  
Luvrockin, if your cartridge and phono pre are new it's going to sound bad without break in. It's going to be thin and harsh. That's the bad part of analog there is no repeat button to burn in gear. I mean no disrespect but if you bought phono pre new and could return it I would. Without a full sounding 3D phono pre with gain adjustments it's going to be hard to enjoy your purchase.