2. analog
  3. 1176238860

New Vinyl Setup

For somebody who is new to vinyl, is there any advantage to buying new vs. buying used? Or is the cost savings of buying used the same advantage with a vinyl setup that it is with most other audio components?

I know there are some setups that come ready to plug and play, cartridge and all. Shy of somebody coming to one's house to install and verify setup, it would seem like the new owner needs to be well versed in setup to really get what they're paying for, new or used, out of vinyl.

Given the mechanical nature of a vinyl setup, it seems like there might be advantages for a newbie getting it right with brand new stuff, but would appreciate any input.
kthomas
tvad
9,467 posts
 
My opinion is that buying used affords you the opportunity to try some gear and replace it with other gear without losing your ass in the process.

...because you WILL buy and resell, and buy again.

Also, you might as well learn how to set up an arm and cartridge so you know how to troubleshoot the eventual expensive table/arm/cart combo. Plus, why be limited to hiring someone to set up your table every time you want to experiment with a different cartridge?

Buy used. That's my 2 cents...
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
My concern here is that turntables are the hardest things to ship without damage, with the possible exception of large, heavy speakers. The best thing to do is use the zip code search engine off of "my page" and buy locally. Barring that, know your seller, and make sure that she has extensive experience in shipping turntables. I cannot emphasize the risks strongly enough.
newbee
4,093 posts
 
FWIW, start 'small'. Don't focus on high end stuff and take it one step at a time. If I were starting out I would buy a TT without suspension system for two reasons. You don't have to tune it and it can be shipped with less probability of damage. Get one with a tonearm that is easy to set up and use, keep it simple. Get a cartridge that is easy to set up and is not as sensitive to VTA variables in LP's beyond simple initial set up. Then do a little reading and learn to set it up yourself as Tvad suggested.

I've seen some inexpensive new packages by Rega which would be excellent TT's to start with.

FWIW
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Assuming you don't buy some POS, which you can avoid with some meager homework, there is really no advantage to buying new vs. new.

Now, just for food for thought, there are advantages for buying a little higher up the food chain than the normal suggestions for starter tables. (No, I'm not in the audio business.) Obviously, if you go here you should be committed to this undertaking prior to making such a purchase. The advantage is that you'll have equipment with much better adjustment capabilities to allow you to learn and you'll skip that effort of buying and selling as you move up.

That is, if you know you're already afflicted.

;)
More to discover