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Record wear

I'm tempted to get into analog, but have next to no experience. I'm considering starting with an inexpensive table, cartridge, etc. to test the waters. If things work out, I'll upgrade.

Some of the records can run fairly pricey, like the Analogue Productions 45s. In my inexperience, I'm concerned that a lower-end system may introduce a lot of record wear before I jump into a better system. Should this be a concern?

If this shouldn't be a concern, any recommendations for reasonably-priced components? Thanks!
bigamp
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Pbb, good to hear from you. This is the first time that I have been told that I am a member of a cult, but I kind of like it. The shoe fits me; I think that I'll wear it! Pass the Cool-Aid it can only make the Doors sound better.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
If the cartridge/tonearm are reasonably high quality and aligned correctly, it is virtually impossible to "wear out" a record. Keeping your records clean is very important as well.

The gear I used 40+ plus years ago was hardly state of the art but the records still play quietly and without any significant problems. I

Those who espouse record wear being a problem probably need to upgrade their hardware. My opinion is based on a review of that system.
pbb
1,135 posts
 
Glad to see that your vinyl is better than my vinyl!
pbb
1,135 posts
 
Despite being on record as saying "wear isn't an audible factor in my experience", Photon46 is not a cult member as he simply makes too much sense. I think it boils down to what type of music is being reproduced. Anything that has a lot of quiet moments or soft music will, in my experience, dissapoint, if not initially, then after a few plays.

On some music, there is magic in LP listening.

Not for everybody and, more to the point, not for every type of music.
pbb
1,135 posts
 
Bigamp, looked at your system and with the amount of money you spent on it am left wondering why you think that new vinyl is pricey and why you have decided to be thrifty when it comes to an analogue setup. Then again, maybe your idea of inexpensive does not match mine. If you want a simple solution I would say get yourself a used Rega P9/1000 and a good cart properly set up and a decent phono section and you might want to live with these a while.
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