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getting back into vinyl

I've long been a lurker on these forums but would like to hear the wisdom of this group. My old table broke years ago and was never worth repair. But I do have a good collection of vinyl I still own. I thought I might want to get back into analog playback so I brought a few recordings which I have in both CD and vinyl and listened at a dealer who seems to know their stuff. They were demoing an SME 20 through all ARC tube gear. The CDs were also played through an ARC unit. No question, the analog setup beat the digital in every regard. I was quite surprised by this - but even in dynamics and bass weight, the vinyl was superior. It was just more enjoyable listening.
The dealer tells me every table really does sound different and that the SME 30 is a big and noticeable upgrade over the 20. He didn't have that for me to listen to. In thinking about this, I can't see how there could possibly be that much difference at the high end? Between SME 20 and a budget table? Perhaps. Surely, the primary differences must really be in the cartridge and phono preamp. Perhaps some is the wiring of the arm.
Regardless, here's my quandary. No matter how much I might like it, I'm not going to spend $15k on a table, and another $6k on a phono preamp. But, I'm willing to spend some money if it gets me close to what I heard today.
Does it make sense to put a better MC cartridge and good phono section together w/ a basic table (ie VPI Scoutmaster) or is that foolish? I've already heard the Marantz w/ Clearaudio Virtuoso, but it didn't sound nearly as good as what I heard today. Was that the cartridge and electronics?...
So, seeking the wisdom of the group. Is it the table, arm, cartridge or phono section that is most noticeable to you? I'll use your suggestions to narrow my focus. Thanks much in advance!
mgrif104
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
You obviously can afford $20,000+ for a vinyl front end, otherwise I think you wouldn't be talking about it. Maybe if you talked a little about the rest of your system (speakers, amp, pre-amp, cable) we might be able to help you judge whether you'll gain much by going way over the budget for a VPI Scoutmaster or Pro-ject RM10.

Apparently you past TT was not that great, so I suspect that the step up to a Scoutmaster or RM10 will a major step.

Doesn't your dealer have any midpriced players? Sounds to me like he sized you up and aim you at his most expensive gear. Surely he's got a couple of other price points. Have him bring a couple of tables below $5000 into the same room with the SMEs. If he won't do it, walk and find a better dealer. He should be encouraging you to listen for yourself, but guiding you in reaction to your comments and feelings.

You might consider going used, starting at the Scoutmaster level, with a good cartridge and good phono-pre and see how involved you get in vinyl. If you want more later, then you can resale and buy at a higher level with only a nominal cost.

Dave
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the marantz(clearaudio)table should sound great. i would believe its the system....is it an sme20? no...but its not a world apart either.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Is it the table, arm, cartridge or phono section that is most noticeable to you?

The answer to your question is yes. They all make a difference. Sorry, no easy solution so you need to spread your budget and chose each component wisely. I think this holds true no matter if your budget is $2K or $20K.

Thinking of the cartridge/phonostage match first is a good idea because that synergy will probably have the most impact on the sound potential. Your choice of a cartridge will help narrow down what tonearms would work best. Then you'll have a good idea of what tables you can use. This is just a general suggestion of a possible selection process, but I think it will give you an example of one way to proceed. Still, it can be an iterative process.

IMO, if you want to budget a little less in any one area to start it should be the cartridge.
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