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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
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I would not 'jump off a cliff' thinking you 'might be interested in getting back into vinyl'....
Fist off, millions of folks happy with vinyl tossed it all for CDs. most never looked back. The romantic resurgence of vinyl playback still has plenty of drawbacks, primarily finding LPs, and CLEANING LPs.
A modest TT with a decent cart, Say a nottingham. and a decent phono pre, and a good LP cleaner.
Then you can see if you really do enjoy messing around with LPs!!
(I have gone back too, after abandoning vinyl, I have amassed a LOT of LPs and have two cheap, decent TTs, a couple of ARC phonos (Audio Research P-1 and a P-2)
I play Cds or LPs when I want. I theoretically go for a better TT if I ever wanted one... but I am satisfied. My only grip is cleaning is a MUST for used LPs!!)
So, my suggestion is, buy a used TT, and see if you actually really want to use it. save your money!! Then, if you LOVE it, go for a $$$ TT.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Since you plan for the Cremonas in the future I'd suggest putting a budget of $4000 to $8000 together for vinyl and leave money for the Sonus and a much better amp (which they DEMAND). ARC stuff is good, but I don't think it's the best value, particularly for the Cremonas. I'd suggest something like:
VPI Scoutmaster or Pro-ject RM10 with a high output MC, like the Sumiko Blackbird $3000
Jeff Rowland Design Group Continuum 500 integrated amp with phono stage $9500.
Cremonas $9800.
Cables, Disc Doctor cleaning materials, etc. $2000
I'm assuming that you've got decent digital already.

The Pro-ject and Scoutmaster are consistant with this level of system. If you become "Dr. Vinyl" and want to upgrade, then you can do that later. You'll hear 99% with this set up and you'll probably want to buy some better LPs, if your best stuff is "scratchy".

Dave
mgrif104 OP
47 posts
 
Thanks much for the input. I am beginning to put together a budget in my mind. VPI Scoutmaster, Rega P5/P3-24 or Clearaudio Performance w/ a good MC. I was thinking the Ayre phono preamp and upgrading the line stage preamp in the future (perhaps an Ayre there too). However, I'll certainly be trying the Marantz at home and my current line stage has a built in phono stage so I wouldn't need a separate unit unless I found the Halo's unsatisfactory. If I upgrade the linestage, I'd also consider a tube unit. With a better preamp, I doubt that I need to upgrade my power amp, even w/ Cremonas. My digital front end is okay, but not great. I don't want to spend there because my intent is to move to a server. I'll have to be able to play SACD - much closer to vinyl IMO when it's good. I intend to buy used for everything.
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