2. analog
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Intriguing world of Analog

I am an aspiring audiophile and have enjoyed the forum postings on Audiogon over the past few months. I am impressed by the number of people with such advanced knowledge on audiophile subjects and who are willing to share their knowledge with others. I have become intriqued with the seemingly complex world of turntables, tone arms, cartridges and many other itemes related to analog music. I've seen pictures of turntables having numerous tone arms associted therewith and I am curious as to why one would need multiple tone arms. Many years have passed from the day I had a record player and we would tape a penny to the tone arm above the cartridge to keep the record from bouncing off the record. I'm sure the analogophiles reading this post are clutching their chests and gasping for air at the thought of it.

Somehow I feel another obsession coming on.

If I wanted to make an initial foray into the analog world of music what would be a good starting point? Is there a turn-key solution where you purcahse a table, tone arm and cartridge in one fell swoop? I would be willing to spend from $1500-$2,000.

My current sysem is as follows: Classe CA 200 amp, Classe CDP 35 preamp, B&W Matrix 802 series III speakers, and a Yamaha RX Z11 AV receiver. My preamp has a phono location on the source knob.

Will I need a separate phono amp or can I use my Yamaha reciever?

Your help and recommendations would be greatly appreicated.
papajoe
papajoe OP
43 posts
 
Raul,

How would I know if my Classe preamp has the phono card? I bought the item used on ebay so I'm not sure if it has the phono card. If it does not have the card are such cards readilly available on Audiogon?

I have numerous albums. I'm not sure if they will be of much value though. Many are from the 1970's and are of standard pressings. I'm not sure of the quality of these recordings. I also have numerous old 78 speed records that I purchased at garage sales. They seem to be well preserved but they are quite old. Many of these records are probably monaural. Many of the records are in hard-bound record albums. Again, I am not sure if these will be worthy of play on the turntable I intend to purchase. Your comments on this point would be helpful.

Joe
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Joe: The manual say that the Line 1 could change to Phono ( with the phono card ), you don't have a TT/cartridge to find out but in the manual in Fig. 6 are some toggle-switches with labels: take out the cover plate and see inside if you find out those switches.
No I don't think you can/could find a phono card through Agon, my advise is that you ask directly to Classé.

For what you say maybe is worth to it and you have to think in a three speed TT: 33/45/78 like the Technics SP-10 or SP-15

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

regards and enjoy the music.
grimace
624 posts
 
I would sugest starting with used equipment. Your price range is about what I spent when I upgraded earlier this year and for my $$ I got a Series III Sota Star Saphire(upgraded platter) with an Audioquest PT-6, a new Pro-ject tube box and a new AudioTechnica OC9 cartridge and I've been really happy with the sound. I'm not saying that you should seek out this exact system,but it serves to illustrate that a) there are great well cared for tables here, and b) there are new components that offer really great value if you're not hung up on spending a lot of bread. A little creative thinking will get you a lot of bang for your buck.
papajoe OP
43 posts
 
Thanks again for your helpful comments. I have researched obtaining a Classe Phono module. From what I have read, it is recommnded that you have a professional install the phono module. I have contacted my local audio store and they will contact Classe to see if a phono module is availabe for my Classe CP 35 preamp. If so, I will be on my way. Next I will research the tables, arms and cartridges mentioned in this thread and decide. I have had good luck following the other recommnedations from Audiogon members and from purchasing numerous items from Audiogon members.

Joe
pedrillo
560 posts
 
I also recommend vpi! They are easy to upgrade and sound good from the get go. If you need some inspiration see what I did to my table. It started out as a 40 or so lb. tt to a 430 lb. monster.
Since it is my baby I am probably biased, so take this with a grain of salt, but to me it sounds as good as anything I have heard analog, keeping in mind digital can't touch analog.
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