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Help me get back to vinyl

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I can't take it anymore. I've got a 25-year-old Rega Planar 2 sitting around doing nothing, and my parents just moved and brought over 4 boxes full of my old records. There's even an Original Master Recording of Donald Fagan's The Nightfly that I forgot I even had and can't wait to cue up since the CD sounds horrible. Ditto Aja. God knows what else.

Anyway, I'm looking to do this on the cheap just to get the disease started while avoiding divorce. I need a new cartridge and a phono pre (I have interconnects already), and the whole thing has to cost under 1000 bucks. I tend to favor neutrality and transparency with good imaging and 3D soundstaging, and I definitely do not want something that sounds polite or rolled off in the highs if that helps. I assume I should buy the cartridge new, but I'm open to a used phono stage and would prefer solid state but am open to tubes if the benefit warrants.

Also, the Rega hasn't been fired up in probably 20 years, so what service should be performed and about how much should I expect to pay for it? Or should I just start it up and see what happens? Would I be better off just buying one of the newer less expensive turntables rather than resurrecting the Rega?

Many thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.
soix
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I own the Cambridge as a backup and do not own the Gram Slee, however I recommended the Slee because, in head to head comparisons, it was simply better in all areas and did not have the Cambridge's weakness in the bass. It is a purchase that would serve you through many upgrades in turntables and cartridges. That said, it may not be for you, in that you want MC capability. Personally, I prefer a transformer for MC stepup with an MM phono stage, rather than a high gain phono stage, and you could easily add this later. With your preferences, you may want to consider the Jolida JD-9A, which is a nice phono stage with high gain, it is no Slee though.
soix OP
2,133 posts
 
Well, I've gone through all your posts and as a result did a lot of digging, thinking, etc. I learned a lot in exploring all the options you put forward -- thank you.

If I could I'd start w/ the Graham Slee and a good MM cartridge and add a stepup and start playing w/ LOMC later, but alas it's not in the budget right now. This could very well end up being my upgrade path though.

So for now I'll probably start w/ the 640p and the AT150MLX and be up and running for around 400 bucks plus accessories. I noticed I could get a AT-OC9ML/II for $50 more. Would it be a worthwhile upgrade from the 150MLX or just different?

Thanks again.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Personally, I'd post the thread again, asking for guidance for a phono pre and cartridge under $500.00. That said, the little Cambridge is a great phono pre and will serve you well. The MC section, on paper at least - I have never tried the two together - should match nicely with the OC9. Perhaps those with first hand knowledge of this pairing will weigh in. I really think that the decision gets into taste issues as both are pretty great choices. You might just parse the forums here and on Audio Asylum to get a feel for the differing flavors of the cartridges.

My choice would be the 150, for four reasons. It sounds a little chunkier than the OC9, which I like, and you might not. I believe the MM stage of the Cambridge is clearer than the MC stage, albeit based on limited comparisons using a Denon 103 straight into the MC stage and with a transformer into the MM stage, the output of this cartridge being below the suggested MC range. The user replaceable stylus on the 150 lets you reload, so to speak, for less money. And finally, if you later choose a preamp or phono stage that only has MM capability, perhaps a tube pre, you obviate the need for an expensive step-up. Just some thoughts, there are no rights and wrongs here and most of the surviving LP replay products are damn good. I believe that you will really enjoy your new rig, whatever the choice.
crem1
672 posts
 
Soix : As a old hand with analog I see you have some solid advice from the postings I reviewed. Since 25 years has passed, may I suggest having the Rega serviced & the cartridge of choice dealer installed , unless you feel confident in regard to your skills. An incorrectly installed cart can ruin your listening experience regardless of price.The dealer cost to you could be insidental to the extra's ,GEO Disc, etc. All the best.
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