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analog newbie

i am seriously considering getting into the world of analog playback. right now i lack a phono stage, but will likely purchase the tube stage for my rogue 99 preamp, to avoid the expense of a chasis and phono cables. i want to make sure vinyl is something i will continue to collect before making a real investment.
after the rogue phono stage is bought i will have little budget for a new turntable so i am considering using my fathers kenwood table that dates back to the early 1980's, i know it is operational as i used it at least once when i had a preamp w/ phono stage a few months ago.
a few years ago i replaced the cartridge with a grado model, about $50-60, don't recall what model.
i am concerned about damaging some of my lps, particularly about a dozen or so blues lps that were hard to find (hopkins, sonny terry, brownie mghee, memphis slim, furry lewis, etc) the vinyl seems to be in decent condition and i'd like to keep it that way.
so i figure i should replace the cartridge with a new one at about the same price point since this is no kick-ass table.
what can i do on a tight budget to protect my lps, most of which probably need to be cleaned very well before another playback. i was using the simple discwasher system but i get the feeling this was removing surface dust only, and moving it around more than from the lp surface.
can anyone recommend a handwash regimen, in detail as i am a vinyl neophyte, or some other tried and true lp maintenance system to prolong/preserve lp playback?
or am i simply better off with a cleaning machine? some seem to prefer handwashing for truly dirty lps i think and machines for basic maintenance thereafter, do i have this right?
also, what basic tools/accessories should i have on hand for vinyl playback, now or in the future as my budget allows me to become more and more serious.

down the road, if i find vinyl to be something i enjoy, i currently plan on purchasing a basis/graham combo with a decent cartridge from dynavector, ortofon, etc.
fujindemon
lazarus28
339 posts
 
don't use *any* kind of wet-cleaning system without a vacuum. there are those who disagree with me, but it's been my experience that if you wash it without sucking it out, then the dirt just seeps deeper into the grooves and is harder to remove later. get a nitty gritty record cleaner. they're wonderful little machines and they reduce the noise floor on dirty lp's. but, also use them sparingly. the best way to clean an lp is to let the stylus collect the dust, and then to clean it from the stylus.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Fujindemon, actually the best thing that you can do to assure the life of your precious vinyl, and for that matter, your cartridge, is to properly set up your turntable and align your cartridge accurately. Make sure that your table is level by using a bubble level. Invest in a proper protractor, also called a cartridge alignment gauge; they can be bought inexpensively from many dealers and mail order houses. A basic stylus pressure gauge should also be purchased, Shure makes a rudimentary, though effective, model for under $20.00, often the calibration of the counterweight if off so this will get you in the ball park. Fine tune the stylus pressure and anti-skate by ear. Although a cleaning device is a necessity, proper alignment will have a grater effect on longevity and sound quality.
greggey
9 posts
 
I agree with Lazarus, although I have read positive comments about the Disc Doctor products, but I have only tried their stylus cleaner.
You may not get the best results with an old Kenwood, since it is probably a direct drive unit and may have excessive noise, etc. Check out the Musical Fidelity models starting at $300, as well as the models sold used here on Audiogon.
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