get vinyl rig or audio aero capital

FWIW, I'd let my choices in music dictate which direction I would follow. I have an older Oracle and I'm considering upgrading to a Nottingham - I like the design - but every time I get out the check book I start looking around to see whats available in recordings to justify the purchase. I enjoy jazz - very hard for me to find good jazz records. I enjoy Classical - easy to find, but its mostly stuff I already have and don't listen to much anymore. I like BWhites comments, get a good but less expensive TT/amr/cartridge with good trade in value, Rega comes to mind, and concentrate on expanding your LP collection (but I wouldn't commit to a new CD player yet). Your success in expanding your collection might well dictate where to spend your big bucks.

thanks for all the suggestions

looks like I have a wonderful deal on an ARC ph2 and am going to buy it. I can always use the B&O to start out. Being that I have a balanced ARC LS5 this looks like a perfect match. I've heard great things about Nottingham and my local hifi dealer in New Orleans has ordered a few, so I may get to go demo a spacedeck.

I guess I'll need another rack to hold the ph2 and turntable. Are there shelf units where I might be able to add a section below to house the phono stage, or a floor framed rack (I have carpet on slab flooring).

thanks

tom

I have just this two months gotten back into vinyl.
I suddenly was given a chance to purchase a bunch of classical LPs for $0.50 each. I didn't have a TT or a pre pre amp. But I bought them. Then I got a Audio Research PH1, Then a borrowed TT. I started looking around for some LPs. They are all over the place. Locally a bought almost 300 from a group of local stores selling off used LPs they had over a year, for $0.20 each, VG+++ or not.Along with hitting the various secondhand stores, I now have almost 2,000 LPs for about ??? guess $650. tops. And they are not "Mitch Miller Sings XXXX either!
I have enough 'new' music to keep my ears happy for a LONG time. It doesn't have to be new 2003 recording to be new. I have a lot of great 1950's mono shaded dogs etc that are as good as most of the CD stuff being recorded now, and it has one big advantage, it cost me $0.35 per LP.
And finally for my pet peeve, I no longer am supporting the rotten disgusting RIAA when I make MY music purchases. If the RIAA can figure out a way to capitalize off 30 year old used LPs, I'd be surprised. New music?? what new music do I need? The same old warhorses of classical music? the commercially crafted, souless pop diva's of rock? (I cannot comment on jazz, as I do not have any interest in it, beyond the tinyest interest in early jazz and blues)
So basically I am saying try the vinyl, Yeah, if you play it, it will wear out... if you play it on a high quality machine, with a stylus in good condition... you should get a couple of hundred plays out of each LP. Then you can go get another copy... Lets see, if I play every LP (of 2,000) a hundred times say an hour a LP, that's playing music an average of 6 hours a day... Thats NINETY ONE YEARS of playing time, for my 2,000 LPs. Hmmm worrying about them wearing out is not an issue.
Yeah I am rambling... gotta go flip the LP.

thanks all, I'm taking the analog plunge!!!

already buying up vinyl at my local used record store in New Orleans (good deals)and ebay

bought the ARC PH2 phono pre (on it's way)

now do I wait six months for an expensive rig $2-3K Nottingham Spacedeck is one option I am looking at

or do I jump on a used VPI HW19 MKiv for $900-1000

or a Nottingham Hyperspace for $1200

or other good deals

cartridge recommendations - most bang for the buck?

all suggestions welcome

thanks

I just went through this process and after buying and selling some of the tables you mentioned, I settled on the Nott Spacedeck. Wait and get the Spacdeck. In the end you will gravitate there anyway. You will not be disappointed.