2. analog
  3. 1079628438

Help with a complete vinyl setup about $2,500

Thanks for reading my thread.

I'm strongly considering getting back into vinyl. I've searched the archives back to last summer and was surprised that I couldn't find any thread discussing a complete vinyl setup for about $2,500. My goal is a lot of detail, a huge soundstage, very dynamic from top to bottom, and musical.

My current setup is:
Sonic Frontiers Line 3SE - preamp
Two PS Audio - Classic 250's (bi-amping)
Speakers - Tyler Acoustics - Full Linbrook System
Cabling & PC's - Verastarr (silver plated copper)

I'm looking for suggestions for a turntable, cartridge, needle, arm, phono-pre, and a record-cleaning machine (if necessary). Is there anything I should absolutely purchase new instead of used? I've upgraded to my current rig over the years a few times and I'm happy with my current rig even though I know I can improve it, that said is $2,500 enough to spend on a vinyl setup or might I get the upgrade itch at this price point? I guess I'm trying to ask, is a $2,500 vinyl setup in-line with my current rig? If not, then the thread title should probably read "Help with a complete vinyl setup in-line with my current rig, the vinyl setup will cost about $X,XXX dollars." Please fill in the XXX.

Thanks for your help.
dsiggia
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Dsiggia,

Assuming you haven't given up in despair, I'll second '4yanx's' modification of 'jphii's' list and add a few tidbits:

Nottingham Horizon + Rega RB250: $1200
Denon 103r: $241
K&K trannie: $225
RRL fluids: $40 (from Galen Carol)
10 Last brushes $25
VPI 16.5 RCM: $500
Turntablebasics alignment protractor: $20
Jennings HP50 digital scale: $50

TOTAL: $2301.

That leaves $200 for possible upgrades to the RB250, which is a fun arm to start with because you can learn so much from tweaking it. This setup will blow away any CDP you're likely to have tried, not to mention whatever midfi analog rig you used to have.

As far as wc65mustang's childish and untested pronouncements that hand washing with DD will equal machine washing with RRL, just ask yourself where is his evidence? Everyone who's actually tried both methods prefers the ones recommended by '4yanx'.
jphii
485 posts
 
Remeber, the 16.5 is under $450 shipped (to NC, anyways) from Galen Carol. Another $50 to play with.
sberger
146 posts
 
i absolutely agree, go with a record cleaning machine. i have had great success with my nitty gritty 1.0, but i am intrigued with the 16.5. one question i have about it. when i clean now, i scrub manually, and with the design of the nitty gritty, the bottom doesn't touch anything. so there is no possible way for it to get contaminated. with the 16.5, the record goes on a cork platter. what do folks do to negate possible contamination? i would think there must be some easy way to do so.

thanks.
mikesinger
572 posts
 
i am setting up a analog rig now...unless you get very good used deals, you might be estimating too low.

a analog setup is alot more $$$ than digital.

here are some costs to consider...

used table, arm and cartidge -----$1500
used phono stage ----------------$750
used cables ( 2 pairs) -----------$500

that right there is is close to $3k without accessories...

hope that helps,

mike
dsiggia OP
54 posts
 
Thanks for all the positive responses. It's nice to see the discussion regarding the 16.5. I'm definately planning to get the 16.5 with part of my budget. I'm still doing research on everything else, so additional thoughts are much appreciated.
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