Analog setup - do it your self or hire a pro?


Hello,

I happily got back into vinyl about 3 years ago. I bought a little Rega P1 and a NAD PP1 and I was ready to rock and roll. When I got the P1, I had trouble adjusting the weight on the cartridge, and getting the anti skate right, so I found a local HiFi shop that specializes in vinyl, and paid him a visit. He made the proper adjustments in my Rega, and I could tell he is a thoughtful, very experienced, analog pro.

Over the past 4 years, my Rega got upgraded with a Dynavector 10x5 and a glass platter. Then, the Rega went away and and a JA Michell came my way. In fact, I bought the JA Michell from this very shop. I asked the man at the shop to take my Dynavector 10x5 off the Rega, and install it on my new JA Michell. 6 months later, the Dynavector was replaced with a Lyra Delos. Also bought from my local shop and expertly installed on my JA Michell by the shop owner.

The NAD phono pre also went the wayside for a series of phono preamps, ending just last week with a Whest .30R

So, now for my question...

This series of upgrades has led me to start questioning my reliance on an expert to set up my rig. Perhaps I should be doing this myself! I don't have any experience with it, and I don't have any of the tools, and the whole thing is a bit of a mystery to me. But I am good with my hands and have an eye for details.

What do you think? Is it better to drive my turntable to my local expert, or to learn this myself? What are the benefits of doing this in my home, versus leaving this tedious work to the professionals?

thanks!
Mark
marktomaras

Showing 1 response by mingles

I encourage you to learn as much as you can. You'll appreciate vinyl more when you know how to make adjustments to optimize the sound.

I strongly recommend Michael Fremer's instruction video. It's an excellent starting point for seeing the big picture, as well as understanding the small details. He talks about the tools you need and how to use them. Then he walks you through setting up a cartridge on three tables: Project RM-5, Rega P5 and VPI Scoutmaster. He's also very funny and entertaining. Here's a short Youtube clip of the intro:

21st Century Vinyl: Michael Fremer's Practical Guide to Turntable Set-Up