Is It Time To Sell My Vinyl Rig?

If you sell the turntable you will be able to fund the operation to remove the brain tumor that has destroyed your hearing and judgment. But then if you make a full recovery, normal brain function returns, will you regret having sold the analog? Of course you will. But to understand this you must first sell it. Man, I don't know. This is a tough one. 

millercarbon, very funny. Of course, eventually I’ll be able to buy a better vinyl setup than what I have now but that will be a little while. Yes, you’re most likely right but I still think that vinyl is overrated.

The playing length and dead silence of a CD, is an important factor for my music enjoyment. Sell you rig and get your medical stuff taken care of. 

Thanks Russ,
My digital rig is so much better sounding than my vinyl. Better soundstage, outstanding separation and position of instruments, tight and musical bass, rolled off high ends, rich midrange, superior detail and all while sounding analogue. As far as selling my vinyl rig, this will be the first time selling audio equipment. The phono amp I could post somewhere online. The Thorens is a different matter because of the shipping concerns. Then there’s the issue of pricing.

Well, if your medical procedure means you have to choose between your vinyl rig and the health issue, I think that is no question at all. Sounds like you have a decent rig. Keep it. Enjoy it when you get the whim, you will at some point. Then get the procedure out of the way.

I have a Vinyl Set Up that is extremely satisfying to myself.
Vinyl is my Adult Life Long Interest.

I have a CDT and DAC as a Set Up,  this is also extremely satisfying to myself.
I have only used CD for approx' Five Years.
  
I don't Compare either for their performances anymore, there is no longer a winner in my mind.
Either when I had carried out comparisons, were totally capable of producing a enjoyable experience, especially if one medium was allowed to have a extended playtime and not under A/B Comparison.

There are Two Sources each capable of allowing for a very satisfying playback experience.
I have an itch to see how a Computer / Streamer can perform, but don't feel the urgency to create the experience.

I feel very confident a DAC and Transport will allow you to keep on enjoying your musical encounters. 

@goofyfoot 

Your health comes first, you can always buy analog rig again. As far what to ask for your equipment, here is the selling history for your reference, 

https://www.hifishark.com/model/asr-mini-basis

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=Thorens+TD+145

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=Audio+Technica+33+mono+anniversary+cartridge.

You can list your equipment here or on US Audio Mart (free to list once you sign up). 

Thanks to all so far. I might wait to see how much I’ll have to pay out of pocket for surgery before I post for sale.

Recovery first in order, regrets afterwards.

G

The LP is an Art Form! Why would you want to be without access to such wonderful experiences? There is magic in those grooves!

Sell the rig if you have to but keep the records.

It’s a good time to sell anything vinyl related, the market is high.  

@goofyfoot , It won't pay for any surgical procedure I know of, not even a vasectomy. Sure, Vinyl is a PITA. Sell it all and clean up your space. I traded in all 2000 CDs........for records.

Let's say you get lucky and get $3,000. total. That's a lot, and it ain't a lot.

Let's go back to your setup? You mention Mono LP and Stereo Streaming. You mention a TT with a single tonearm with a Mono Cartridge. 

A removable headshell I presume, with Stereo Cartridge mounted, ready to switch with the Mono headshell.

I did that for a while, however, it is a formula for pretty good, but not great. Each headshell switch involves changing MANY critical settings: and for Vinyl to sound superior, they ALL need to be very carefully correct. This presumes some tools and acquired skills, and time/listening/refinement, far from easy, far from quick.

That led me to two tonearms, Stereo Arm/Cartridge very carefully set; Mono Arm/Cartridge also refined setting. Now, switch Stereo/Mono LP's in seconds during a listening session. 

Eventually, I realized, I could squeeze in a 3rd arm, for MM, to avoid wear to MC non-replaceable stylus for 'keepers' that are not so well engineered, the band's songs were great, but their musicianship not too special. 

So, what to do? I say, keep what you have, refine your skills and very carefully setup for your Stereo Cartridge, compare that to your Streaming.

btw, what Stereo Cartridge are you using? MM or MC? Stylus perhaps worn?

Big big mistake vinyl will always be great.Why would you give up another source for great music plus you will not get big bucks for your used TT and records.

Like Mijostyn, I am wondering what procedure could be paid for by selling 200 LPs and your equipment. I also wonder why you’re asking us what to do. Do what you want and need. Good luck.

What Elliotbejr said ++++

It does not make sense to me to ask for opinions on a hifi forum regarding this.  Nothing is more important than your health.

"I could put the money towards a surgical procedure that I’ve been putting off. Will I regret this afterwords?"

It must be a very low priority  condition. I put my physical well being ahead of any audio equipment. 

To All,
I need to clarify that the only cartridge being used with this table is the AT mono. I do not own one stereo record nor any type of stereo cartridge. So that is special in some ways but also limiting. A possible alternative is to finish the anatomical sculpture I’ve been working on, get it to my contracted gallery and see if they sell it. But as you might imagine, the chance of this happening is precarious.
I’d rather keep my vinyl equipment than sell it so I still need to do some soul searching on this topic.

In the US, most medical procedures are over $3000.00. 

  So let me get this straight, you are saving up for surgery to have your anatomical structure removed to sell on consignment at a gallery?                     

I would put off that ingrown nose hair procedure for a while and keep enjoying the music!

You already know the answer.

sell the analog rig

Is this to fix your goofy foot?
Sorry, could not resist, and I do hope the surgery you require has nothing to do with any life threatening situation. If the condition IS life threatening, you don't need our advice.  You need to move forward.Your LP collection is downgraded in value for being all mono LPs, unless you own some of the most sought after mono LPs, e.g., the Beatles on Parlaphone, or something of that ilk.  You might consult a reference, like Goldmines, to determine what you can get for the LPs.  Otherwise, I would guess $2 to $5 per LP, if you can find someone who wants mono. The cartridge likewise is worth very little, and the turntable/tonearm is worth several hundred dollars at most.  By far the most valuable item in your vinyl ensemble is the phono stage.  Figure 60% of its retail cost.
Finally, I hope you do recognize the lack of logic in saying you prefer your digital source to your analog source, when all your analog listening is in mono. And your mono cartridge is very.... basic.

"Will I regret this afterwords?"

It depends how successful the surgery is.

Yes, lewm, the limitations of my cartridge, lp's and tonearm leaves analogue at a great disadvantage. It makes since however to prefer my digital set up to my analogue set up given the inequity between the two.
The surgery isn't life threatening but it would help me breath easier while I'm sleeping. My insurance will only cover a part of the procedure hence the need for an additional $1,000.00.

@lewm, "Is this to fix your goofy foot?", priceless!

Deviated septum?

Nose hair. Big_greg nailed it.

Goofyfoot sorry you can't really say your hearing your setup to it's full potential only listening in mono. I would say get a stereo cartridge but I get the impression you really just want to sell it and move on. Do what's best for you obviously but you haven't given vinyl a fair shake.

Is this a "Guess the surgery" game?

Bariatric vs. septoplasty?

Yeah, vinyl is dead. You must dispose of your front-end equipment, but I'll be happy to get all those records out of your listening room. And I won't even charge you for helping you get rid of them.

If you're considering a uvulectomy, save your money.  I had one 15 years ago and it didn't help much with sleep.

If that's not what it is, I can't give you any advice.  It's a shame your analog and digital systems are apples vs. oranges.  There is little debate amongst most serious audiophiles that good vinyl playback is best.

Septoplasty. I actually appreciate the resolution in mono, which is why I opted to keep it simple and keep stereo out of the mix. The other thing is that the Thorens tonearm is the weakest link and installing only a mono cartridge means that I don’t rely on the Thorens tonearm for azimuth alignment.

When you're old and poor and don't want to pay streaming fees you'll want your vinyl. Or if the internet is down.
Or your might just have more time on your hands when you're old and enjoy the tactile aspects of physical media and reading the cover art etc. 

Give it a rest Chuckles 
goofy, you realize no resolution to your dilemma can be attained here?
Best of luck to you.

True dat a2d

Someday in the future, I may have the possibility of picking up a nice reel to reel in order to play those $600.00 Analogue Production tape releases. By the way, who is manufacturing reel to reel tapes anymore?

I would bet that we older audiophiles spent more time enjoying live music played by humans using real musical instruments than those who consider digital superior.

I grew up playing music in the middle of school orchestras.  Surrounded by flutes, trumpets, baritones (which I played), french horns, violins, cellos, tubas, tympani, oboes and snare drums for many years (11 to be exact).  When I hear instruments reproduced on an audio system, I can quickly tell whether they're convincing or not.

Vinyl does the best job of doing that, as long as the turntable/arm/cartridge combo is up to the task.  Therein lies the rub.  It's expensive to get great vinyl playback.

@goofyfoot you’re going to need that vinyl to listen to while on your keester recovering from your bunion and hammer toe podiatry procedures. 

First off - yea get the surgery, but afterwards, give mono another chance. I have the AT 33 mono and it’s a fine cart - excellent for the money, but you need to step up to get the best out of mono. Mono soundstage is forward and back, up and down. It doesn’t surprise me a digital stereo setup beats mono - it’s easier to pull off. For mono the room must be perfect. For jazz - look into a Hana SL mono or a Miyajima. Also, a lot of pre-1957 is still using a larger stylus. The AT 33 mono is best with later repro’s or 60s mono garage. I wouldn’t give up on mono - it’s worth the effort. 

YES

"Septoplasty."

Wooo-hoooo!

Baloon comes back more often than you want it.

I think that anyone getting rid of a great source is a mistake because there is a lot of fun in the hunt for vinyl and the fact that it is a physical medium and you can get so much music that is not on digital nor will it ever be.

I don’t even know how much to ask for the equipment or whether someone would even take an interest in it. Any ideas out there?

The main question is WHY someone should buy it from YOU and not from many other dealers or private collectors with reputation (good return policy or even paypal buyers protection), all these stuff available online. It’s not easy to sell vintage analog gear.

Probably if you can offer your gear for lower price or if your gear is in immaculate condition (with og boxes, docs etc). Otherwise who need a used cartridges and turntables from unknown seller with no feedback online ? Or you expect cash and local pickup ?

Same about your record collection, remember if you will sell the whole collection they will pay you very low price per record.

Anyway, even if you will sell all your gear, I hope you can buy it again, probably you can’t buy your record collection even if you want to.

What is the problem? If you want to sell then just try to sell it (it can take a long time), maybe it will be impossible and you will find different solution.