2. analog
  3. 1248188687

Suggested entry path into vinyl...

...if cost is not a major constraining factor (within limits :-)). I guess my question is do experienced vinyl enthusiasts recommend starting with a "entry-level" analog set up and tweaking and upgrading over time to maximize one's learning of what one likes by sampling different tt/tonearm/cartridge/phono setups (as well as learning how to correctly set-up and handle tts and associated gear on less expensive equipment), or would you just buy a more "evolved" (and likely more expensive) setup at the outset that you have heard within the context of the rest of your playback system and that you like the sound of (but perhaps make expensive mistakes on that gear). I am deliberately staying away from specific examples to get at folks' opinions/recommendations about the approaches. Thanks for your thoughts in advance.
cmalak

Showing 3 responses by daverz

daverz
487 posts
 
Jaybo brings up a good point.

Do you have any records now? Do you have a good source of used records in your area? Also availability of records may be genre dependent. If 90s rock is your thing, few titles are going to be available on vinyl. If you're into Jazz, original pressings can be very expensive.

This is why it may be a good idea to get something simple and reliable like a Technics SL-1200 in order to reduce the outlay if you decide vinyl is just not your thing.
daverz
487 posts
 
Truisms might be better called prejudices. ;)

To answer your digital vs. vinyl question, I don't feel it's helpful to think of vinyl as a sonic upgrade over CDs. I think that's pushed too much here and in the audiophile rags. At least, that's not how I see my own "relationship" to vinyl.

Motor power supply upgrades do work. I found the price of the upgraded Michell power supply hard to swallow, so I bought used.

The rules for matching cartridges to tonearms are a little tricky, as the dynamic compliance of cartridges is not reported consistently (differing by factors of even 2 or 2.5) or not at all by manufacturers. I guess the short answer on that one is: ask around first.
daverz
487 posts
 
I don't know how you got "don't bother" from T-bones post. I think his approach is the more down to earth one.

Original pressings aren't always the best. Mastering and cutting techniques improved over the years (I not sure about the present. I think a lot of that expertise is gone forever.). And you can find some deals by getting later pressings that aren't on some audiophile checklist.
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