Turntable noobie...what advice do you have?


As this forum has corrupted me and I have decided to dive down the rabbit hole of LP's.  Usually I stream but I find the tactile experience of records appealing.  I have ordered a Pro-ject RPM-3 Carbon with Sumiko Amethyst cartridge and a Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono preamp. Oh, and a record brush.  I will be plugging them into my Voyager GAN amp and from there powering my LSA 20 Statement speakers.

I know there is always better equipment to get but I feel this gives a good starting point.  I picked up some new records but a half dozen does not a record collection make.  So I do plan on making my focus for the near future getting more and expanding my collection.  I listen to all kind of music so they will be many different genres.  I will be getting new ones but I will undoubtedly get some used ones too.  

Okay, so what all would you recommend for someone just getting into this hobby?  Especially if I am getting any used records, I should probably look at a record cleaner.  What else for equipment or doodads?  What about tricks or tips for increasing my collection?  In my city there is a record store called Music Millennium that I will be checking out and there of course if Barnes and Noble (where I purchased my other ones).  Do you know of places online  I should check out?  Thanks in advance for your advice. 

 

ddonicht

Showing 2 responses by lohanimal

@ghdprentice 

I totally second the hunt for vinyl - much more fun without the internet...

@pindac  - he is spot on about cleaning new vinyl too.

I hope thee administrators don't mind - but the best thread on ultrasonic cleaning is on Whats Best Forum. The Ultrasonic bath for me was £110, the turning wheel about £60 - i made my own drying rack with bits from Screwfix (threaded rod in heat-shrink) i also made my own solutions in a 2 stage process. Quat and isopropyl with distilled water then isopropyl and distilled with a wetting agent. It'll save you money in the long run because it will prevent stylus damage over the years. The chap from Expert Stylus advised me to get some toothpicks - put a thread from a cotton bud - use spectacle lens cleaner - and clean your stylus at the end of each side of a record. Sorry to rabbit on but I explained it as succinctly as possible.

I also have two set up records from HiFi News and Cardas - well worth it. Most importantly don't get bogged down and enjoy yourself - vinyl has a habit of you exploring musical tastes and genres you otherwise will not.

First of all - welcome to the wonderful world of vinyl.

For record cleaning I recommend going straight to going ultrasonic either diy like me or a full machine.

It’s worth getting a good protractor and also a stylus pressure gauge too