Wanting to get into Vinyl - Need help


I'm a complete neophyte when it comes to turntables and vinyl. Recently I've gotten the itch to take the plunge, but I'm a bit out of my element so I'm looking for suggestions.

My system is Rotel electronics and Vandersteen 2 ce sigs. Nothing grandiose, but I like the sound and it fits my budget. I currently have a Denon DP300F with a Ortofon RED cartridge upgrade on order. The TT won't be in until April so of course this has given me time to look around and read more reviews. Now I'm having second thoughts, and I'm debating changing/canceling my order.

The phono preamp I've decided on is the Musical Fidelity V-LPS MKII. I've also kicked around the NAD PP3i, but the the reviews don't seem as favorable. Any others I should be looking at?

Now for the TT options. The "short list" in my price range seem to be the Rega RP1, Music Hall MMF2.2, Pro-ject Debut III. These three seem pretty indistinguishable from eachother. I guess the Denon DP300F could fit into this catagory as well. I've also seen suggestions for looking at used "vintage" TT's but honestly I wouldn't know what I'm looking for. I don't want something twitchy that I have to lube or whatever people do :) I would consider a more modern used TT if the price is right.

I'm not planning on being a tweaker here. I just want to play music. Can someone help me whittle this pack of TT's down to a choice?

Thanks!
mustangjeff

Showing 1 response by honest1

I would seriously question getting into vinyl if you have nothing yet. If you don't have a big vinyl collection already, and don't like to tweak for the fun of it, getting a great digital rig will probably prove to be much more enjoyable. I have read all the talk of analog supremacy, but having spent several thousand on a vinyl rig, I find that my Theta Gen VIII dac and Sony ES player used as a transport is so far superior it isn't even funny. Far more relaxed, musical and involving, a bigger musical library to chose from, and the ability to play songs in any order, and eventually get a music server. I do enjoy the novelty of playing records, and the look of the equipment, much like I enjoy the novelty of a 150 year old clock. But when I want to know what time it is, I look at a quartz clock, and when I just want to enjoy music, I listen to digital. I'm sure when you get to the top of the analog world, the sound is truly wonderful, but if you have no intention of investing at that level, I would say make sure you truly understand why you are doing it, and that the results will provide what you are seeking.