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Where do I start?

Hello all,

This is my first post and I am a little hesitent, being that my equipment certainly doesn't measure up to what most of you probably have, but I am "in the process", so here goes.

I am an aging hippie type who grew up with vinyl, and would really love to get back into that world of having a closer connection with the music I love. Although those tastes have changes from, dare I say it, The Beach Boys to Karrin Allyson, I still love that sound, and even with my old ears, I know that vinyl appeals to me much more than digital, although like most, I will still carry digital in my library.

My system is a modest set of Parasound solid state seperates, B & W 602's, and a Rotel 950 cd player. I know it's not much, but it beats the hell out of department store junk.

My first goal is a good front end, and I am starting with a decent turntable, arm, and cartridge. I have been looking at the Basis 1400 and the Clearaudio Champion for starters. I dismissed Rega due to the countless posts on speed problems. I don't plan on accumulating all of the latest and greatest in trying to refine my sound to a point that gives diminished returns, but I do want a satisfying system that will last a while. I also do not want to get into the competition of who's system is best and which brand gives the best sound. The short version is that I am a very passive person who is not out to solicit or cause conflict. I am, though, asking for those of you, and that is many, who know a whole lot more about this than I do, for some suggestions. Thank you all in advance.

Rick
richardtrapp2a31

Showing 1 response by shersta

shersta
140 posts
 
Rick,

Beware the seemingly fabulous e-bay deal.

I think having the support and expertise of a friendly and helpful local shop should not be underestimated, especailly since this will be your first re-entry into vinyl playback. Different turntables produce different sound. Have you been able to listen to a basis? Do you like the sound of the Nottingham's you've listened to? Will the shop let you try out a turntable in your system and help you with setup?

And finally, don't forget about proper record cleaning. It's a worthwhile investment of time and money. There are a number of informative threads concerning this topic. If you haven't already, please check them out.

I got back into vinyl about four years ago*, and I've found to be an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience.

* I bought a Rega Planar 3. If it runs fast, I haven't been able to detect it with my ears. Perhaps others have better ears and can sonically detect a table that's running 1% faster than it should. Note that the author of the recent Stereophile article who mentioned this problem, was only able to detect it with a strobe disk and then with perfect hindsight felt confident in corelating this fact with certain features of the table's sound.
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