Where to start with vinyl

I asked myself that same question, and it turned out that a Michell Tecnodec with a Rega RB250 arm and tecnomods (plus Incognito wiring) does the trick nicely. I'm using the Benz-Micro Reference 3 low-output MC cartridge in that system, which has a very precise and musical sound.

Don't neglect the phono preamp. I have Michael Yee's Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena phono stage and find it to be excellent. After much experimenting with the cartridge loading value, I found that the 150-ohm setting works really great with my Reference 3. I like that the Nova Phonomena allows many different gain and cartridge loading settings. That makes it a more optimal fit for a given cartridge and system.

I have a custom-built 6SN7 linestage preamp that works like magic to extract the most articulate, detailed and musical performance from the turntable system. Certain vocals, violins, and other acoustic instruments sound as sweet and vivid as I've ever heard, even live. And surprisingly, the bass detail and articulation on my records (midbass in particular) seems to sound more detailed, faster, and better focused than my CD player is able to provide. The CD player may dig a little deeper in the lowest bass, but the turntable system wins hands-down in terms of bass agility and veracity.

I have a Michell Orbe SE with a Wilson Benesch arm and Benz Ebony L cartridge in my other system, and it's even a little better. But you don't need to spend that much to surpass the quality of your CDs. The more affordable Tecnodec is capable of stunning performance if set up properly. Oh, one other thing... I use a heavier Basis record clamp with my Tecnodec rather than the lighter Michell clamp. I used to roll with the big VPI decks, but for me, the more compact Michell decks are working out better. Good Luck!

Sgunther, just to add to my earlier post, if you need to skimp anywhere, I'd skimp on the cartridge... You could get very good results using a Benz Glider or Ace (low output preferred) if you don't want to spring for the Reference 3. That would get you going and I think you'd be very pleased.

Stringreen, you're so wrong it's pathetic. The better MC phono preamps are quite quiet and hum-free -- just as much so as a MM phono stage. So now folks can take advantage of all the extra detail and transient speed provided by today's better MC cartridges. If your experience is otherwise, you must have been using an inadequate/noisy phono preamp, or one with insufficient gain for the cartridge you were using. Or maybe you have a hum issue related to a grounding problem.

I see that you use the Benz Ebony high-output cartridge. Nice choice, but I bet you dollars to doughnuts that my low-output version sounds considerably better when loaded properly and hooked up to appropriate electronics.

Tarsando, if you ever want to hear a wonderful sounding vinyl playback system I can arrange that for only a small cover charge... But as I recall you are most content to play the ostrich.