2. analog
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New to vinyl again

Hi everyone, I am going to give vinyl a try again for the first time since probably the early 90's. I have recently purchased a Thorens TD124 that is going to take a little bit of time to get it rebuilt a bit and ready (make a new plinth, new armboard, clean, lube, and replace the usual rubber goodies), and I will also need a tonearm. I am wondering what anyone would suggest in terms of an arm and cartridge. I have been considering picking up a SME 3009 series II arm, and will probably go with a MM cartridge. I am thinking maybe about $600 for both, but could be persuaded to go a bit higher. My music tastes have changed since long ago and moved to jazz, folk, vocals, and smaller ensembles. I will probably be primarily buying favorite LPs in 180 gm format if available. The associated equipment consists of: Maggie 3.6R, Conrad Johnson LS17 preamp, and Bryston 4BSST amp. I am also looking for suggestions for a phono preamp. Thanks for looking.
mnmark
maggieman
4 posts
 
i also have maggie 3.6r's and listen exclusively to vinyl on a vpi superscoutmaster. you will be a very happy camper as the maggies and vinyl are a very special combo when treated right with other components. enjoy!
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I use a Pro-ject Tube Box SE as the phono preamp for my Pro-ject RM feeding a Conrad Johnson CA200 control amp. Before I got the CJ it was a great match for my old Bryston B1. It works great with my high output MC Sumiko Blackbird. It's very transparent and smooth.

Dave
johnss
564 posts
 
Yes, Czbbcl is correct, purchase a good record cleaning system. That is super important for listening to LPs.
Nitty Gritty and VPI both make them, and while you are at it, purchase some new sleeves to so you are not sliding that freshly cleaned record back into a dirty old sleeve.

best

John
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I vote for forgetting the RCM. I use the Disc Doctor manual system with fantastic results.

For new records I play them first before cleaning. I sweep first with a carbon fiber brush to assure there are no large chunks that might scratch, then I clean with a micro fiber cloth to really get into the grooves and finally use the ZeroStat to remove the static that the process adds. Then I play the record. One of my latest, the Analogue Productions 180 gram, 45 rpm version of Hugh Mesekala's "Hope" is silent as an SACD. So I will not clean that. Most new LPs do not require wet cleaning, in my experience.

For used records and my own older LPs that need it (only about 10%), I use the Disc Doctor system, carefully following the directions. It works like a charm.

Try DD first, before you drop a bundle on a RCM. If you're not happy with DD, then consider a machine.

Let your ears be the guide.

Dave
headsnappin's avatar
headsnappin
295 posts
 
How about this question... has anyone who bought an RCM after hand washing regretted their decision? All I hear is guys who didn't voting against something they've never tried. I would think not trying something instead of trying something is a self fulfilling prophecy.
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