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Coaching wanted on how to get back into vinyl

I could really use some advice on how best to get back into vinyl at the vinyl 101 stage. I have a Bryston BP20 preamp which does not have any phono inputs and I am now kicking myself for not choosing the BP which had the phono stage option. Do I sell this preamp and start over with the other one? Is there an alternative while keeping my present preamp? I run twin Bryston 3B NRB power amps and a set of KEF 103.2 which I like very much. I will also need a turntable which I will focus on later but would like that issue considered while makng these decisions ie MM or MC. This might sound basic to many of you, but we all start somewhere! I don't have to stick with Bryston but would prefer it. Any input is appreciated.
franklin356
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Contact dealers in your area.Go out and listen,until something strikes you and you can establish a "baseline".You might as well use a "local" dealer.That way you won't run into mounting or compatability issues.
horseface's avatar
horseface
222 posts
 
Just for kicks check out Tone Publications free e-mag issue no 24 (Google it). It's a great read and the photos are nothing short of fantastic. There is a ton in there about getting back into analog/vinyl this issue.
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
To answer your question about the preamp, your current preamp is fine. Simply get an external phono stage and hook it to one of the inputs of your BP20. There are numerous external preamps that range the spectrum in price, quality, and configurability. The advantage to this method (using an external phono preamp) is that you'll have a lot more flexibility than being stuck with the one integrated into a full-function (ie, line level + phono) preamp.

You can search the archives for external phono preamps in the price range that you're looking.

Michael
chayro
2,930 posts
 
What I did was get myself a Music Hall 5.1 and play with it for a bit, just to see if I really wanted to get involved. I bought new records from Acoustic Sounds and a carbon fiber brush to sweep off the surface dust prior to playing. The table worked great and with no fuss. I also bought a Bellari phono preamp, which was fine too.

After collecting some good records and deciding I wanted to continue on this path, I hooked up with a dealer and purchased a high-end table and a record cleaning machine, which I believe is mandatory if you are serious about vinyl. So is a dealer with analog expertise, unless you know a private person who can set stuff up for you.

So that's how I would suggest you go about it. Vinyl can be very rewarding, but it does require more of an investment of your time and energy than CDs to sound its best. BTW, I sold the Music Hall at very little loss.
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