2. analog
  3. 1010608718

analog newbie

i am seriously considering getting into the world of analog playback. right now i lack a phono stage, but will likely purchase the tube stage for my rogue 99 preamp, to avoid the expense of a chasis and phono cables. i want to make sure vinyl is something i will continue to collect before making a real investment.
after the rogue phono stage is bought i will have little budget for a new turntable so i am considering using my fathers kenwood table that dates back to the early 1980's, i know it is operational as i used it at least once when i had a preamp w/ phono stage a few months ago.
a few years ago i replaced the cartridge with a grado model, about $50-60, don't recall what model.
i am concerned about damaging some of my lps, particularly about a dozen or so blues lps that were hard to find (hopkins, sonny terry, brownie mghee, memphis slim, furry lewis, etc) the vinyl seems to be in decent condition and i'd like to keep it that way.
so i figure i should replace the cartridge with a new one at about the same price point since this is no kick-ass table.
what can i do on a tight budget to protect my lps, most of which probably need to be cleaned very well before another playback. i was using the simple discwasher system but i get the feeling this was removing surface dust only, and moving it around more than from the lp surface.
can anyone recommend a handwash regimen, in detail as i am a vinyl neophyte, or some other tried and true lp maintenance system to prolong/preserve lp playback?
or am i simply better off with a cleaning machine? some seem to prefer handwashing for truly dirty lps i think and machines for basic maintenance thereafter, do i have this right?
also, what basic tools/accessories should i have on hand for vinyl playback, now or in the future as my budget allows me to become more and more serious.

down the road, if i find vinyl to be something i enjoy, i currently plan on purchasing a basis/graham combo with a decent cartridge from dynavector, ortofon, etc.
fujindemon
lazarus28
339 posts
 
psychic-

the hockey reference was meant to be humorous, as was your post. i'm not at all upset.

and just out of curiosity, do you use one of those personal-coachy-folks? i've heard of 'em, but only in passing on npr. . . .
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
No, I don't use personal coaching. I have talked to one once and she decided that I did not needed such a service. Some people do need a personal coach and it's a totally valid option to help themselves achieve goals. However, the coach is not going to do the work for you...

I used to work for a non profit environmental organization and before starting the person in charge paid for my first Lifespring course out of his own pocket. He said it would help me become an effective individual, both with myself and others. It did. Go to the website and email me if you have further questions.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
regardless of your approach, has anyone determined that cleaning results are better realized if you Zerostat the record first? I've tried it that way & it seems to work better whether I'm brushing off some stray dust or just applying a blast of canned air. Not sure about the effectiveness of pre-stat-ing (vs. not) when using a wet cleaning proceedure however.
fujindemon OP
134 posts
 
hey thanks for the advice for those that posted.
i've decided to take natalie's advice and purchase the disc doctor products. also will pick up the shure stylus gauge as soon as i can.
i decided to leave the auto machines alone for the time being and put the dough i saved towards more vinyl or toward a new table. elbow grease i got in spades.
actually, i don't think i will mind cleaning by hand since this will provide more 'involvement' in my hobby on my weekends. i think it will be like my other hobby, gardening. for me the meditation is as much the garden as the act of gardening.

can anyone recommend good sources for vinyl online?
particular titles/label pressings?
i've found the following:
www.amusicdirect.com
www.acousticsounds.com
www.audiophileusa.com
i am mainly looking for vintage/new blues lps ( memphis slim, lightnin hopkins, albert king, furry lewis, muddy waters, you get the picture)
i need some advice on reputable labels (other than MOFI) pressing vinyl, i don't want shoddy recordings.
i suspect not all 180g lps are cut from the same cloth.

thanks again
hififile
236 posts
 
All of the above information & recommendations are great! I've used many with fine results. I would like to ad Genuine Gruv Glide to the bunch. Gruv (pronounced groove)Glide is a Stereophile recommended product and it does what is advertised. It completely zaps out static, enhances trackability, and has some cleaning properties. My records really do sound better with Gruv Glide. I get mine from "Music Direct" in the back of Stereophile, "Needle Doctor" also sells it too. Hope this helps.

Happy Listening!
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