input for a Vinyl newbie

Given your current system, I would start off with something a little better. Even though you are new to vinyl, you are probably not new to audio. With vinyl, a little more money spent with entry level equipment, yields big improvments. Its not like a CD player. A good combo would be something like a VPI Scout with a DV 20 low output cart and a DV-P75 phono preamp. Its not too expensive, but will give you a much better idea if vinyl is something you want to really get into.

I returned to vinyl with a Project 1. something with a pre mounted cartridge. I also purchased a very cheap phono stage pre-amp. I was very disappointed. A friend recommended a Denon DL-160 cartridge. Bad move because that gave me a taste of what was possible. Fast forward 6 years. I've been thru 4 or 5 TT's and countless phono pre-amps. My advise is to spend as much as you can afford on a TT, phono pre amp and Cartridge. My experience is that a cartridge and phono pre-amp are just as or maybe more important that the TT. The Jolida is nice and I have one on a 2nd TT.

Dear Coolsound: I don't know how many LPs alredy own but the Zd542 advise to mate a better analog rig to your system is way valid.
In the past Classe preamps had the alternative to integrate a phono card, I don't know if this is possible with your Omega.

Anyway, you need a better analog rig for really you can have your " feet wet " with a war water instead and icy one. Try a good SS phono stage not a tube one.

In the other side, analog is not a plug&play " item ", you need patience to learn and patience to achieve a good overall set up. Analog is as imperfect as my Russian language ( I'm Mexican and I don't speak Russian. ) for say the least and due to that I can say is the least user friendly audio alternative.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Thank you all for the feedbacks. What is your opinion between the Scout and Scout 2 ($600 difference)? Will there be noticeable improvement in sound quality with the Scout 2? Should I use the extra money for a better cartridge/phono preamp instead?

I currently do not own that many LPs. Just a box of couple dozen albums and about 150 45s from the 80s that has been sitting in my closet for the last 25 years. Will start increasing my collection if I like the new setup.

Thanks.