I am going vinyl... what should I get?

Welcome aboard! Your question depends on money and expectations. Of course if you want the best you have to pay for it, unless you're very lucky of course. I found middle of the road Denon regularly priced at 300 euros to be a nice player. besides that you should consider speakers and room size/setup. Amplifier is important too, but not as much as speakers. Are you into it for collecting or listening?

A pre-amp is important as well, especially if you want to have your system connected to your computer (to convert your LPs to CD, mp3 or WAV).

Amplification and speaker options are endless and needn't differ too much from those you'd choose for digital sources... so long as you have a Phono input or add on Phono Stage.

What folks often forget with vinyl is that the turtable itself is the biggest influence on sound quality .

You need a well engineered turtable and arm. Loads of options still on the market but for sensible money you could do a lot worse than to look at products from a maker called Rega.

<the turtable itself is the biggest influence on sound quality>



Btw, I suddenly got problems with my turntable motor - it played uneven. This happened after several years of playing (and without any service on my player), and in particular after I started buying 200 gram vinyl.

I googled the problem, and seemingly there was no hope for my cheap "Pioneer PL-990"...

One obscure post on a vinyl forum caught my eye, though:

"Pour some drops of liquor on a little cotton pad, and clean the belt, as well as the motor wheel". I did that, and voila: It's as good as new again!

Today's free tip



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-12-02 14:38 by DandelionPowderman.

If you are careful, you could go second hand. I've got a Linn / Goldring set up that I could never have afforded new.

Sc uk

Drive belts do harden and stretch with time. Shouldn't be too difficult to source a replacment for what was in its day a very popular Pioneer Model.

[Putting a twist in a flat drive belt is another way of coaxing a bit more life from it . Just turn it inside out around the motor pully. The twist will stay in as it turns and sort of tightens the belt a little if it's prone to slipping. ]

But better still...treat yourself to a Rega RP1 . You won't be disappointed with the imnprovement

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straycatuk
If you are careful, you could go second hand. I've got a Linn / Goldring set up that I could never have afforded new.

Sc uk

Yep. I use a Linn myself.

Look out for old Thorens decks too . Built to last for ever... and usually do

The ancient Thorens TD 150 with the full length arm board can be picked up for peanuts. Stick a 2nd hand Rega arm on it and it will deliver very high quality results.
The draw back with old suspended chassis decks like the Thorens, [and the Linn LP12] is that optimum performance does require skilled set up...not rocket science but needs care and knowledge.

Non suspeneded decks like the Regas don't suffer with this issue. Fit and align the cartridge, balance the arm and you're good to go



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013-12-02 17:40 by Spud.

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Spud
Drive belts do harden and stretch with time. Shouldn't be too difficult to source a replacment for what was in its day a very popular Pioneer Model.

[Putting a twist in a flat drive belt is another way of coaxing a bit more life from it . Just turn it inside out around the motor pully. The twist will stay in as it turns and sort of tightens the belt a little if it's prone to slipping. ]

But better still...treat yourself to a Rega RP1 . You won't be disappointed with the imnprovement

I've been thinking of buying that one!

Go for it .
The deck is a development of a model they made for nearly 40 years [The Rega Planar 2] and would probably be the last deck you ever had to buy.
A second hand P2 or P3 would also be a great buy.

Any of them would certainly see you out...and probably your kids to



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-12-02 15:48 by Spud.

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Spud
Go for it .
The deck is a development of a model they made for nearly 40 years [The Rega Planar 2] and would probably be the last deck you ever had to buy.
A second hand P2 or P3 would also be a great buy.

Any of them would certainly see you out...and probably your kids to

Yeah, I've heard good things about the Regas. The RP1 has to be operated manually, right? I work next door to a shop that sells them, so I've been window shopping this one for quite a while - let's see after Christmas

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DandelionPowderman

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Spud
Drive belts do harden and stretch with time. Shouldn't be too difficult to source a replacment for what was in its day a very popular Pioneer Model.

[Putting a twist in a flat drive belt is another way of coaxing a bit more life from it . Just turn it inside out around the motor pully. The twist will stay in as it turns and sort of tightens the belt a little if it's prone to slipping. ]

But better still...treat yourself to a Rega RP1 . You won't be disappointed with the imnprovement

I've been thinking of buying that one!

I bought this and gave it back immediately. Nothing worked as it should. I added 100 euro and bought a Pro jet debut OM 10 ... it has been working perfectly ...

2 1 2 0

ProJect are very good too.

[Faulty Regas are very rare though]

If you want to buy new, I absolutely agree with Spud: Rega is the best quality/price compromise.

If your amp doesn't have a phono in entry, you will have to buy a preamp too (approx 150/200 euro).

If you want to buy used, there are many options. For sure Linn is a standard in "entry level" high fidelty systems (meaning cheap stuff for audio freaks, stellar quality for normal human beings). Linn retailers have a good choice of used guaranteed stuff.

There are other great used turntables, but be careful that replacements are still available on the market.

C

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Spud
ProJect are very good too.

[Faulty Regas are very rare though]

could be me..I thought it gave a ' weak ' impression and it was impossible for me to set the ' anti-skating ' and the needle press ... incomprehensible instructions ...

2 1 2 0

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liddas
If you want to buy new, I absolutely agree with Spud: Rega is the best quality/price compromise.

If your amp doesn't have a phono in entry, you will have to buy a preamp too (approx 150/200 euro).

If you want to buy used, there are many options. For sure Linn is a standard in "entry level" high fidelty systems (meaning cheap stuff for audio freaks, stellar quality for normal human beings). Linn retailers have a good choice of used guaranteed stuff.

There are other great used turntables, but be careful that replacements are still available on the market.

C

Dear Loudei,

I agree with the above post, Rega is by far the best value for money you can buy.
I own 2 Regas turntables, in diferente price ranges and I could not be more satisfied.

Feel free to ask more questions regarding models to go for, I will be happy to help you.

Kind Regards.

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liddas
If you want to buy new, I absolutely agree with Spud: Rega is the best quality/price compromise.

If your amp doesn't have a phono in entry, you will have to buy a preamp too (approx 150/200 euro).

If you want to buy used, there are many options. For sure Linn is a standard in "entry level" high fidelty systems (meaning cheap stuff for audio freaks, stellar quality for normal human beings). Linn retailers have a good choice of used guaranteed stuff.

There are other great used turntables, but be careful that replacements are still available on the market.

C

Don't buy a second hand Linn LP12 unless from a dealer who will set it up correctly for you [or you intend to have it correctly set up by a dealer.]

Even today after 40 years in production, the LP12 remains arguably the most musical record player on the market... but older ones in particular do need expert set up.
Every component of the deck has been modded and upgraded over the years [with all mods retrofittable]. Some upgades are more cost effective than others but a Basik LP12 is still a top notch record player if properly put together.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-12-02 17:07 by Spud.

People are just reaching around in the dark here. The original poster needs to explain his budget and what type of equipment he already has. Otherwise, the advice may not be appropriate

That's very true.

But the best advice is to find a dealer who sells stuff like the Rega and then use your ears to choose.

The best "Hi Fi" equipment for domestic use is that which makes the music more enjoyable to listen to ...period !
Don't think about "bass & treble", "depth of image" or any of that nonsence...just buy the one that makes you smile.

[Which is usually also the one that's easiest to sing along in tune with...if you don't mind the potentail embarassment in the demo room ]

Be aware that there's plenty of very expensive rubbish out there...together with some very affordable and excellant equipnent .
If you trust your own ears, you'll easily tell one from the other.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013-12-02 17:33 by Spud.

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Spud
That's very true.

But the best advice is to find a dealer who sells stuff like the Rega and then use your ears to choose.

The best "Hi Fi" equipment for domestic use is that which makes the music more enjoyable to listen to ...period !
Don't think about "bass & treble", "depth of image" or any of that nonsence...just buy the one that makes you smile.

[Which is usually also the one that's easiest to sing along in tune with...if you don't mind the potentail embarassment in the demo room ]

Be aware that there's plenty of very expensive rubbish out there...together with some very affordable and excellant equipnent .
If you trust your own ears, you'll easily tell one from the other.

That´s it!

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Spud
That's very true.

But the best advice is to find a dealer who sells stuff like the Rega and then use your ears to choose.

The best "Hi Fi" equipment for domestic use is that which makes the music more enjoyable to listen to ...period !
Don't think about "bass & treble", "depth of image" or any of that nonsence...just buy the one that makes you smile.

[Which is usually also the one that's easiest to sing along in tune with...if you don't mind the potentail embarassment in the demo room ]

Be aware that there's plenty of very expensive rubbish out there...together with some very affordable and excellant equipnent .
If you trust your own ears, you'll easily tell one from the other.

Also true that it is very difficult to recreate at home the ambient of a demo room (they call it the wife factor ...). Recently I was "asked" to move my system from where it stayed for 10 years (and sounded great) to a more discrete position. I accepted because it is a temporary solution. In any case, the quality of sound is so bad now, that I can't really tell the difference between that costly system and my ipod played with bose loudspeaker (and this is NOT a compliment at all).

C

I have always wanted an ELP laser turntable. The one with the higher resolution sound card. After decades on the market, it is still WAY out of my price range. Are these things supposed to drop in price over time?

I have a Technics SL 1900 (got it for free)...just need a cartridge and head shell so I picked up an Ortofon headshell and an Audio Technica CN5625AL cartridge.

Love it, plays great, great for a budget player!

I have a Technics SL too, I love it. They have a good rep for reliability, which was important to me.

I upgraded my turntable last year. After getting and returning three Rega RP3s, all with bad cartridges, I decided to spend a bit more on a Clearaudio Concept with a moving magnet cartridge.

Although turntable set up can be incredibly aggravating, this one is close to plug-and-play. It comes with the tonearm already set. All you need to do is put on the belt and platter and connect it to your receiver or phono preamp. I've been pleased with mine.

Like treaclefingers & Aquamarine, I too own a Technics SL turntable. In my case, the Technics SL-1600. My TT was rebuilt by a guy named Joel who ran a website, theturntablefactory.com. Sadly, Joel died a few years ago.

As drbryant mentioned, turntables vary in price, from less than $100 to the sky's the limit. I saw one recently that was "on sale" for US$30,000!! Plus, you can buy all sorts of tweaks: high-end cartridges, outboard phono preamps, weights and other stabilizers, felt and rubber platter overlays, and so forth.

I would recommend starting with a new TT from a company like Sony, something that costs no more than US$300. Just to get your feet wet, so to speak.

I have a Rega P5 with the external TT PSU power supply and I am very pleased with it.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013-12-03 03:24 by Rialb.

I just got my Denon DP 35F turntable ready to go. I bought it at the advent of the CD era (all those years ago) and kept it in the box - have never used it. I didn't want to sell off my vinyl collection at the time and I am now very glad that I didn't. The guys at the best electronics store in my city have set me up with a Nagaoka catridge - MP 200. They said it will take 7 hours of playing before it gets that 'warm'" sound and is broken in. I also acquired a Pro-Ject Phono Box to act as a pre-amp between the turntable and amp. The guys at the same store said that they downloaded a Lena Horne vinyl disc to CD and now use that CD for demo'ing sound systems. Next up is a good set of bookshelf speakers and I'm going to keep the cost under a thousand $ - currently thinking about Bowers & Wilkins 685's, or Sierra 1's. Years ago I bought a pair of bookshelf stands, about 4 feet high. They are filled with poured sand inside for weight and stability. Looking forward to getting the rig all set up up this Christmas!

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peter wilson
I just got my Denon DP 35F turntable ready to go. I bought it at the advent of the CD era (all those years ago) and kept it in the box - have never used it. I didn't want to sell off my vinyl collection at the time and I am now very glad that I didn't. The guys at the best electronics store in my city have set me up with a Nagaoka catridge - MP 200. They said it will take 7 hours of playing before it gets that 'warm'" sound and is broken in. I also acquired a Pro-Ject Phono Box to act as a pre-amp between the turntable and amp. The guys at the same store said that they downloaded a Lena Horne vinyl disc to CD and now use that CD for demo'ing sound systems. Next up is a good set of bookshelf speakers and I'm going to keep the cost under a thousand $ - currently thinking about Bowers & Wilkins 685's, or Sierra 1's. Years ago I bought a pair of bookshelf stands, about 4 feet high. They are filled with poured sand inside for weight and stability. Looking forward to getting the rig all set up up this Christmas!

make sure you have some good Christmas vinyl...gotta have elvis!

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peter wilson
I just got my Denon DP 35F turntable ready to go. I bought it at the advent of the CD era (all those years ago) and kept it in the box - have never used it. I didn't want to sell off my vinyl collection at the time and I am now very glad that I didn't. The guys at the best electronics store in my city have set me up with a Nagaoka catridge - MP 200. They said it will take 7 hours of playing before it gets that 'warm'" sound and is broken in. I also acquired a Pro-Ject Phono Box to act as a pre-amp between the turntable and amp. The guys at the same store said that they downloaded a Lena Horne vinyl disc to CD and now use that CD for demo'ing sound systems. Next up is a good set of bookshelf speakers and I'm going to keep the cost under a thousand $ - currently thinking about Bowers & Wilkins 685's, or Sierra 1's. Years ago I bought a pair of bookshelf stands, about 4 feet high. They are filled with poured sand inside for weight and stability. Looking forward to getting the rig all set up up this Christmas!

I can recommend that Pro-Ject phono box.
A great buy for those wanting to get into vinyl without breaking the bank.
It's a very good phono pre-amp and better than most of the "after thought" phono stages built into mass market amps of recent vintage.
Could be a nice little upgrade in itself for some folks with budget or even mid market amplifiers.
Caters for both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges...although there's no point using the latter unless you have a good turntable and arm. Modest moving magnet cartridges can provide superb results in a good deck.

In terms of performance, the turntable is the most important component, followed by the arm and finally the cartridge.

Folks understandably think that the cartrige is the main thing because that's the bit that reads the groove...but it can't read the the groove properly if the turntable and arm don't keep it stable relative to the record.
That's their job, and there's no substitute for good old fashioned precision engineering where turntables are concerned.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013-12-03 13:07 by Spud.