recommendations for an analog set-up

[aKnyght]

i have come to a point where i want to at least consider adding an analog side to my system.

i would want to look for something complimentary to my current system and more or less on the same level. there seem to be endless choices for turntables, arms and phono pre-amps... let's leave carts for another time. i am pretty much in the dark here, so any thoughts or recommendations to help navigate through this would be very welcome!

to bound the search and as a point of departure, here are a few pieces i have run across that seem to fit - at least, on paper.

on the lower end something like:

turntable + arm: mofi ultraDeck or clearaudio concept
phono pre-amp: manley chinook or allnic h-1201

on the higher end something like:

turntable + arm: amg giro or brinkman bardo
phono pre-amp: rogers pa-1a or bandwidth kaskode... or brinkman edison if i win the lottery

would love to hear of other similar pieces in this range that others here like. thanks!

[Mikado463]

since you're a noobie with respect to analog please understand that cartridge discussion MUST be included since compliance (synergy) with a given tonearm is important.

First question ...... do you currently own any LP's ?

[Speedskater]

Exactly! Cartridge, pre-amp and tone-arm must be viewed as a system.

[aKnyght]

since you're a noobie with respect to analog please understand that cartridge discussion MUST be included since compliance (synergy) with a given tonearm is important.

First question ...... do you currently own any LP's ?

point well taken on the cartridge.

i have about 100 LPs which have not been played in decades and are not really the music i am listening to these days. long ago in a universe far away, i used to play LPs but since then have not kept up with the technology or the products. so, i would be effectively starting from zero on all fronts.

my goal here is to just collect some information on what a nice but modest (for analog) system would look like. would love to hear thoughts on cartridges as well.

[Mikado463]

i would be effectively starting from zero on all fronts.

something I wouldn't do in today's world .......

my goal here is to just collect some information on what a nice but modest (for analog) system would look like. would love to hear thoughts on cartridges as well.

perhaps you can define modest for us, in terms of $$ in your eyes. Here's a 'modest' set up that if I were starting from scratch I'd pursue .........

TT - Technics SL-1200G
Cart - Denon DL-103R, Hana SL or Ortofon 2m Black (nice moving magnet).
phono-pre - Parasound JC3+

the above comes in well under 10k (a modest number IMO) leaving room for cables of choice and cleaning supplies

[tube-vds]

maybe a "plug and play" solution from rega would be the right start for you; something like this:

https://www.whathifi.com/rega/rp8apheta/review

then ask your local dealer if you can try at least 2 different (ss, tube) phonostages on your system at home.

and try different impedances.

in an analog system a perfect match amp <-> phonostage is key; and that also depends a lot on your personal taste of what kind of sound you like.

have fun.

[Mike]

Check out the Avid Ingenium Plug & Play. We’ve done quite well with those.


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[aKnyght]

something I wouldn't do in today's world .......

completely agree! almost identical dynamic in photography, yet my cameras still take film. i like the look: less literal and more creative/artistic; beautiful color palettes... etc.

in any event, i have been listening to digital versions of the 1950s + 60s blue note catalogue. somehow it seems a shame not hear them on vinyl, especially the music matters reissues. i think i might not be getting the full original/historical/vintage experience by listening to digital versions; and, this is what has piqued my interest in an analogue set-up. thought it was worth exploring.

what's a 20th century person to do?

[astrotoy]

Are you looking at analogue or only TT's? If you are patient, you can find a very nice used tape machine for less than $1K or more available at less than $2.5K without a lot of difficultly that will let you experience the world of analogue at the highest level - 15ips 2 track tape. Lots of choices for high quality machines, even some pro machines at the $5K to $10K level that some of the TT/cartridge/phonopre range you are talking about. Building a collection of tapes is another matter, much more expensive than LP's, but you can start with some very nice tapes in the $200-$300 range per reel (or even somewhat lower in the case of Jonathan Horwich's superb jazz albums on his IPI label) and get to a place in audiophile heaven.

Larry

[KeithR]

Do you have a record collection or starting from scratch?

If the latter, note its a huge $ commitment just for media.

[aKnyght]

the extreme cost and the very limited number of titles is keeping me away from r2r... otherwise, i and probably many others here would be enthusiastically involved.

fwiw: i have seen a few new titles released in cassette format in addition to digital and LP... so, maybe 8-track and r2R are next?!

[astrotoy]

Definitely cost is an issue with R2R. However, there are actually a lot of titles available, particularly from the golden age of analogue era (mid '50's to early '80's). I have over 850 reels of 15ips 2 track tapes and I don't collect most pop/rock/jazz albums. You can buy from reliable sources and also trade with like minded collectors.

[Mr Peabody]

A lot of good tables, just curious why no Clearaudio love here?

I had Rega and no issues whatever. When looking to upgrade I was thinking of moving up the line. At first listen Clearaudio seemed a bit dry but with further listen and comparison I realized how quiet and distortion free it was, almost like CD but in a good way.

[Kuoppis]

I would start with a great TT and a modest, but good phono pre. You can invest more into the preamp afterwards.

From your list I would pick the AMG Giro, great table (I have the Viella and it’s superb). Pairing it with their own superb tonearm and their Teatro cart will give you a great deal and good synergy.

As for phono pre, I would pair it with an Octave EQ.2, which is small and simple, but surprisingly good.

Go for it, no fear. It’s fun.


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[Bart001]

Exactly! Cartridge, pre-amp and tone-arm must be viewed as a system.

My wife and I decided to do the same thing -- add an analog side to our system. She "found" about 30 lp's from her youth (all in pretty good shape!) and we just want to experience playing records again.

A 'better' tt matches my system, and we ended up getting (it's still in transit) a Rega RP8, including the factory-installed cartridge and Aria phono stage. Very slightly used from my trusted AD it was less than the price of a P6 system brand new. And with Rega I can get a "system" and not have to worry about fussing with cartridge installation issues or matching the phono stage to the cartridge.

[Mr Peabody]

Congrats, I think you'll be happy with your choice. If you ever want to try a different cart, Dynavector seems to have good synergy with Rega. Look forward to hearing what you think after getting the table up and spinning.

My wife and I decided to do the same thing -- add an analog side to our system. She "found" about 30 lp's from her youth (all in pretty good shape!) and we just want to experience playing records again.

A 'better' tt matches my system, and we ended up getting (it's still in transit) a Rega RP8, including the factory-installed cartridge and Aria phono stage. Very slightly used from my trusted AD it was less than the price of a P6 system brand new. And with Rega I can get a "system" and not have to worry about fussing with cartridge installation issues or matching the phono stage to the cartridge.