Opinions and Guidance, Please!

**pmh4353** · 04-06-2012, 05:05 AM

I'm getting back into vinyl after many years of being away and would appreciate comments to help me narrow the field. I'm looking at the following:

1. Music Hall 5.1SE
2. Music Hall 7.1
3. Rega RP3 with cartridge
4. Clearaudio Concept MM

I would like to get a turntable that comes preset and aligned at the factory. I base this on my turntable experiences from the past. I was also thinking about bypassing the phono inputs on my Denon 4311ci and using line inputs with either the NAD PP-3i or the Parasound Zphone with USB. My buget is about $1500 for a turntable and $400 for the phono preamp give or take.

Is there enough difference to warrant the $500 higher cost of a MC cartridge instead of a MM cartridge?

TIA

jimwiz · 04-09-2012, 05:12 PM

There are lots of options for turntable gear. IMHO, a visit to a local Hi-Fi shop would be the best option. They should be able to get you suitable gear and set up the 'table for you. I have an NAD turntable that is a few years old that works fine. I think it retailed for around $500. I am using an Audio Technica MM cartridge. Since the cartridge is where the rubber meets the road (so to speak) I would look for specs in a cartidge that is the best for whatever amount of $ you are willing to spend. I like the AT because it has a higher output level than many MM cartridges. As far as MC...I've never tried one so I can't comment. personally, I wouldn't spend the extra money "just because". Also, consider what you will be listening too. All vinyl is not created equal. If you have older records, are they in good condition? If not, then spending a boatload of money would probably noot be a wise investment. Also, I have purchased many recent titles. Some of them have spectular sound but expect to pay a premium foreach title ($30 - $40 each). To me it's worth it. Also consider your living arrangements. I live in a townhouse complex so high volume listening is not an option. (I have been mean to invest in headphones but that is another story.) Good luck with your quest.

**J!m** · 04-12-2012, 10:26 AM

jimwiz gave some good advice there.

I will expand the cartridge point a bit further in that you want a cartridge well matched to the arm in use. A great cartridge poorly matched will sound worse than a poor cartridge well matched.

From my set-up (listed below) and experience, the RP3 (mine is the older Planar 3) is a good, solid, reliable, simple and easy to set up table. It's weakness is the Rega cartridge, so look for one second hand and get a nice cartridge. Mine may be a bit much for your budget, but ths combination seems to perform well with a variety of music and recording qualities. Besides my old records purchased pre-CD, I purchase the bulk of my vinyl at goodwill. I think the new released leave a lot to be desired, and in many cases they are made from the CD masters, not from a master optimized for vinyl pressing, as was the case when Vinyl was king. This is a big deal.

Before you buy anything, sign up at www.vinylengine.com and read for a few days. There are more tips, tricks and advice than anyone could ever need there. The Rega line is well represented there with their own section. It has been available constantly for several decades for a reason: it is the 'hammer' of audio tools: very simple and does a decent job. You can get better sonics, but not for less money. And, the Rega is upgradable over time, so you can enjoy tour Vinyl now, and improve your table as the money becomes available. The Michell Engineering 'tweaks' for the Rega are quite good and well thought out...

Yes, I'm biased toward it, but I think it represents excellent 'bang for the buck' (which is why I got one in the first place) and if you get it second hand, and then decide to get something "fancier" later, you will not loose a dime on it when you sell it...

Keep us posted on what you decide.

**pmh4353** · 04-24-2012, 10:01 PM

Thank you jimwiz & J!m for your replies. I went with the Clearaudio Concept MC & the NAD 3i. I will see how it all sounds and go from there. I feel that I might be a little bit weak in the phono preamp area but I wanted to be able to digitize the albums too. I'm in the process of closing on a new house so it will be about 3 weeks before I can get everything hooked up again. I will let you know how I feel about the components when I'm able.

Thanks again.