Playing my old LPs
Posted by: jerry098 on 18 December 2015
I have recently re-acquired my old LP collection. It's not vast but has great sentimental value. At present I have a XS system (see profile) with no means of playing LPs.
I would be grateful for any suggestions about what equipment I should be looking for, new or used. I don't want to spend a fortune but would like to get something that's up to the standard of my current setup.
If buying used I would be nervous about buying from an auction site so are there any specialist dealers out there that anyone would recommend?
Thanks,
Jerry
Jerry,
there are a number of excellent Naim dealers out there who also happen to be some of the finest specialists in vinyl front ends as well. Many of them get recommended on here regularly.
As to the nub of the question, the choice is wide and so retreating into the safe hands of a good dealer who has seen, heard and tried most of what's out there is strongly recommended. The sky is the limit really, so it all comes down to what you think you'd like to spend and the limits of what you feel you can afford. So get out there and book in for a good listen to the options available at what's easily affordable, what's reasonably comfortable to stretch to, and what really stretches the budget. That way, at the very least you'll know what you're in for...
Are you an upgrade path kind of guy, or a one-and-done kind of guy? Take that into consideration as well. Some TTs are more amenable to being upgraded over time.
Set a budget and then as Richard says visit a good dealer and develop some ideas/options. For the XS series a Rega is the obvious choice - great decks - but there are numerous alternatives. Remember you'll also need a phono stage to match your chosen cartridge with your amp.
Good luck.
If you don't intend to become a turntable engineer, I would recommend Rega. Looking at your system, a P5 would sit well. New or used will work. Unpack the box and enjoy. Budget for a stageline too. I can't say if your Flatcap will power it though. Just a warning though, it will beat the socks off your CD player, however. You will then need to budget for a new digital source! The fun never stops.
Dave
Richard Dane posted:Jerry,
there are a number of excellent Naim dealers out there who also happen to be some of the finest specialists in vinyl front ends as well. Many of them get recommended on here regularly.
As to the nub of the question, the choice is wide and so retreating into the safe hands of a good dealer who has seen, heard and tried most of what's out there is strongly recommended. The sky is the limit really, so it all comes down to what you think you'd like to spend and the limits of what you feel you can afford. So get out there and book in for a good listen to the options available at what's easily affordable, what's reasonably comfortable to stretch to, and what really stretches the budget. That way, at the very least you'll know what you're in for...
Thanks Richard but can you give me a clue where to look. Or is this not allowed?
Go to nearest Rega dealer
listen to RP1 or RP3 with Fono
if this isn't good enough listen to RP8/Aria
Going further ?, maybe an LP12 full spec'ed or Vertere
I'm not sure what you mean 'with Fono'?
jerry098 posted:Richard Dane posted:Jerry,
there are a number of excellent Naim dealers out there who also happen to be some of the finest specialists in vinyl front ends as well. Many of them get recommended on here regularly.
As to the nub of the question, the choice is wide and so retreating into the safe hands of a good dealer who has seen, heard and tried most of what's out there is strongly recommended. The sky is the limit really, so it all comes down to what you think you'd like to spend and the limits of what you feel you can afford. So get out there and book in for a good listen to the options available at what's easily affordable, what's reasonably comfortable to stretch to, and what really stretches the budget. That way, at the very least you'll know what you're in for...
Thanks Richard but can you give me a clue where to look. Or is this not allowed?
Go to the Naim site and find the dealer search page (make sure you select at least the Classic line, or you will get John Lewis and Richer Sounds who stock the Muso). Find dealers within a reasonable distance and follow the link to their websites to see what turntables they stock and how interested they seem to be in analogue replay. Many Naim dealers stock Rega and some stock Linn and Rega turntables; get on the phone and then start visiting and listening. You could do something similar via the Rega site.
Clive