Turntable / vinyl

Posted by: APT on 10 April 2016

I am considering buying a turntable and trying out the vinyl experience. I would welcome some advice / thoughts from forum members. 

1) When buying vinyl can each copy be different in quality ? Are there occasions when the pressing is so bad that it has had to be returned? The reason why I ask is that Sainsbury's have started selling vinyl and I am not sure if different dealers  stock different pressings . They have Hotel California, Rumours and Abbey Road- all on 180gm vinyl which I am keen to buy.

2) I briefly spoke to a dealer before arranging an audition, he told me that I would have to get a TT at a certain price range to showcase the effect of vinyl with my current set up - he suggested a rega RP 6 ( the new version) .   I know I will have to audition to make up my own mind but any thoughts / suggestions would be welcome. I would not be spending large amounts of money because I want to try the format out to see if it is something I like . I have the 3 albums mentioned above as high res downloads on 24 bit.

3) Do you have to use a  naim stage line  for system synergy or could I use any other phono stage .

 

Sorry for the long post.

 

Best wishes,

 

APT

Posted on: 11 April 2016 by diggygun

Both Linn and Naim have their own record labels and their vinyl is very good quality. There are other specilist dealers as well who gave special offers so that there are some good deals out there. Shop around and you can find some good LPs. I have a LP12 which is over 30 years old, that has  been upgraded over the years and still listen to vinyl over anything else. Starting out new, would I go with vinyl. Probably yes. As I prefer the sound, but as others have advised you can start at what price level you want and upgrade / change over the years

Just enjoy the whole process as it can be quite good fun

Posted on: 11 April 2016 by George F

Dear Clive,

That has saved me a walk!

These days I have almost every classical recording that is currently available that I want. about 600 CDs. All in iTunes for playback. Otherwise the unobtainium is found on youtube, before some copyright watcher gets it removed!

Of course I find it hard to agree with removing copyright material from youtube when the copyright owner cannot be bothered to have the recording available commercially. 

Perhaps we could modify copyright law such that if a copyright recording is not commercially available in a currently released version for five years the copyright is ended?

Just a thought?

ATB from George

 

Posted on: 12 April 2016 by joerand

Apt,

My own ramblings on the topic. I'm a physical media user with primarily 'old' LPs and CDs in my collection:

  • Vinyl weight is absolutely no predictor of SQ. Flimsy LPs can sound superb if well mastered and pressed.

  • I'd always opt for an original pressing LP before a modern remaster. Vinyl mastered in it's heyday is where the best SQ is to be found. Dedicated vinyl masterers no longer exist and modern pressing factories are artifacts of a former age. (Granted, there was some poor quality recycled vinyl used for pressing some LPs in the 70's)

  • Be selective and patient buying used LPs. Look for original pressings only in VG+ or better condition, don't worry much about outer sleeve condition but avoid any sign of mildew (use your nose).

  • Get something of a RP6-level TT vinyl side to give a fair shake against digital.

  • Get a RCM and house cleaned LPs in new plastic sleeves.

  • There is a learning curve associated with buying used vinyl, but it's quick. Embrace it and have fun. Hi-fi may be a hobby, but collecting vinyl can become a hobby within a hobby and may well become the real passion.

  • FWIW - I have multiple copies and formats of Abbey Road, Rumours, and Hotel California. I find the early vinyl releases, the ones I grew up listening to, trump anything subsequent. Your own findings might vary, depending on whether your ears are tuned more towards modern sonics.

 

Posted on: 12 April 2016 by Christopher_M
antony d posted:

Rise is in Crowngate, also shop in Bristol, not MA 

County for famous Sauce, pears Morgan cars and water from the hills 

So he's from Worcestershire! Well I never!

C.