Another Source

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

I agree with adding other sources to add enjoyment. In my experience all sources worth considering add their own character, and add their own interpretation to the media being replayed.

I too agree, despite having only two sources in my main system; a TT and CDP. I find myself going through long runs of playing exclusively vinyl, then for no apparent reason, the CD bug hits me and I go on a binge with them. Nice to have options. The other thing multiple sources do is allow you to better evaluate changes or tweaks to your system. A worthy change should work for all sources.

Aside from my main system I enjoy FM radio in my car and via a boombox in my shop. I also have a vintage tube AM radio in my listening room to enjoy baseball broadcasts. As Simon says, each source with its own character and interpretation, and it keeps any single source from becoming stale.

Regarding multiple sources, I suppose at least in part it depends on available resources: personally I would rather have one system as close to “perfection” as I can, than limit it by spending significantly on additional sources instead of other improvements. If spare resources over and above maximising overall sound quality with one source were available then different things could conceivably be of more interest (though whilst I could have retained my TT for just the modest cost of its sale value, nothing about vinyl made me want to retain playing capability once I had ripped my LPs).

Zackwater posted:

Looking to add a second source to my system.   I have 300dr, nds, super cap, 555ps, 252dr and Focal Maestro Uptopia III.  Looking to add either a turntable or a disc player.   With my system what price range turntable and phono stage or CD player should I be looking.  Don’t want to underbuy or overbuy my current gear. 

If this means budget has flexible limit I would look at Vertere turntables

One of the very best tables I have heard cost no object

From the former Roksan maker, seem to be very dedicated, a revised version out now.

An easy "plug and play" turntable I choose a Rega

Plenty of vinyl available

... which takes us full circle to my first post on this thread.

I’m very envious of those Vertere turntables, they look amazing.  I’m sure the sound is too.   

Hi Zackwater,

Their “entry level” MG-1 turntable with arm and phono stage is priced at a similar level to a Naim 555 power supply, then rises quickly from there. So it is a significant commitment, especially for a first turntable, similar in cost to a highish specification Linn LP12.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so very much a matter of personal taste. I have seen reactions ranging from Wow! to Ugh!

In terms of sound though, I progressed from Linn LP12 to Roksan Xerxes 20+ to the MG-1 and have been very happy with each change.

However, for a first turntable that is already at an equivalent level to your current source, the Rega RP10 would be my personal benchmark. Yes, I’m a strong admirer.

Hope this helps, FT

That's a heck of a lot of turntable for 60 LPs.

Why not dip your toe in with an RP2 or RP3 which cost next to nothing with a NAD phono stage and see if your love for the format grows before dropping $10k on a source like that? In fact you could pick up a classic but low cost turntable and a tuner and anything else that strikes your fancy and just see which one makes you smitten to invest more.

To be honest, I don't see any problem using a preamp with just a single decent source, leaving other inputs unused. Over the years I've used 6 sources at the same time down to the 1 now. Usage patterns change without the need to force it. 

Thing is, with a really exceptional turntable front end, what starts out as 60 LPs very quickly turns into a proper LP collection, because you soon want to hear everything replayed that way. 

I dunno. I spent years with access to a maxed out LP12 and vinyl never appealed to me on many levels. It's not inevitable that anyone who's heard vinyl at its best will also think it is a superior format. 

I tend to keep this opinion under wraps because the evangelical vinyl brigade can get a bit, shall we say, "holier than than thou" when someone suggests vinyl is less than superb.

feeling_zen posted:

I dunno. I spent years with access to a maxed out LP12 and vinyl never appealed to me on many levels. It's not inevitable that anyone who's heard vinyl at its best will also think it is a superior format. 

I tend to keep this opinion under wraps because the evangelical vinyl brigade can get a bit, shall we say, "holier than than thou" when someone suggests vinyl is less than superb.

Perhapse your motor was touching the trampoline.

Zackwater posted:

After sleeping on it, I’m going to add a turntable. I own 60 or so old albums and I just like the experience.  Any advise is appreciated, I’m located in the USA.   Nearest music shop 6 hour drive (except for a dealer nearly exclusively McIntosh). 

you didn’t told about budget.  Like you i have an nds/555dr and bought recently a rega rp10: with a good phono stage ( like superline) and cart ( more than 1k cost), it outperforms my nds on most recordings.  No maintenance like an lp12, and quick to change the lps.  dust cover too.

But even a rega rp6 can bring you enjoyment.  With 15/20k budget, i would go for avid acutus reference, vertere, or spiral groove sg1( us product).

I reckon LP12 requires no maintenance at all , if properly set-up I cannot see how that would happen, my own when went back to seller for a cart upgrade after a couple of years needn't any.

Also, I think it's really a matter of personal preference, I 've never been impressed with Rega tables other than those lower the range , neither was when demoed the RP10.

If one's really into vinyl like I am should audition any from Vertere, Linn ,Sme as those could put aside any digital source.

the non ending battle of rega vs linn....  Personally i once went for a demonstration of rega rp10 / aphelion /superline vs lp12 radikal klimax / superline on a naim system.  I couldn’t tell one is better or not, just a bit different.  The problem is linn turntable was more than twice expensive....

Recently i sold my 15 years old sme 20/ sme5 and bought a second hand rp10.  The sme was clearly better on most aspects.....( but i got some cash....).  The sme20/2 is on the same price as lp12 klimax.