Sorry, Rob, for I have sinned ....

[jandl100]

Oops ....



I spotted some LPs I fancied in a charity shop where I do some volunteer work ... the rest is history.

Revolver TT, Ortofon Samba low output MC cart.

My main problem now is finding a decent and cheap phono stage. A kind forum member has loaned me his Lynwood stage, and that sounds fab but is really more than I wanted to spend or that this little tt rig can justify.

No, it doesn't sound as good as my CD setup, but it's pretty decent and allows me to spin the LPs I craved.

To be honest, the real main problem is finding vinyl that is in good enough nick for this digital-dude to tolerate!

[Filterlab]

LOL! Nice one Jerry, the Revolver is a fine turntable. Apparently the Creek phono stage is very good, but what would I know eh?! One day I'll get into vinyl again, but as you said...

To be honest, the real main problem is finding vinyl that is in good enough nick for this digital-dude to tolerate!

...that's quite a hurdle to overcome when going back to vinyl.

[Marco]

LOL... Not if like me (and other 'serious' vinylistas) your deck and cartridge is immaculately set-up and you keep your records in pristine condition! Trust me, that done, it's not an issue for consideration.

I'm bringing the 1210 to Steve's on Thursday so you'll discover this phenomenon for yourself

Nice one, Jerry - you're on the 'slippery slope' now, shweety

Marco.

[Filterlab]

LOL! You seem to think I've never heard a decent vinyl set-up.

[Marco]

Hehehe... Well if you had, you wouldn't consider the condition of records as "quite a hurdle to overcome when going back to vinyl"

It's quite simply a non-issue when using a good deck playing pristine records

The problem is new vinyl is expensive and a lot of second-hand stuff is in poor condition. To do things properly you really need a professional record cleaner.

Marco.

[Filterlab]

Hehehe... Well if you had, you wouldn't consider the condition of records as "quite a hurdle to overcome when going back to vinyl"

Why not? A record (as you've stated) has to be pristine to be as clean in terms of background as a CD. Therefore, unless all records are pristine and undamaged and not dusty and are stored in anti-static sleeves then there will be background noise and clicks etc. That simply doesn't apply to CD unless a CD is severely damaged.

It's not a criticism of vinyl in any way, it's just something that has to overcome (a hurdle if you like) that doesn't quantifiably exist with digital formats. I have no doubt in my mind that vinyl plays as well as CD, but only if a record has been kept in perfect condition.

[jandl100]

My problem is that I'm not willing to pay more for LPs than I do for CDs ... I buy CDs for a few £ on eBay - they are almost always 'pristine'. You just cannot do that with LPs, ime. If someone can tell me where to get Mint classical LPs for a few £ each, I will be 1 Happy Bunny.

[Filterlab]

My point exactly. Nice to have a choice of sources Jerry, one day I will get back into vinyl (and I wish I'd kept my Thorens now), but not just yet. It will certainly be around for many years to come though there's no doubt.

[Marco]

Indeed, Jerry. There are gems out there though if you look in the right places - try your local Oxfam, for example.

Like I said, a good record cleaner really sorts things out. You've no idea the difference it can make to 'crudy' old second-hand records which before cleaning sound 'muddy' and horrible, and after cleaning sound clear, crisp, and precise. Even new vinyl benefits from cleaning due to the removal of mould release agent.

Rob, you're right - I'm not arguing with you. I'm just saying that providing you play clean (undamaged) records and look after them then there isn't a problem. As far as I'm concerned (and other vinyl enthusiasts) that's part of a normal procedure. I don't sit there listening to scratched records. I buy new vinyl and second-hand vinyl in good condition (I examine old records very carefully before buying them) which play perfectly in the same way as you would buy CDs or download music which play perfectly.

The point I was making is that clicks and pops and T/Ts don't automatically go hand-in-hand. It just takes a bit more care to achieve the same standards of 'flawless playback' as digital

Marco.

[Filterlab]

I fully agree mate. I just think that a vinyl set-up requires a lot more attention to get bang on, attention that takes a bit of time and patience, and of course very clean records. There's no doubt vinyl punches as hard as CD of course.