A return to vinyl that led me here

[TCar]

I moved to London from Chicago in 1998, expecting a 3-4 year stay wouldn't merit moving about 1,000 LPs across the pond only to need a new 240v system on this end while leaving my 120v one behind. Especially given the constraints of tiny London flats. So the collection went into storage. For the most part it's still there, and I am still in the Smoke, almost two decades later.
Recognising that I was unlikely to return stateside, I decided each trip to Murica would be an opportunity to bring some LPs to London. A system would be necessary. Two years ago I bought a 1st series Sugden a48 in the teak case, Michell Focus One (since replaced with a Gerrard 401 with RB250/full OL mods/Ortofon MC15 Super) and a a Pro-Ject Phono Box S with what little cash was left. That front end drives ProAc Studio 125s. I'm pretty happy with that, and I could do better, but have no idea what I am doing (If I did I would have found a Sugden a21).
By now about 100 LPs have made it across, as anyone familiar with vinyl knows carrying even 50 along with luggage is no small feat. I cherry picked some favourites, the Meters original pressing on Josie; Replacements Let It Be on Twin/Tone; Pharoah Sanders first pressings of Karma and more on Impulse! Al Green on Hi Records; original press of VU White Light/White Heat; Neil Young Tonight's the Night black Warner Bros label GF with poster insert, etc.
I'm pretty patient but if anyone has thoughts on how to move 100s of LPs across the Atlantic without spending thousands I am all ears.

Like anyone, I'm contemplating updates to my system, which is pretty much just vinyl replay. I think for my money the best way forward is a servicing for the amp at Sugden (sounds fine but inputs stick and history is unknown), and after that the phono stage is the weakest link. So thoughts on what you would do here are welcome.

TL;DR: Hai! I'm slowly moving 1,000 LPs from the US to London and have 1st gen Sugden a48; Garrard 401/RB250 with full OL mods/Ortofon MC15 Super; Pro-Ject Phono Box S; ProAc Studio 125s. Thoughts on moving 100s of LPs across an ocean and best pound for pound upgrade path welcome.

[martian sunrise]

Tim! Richie here. Your Focus was sold on through this very forum!

They are a good lot. Enjoy!

[struth]

Welcome to the forum Tim.. Sure you will find a way. Some of the guys are well travelled. Open a post in blank canvas

[montesquieu]

I brought 80 boxes, some books but mainly LPs, from the UK to Wellington NZ and back again some years later. Cost wasn't that huge, they went on a boat and took about three months each way, I imagine from the US it would take less than half that. Get a quote from someone like Allied Pickfords you might be surprised.

[hornucopia]

Warning! Be wary moving stuff TO Murica!
Ed Vulliamy, journalist, had his entire LP collection IMPOUNDED and DESTROYED by US Customs!
He wrote an article about it in Observer.
(And he still owes me for 'Highway 61' (original, 1st issue!) I gave him to help revitalise his collection!)

But then....this IS century 21. Who needs vinyl? even CDs are just 'hard copy' for your HDD .

[walpurgis]

Hello Tim. Welcome to AOS.

The Sugden A48 is a nice old amp, but I can understand you wanting an A21.

Tell us your thoughts on what direction your system will be taking (if any ).

There's much to get involved in here, so take a look around and have a chat with the members.


Enjoy the forum,
Geoff.

[TCar]

Hey Richie hope you are well. I'm in India ATM halfway through a three month assignment. Will get in touch when I am back. Tim

[TCar]

Hi Geoff. Not sure which way I am heading at the moment. To be honest as noted there ^ i am currently in Mumbai for assignment for three months so not really doing anything but streaming to a Bluetooth speaker in my hotel/flat! Depressing tbh.

[Haselsh1]

But then....this IS century 21. Who needs vinyl? even CDs are just 'hard copy' for your HDD .

As long as you keep the original CD of course