I know there has been a thread regarding starter TT's and analog combinations.
I enjoy my current toys and music collection, but my system may be greatly changing, part in a downsizing effort to redirect some money towards a home purchase, and part to satisfy my own curiosity.
I know that down the road I'll end up redirecting money to have a complete system where I'd like it to be, but for now, I will most likely be doing a lot sales, and rebuilding with a different price point and goal in mind soon..
One aspect of this system change would involve a new analog rig. I have hundreds of records that have been in storage for quite some time. The last TT I have I don't even recall what it was, I believe an old Technics, but this was well before I found audio equipment that truly left me wide eyed.
My knowledge of the technical aspects, product comparisons, setup, and system matching is relatively non-existent for vinyl, TTs, etc.
I'd most likely consider seeking out a person or two's collection in an effort to grab a rediculous amount of music very cheap, and purchase a complete analog rig as a single purchase (everything except phone stage), part to simplify audio-nervousa, part to simply component matching and setup. The thought of being a complete newbie and pretending I know what I'm doing matching a table, arm, cartridge and wiring is not something I want to consider right now. I'd like to have something complete, gain understanding through usage and work in that direction... Once I purchase I most likely won't be doing any rediculous upgrading to it for quite some time, so don't care too, too much if its not the most upgradable item in the world (though it doesn't hurt).
As with most first purchases, I'd probably aim for a bit better than run of the mill, but by no means chasing after perfection -- probably an initial combination of $700-1200, new or used.
After a typical preface that's way too long, here are some of my questions....
1) For folks that had moved to digital or started out with digital and owned many well regarded and pricey CDP/DAC setups -- at what price point or combination did you question the money you had put into digital? I don't mind hearing of digging out vintage or stored away setups, but hearing about known products, non-DIY, that are tangible to me would be great to hear about.... I will most likely end up doing a few dealer demos, but I do hate the excercise especially if I know I'll most likely end up purchasing used/demo, etc...
Part of the joy I've had with vinyl in the past was how great a sound I'd receive even with lower cost components, figuring in part because I enjoyed older recordings so much more...
2) Part of my interest as mentioned above is the ability for me to pick up a rediculous amount of music, in bulk, rather cheap -- having an endless supply of new music always keeps me farther away from considering component purchases as I have so much to listen to that will keep me busy from equipment curiousity and trips to compact disc world... In this regard and knowing that the majority of future vinyl purchases would be good condition used vinyl, would you feel that initially a purchase of a quality record cleaner would be put ahead of spending a couple hundred extra on the initial analog rig?
3) For others that had little to no knowledge of analog sources, could you direct me to some links that are essentially TT setup / basic background / essential tooks for analog dummies?
Curious to hear people's impressions, whether their own experiences, or comments about price points.... Anything greatly appreciated...
