Need advice for getting into vinyl ..... totally clueless!!!

hochpt21

nspindel wrote: »

Fair enough. But alternatively, until you clean the record, you don't know if the noise you're hearing is from scratches or from dirt. Point being, you shouldn't underestimate the contribution a RCM adds to the quality of the sound. I have literally been blown away by the difference in sound before/after cleaning.

I 100% agree.

I even got my wife to buy me a Nitty Gritty for my birthday a couple years ago. I still don't know how I managed that!

There is a $200 vacuum RCM over at AudioAdvisor. I don't know how good it is, but seems to be similar in specs to my Nitty.

SCompRacer

Fellow ESL owner, don't do it...:biggrin:

Dawgfish

I bought my VPI 16.5 RCM for $325 shipped used off the Gon in excellent shape. Best $325 I ever spent regarding vinyl. Like the others have said, I would spend that $325 (plus another $75 in cleaning fluids, brushes, new Mofi Sleeves) on the RCM first instead of on other stuff like the cartridge and phono pre (provided you have one). It makes a huge difference in vinyl enjoyment. I've tried the homemade record cleaning methods outlined here many times, the Spin Clean system, along with the use of a steam cleaner and shop vac (on really dirty vinyl I still use the steam cleaner before using the RCM) and none of them worked no wear near as good as the RCM. It makes the whole process much simpler and enjoyable also. I said it earlier and I'll say it again, I could not do without a RCM now.

chumlie

Some nice vintage tables at www.vinylnirvana.com

leftwinger57

I was very hesitent in getting back in to vinyl but since this is where I started from I do remember the good days ,which starts w/an album in decent shape. I was lucky to get my tt from GW from the East Brunswick Store for $19 including stylus. The cartridge is a Grado GF-3 which isn't all that bad.So when all functions are tested then on to the records.Once these proved to be ok you can move to other sources like Mr. George Grand who rates all his albums VERY FAIRLY.After this is done and your happy w/ your gear ,then your own product your on the way. I might need a new cartridge a GRADO BLACK but for now it plays well and just adds variety to all the other sources of music I have coming streaming through msystem now. Today I picked up 1. Marshall Tucker Band(Running Like The Wind)2.Larry Carlton 3.Pure Prairie League(Live Takin The Stage) 4.Chicago#16 5.Hall And Oates (H2O) have fun and do not settle on real garbage because it does sound like that.......

madmax

nspindel wrote: »

I cannot emphasize this enough. Knowing what I know now from my own experience, if I still had my Thorens with the $75 cartridge, but I didn't own the VPI 16.5, and you handed me $600 to improve my vinyl rig, I would definitely spend that money on the good record cleaning machine and the brushes and solutions, I would not put that cash into a better table or cartridge.

Yep.

leftwinger57

noonshinjohn couldn't be more right . You got to start off slow . P/U a used tt then as most have said go new w/ the catridge. I just happened to luck out w/ my Grado GF-3.Because I don't know the age of the cart I will either go for a new Grado Black or a Shure. Then finding LPs in used better than just ok is a must you will get tired of pops and hisses real fast. Then as all have said and again I am just doing the same thing cleaning. I'm going cheap w/ the brush and solvent type for little cash. It is funny that once you get to start to play an album and by that time it's running off back to the arm rest begging to be turn over.Good luck w/ your search . So far my tt for $19 @ Good Will ,the cleaner for $15 and records from bot GW and George G. at varying prices.

leftwinger57

Sorry for the double post .I didn't go to the 2nd page.Moron