"Do you know how much divorce costs"

PRC

I told a fellow Polkie that I was thinking about getting into records and he asked me if I knew how how much divorce costs. Good point I thought. However until I get the "ultimatum" I will gingerly press on. I know very little about phono stages and turntables. I have been looking at the Jolida Model JD 9A and the Music Hall MM-5 turntable. (Based on looks and my system) and some basic reviews, these seem like decent products. I do not know if they are a good value or if its way above what I need. I was also looking at the MM-2. Rega also seems to be a popular choice.

My goal is to go to the next level of sound quality with my existing system. I am somewhat picky. If the phono is not a big improvement over CD's, I won't do it. Does anyone have opinions on these products or a successful combination for a beginner.

Thanks.

Patrick

heiney9

Well there certainly is nothing wrong with getting into vinyl. But I somehow doubt the components you are discussing are going to get you to the next level you desire. Certainly by going with the Jolida/MMF combo it's a step in that direction and will certainly give you a sense of what analog is like and you may even enjoy it. But you really have to layout some cash to get a setup that takes you to the next level it sounds like you are seeking. Just ask BlueMD or Madmax or others, they have killer analog set-ups and they weren't cheap. I'd say go with the Jolida/MMF with the idea that at some point soon it will need to be upgraded, perhaps several times to get to the next level you desire. I've heard some high dollar analog sytems and I've heard and owned mid-level analog systems and the differences are great.

YMMV

H9

BlueMDPicker

The MMF-5 is an excellent table for its price point. I've had mine a few weeks and would recommend it highly. It's well built, easy to setup, and has a terrific isolation design in the plinth. With the two other tables I own, I could drive the system to LF feedback. With the MMF-5, I can pour 600 wpc into my SDA SRS without any hint of feedback.

Consider investing in a good record cleaning system. I've done vinyl for over 35 years with a Zerostat/Discwasher and thought I was doing a good job. Nope. The Nitty Gritty wash/vacuum rig I now have is a night and day difference.

Forum member madmax has the Jolida and I'm sure can give you some insights. You might also keep an eye on the Flea Market here. I suspect one may show up for sale in the near future.

BlueMDPicker

Despite my love for tube audio gear, I've opted to go with the PS Audio GCPH in the vinyl rig -- for a couple of reasons. My Carver Lightstar Reference system has balanced and unbalanced capabilities. I much prefer the SQ in balanced operation and the GCPH has balanced outputs. This allows me to use the Lightstar Direct pre as a remote controlled, passive stepped attenuator. Secondarily, I want to try PS Audio's newly developed Gain Cell technology.

I've kept the Shanling CDT-100 in the setup for flexibility in sources. It hasn't been powered-up once since the new table arrived.

In keeping with the subject of the thread, I have to tell you I "promised" my wife I wouldn't buy anymore vinyl (I have well over 1,000 titles already.) She didn't demand any such promise. I think I was rationalizing outloud for the table, washer, pre acquisitions when I already have some damned nice CD sources that I'm happy with. Well, that "promise" didn't last much longer than it took to utter it. I found a good source for sealed, vintage vinyl. My first order was for 19 new titles. She just smiled at me and said "You didn't really think I was buying that line of BS, did you?"

audiobliss

BlueMDPicker wrote:

I found a good source for sealed, vintage vinyl. My first order was for 19 new titles.

I noticed you're not divulging where that source is.

PRC

Thank you for the info. My dealer has a MM-5 and a Rega-P2. I will let you know what I find.

SKsolutions

I know how much a wood-chipper costs.

polksda

Q: Why is divorce so expensive?
A: Because it's worth it.

dudeinaroom

BlueMDPicker wrote:

She just smiled at me and said "You didn't really think I was buying that line of BS, did you?"

Hmm.. Did you hook up with my wife or did I get hitched with yours

RAB

If you have to ask, you can't afford it!

astropuppy

BlueMDPicker wrote:

Consider investing in a good record cleaning system. I've done vinyl for over 35 years with a Zerostat/Discwasher and thought I was doing a good job. Nope. The Nitty Gritty wash/vacuum rig I now have is a night and day difference.
QUOTE]

I'd be interested in hearing more about this "Nitty Gritty wash/vacuum" like where I can get one or see one.


D3 rules!

shack

http://www.nittygrittyinc.com/

reeltrouble1

Nitty Gritty is cool, check out the VPI 16.5 also.

Ok I have a couple thou (new) into the TT. I only paid around half of that off the Gon and with member help. I mention this only as a reference point. For that amount of coin I can't really say that vinyl is better than my present 2ch digital rig. So if you want better than CD its going to cost some big dough, talk to MadMax.

However, I would not give up my vinyl, the sound is different, no doubt and quite pleasing to me ear. Every so often the tones coming from that rig are the most pleasing thing I have ever heard. Plus, used vinyl is so inexpensive. I just got seriously back into vinyl over the past few months and can say its been a great move. I read a bunch of stuff on vinyl asylum as primer material. Project entry TT have been getting great reviews. Me I am happy with the Rega P-25 which is basically a P-5.

Its cheaper to keep her.

RT1

SKsolutions

Cheaper to keep her, but
quicker to chip her

mantis

DO you know how much it is to get married?

madmax

Hey PRC,
I started with an audible Illusions preamp that had a phono stage but it wasn't very cartridge friendly with my particular one. I stepped up to the Jolida JD-9A and it not only sounded good, it is easy to work with and you can make any combination of cartridge and pre work great together. I still wanted more and tried the Acoustech from Acoustic sounds. That is a GREAT preamp! Like all things I decided I wanted more so I got a Manley Steelhead and that pretty much did the trick. Each of these preamps perform very well at their price points and each is truely a step up from the previous.

If you were interested in the Jolida mine only has a few hours on it and is in perfect condition for $400 shipped. My ad is in the Flea Market.

Feel free to pm me if you have questions on any of the ones I have had.

madmax