I've come to the dark side...

comfortablycurt
comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
edited November 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
So, I've finally gotten myself into vinyl. I recently picked up a Yamaha P-300, and a little budget phono pre...and I am diggin the vinyl!!!

My vinyl collection was pretty meager...so I went and poked around in the attic for my parents old vinyl. After an hour or so of searching I hit the jackpot...

Here's a quick list of some of the standouts that I found...

Pink Floyd-A Nice Pair(Piper at the Gates of Dawn and A Saucerful of Secrets packaged as a double LP), Meddle, Obscured By Clouds and Animals

Zeppelin-1,2 and Zoso

Beatles-White Album, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper

AC/DC-High Voltage, Back in Black

There was also a Doors greatest hits album, several Jethro Tull albums, some George Thorogood, a couple Who albums, some Skynyrd...several other good ones that I can't recall offhand.

My record collection consisted of two albums before this...so it was a nice score. I'm really diggin the vinyl sound. I've been doing some vinyl/cd comparisons tonight...

I started off with Pink Floyd-Animals, since I know the CD so well...

The CD was a bit more forward sounding, and had a much blacker background...the vinyl seemed to have a more natural decay/rolloff, especially on the lead guitar parts and the drums.

The bass was a bit clearer and tighter on the CD, but it had more output on the vinyl, and had a slightly fuller sound. Mid-range had a bit more of a liquid feel to it on the vinyl.

It's really a toss up as to which I preferred...I can't wait to do some more comparisons though!:D
The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
Post edited by comfortablycurt on
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Comments

  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited November 2009
    Congrats!

    Thought about doing that myself, so many damn nice TT's on craigslist. It's a buyer's market out there.

    Now you just need some tubes ;)
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
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    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited November 2009
    Congrats and welcome to the dark side Curt. Wait until you get the upgrade bug and buy a higher-end TT and phono pre . . . then you will stop listening to CDs.:D
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited November 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Now you just need some tubes ;)

    I had some tubes for a while not too long ago...in the form of a Dodd ELP that was on loan from Kex. I loved the way they sounded in my system. I don't think I'll be getting any tubes in my rig real soon though. Eventually I'd like a 2 channel tube preamp with HT bypass to integrate into my rig.
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Congrats and welcome to the dark side Curt. Wait until you get the upgrade bug and buy a higher-end TT and phono pre . . . then you will stop listening to CDs.:D

    I've already done plenty of window shopping...lol

    There are some other aspects of my rig that need attention before I upgrade the TT though. I'd like to build up a nice vinyl collection first too, so that I'll have plenty of tunes to justify spending some big bucks on a TT setup!:D
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited November 2009
    There is plenty of vinyl to be had.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited November 2009
    Kewl! Good to hear you got it going.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited November 2009
    Good morning Richie and a fine morning it is.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited November 2009
    Hey Joe! It will be a much better morning for me after 5AM....;) I'll be homebound.:D
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited November 2009
    Thanks Mike!

    Curt finally found a couple of round tuits and attended his first RAS get togethers this month. Most of us have tubes well represented so it's only a matter of time.:D
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited November 2009
    Keiko wrote: »
    Once you start getting into tubes, Curt. Your journey through the Dark Side will only just begin.

    Yep that journey will be better than any reefer or acid you could take.:D
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2009
    Enjoy the snap, crackle, pop...no that is a cereal...Vinyl....Some of us grew up with that....and all the fancy Cartridges and the diamond needles, the precision tone arms and the debates about direct drive vs. belts...ah...the nostalgia...then one day someone bought a CD and bam...it was so....'damned' quite...that the mere silence made us realize just how annoying all that vinyl surface noise was.....so for a while, early 80s, the CD sparkled and dazzled and literally chewed up the vinyl market until it began to disappear from the shelves by the 90s...and then, quite unexpectedly, old audiophiles reared their heads and ears and began to play their vaunted vinyl collection on their unbelievably expensive and dare I say, damned heavy turntables. And unusual contraptions that claimed to reduce surface noise to digital levels appeared (even if that is pretty much impossible because turntables are not vacuum sealed)...and all those who had thrown out their vinyl or trucked it down to Goodwill by the vanload....heard the voice of Zarathustra's madman in the distance crying that something was dead...but since he had arrived too early they could not remember whether he had cried 'vinyl is dead!' or 'Cds are dead'. So the debate raged on......

    And there was a silver sided Asgardian disc spinning even as the Frost giants of Ragnorak spun their blackened scythes in perfect circles that brought their chill to the Gods themselves...

    And just as the Darkside mounted its assault--the sky opened up and a blu ship descended from the heavens to challenge both;

    But the earth continued to spin and all forms of music were enjoyed by all!

    Including the Curt!!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited November 2009
    Cnh, you have a unique way of putting things :)
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited November 2009
    For a minute there I thought you bought an EMO piece. Enjoy your new listening experience. It sounds like you're having a lot of fun!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Lord Vader
    Lord Vader Posts: 167
    edited November 2009
    Embracing your DARK SIDE is just the beginning young one. As others have stated, staring into the amber glow of a a pair of tube amps is the ultimate power in the universe. I am seeking their power as well... Enjoy your journey padawan, but be fearful of where it will lead, as only then can you truly embrace the power of the :DDARK SIDE.;)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited November 2009
    I would LOVE to get back into vinyl...we'll see what the future holds
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • jabrax
    jabrax Posts: 315
    edited November 2009
    Hmmmmm
    Frost Giants?...Ragnorak?

    Sounds like Everquest


    I was one of those who gave away a couple of crates in the early 90's. Grand plans to replace them all with CDs. Of course, never happend, and the lps are gone forever
    TV...............Hitachi 42hdS52a plasma (sexy one with the swival)
    Pre/Processor - Emotiva MMC
    Seven Ch AMP - Emotiva LPA
    Fronts - Tyler Acoustics 7U's
    Center - Polk LSIC
    Sub - DSWPRO600
    DAC - Music Hall 25.3CD - Marantz cc4001
    Blue Ray - PS3
    Speaker cables - Audioquest cv4 dbs
    Interconnects - MIT AVT1's
    Power Filter....Monster HTS 3500 MKII
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  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited November 2009
    Congrats on the new TT Curt! Your folks know their music. Enjoy!





    Pat.
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
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  • Paden501
    Paden501 Posts: 286
    edited November 2009
    Vinyl is a beautiful thing isn't it?

    Congrats on the new TT.
    ~Matt
    My System

    Front L/R: Definitive BP10Bs
    Surrounds -Polk Audio Monitor 4As
    Preamp: B&K Reference 20
    CD: Jolida JD100a
    L/R Amp: Carver TFM-24
    Turntable: Pioneer PL-516 W/ Shure M97xe
    TV: Sony 52" XBR9
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited November 2009
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    So, I've finally gotten myself into vinyl. I recently picked up a Yamaha P-300, and a little budget phono pre...and I am diggin the vinyl!!!

    ...so I went and poked around in the attic for my parents old vinyl. After an hour or so of searching I hit the jackpot...

    Here's a quick list of some of the standouts that I found...

    Pink Floyd-A Nice Pair(Piper at the Gates of Dawn and A Saucerful of Secrets packaged as a double LP), Meddle, Obscured By Clouds and Animals

    Zeppelin-1,2 and Zoso

    Beatles-White Album, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper

    AC/DC-High Voltage, Back in Black

    There was also a Doors greatest hits album, several Jethro Tull albums, some George Thorogood, a couple Who albums, some Skynyrd...several other good ones that I can't recall offhand.

    D

    Man you're making me feel old.:eek: Sounds like I would like to party with your parents:D

    Good score enjoy!
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited November 2009
    Save up some money and buy a good record cleaning machine and you will really be hooked. Good luck.
    Zu Soul Supreme
    Coincident Frankenstein mkIII
    Esoteric K-07
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited November 2009
    TSWisla wrote: »
    Save up some money and buy a good record cleaning machine and you will really be hooked. Good luck.

    It's on the list definitely.

    I've been researching how to clean vinyl...and sometime soon I'm going to be hand washing all of my records. The record cleaning machines looks nice...but I'm going to have to hold off a bit on that. I want to build up a bigger record collection first to actually justify purchasing one...lol

    A few other things are on the short list though...Here's what I've got on the list so far...

    Scale for measuring VTF
    Stylus cleaner
    record brush

    I seem to remember having a couple other things in mind...but I can't think of them at the moment.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited November 2009
    Curt, some info on the inexpensive Mr Clean Magic Eraser for stylus cleaning.

    http://www.high-endaudio.com/Magic.html

    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1146161242&read&keyw&zzmagic=eraser

    I'll poke around to see if I have a stylus brush.

    KAB EV-1, just supply a vacuum.

    http://www.kabusa.com/rcleaner.htm

    There are also DIY approaches to record cleaning machines.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited November 2009
    Cool! Welcome to club darkside. Try places like GoodWill etc for vinyl, it goes pretty cheap.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited November 2009
    madmax wrote: »
    Cool! Welcome to club darkside. Try places like GoodWill etc for vinyl, it goes pretty cheap.
    madmax

    This is where I might have an edge...One of my really good friends works at the Goodwill in the next town over. So, I might be able to get advance notice when they get some good vinyl in.;)



    Rich-Thanks for all the info! I've gotta get my read on!
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited November 2009
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    So, I might be able to get advance notice when they get some good vinyl in.;)

    I quit going to one local Goodwill store. They never had much of anything interesting, and if they did it was in awful condition. I suspect someone in the back had a turntable, or knew someone that did.;)
    Rich-Thanks for all the info! I've gotta get my read on!

    You are most welcome. Lots of ways to go that work, you just gotta find your path.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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