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dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable

68.96.82.193
Posted on May 19, 2015 at 21:06:47
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
 Between computer audio (building up a 3k HD album collection), Spotify and Pandora, I find myself barely listening to my record collection. I do have some really great stuff, including a dozen or so Mosiac box sets, bunches of Blue Note and Prestige jazz, blah, blah, blah.

The thing is that my Grandson wasted my Ace L. to replace it, I'm looking at the Dynavector 20x2, but I'm not sure if I'm into the vinyl thing anymore. Is it a passing thing? I don't know. A real mixed emotion decision for me.

Anybody else go through this? Whatcha end up doing? A little remorse has never bothered me to much.

I figure between my LP12, Lingo II, Linto and the lp's it would add up to a quit a few grand. I could certainly put that to good use someplace in my system....I suppose.

 

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RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 19, 2015 at 21:41:26
PAR
 It seems from your message that you don't have any deep connection with vinyl. No one who has a lasting relationship wuth the medium would use a term like " the vinyl thing" and wonder if it is a passing fad. Had you not mentioned your grandson I would have assumed that you are a young person who bought into vinyl as part of the last couple of year's fashion for it.

I therefore think that selling your hardware and discs would both give you the cash and provide a benefit to the purchaser(s).

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 19, 2015 at 23:33:56
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 That's a tough personal call because you don't want to regret selling it all off.

I haven't listened to ANY of my vinyl in a full year this month since moving to our new place. Honestly, I don't miss it from a purely musical perspective. However, I do get the urge sometimes to play with the equipment. You know, clean a record on the RCM, align a cartridge, adjust VTA, and watch the vinyl go round and round. ;-)

But musically, I actually prefer the convenience and excellent sonics I'm getting through my music files on the Mac Mini and DAC. I also run Spotify, Pandora, or Amazon Music.

You might consider selling off all your vinyl related gear but keep just a couple dozen prized records. You can always buy an entry level turntable, phono, and cartridge in the future if you get that urge to tinker with the equipment.

In basement storage and unused for the past year:
- Record Albums
- Technics SL1200mkII black, brand new never used
- SL1200mkII KAB modified bought new from KAB a few years ago
- PS Audio GCPH Phono
- Dynavector 17D3 cartridge
- Dynavector 20XH cartridge
- Benz Glider SL cartridge
- Denon DL-103R cartridge
- A few head shells
- VPI record cleaning machine
- Misc alignment tools, loupe, digital scale, brushes, cleaner, sleeves, etc.


 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 19, 2015 at 23:51:36
Disbeliever
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: June 1, 2012
 I have not played my vinyl collection for many years , not ready to sell it off just yet. very happy with CD & SACD the best recordings especially orchestral mch SACD are far more realistic than vinyl

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 04:20:27
soulfood
Audiophile

Posts: 3725
Joined: August 9, 2001
 "...but I'm not sure if I'm into the vinyl thing anymore. Is it a passing thing? I don't know. A real mixed emotion decision for me."

Same could be said about the hobby in general. What ever you decide, being conflicted is a passing thing. It's ridiculous how little I drive these days but I'm not selling my cars.

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 04:49:39
Jack G
Audiophile

Posts: 9739
Joined: September 24, 1999
 My turntable and phono stage are in storage at the moment. I haven't listened to any vinyl in years. I don't plan to get rid of my LP collection, as it represents a big chunk of my life. Also, about a third of it never made it to any other medium.
Jack

 

Similar situation, posted on May 20, 2015 at 05:38:59
SamA
Audiophile

Posts: 2902
Location: Washington, D.C.
Joined: February 12, 2004
 The only time I crank up the TT is when I have some vinyl I've found in my travels. Even then, it's generally a good clean and one-time spin as I help it make the digital leap to my XP PC music-dedicated machine. I'm very pleased with my setup - iTunes issues as music manager, aside.

Having access to all my music most anywhere in the house and on the back patio is really nice.

I do have regrets at having to get rid of the bulk of my collection two/three years ago when we were downsizing and moving to a city condo. But as the days go by, time seems to be easing the pain.

As I say, I'm happy with my setup right now.

 

I'll never get rid of vinyl and turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 06:07:53
Zipcord
Manufacturer

Posts: 707
Location: No. California
Joined: December 19, 2002
 have way too much material only on vinyl - plus it's still more enjoyable having the vinyl experience (playing album sides and looking at the artwork) - my son is also into vinyl, so still another reason

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 06:24:31
Bob Neill
Dealer

Posts: 2953
Location: New England
Joined: October 1, 1999
 Somewhere around 2002, I sat down with a friend and did what we considered a serious A/B between an LP and CD of the same recording. CDP was a decent Sony for the time, vinyl rig was an LP12/Itok/Karma. We heard the differences but found we didn't really prefer one to the other. As a result, as a practical move, I sold all of my vinyl for a pittance, LP 12 too.

Then in 2004, I paid a visit to Peter Qvortrup of Audio Note as part of my retirement present to myself -- a trip to England for the Aldeburgh Music Festival on the Suffolk coast. At Peter's, I listened to his vinyl rig (AN TT of considerable quality, M10, Kageki's, fancy E's of some sort) and had my brain re-inverted. I came home and, in effect, bought back most of my LP's on EBay and got an AN TT to play them on. Moral: Don't be too impulsive about these things or you'll end up on EBay.

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 06:37:39
DrN
Audiophile

Posts: 366
Joined: January 31, 2014
 Just getting into the Computer thing here after a long resistance.
I will never sell my vinyl. Did it once long time ago and never again.
It would cost a fortune to replace.
Keep it all. Spin a few for a wake up call once in a while. You probably have different music on vinyl.

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 06:38:44
George S. Roland
Audiophile

Posts: 1470
Location: N W Pennsylvania
Joined: March 20, 2004
 Hanging onto my vinyl collection and adding to it frequently has been a no-brainer for me. In those few instances where I have an LP and a Vinyl copy of the same album, I almost always prefer the sound of the vinyl.

The second factor is that there is music on vinyl that is unavailable in other formats and I do not want to be without those albums.

Thirdly, I have a wonderful record store, Jerry's Records in Pittsburgh, that has a vast store of vinyl of every imaginable kind.

Hanging onto my vinyl and enjoying CDs too.

Enjoy your music,

George

 

Addition Through Subtraction, posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:07:19
Luminator
Audiophile

Posts: 7331
Location: Bay Area
Joined: December 11, 2000
 Obviously, each audiophile is different, and the answer is, "It depends."

Do you have music on vinyl, which isn't available digitally? Do you have collectible vinyl?

Of the vinyl you actually play, is that software in good condition?

In these densely-populated times, with ever-shrinking space, do you have room for vinyl?

In practice, vinyl is often the worst-sounding format. If you set aside the Stereotypical Audiophiles' pro-vinyl bias, and actually listen to what you have, you frequently find that vinyl is indeed the lowest-fidelity source.

Hands-down, the best audio move I ever made was getting rid of vinyl. Not only did I eliminate the worst-sounding format, I freed up precious space. Not only are those foul-sounding records gone, the turntable/arm/cart is gone. The phonostage is gone. The tonearm-to-phonostage cable is gone. I now have an extra interconnect, the one which used to go between phonostage and preamp. I now have two extra powercords.

And best of all, I was able to get rid of an entire audio rack. Now, the speakers finally get some breathing room, and can better keep up with the other remaining sources (which have always sounded less foul than vinyl).

One by one, my audio friends have been getting rid of vinyl. By making more room, their domestic lives have improved. And as above, that extra space means the speakers can perform better, making the remaining portion of the system sound even better.

Every week, some audiophile thanks me for encouraging him to get rid of vinyl. The typical e-mail conveys a sigh of relief. No more futzing with cartridge alignment. No more cleaning. No more getting up every few minutes to skip a song or flip the record. No more fiddling with phonostage settings.

Most of these audiophiles have dropped out, blissfully free of the SAs' vitriol and hate. These audiophiles tell me that, without vinyl, they are deeper into the music. And that is why they have been talking to me about the music itself, not audio.

However, I also know plenty of audiophiles who are deeply committed to, and thoroughly enjoy, their extensive vinyl collections, and well set-up analog rigs. These audiophiles should continue investing in, and making the most of, vinyl.

If one is not willing and able to make this kind of commitment, and if her music is available on other media, then getting rid of vinyl is often the wisest audio move she can make.

The Audiophiles' DJ,
-Lummy The Loch Monster.

 

Would you be able to replace your Linn with something similar in quality at today's prices?, posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:16:32
MaxwellP
Audiophile

Posts: 1622
Location: New York
Joined: September 19, 2007
 I couldn't. I've been a little more focused on computer audio lately, but I wouldn't give up the Linn and the vinyl. It's a hobby with many twists
s and turns. Maybe you could raise some capital by selling off some records--I've considered that.

 

It's really not the capital..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:27:34
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I play music all day long via PC and I just look at all this unplayed vinyl and wonder why I have it at all. But, you are right that the hobby has many twists to it. I will give it time to reveal my true motives. Thanks.

 

My situation is like yours..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:31:06
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
 haven't played it and with the quality of my digital playback, kinda favor my PC audio sound better. Just because I have a couple of records that I think sound killer is not a good enough reason to have all this "stuff" that I seem to be losing interest in. And just to be clear, just because I use the word "stuff" doesn't mean that I'm trivializing it. I consider most material things "stuff". Just my nature...

 

RE: Addition Through Subtraction, posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:33:13
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 "In practice, vinyl is often the worst-sounding format. If you set aside the Stereotypical Audiophiles' pro-vinyl bias, and actually listen to what you have, you frequently find that vinyl is indeed the lowest-fidelity source."

Utter bullshit and spoken like someone who only listens to a 100.00 cartridge on a plastic turntable.

Oz




Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

How does you PC audio sound in comparison..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:40:12
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
 with your vinyl rig? Mine is on par and sometimes better. With all the killer music out there, I am finding that I don't even play or miss my rare vinyl. Thanks for the honest thoughts!

 

He used the perfect qualifier …. , posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:45:32
three_sox
 How can you rationally dispute the qualifier;
'often'


Let alone charge "utter bullshit"?

 

To be honest, Ozzy, posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:49:14
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
 your analog system is a few steps ahead of you digital in quality. But I hear what you are saying. I don't want this thread to become a this against that battle. I'm not against vinyl by any means, but in my case, my digital system is giving me what SQ wise. This is making my analog system simply less important to me.

 

I hear you, posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:52:03
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I'm considering this aspect also. Thanks for responding.

 

My cd's, posted on May 20, 2015 at 07:59:35
JeffH
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: Orange County, So Cal
Joined: April 5, 2000
 are in boxes in my attic. So I basically got rid of those also. Thanks George for the honest response. Happy listening!

 

RE: My situation is like yours..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 08:14:35
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Same here.... most material things are just "stuff" to me. I don't get too emotionally tied to it except for very few sentimental items that are not audio related.

But everyone is different so it's a very personal choice whether to sell off most of your vinyl and related equipment.

My vinyl equipment is not very expensive so it's not like I'll get a lot for it. If it were me, I would keep one Technics SL1200mkII tt and the Dyna DV-20XH and maybe two dozen albums... and sell the rest.





 

I've given up vinyl enough times to know that ..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 08:37:51
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13131
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 ....I'll never do it again.

Scale it back, sure. Give it up, never.

Dean.










reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

I faced this one, posted on May 20, 2015 at 08:38:35
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 about 10 years ago. It was a tough one but I sold a Thorens 125 Mk II w/ a Rabco SL8E with a Grado Master and a nice tube phono pre w/tube regulation and 4 position passive eq. I do regret this a bit but for reasons other than sound quality like rarity and uniqueness and how cool that arm is.....yes my tonearm runs on a C battery!

I love vinyl and people will question this statement since I sold off the gear and the LP's. The reason for me was finally getting a digital rig that was much more than listenable.

My digital rig beat the analog in most areas and the analog still was superior in texture and HF. But since the digital rig was better w/separation, dynamics and there was little new software in vinyl over the last (then) 15 years I punted. I'd say since 1990 less than 5% of released music is on vinyl. That just doesn't cut it for me as I listen to almost nothing before the early 70's when vinyl was king.

So most times I miss it for more romantic reasons than practical and pertinent reasons. I want a great vinyl rig and always will till the day I die. I love records and having a jacket in hand as I listen and loathe CD cases and their "booklet".

I would A/B my vinyl vs digital rigs with the same titles exactly synced and each had advantages. In the end vinyl didn't have enough to make me keep it and the digital rig overall was better compared to the analog rig I had.

I felt like if I had a better rig I would have kept vinyl. A little surface noise or noise floor from an analog tube gain stage never bothered me either.

Maybe someday a very high end vinyl rig and my ability to pay for it (I mean a 25-50K rig) will bring me back. I guarantee you if I had big money I would have a vinyl rig so there was a practical side at play too. I don't even have the money to buy a 5-10K complete rig now.

Since then I've played a lot of different TT's through my system as I do repair and rebuild turntables and sell carts and align/set up arms. I've played these various rigs through a decent phono preamp through my system a few times a year. It is always fun but the sound of basic vinyl rigs (under $3K total) hasn't come close to drawing me back.


E
T


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

Selling off vinyl, posted on May 20, 2015 at 08:58:08
genungo
 As long as you have the storage space, hang on to it. Prices for quality used vinyl should continue to rise in the not-too-distant future so, at the very least, hold onto the more collectible records for a while.

 

Wow, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:13:14
genungo
 How opinions differ...

 

You'll be sorry, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:14:00
hawkmoon
Audiophile

Posts: 903
Location: cleveland
Joined: July 11, 2003
 Hard to get those memories back.

 

For The Record, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:14:06
Luminator
Audiophile

Posts: 7331
Location: Bay Area
Joined: December 11, 2000



My current analog rig consists of:

Koetsu Jade Platinum
Rega P9
EAR 324

The other rig I had, but sold, was:

Benz Ebony LP and Lyra Titan
Basis 2000 with Vector 1 tonearm
Conrad-Johnson EV-1

All of the cabling was/has been properly treated on an audiodharma Cable Cooker.

Actually, the Rega P9 sounded better with the Lyra Titan (versus the Koetsu Jade Platinum, which is a heavier cart). Meanwhile, the Basis 2000 sounded best with the Koetsu Jade Platinum.

Assuming you dial in the correct settings, the EAR 324 is quiet, just sits there.

 

I know I was..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:16:48
Mr. Dick Hertz
 ...when I got rid of my 78's and the Victrola.

 

RE: You'll be sorry, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:17:07
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I hear you and if you read my post I completely understand and will always want a vinyl rig again and may well get one if I have the money needed to keep me happy vinyl-wise.

Of course the toughest thing is the software and finding what you like again. If you have the money the hardware is easy.

E
T

ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

"...vinyl is often the worst-sounding format" ..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:21:24
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13131
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 ...except for those often times when its not.

Dean.




reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

RE: Addition Through Subtraction, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:29:48
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
 Utter bullshit and spoken like someone who only listens to a 100.00 cartridge on a plastic turntable. - OZ


What if it was a 200.00 cartridge and a wooden turntable ... :)

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:33:13
Caucasian Blackplate
Industry Professional

Posts: 8313
Location: Seattle
Joined: June 18, 2004
 If you don't use your TT that much, I'd say sell it and replace it with something much less expensive ($500 or so), and keep your records around. If you change your mind later, it's much less expensive to replace the turntable than the records themselves.

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:35:07
Devils Advocate
 One of the biggest mistakes I made was when I gave away my entire album collection way back when CDs first came out. It cost me a lot of time and money to reacquire them and I still don't have them all including some I'll probably never be able to get.

My advice is unless you need to sell them don't do it, as others have already chimed in you'll probably regret it somewhere down the road. You mentioned your grandson showed some interest, give them to him and share some good times together. Who knows, maybe he'll catch the bug!

 

RE: You'll be sorry, posted on May 20, 2015 at 09:52:04
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
 Analog is limited to quality LP's , there is no necessity for a 50K rig to match or beat digital, i have heard many under 3K setups that match and in some cases beat digital all day long, at issue, is the poor quality LP's, get the good stuff and it's a no brainer, in other words, a collection over 150-200 is a waste , as my bet would be most of it is of such poor quality they serve no purpose other than for the memories.


The 50K rig may flush out those poor pressings thou .... :)

 

"I freed up precious space.", posted on May 20, 2015 at 10:08:58
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Hmmm. My 600 record library consumes about six square feet in a closet that makes zero difference in my lifestyle.

Do you live in a one room apartment?

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 10:18:25
itsthemusic
Reviewer

Posts: 318
Location: Denver
Joined: August 29, 2001
 Are there any collectors or stores out there buying large vinyl collections. I have at least 2500 LPs,
Maybe more. I've been collecting for almost 60 years, I have many if not most of the sought after classical and jazz LPs....Blue Note, Savoy, Riverside,Prestige,RCA shaded dogs,Everest,Mercury etc.
A guy then prominent in audio 15 or 20 years ago offered me $10,000 back then. But that was then. Not sure that I want to spend my remaining years going to the post office two or three times a week for $50 to $100 a trip.

Advice/suggestions welcome

Bob

 

Did the same with all my CDs, posted on May 20, 2015 at 10:33:24
Richard P
Audiophile

Posts: 476
Location: Upstate NY
Joined: October 8, 1999
 I nuked a 500+ CD collection (after ripping them of course) cause I hadn't played any of them on my home system for well over 4 years. I owned a decent CDP, but my vinyl system is simply so much better that it became a no-brainer after a while (also 3500 LPs vs 500 CDs). I had no remorse parting with my CDs, however I would caution you against selling the LPs (for now), as they'll only continue to rise in value. If you have no sentimental attachment to your turntable setup, I'd sell.

 

RE: "I freed up precious space.", posted on May 20, 2015 at 10:35:21
Luminator
Audiophile

Posts: 7331
Location: Bay Area
Joined: December 11, 2000



My readers know that my parents' place has a crowded 15x15 living room. Many of my Bay Area brethren have even smaller/more cramped quarters. As the US population grows, we typically have smaller and smaller homes. Or more people placed into the same space(s).

My own living room is 15x19, but with all of the furnishings and toys, it's like the walls threw up.

Here was the Basis/CJ rig I gladly sold. With vinyl out of the way, the rest of the system, which already was superior to anything my vinyl could do, reached new heights.

My vinyl rig is stored on my parents' balcony. Once in a while, when my parents are away, I'll have audiophiles come over. I'll bust out the vinyl rig, meticulously set it up. The audiophiles are excited; it's not everyday we get to see a Koetsu in action.

When the audiophiles remove their bias, and just listen, they often whisper, "Damn, Lummy; you were right. This sucks."

I then have to tell them that the Rega P9 greatly preferred the Lyra Titan over the Koetsu Jade Platinum. The P9/Titan combo snapped into focus, allowing for more honest transcription of what was really on the vinyl.

Or, if they wanted to know what the Koetsu Jade Platinum could do, they should have heard it on the more neutral Basis 2000/Vector instead.

Obviously, people here on AA do not see the wealth of e-mails audiophiles send me privately. One by one, my audiophile friends held their noses, threw caution to the wind, and got rid of their vinyl. But every month, someone will e-mail me, telling me that getting rid of vinyl, for reasons I've previously stated, has been THE BEST move they've ever made. I am also heartened to learn that, for many of these guys, their spousal relationships have improved [getting rid of the space-hogging vinyl will do that]. And now that the bad-sounding vinyl is out, they and their spouses are more deeply into music, arts, movies than ever before. They are now enjoying life, and no longer participate on audio fora such as AA.

Now, as I've carefully stated, axing vinyl may be ideal for most people, but it isn't for everyone. If you have the space, racks, library, access to more software, setup tools, record cleaners, amplification, please continue to enjoy the experience, have that connection with the artists, and share the love.

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 11:08:28
Terry
Audiophile

Posts: 1291
Joined: August 27, 2000
 Several friends have liquidated their vinyl collections in the last two years and I just sold off almost all my jazz and rock LPs to a local record dealer (about 1,500 records). It was a fairly painless exercise but I was definitely lucky, having a local dealer willing to purchase. I will be selling my really valuable LPs on-line but I will hold on to the bulk of my classical collection (about 4,000 records) because, well, they are just not worth much. Reasons for selling were the same as your own: the quality and convenience of computer audio is just too attractive.
Terry

 

Sorry, posted on May 20, 2015 at 11:18:56
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 My readers know...

I'm not one of your "disciples" as is 99.999% of the population. Why not just simply answer the question? Should I be impressed?

As the US population grows, we typically have smaller and smaller homes.

Utter poppycock unless you make poor choices. You must not get out into the countryside very often. Yeah, that "urban living" really is wonderful, right? :)

"Damn, Lummy; you were right. This sucks."

Sorry to hear about the quality of your analog rig.

If you have the space, racks, library, access to more software, setup tools, record cleaners, amplification, please continue to enjoy the experience, have that connection with the artists, and share the love.

Hmmm. Preamp includes phono stage. I use the same amplifiers regardless of source. Do you know of anyone who doesn't? Turntable sits atop same rack for other gear and incurs no additional floor space. Seems you made poor choices.

Yes I do have eight square feet available counting the RCM. Sorry to hear you don't. That must suck to live in a sardine can.

 

RE: To be honest, Ozzy, posted on May 20, 2015 at 12:17:39
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 I fully enjoy my digital rig, and actually listen to it ~50% of the time lately. But I just get worked up when I see someone dismiss vinyl out of hand as being a distant second. I think both can be great, but don't count vinyl out as being a heavyweight contender most of the time.

Oz



Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

RE: Sorry, posted on May 20, 2015 at 12:21:26
Ozzy
Audiophile

Posts: 7588
Joined: September 21, 1999
 "Seems you made poor choices."

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!


Oz






Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

 

Big mistake unless you desperately need the money, posted on May 20, 2015 at 12:27:37
audiozorro
Audiophile

Posts: 628
Location: VA-MD-DC
Joined: January 9, 2007
 The LP12, Lingo II, Linto and the lp's are a lifetime investment in your hobby and health that you should never give up unless forced to.

Your hardware is excellent though with the outrageous prices of some cartridges today I would set a maximum price on how much to spend on something that doesn't last as long.

Some of your vinyl will probably never be released on CD or digital or ever sound so good.

If you like computer audio I suggest digitizing your favorite LPs into DSD128 using a Korg MR2000S or better for convenience and to save vinyl and cartridge wear.

Getting up to play records may not be as convenient as computer audio but it keeps the body moving, which you should appreciate if it keeps you healthy (from being a couch potato for hours).

Lastly, you have kids and grandkids that may appreciate having something that you held so dear and cannot be easily replaced.

 

That's..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 12:34:55
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 I nuked a 500+ CD collection (after ripping them of course) cause I hadn't played any of them on my home system for well over 4 years.

what I've contemplated doing. It's the music I find important - not the plastic boxes. People talk about keeping CDs because of the resell value vs downloads. Great! How does one dump them and pull the value out?

 

RE: You'll be sorry, posted on May 20, 2015 at 13:05:14
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I don't know, I spent many ears both selling and buying vinyl for friends record stores and selling high end gear. For me the difference in a well set up rig like mine w/ a Thorens 125MK II, Rabco SL 8E w/Grado Master Reference and a nice 3/12AX7 phono pre w/tube regulation and a passive phono EQ )probably considered a 2-3K rig and super high end tables,arms and carts (25-50K) is considerable. Just my experience.


E
T

ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

"Every week, some audiophile thanks me for encouraging him to get rid of vinyl.", posted on May 20, 2015 at 13:33:17
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000

 

vinyl, posted on May 20, 2015 at 15:08:49
docw
Audiophile

Posts: 8115
Location: So. California
Joined: July 23, 2004
Contributor
  Since: November 29, 2004
 NO, just the other day, despite my super busy schedule, I played one side, and was very pleased with how a medium quality LP sounds on my pretty modest very old LP 12 setup. We were listening to a particular piece. I had no digital versions. Guess I could have listened to a YT.

I think wrong advice was given to you.

I have very good to better condition LP's.

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 20, 2015 at 15:11:35
Chazro
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: W. Palm Bch, FL
Joined: March 14, 2008
 I'm reading this thread with much interest as I'm moving at year's end and have been contemplating losing the vinyl and the rig. Don't think I can do it, I'll probably sell off a lot of the vinyl. But I can't completely divest myself of my records, I just can't. Just thinking about has made me yearn to hear some black wax, I'm off!!!;)

 

I'd sell it if I knew who wanted it, posted on May 20, 2015 at 15:44:25
pbarach
Audiophile

Posts: 3306
Location: Ohio
Joined: June 22, 2008
 I have nine wine-carton-sized boxes of classical LPs, probably nothing spectacularly valuable, and in varying condition. I couldn't even find someone local who would come and pick them up for free. The local vinyl stores sell almost no classical stuff, so they aren't interested in buying them. Even the local library told me that few people buy classical LPs at their periodic book sales, so they end up throwing them out.

My turntable is a Thorens 115 with a Sumiko Bluepoint Cartridge. This is an inexpensive Thorens model that works fine. The cartridge probably needs retipping. The equipment is probably not worth much more than the LPs.

 

RE: You'll be sorry, don;t know , posted on May 20, 2015 at 18:03:42
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
 @ Awe-d-o-file


Not saying a 3K rig will sound like a 50K rig, I'm saying you dont need a 50K rig to match digital sound quality .


Regards

 

I have ... , posted on May 20, 2015 at 18:29:32
three_sox
 ... Cds and LPs I haven't played this century.

I have no desire to sell them ... but I have never sold any music or any audio equipment.



 

Congratulations, posted on May 20, 2015 at 19:03:21
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 There are many folks who accumulate stuff and never use it. Such is the topic of programs on TLC.

 

RE: How does you PC audio sound in comparison..., posted on May 20, 2015 at 19:06:30
DrN
Audiophile

Posts: 366
Joined: January 31, 2014
 They are both very satisfying.

 

You should not assume ... , posted on May 20, 2015 at 19:29:43
three_sox
 ... "Never" has a very specific meaning.

I have made very good use of lots of audio gear I no longer used or wanted.

I had to google "TLC". Never seen it or even heard of it.

Do I still get a congratulations?

d:o)

 

RE: You'll be sorry, don;t know , posted on May 20, 2015 at 19:33:37
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I know what your were saying. I AM saying I need a much better vinyl rig to match MY digital rig. Whether it's 10K, 30 or 50 I don't exactly know but I'd say 25-50 based on the great vinyl rigs I've heard and had on display. I'd say I'd need 10K min between the cart and phono pre. I started in audio over 35 years ago. I know what I hear. That decent setup I had which was the best ever isolated rig had strong points and it still wasn't a close call.


E
T
ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: You should not assume ... , posted on May 20, 2015 at 19:41:04
Sondek
Audiophile

Posts: 9621
Location: Fort Worth
Joined: May 17, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Jeez, I wish I could say the same about TLC.

 

I still have a lot of ... , posted on May 20, 2015 at 19:56:38
three_sox
 ... One sided 16s my grandparents gave me.

I think the last time I played one was 35 years ago. But I still have them :)

 

RE: I still have a lot of ... , posted on May 20, 2015 at 20:49:50
Mr. Dick Hertz
 Yes it's important to hold on to as much as possible, regardless of whether it's useful or not. On the other hand, I operate under the premise that if it hasn't moved in 6 months, get rid of it!

 

From the New Yorker magazine., posted on May 20, 2015 at 21:10:52
jusbe
Audiophile

Posts: 5950
Location: North Island
Joined: April 4, 2000

"The two things that really drew me to vinyl were the expense and the inconvenience."




(You can't have mine, by the way).


Big J

"... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."


 

Remind me ... , posted on May 20, 2015 at 21:27:22
three_sox
 ... Not to leave you alone with my Single Malt collection.

d:o)

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 21, 2015 at 00:19:30
PMC0607
Audiophile

Posts: 168
Location: Austin, TX.
Joined: January 1, 2014
 I will never sell my TT and vinyl, for me is more of a tactile thing, I like to clean it check the cartridge put the outer ring on the center weight, just play with it. I have ADD so I have to be doing something all the time or my mine goes haywire. Don't care for the meds they change my personality to much so I just keep busy. My doctor said that it will diminished with age, I have not seen to much of a change yet.

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 21, 2015 at 08:51:04
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
 Take up cycling , not much mind wandering after a 60 mile jaunt, just look out for the reprobates driving around you..... :)

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 21, 2015 at 09:16:53
michaelhigh
Audiophile

Posts: 839
Location: midwest
Joined: August 18, 2010
 I have 3 tables in storage. Computer audio has supplanted it, and I doubt I could find enough new/used vinyl at reasonable prices to sustain my hunger for new titles.

 

"Hard to get those memories back", posted on May 21, 2015 at 12:12:42
Chris from Lafayette
Audiophile

Posts: 26434
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: February 17, 2004
Contributor
  Since: February 6, 2012
 Aha! Finally someone speaks the truth: it's all about nostalgia for those sonic colorations we adored in our youth! ;-)

 

RE: "Hard to get those memories back", posted on May 21, 2015 at 13:30:55
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
 your truth ..............

 

RE: dilemma: Keeping or selling off vinyl & turntable, posted on May 21, 2015 at 17:55:30
PMC0607
Audiophile

Posts: 168
Location: Austin, TX.
Joined: January 1, 2014
 Cycling oh yeah I love to cycle but since I change my work schedule to night shift, I don't have the same level of energy. I do like road bikes and mountain bikes have both. I'm about to change again to permanent day shift and that's one of things I'm looking forward to, by biking again.

 

I have every string quartet, posted on May 21, 2015 at 21:45:37
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15166
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
 ever produced on vinyl in boxed sets, or so it seems. You mean, no one will ever want to buy it? Someday, I will have to cut, and they may be the first to go, but I don't know.

Every time I sit down to listen to a classical record to determine whether I like it, I wind up liking it. It never fails.

 

RE: Dilemma: getting started, posted on May 22, 2015 at 04:59:05
layman
Audiophile

Posts: 559
Location: Washington, D.C.
Joined: August 8, 2007
 I just got a turntable recently. I had never owned one before though I had used (abused) my parents turntable as a child.

After 20 years I decided to take the plunge. I found an inexpensive one on E-Bay.

I have been very pleased. I can compare (the sound) directly to my digital systems and I see (hear) that analog does something that digital does not. There is a...for lack of a better word...a jump factor...something going on with dynamics and tonality that's closer to live music than digital. An analogy would have a sonic image created by the turntable as like looking through a (somewhat smudged) pane of glass, while digital is like looking at a photo. The former is closer to the actual event.

Anyway, I am hooked. I want to upgrade my turntable but don't know where to begin. I talked to Chad Kassem of Analogue Productions (last year at the New York Audio Show) about buying a new turntable from him and he suggested I first consider upgrading the cartridge and phono stage. He said that what I had (as far as the turntable) was not half bad.

The improvements that I hope to see (with an upgrade) would be improved tonality with classical instruments (voices already sound very realistic) and a "cleaner" sound for lack of a better word. I know vinyl can do it because I have heard this kind of sound from vinyl at shows.

I am excited but I don't have a clue as to what cartridge or phono stage to look at. I am still such a newbie to this and I intially don't have a whole lot of money to spend.

Any advice from more experienced inmates would be appreciated.

 

RE: Dilemma: getting started, posted on May 22, 2015 at 07:50:49
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
 Not wanting to press for details before advising, what cartridge ,TT and Phonostage do you currently have ...?

 

Not to worry. , posted on May 22, 2015 at 10:07:53
Mr. Dick Hertz
 I've tried but just can't get into scotch. Now if it's Irish whiskey...

And what excuse do you have for not moving a bottle of single malt in 6 months???

 

Turntable, posted on May 22, 2015 at 16:09:38
layman
Audiophile

Posts: 559
Location: Washington, D.C.
Joined: August 8, 2007



Luxman PD-277

 

Phono-stage, posted on May 22, 2015 at 16:13:25
layman
Audiophile

Posts: 559
Location: Washington, D.C.
Joined: August 8, 2007



Rolls

 

Cartridge, posted on May 22, 2015 at 16:18:36
layman
Audiophile

Posts: 559
Location: Washington, D.C.
Joined: August 8, 2007



Audio Technica

 

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