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Not so fast...

216.40.148.138

I've been having the same dilemma as Charlie_L during the last year.

How much will it cost me to put together an analog rig that sounds equal to or better than say a Sony C333ES at $800MSRP, which I was considering? Truth be told, I don't think I could do an equal-sounding analog rig for $800.

Consider first the table...probably a few hundred dollars, say $500. Then the arm: Another couple hundred dollars. Add a decent cartridge like the Blue Point Special at about $200 and we're already at $900. Now, I have to think about isolation devices if I really want to get the most from my rig: Yes, many of these can be DIY, but at the very least, the base upon which it sits is probably best purchased, so add another $100 (at least). Now, we're at $1000. Now, we shift our attention to the Software: The least expensive record cleaning machine I've seen is sold by Audio Advisor at about $200. Finish it off with miscellaneous items like the tools you need to align the cartride, balance the 'arm and other items like zerostat, etc., we can add another $100.

So, I'm looking at about $1300 for a modest (very modest IMO) rig that I am expecting to equal or better the sound of the C333ES? I doubt it.

I'm not doubting that vinyl still sounds better than SACD, but the law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly when the two are compared. Unless I spend several thousand dollars on the analog rig, I just don't think I can equal a modest SCD player. If I can get 90% of the analog sound through a digital SCD front-end for a 1/3 to 1/2 the cost, it's not worth it to me to go analog.

If I am "misguided" please pray tell. This has been my own experience (not from hearsay or reading). I have actually listened and priced all this stuff out. I just can't justify the cost of the analog rig for the sound I desire.

AS
PS. Note that even though I consider pre-owned gear when looking to buy, an LP-playback system would not be something I'd consider buying used. There are just to many possibilities for something to go wrong because it's mostly mechanical moving parts as opposed to isolated electronic parts like in an amp. So, pre-owned is not an option.

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