Vinyl Asylum

Ok, I'm hooked

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martydamnit

(A)

After years of consideration, I cautiously stepped into the vinyl world about a month ago with a very modest $200 outlay for a Music Hall MMF-2.1. I can't say I expected too much from it, figuring I'd occasionaly find a record or two at the used music shops I frequent. No big deal.
Wow. I was wrong. For $200, I can't believe the sound I'm getting. There is no way I'd get this from a $200 cd player, and on well recorded vinyl, it's beating my lowly Arcam 7SE. It's very involving. I'm not sure if it's the timbre, the detail, or what exactly is beating out my CD collection. If $200 does this, what will a better cartridge, arm, or table do? Now that's an exciting prospect. Of course with this table, I only have the option of a better cartridge. I'm thinking an upgraded table is probably the first move.
So, thanks to all for posting while I've been quietly reading and picking up know-how and tips before taking the plunge.

Follow Ups:

what will a better cartridge, arm, or table do? - Ernie L 19:09:43 07/13/06 (0)
If the ones you have are all working togeather its great..Change one and things can get worse quick.
I.E. I have a YP800 (70's vintage Direct drive) yamaha turntable.It has a heavy J type tonearm. I had a HOMC denon 110(low compliance) cartridge. It sounded great . I broke the cartridge. I bought a Shure v15xmr(high compliance)..It was three times the cost and needs no introduction by me.
I was very disapointed. Sounded like crapola and dragged its belly on the records no matter what I did.. Cartridge tonearm mismatch for sure..I dissed the shure..this was before I learned about matching the compliance of the cartridge with the tonearm you're using.
I now have the shure mounted on a AR turntable with has a much lighter straight tonearm(carbon fibre headshell and all that) and the result is just amazing..
The Yamaha now has a 148 dollar Denon 103 on it and it sounds just as good as the much more expensive Shure. This is a much better match for both.
I'm not saying don't trade up..just do it slowly after some research.
In other words " a smart man learns from his mistakes and a wise one learns from other peoples mistakes" or something like that
Enjoy
Ernie
first buy a record cleaning machine to allow you to - Terry P 16:55:23 07/13/06 (3)
get the best possible sound out of your vinyl both new and used, and to help preserve your vinyl. As the years go by, you'll really be glad that you did.
Welcome to the wonderful world of vinyl! Pass the word.........
- Second that. It's one of the best analog investments you'll make. - tketcham 18:18:46 07/13/06 (2)
  I was skeptical at first about spending that kind of money (and it's gone up in price since I bought one - see link below) on a record cleaning machine. But after messing around with other less expensive options I finally broke down and made the investment. It was then I realized that the money spent on certain other cleaning products was money wasted.
  But you need to assure yourself that you are in this for the long haul. Analog can be more expensive than digital because of all the gadgets (cartridges and phono preamps) and gizmos (record cleaning systems, turntable mats, carbon fiber brushes, etc.) just to make it sound really good.
  But if you're a bit of a lunatic hobbyist then you may have found what you were looking for. It IS worth it.
  Tom
  PS: A cartridge upgrade can make that mmf-2.1 sound even better if it still has the original cartridge.
  - KAB EV-1 manual record cleaning machine (Open in New Window)
  - "One of the best"??? Make it THE best and I'll agree. /nt\ - HenryH 13:15:41 07/14/06 (1)
    Henry
    A 12-gauge shotgun is the ultimate arbiter of disputes - G. Gordon Liddy
    - Well, I consider a turntable to be the best investment. '-) nm - tketcham 17:11:35 07/14/06 (0)
      Tom
Re: Ok, I'm hooked - damage k 16:20:00 07/13/06 (0)
Good for you..
But I would not rush to do any upgrading just yet. Enjoy what you have, a new appreciation of the music.
I have worked my way through many decks over the years and so many cartridges. But I still sometimes miss the pure simplicity of my first turntable... an old AR EB101 with a basic AT moving magnet cartridge, it was such a fun and uncomplicated sound. I believe that many times over the years I have loved the idea of better equipment rather than just sit and listen.
Have fun,
K

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