Choosing the right things for vinyl

[Bl00dWolf]

Hello.
I want to get into listening to vinyl.
So what I have right now:
Topping DX9 (with no line in), E2x2 OTG (kinda line in), NOBSOUND One Little Bear MC3 XLR \ RCA SWITCH (2xXLR IN, 1xRCA IN, 2xXLR OUT, 1xRCA OUT) connected with ADAM A7V via XLR out, 2 x XLR IN connected with dx9 and e2x2 otg.

Sooo..... do you suggest to buy turntable with buit in phono preamp, or should I buy smth like FOSI BOX X5?
And I want to listen to vinyl on ADAM A7V and possibly record it on my computer.

As far as I understand, recording is easy—you can buy RCA -> XLR connectors, plug the left and right channels into E2X2 OTG, and record.
Of course, this is taking into account the PHONO built into the turntable or after an external one.

But how do I play it on speakers?
I can connect the RCA from the turntable to NOBSOUND (wich is connected to ADAM A7V). But it doesn't have a volume control =)
Am I right in thinking that the best option would be:
turntable -> phono preamp (if not built-in) -> SOLUPEAK RC11 (to control volume) -> NOBSOUND RCA IN -> NOBSOUBD XLR OUT -> ADAM A7V
Is there an easier way?

Maybe with smth like PocketADC ?
turntable -> phono preamp (if not built-in) -> MiniDSP PocketADC -> SPDIF \ TOSLINK -> Topping DX9 -> ADAM A7V \ headphones

What I have selected for purchase:
PREMIERA ECO ONE - https://premiera-av.ru/catalog/premiera-eco-one - the brand in my country that is not bad i think. Phono built in (or you can change switch on the back to use external)
FOSI LUNA 3 - https://fosiaudio.com/pages/fosi-audio-luna3-turntable - Fosi Audio is probly good too, but it need external phono
Technics SL-1210MK7 \ Technics SL-1200MK7 - https://www.technics.com/uk/products/dj-series/sl-1210mk7.html - it's expensive, compapred to two above, i dunno. And no built in phono.

I would appreciate any advice you can give me, thank you very much!

 

[staticV3]

I'd recomend you buy a miniDSP PocketADC, miniDSP ADept, or possibly a Parks Audio Waxwing if you see value in its Vinyl-specific DSP features.

Then you can easily connect your turntable to the DX9 via SPDIF, and create rips using a Hifime UR23 (PocketADC/Waxwing).

For rips, the ADept can be plugged straight into a PC via USB. No additional DDC required.

 

[Bl00dWolf]

I'd recomend you buy a miniDSP PocketADC, miniDSP ADept, or possibly a Parks Audio Waxwing if you see value in its Vinyl-specific DSP features.

Thank you. Yes, for me it's probably the second one is the most interesting, as it's “all in one.”
I hadn't heard of the third one before, but I looked it up and it's not bad, but I don't think I really need DSP.

It seems like Adept is expensive, but it really has everything I need—phono, recording, and the spdif output for dx9.

I'll probably buy it =)

 

[DVDdoug]

First, I don't recommend vinyl. I grew-up with it. It's inferior to digital and the noise (especially the occasional clicks and pops) always annoyed me. It's got other limitations too. The noise isn't always terrible but you can always hear it between tracks or during fade-outs. Most of my records "developed" clicks and since they were my records I'd know when that nasty click was coming and I'd be anticipating it instead of enjoying the music.

With that negativity out of the way...

Sooo..... do you suggest to buy turntable with buit in phono preamp,

Yes. If I was buying a turntable I'd probably get the AT-LP120XUSB. it doesn't seem too cheap and it's not crazy-expensive. It comes ready-to-play with a cartridge and built-in preamp ("traditional" turntables come with neither). It's got USB for digitizing and it's direct drive so there are no belts or pulleys to wear out. The bad thing is, the price has gone-up a couple hundred dollars over the last few years. I've got a 40-year old Technics direct drive (not the expensive one) and it still works fine. ...It hasn't been in continuous use for 40 years. I only use it to occasionally digitize an old record that's not available digitally.

But it doesn't have a volume control =)

The standard solution is a receiver or preamp (or integrated amp) which has multiple inputs, volume control, tone controls, etc. Of course modern ones usually have remote control, and sometimes a DAC. (All Audio Video Receivers have a DAC.) Receivers are the most common and economical solution but receivers and integrated amps don't always have "preamp outputs" for active/powered speakers. (Passive speakers are still standard for home hi-fi and home theater, except for subwoofers which are normally active.)

A preamp (which is mostly a "control center") will usually include a phono preamp and in that case you don't need one built-into your turntable. Some receivers also have a phono preamp.



...I'd be VERY excited about the Waxwing if we didn't have digital!

 

[Bl00dWolf]

First, I don't recommend vinyl. I grew-up with it. It's inferior to digital and the noise (especially the occasional clicks and pops) always annoyed me. It's got other limitations too. The noise isn't always terrible but you can always hear it between tracks or during fade-outs. Most of my records "developed" clicks and since they were my records I'd know when that nasty click was coming and I'd be anticipating it instead of enjoying the music.

Thanks for your opinion. Yes, I am aware that vinyl is one of the worst formats for clear sound. And one of the most inconvenient.
I just like how it's physically designed (turntables, cartridges), how it's made, how vinyl records look. Let's say it's more of a ritual and interest than a desire for objectively good sound =)

For "good" sound, of course, I have a PC + dx9 and others. I understand that they are much cheaper and sound much better, objectively. And they don't require any maintenance, essentially.

If I was buying a turntable I'd probably get the AT-LP120XUSB.

Yes, I saw it, but I completely forgot about it. Thank you, I'll take a look at it too.

PREMIERA has a DELTA model that also comes with USB, BT, and phono.
But PREMIERA is definitely a newer brand, just like FOSI, in vinyl, so it's difficult to find useful information about them.
Meanwhile, Audio-Technica is much better known and has been manufacturing for a long time.

There are two options in general for me: buy with or without built-in phono/USB, but purchase ADEPT separately.
The second option is probably closer to me, because I know that ADEPT is a good device and it will be easier to switch to another turntable with it if I want to.

 

[DVDdoug]

There are two options in general for me: buy with or without built-in phono/USB, but purchase ADEPT separately.

The LP120 does have a switch to bypass the preamp but you would be paying for something you don't need and you are limiting your choices if you're only consider turntables with built-in preamps.

I do like the reliability of direct drive... I remember slipping belts and drive wheels (on turntables and tape machines). Of course, they weren't new.

 

[DVinylfan]

Clear, concise and very helpful advice from staticV3.
Good luck on your vinyl journey and ignore the naysayers. Vinyl is a great medium, for the reasons you stated.
Enjoy.

 

[digitalfrost]

I think if you're starting out the AT-LP120XUSB is a good price/performance choice. It comes with the AT-VM95 cartridge that you can upgrade to the excellent VM95ML needle later if you want to. Also you don't need to buy a preamp but you can later if you want. "Cartridge loading" is/can be important and if I were to buy a vinyl pre, then only one where I can adjust capacitance and resistance to match the cartridge.

If you want to spend more on a turntable one of the most imporant features for me would be the ability to adjust VTA. If you want to play with different cartridges that is essential. Also I regret buying a belt driven a little bit, the measurements are never as good as you can reach with a proper direct drive.

If you have the ability to play sound to the Adams speakers via your PC, you can select [x] listen to this device on the recording interface and it will be played back through your default output interface. You can record via ASIO at the same time (depends on interface). Yes there will be ADC/DAC step inbetween the audiophiles will frown but really, it works for me for a long time. I use my PC for DRC as well and so I cannot listen to music without it.

I think a bit more clarity about your PC would be helpful, is your audio setup completely separate and you also want to record into the PC occasionally or is the PC a playback source anyway? Because if is that makes things much easier.

 

[Sono]

I want to get into listening to vinyl.

That’s cute, honestly. Wish I could start from that point once again

What’s your budget to be invested into a turntable probably?

 

[mike70]

Welcome to analog!

Objectively is really inferior... audibly difference is another stuff (apart for some click / pop). Your speakers / room / recordings are many times worst than theoretical noise / dynamic range / whatever.

With a decent turntable / cartridge / cleaned records... I don't listen to any noise between tracks, annoying clicks / pops / whatever. Really good sound, and also better compared with some digital recordings shattered by loudness war

I have technics vintage and brand new mk7, AT vm95sh cartridge and external preamp.

Choose wisely and you'll have the best from a medium that's theoretically inferior, more expensive and inconvenient (yes)... but, very enjoyable for the ones that like it. And that's what life is all about.

 

[Thomas_A]

If you are going into vinyl I would suggest a Waxwing phono preamp. One has to appreciate that technology has evolved and since no software exists other than the RTclickrepair that is no longer supported, the Waxwing would cover all your needs. Other than that a good cleaning device and a decent cartridge to go with your turntable.

 

[Bl00dWolf]

What’s your budget to be invested into a turntable probably?

Around 1 000 - 1 500 USD for all (turntable + cartrige + phono + adc).

mk7

Currently in Russia I can buy new for 103k rub - 1270 USD or for 82k RUB + 10k RUB tax from China new - 1134 USD.

It's hard to find miniDSP Adept right now. It's not available in the US, and I'm having a hard time finding it in China. But I'll try. =)

 

[Sono]

I would consider Technics SL-100C and miniDSP ADept.

 

[Sono]

MINIDSP ADEPT ADC Phono Preamplifier with DSP

MINIDSP ADept is an ADC with phono preamplifier and DSP. It is based on an XMOS interface and an ESS ES9842 Pro conversion chip.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[mike70]

With the price tag difference between 100C and mk7... I'd get the mk7 with eyes closed.

Mk7 have helicoidal tonearm vta adjustment (sl100c doesn't have vta adjustment) and sl100c have an "autolift", that means a mechanical gadget added to the tonearm (I don't like to have any stuff glued to the tonearm).

My opinion only.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

It's a few years now, but I finally decided to collect all my old albums, stored here and there, and get a record player for the first time since the nineties. I got a Rega Planar, $100, and a Sony receiver w/RIAA input, $200. Both used. Then I spent about $350 on a moving coil pickup, also used, as I remembered how good MC sounded compared to MMs in the eighties.

I have one of the 'Tape out's on the Sony connected to the Topping, and I use Rogue Amoeba Audio Hijack software with a simple route set up to stream the audio to my E30 II for listening, while simultaneously recording it to a 24bit 48kHz WAV. So I'm slowly digitizing my best albums by hitting 'rec' in Audio Hijack each time I put on a record.

Personally I would never bother with a record player with MM pickup and/or built-in ADC.

I have some wav examples in this thread here:

Topping E2X2 to replace Topping E30+L30+Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen

Hi everyone, As I've recently got a XLR mic, I now use my Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen that was sleeping in the closet. However, I am not pleased with having as many things on my desk. Currently my PC is connected to a Topping 30 which is connected to a Topping L30. From here I have my HD600 for the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I think it sounds pretty good, much thanks to the MC pickup, and the E2x2 AD isn't bad either. Scratches, clicks and all.

 

[mike70]

Scratches, clicks and all.

Clean them rightly... generally a good difference in clicks / pops and high frequencies clarity.
And also, your stylus will be clean.

 

[DVDdoug]

Personally I would never bother with a record player with MM pickup and/or built-in ADC.

I haven't seen any measurements showing that Moving Coil is consistently better. I'm aware of ONE controlled-blind listening test (here) between two MM cartridges and one MC cartridge. The loser was one of the MM cartridges and the other two were essentially tied.

The preamp and ADC are rarely the weak link.


P.S.
Those details are OK for you or someone who is really into vinyl but I'd be careful making recommendations someone who's new to vinyl. You can make lots of differences and improvements, sometimes at high cost, but you're never going to get close to digital quality.

On the other hand, you can go too-cheap and get much-worse performance.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Clean them rightly... generally a good difference in clicks / pops and high frequencies clarity.
And also, your stylus will be clean.

I do. I clean the ones that I can see have dust, fingermarks, etc on them. Warm water with just a drop of washing up liquid, then rinse in pure water and drip dry. Not all of them are that dirty, and I don't bother.

The clicks and pops I mention are permanent damages, I'm afraid.

As for keeping the stylus clean, I always use a little brush to remove dust before playing, but I remember in the eighties, there would be a build up of pretty hard stuff around the stylus, over time that is, and I could see it with a magnifying glass. Back then I had a little device for this - a little tightly packed 'brush suface' that you would place the stylus on, and when turned on, it would vibrate to remove the packed, burned-in vinyl or whatever it was. I'll be getting a new one, but no hurry, this takes time.

 

[DSJR]

Hello.
I want to get into listening to vinyl.

So, I'm getting that you don't have a record collection to play as some of us oldies do?

PLEASE bear in mind that most newly purchased vinyl today, appears to come from a digital master despite some that claim to come from the original master if an old recording (loads to add here but too much for one post).

My choice of mid priced decks to consider (from a UK standpoint) would start at a AT LP5X with VMN95ML or VMN95SH stylus upgrade (£500 or less). Rather than get a 1200mk7, I'd arguably save and get a 1500C with Ortofon 2M Red for £799 here (phono stage built in too). Your budget could stretch to a 2M Bronze stylus, which should clean the highs a bit further without losing sparkle and 'energy.'

Vinyl is a bit like that other long-obsolete medium, reel to reel using twin track on 10.5" spools and 15IPS speed. Great to handle, watch working/winding and 'play with,' but sonically out-classed otherwise (ask a pro who's compared in a studio, live vs recorded using tape compared to digital via their monitors)..

Apologies for being so goddamned negative about it. I NEED a vinyl player as I have so many records and singles I occasionally want to play and 'fidelity' be damned if you have a simple system and 'Want to get into listening to vinyl,' the question 'WHY?' keeps coming up - sorry...