Back into vinyl!

[Ritmo]

Well, after much thinking and consideration, I'm getting back into vinyl. Back in 1998, I sold my Linn LP-12 and ALL of my vinyl. Here we are 18 years later, I've decided to add analog/vinyl to my music system.

Several days ago I asked Mike to order a VPI Avenger with ADS and the magnetic drive platter. For phono stage, I'm getting the Zesto Andros 1.2. And, the cartridge will be the Ortofon Cadenza Black.

Also, the search for albums also begins - recommendations are welcomed! I'm a fan of Jazz (Classics and smooth/contemporary), light classical (Bach, Mozart,...) and classic rock (Genesis, Supertramp, .... ). Should be fun and I'm certainly looking forward to this addition.

Interestingly, my wife is as much as I am part of this decision. Visits with her to Mark (MDP) and Susan as well as Mike and Jeanette were we listened and compared digital and vinyl became a topic of regular conversation in our household.

Thanks to Myles, Mike Bovaird, Mark Powers and Jeff Witlock for their advice and counsel.

So, now the wait begins!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hello Ritmo! Nice to make your acquaintance and congratulations on a great re-entry into the world of vinyl! I can't help you much with Classical and Jazz, but perhaps I can offer some suggestions with the various rock genres as that is what I listen to mostly. There are already various threads in the music section that will get you started. I'm also a big fan of male/female singer/songwriters, live recordings and a lot of acoustic music. Anyway, enough rambling for one post.

Hopefully your wait won't be too long.

[Ritmo]

Thanks Johnny. I'm certainly going to take advantage of the experiences and knowledge shared here.

[Rob]

Nice analog front end, no need to worry about upgrades for a real long time. IMO the fun in collecting vinyl is discovering music which might be older than you but is 'new' to you. this is a strong draw for me, that, and the possibility of hearing certain recordings at the absolute highest fidelity short of R2R tape.

[mep]

So I'm going to give you some more advice as you mentioned Supertramp. If you are a fan of Supertramp and you don't have the 12" 45 RPM D2D version of Cannonball, you are missing out. After reading about this LP here on AN, I went in search of a copy and found a sealed copy for $20. That's the best $20 I ever spent on an LP. This LP kicks ass and Side 2 is an instrumental version and it kicks a roomful of ass too. If you love jazz, look for a copy of Duke's Big 4 on the Pablo label. Dre turned me on to this LP and if this LP doesn't make your system sound like a million bucks, something is dead wrong. Not only is the music great, the recording is really something special. Check out the drums on track 3 on Side 1. The sound they captured of the drum kit rivals some D2D LPs I have heard and own. And it's not just the drums, every instrument is recorded beautifully and realistically.

[Joe Pittman]

There are several pressings of the Supertramp Cannonball. What is considered the best pressing? Please provide the catalog#. Thanks.

[Analog21]

I have the Avenger (no mag drive though) and the Zesto Andros 1.2 as well. Welcome to the Analog Family

[JCOConnell]

So I'm going to give you some more advice as you mentioned Supertramp. If you are a fan of Supertramp and you don't have the 12" 45 RPM D2D version of Cannonball, you are missing out. After reading about this LP here on AN, I went in search of a copy and found a sealed copy for $20. That's the best $20 I ever spent on an LP. This LP kicks ass and Side 2 is an instrumental version and it kicks a roomful of ass too. If you love jazz, look for a copy of Duke's Big 4 on the Pablo label. Dre turned me on to this LP and if this LP doesn't make your system sound like a million bucks, something is dead wrong. Not only is the music great, the recording is really something special. Check out the drums on track 3 on Side 1. The sound they captured of the drum kit rivals some D2D LPs I have heard and own. And it's not just the drums, every instrument is recorded beautifully and realistically.

Didn't I tell you that the Supertramp 12" D2D of Cannonball sounded incredible? After you listen to it, all your other records sound kinda lacking....

[mep]

Didn't I tell you that the Supertramp 12" D2D of Cannonball sounded incredible? After you listen to it, all your other records sound kinda lacking....

Yes you did and no it doesn't. I have lots of killer sounding LPs, this is just one more.

[Ritmo]

I'll add Cannonball to my list. I was already going to get Crime of the Century and Breakfast in America.

[JCOConnell]

I have a couple of those.

[JCOConnell]

Actually both Crime and Breakfast were available as early mofis and the quality is high. Finding someone willing to sell a mint copy on the
used market is the trick.

[Joe Pittman]

I also highly recommend the Supertramp Paris (AMLM 66702 with the blue LIVE DOUBLE ALBUM sticker)..

[Garth]

I never left vinyl I did not like CDs and I had way to much music on Vinyl to change formats. For years I thought I would get by on the used market as long as I could keep a table running.

Then better tables started showing up and a lot of them records not so much then the explosion of records. All good news for me.

My question is how many people returned to Vinyl or are first time vinyl buyers and wish they had stayed with CD or computer down loads

I see the strength in computers as convenience in no physical storage of discs a monthly fee for all you can listen to all the time. Almost unlimited choice.

Quality not so much but easier . How many have said alright tried vinyl give me back the computer . Or do they now kneel at the feet of Myles Astor and listen to R to R

Or kneel at the feet of R&R and listen to Myles Astor? ;->

[Garth]

Good point

[1morerecord2clean]

I have a close audio friend of ten years who lives a few miles away. When I first met him he was in the process of selling his vinyl. He heard my analog set up and proceeded to buy his records back at inflated prices and since has gone vinyl crazy with all new analog gear. Rarely plays digital. He blames me for his addiction.😜

[allenh]

Mike, congrats on getting back into vinyl! I did about 2 years ago and haven't turned back since. Hardly play digital any more. The hunt for good vinyl at reasonable prices itself is a hobby unto itself. Look forward to hearing about the Avenger and your LP purchases!

[Ritmo]

Thanks everyone! I've been thinking through this decision for several months. Audio friends have been extremely helpful to work through the options as well as the pros and cons. While I recognize the beauty and natural essence of music via vinyl, the convinience of a good music server as well as having to buy some of the same music I've purchased multiple times in different formats was holding me back. But, that's now behind me - decision made and component are on order.

[MylesBAstor]

What type of music do you listen to Mike?

[Ritmo]

Myles,

A lot of Jazz, classic rock and light classical. On the Jazz front, mostly the classics Miles D, Coltrane, Brubeck, Oscar Peterson,...as well some of the more contemporary like Chris Botti, Peter White, Al Dimeola, Pat Metheny...On the classic rock front groups like Supertramp, Genesis, Who, ... And, classic music such as Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi,...

Thx!
Mike

[MylesBAstor]

Myles,

A lot of Jazz, classic rock and light classical. On the Jazz front, mostly the classics Miles D, Coltrane, Brubeck, Oscar Peterson,...as well some of the more contemporary like Chris Botti, Peter White, Al Dimeola, Pat Metheny...On the classic rock front groups like Supertramp, Genesis, Who, ... And, classic music such as Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi,...

Thx!
Mike

So I'm sure everyone can come up with some pretty good suggestions to help Mike build his vinyl music library!