**The Official Vinyl Collectors Thread**

[handsareme]

I also posted this in the BWGK vinyl thread:

What's the difference between a phono pre-amp and a 'normal' receiver/amplifier? I have my tt going into my Sony Receiver (don't know the exact model number, but it's the 800 level). Should I add a pre-amp before going into the Sony?

[thestand]

Most amps aren't set up to amplify phono signals, so you'll get a very very quiet sound from it. If your TT has a built in preamp, or your receiver is old enough to be set up for phono, you'll be fine. Otherwise, you should get a preamp.

[handsareme]

It has phono inputs.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Originally Posted by handsareme

It has phono inputs.

Then you'll be fine, though down the road you'll probably want to upgrade to a separate pre-amp.

[handsareme]

Originally Posted by Bron Yr Aur

Then you'll be fine, though down the road you'll probably want to upgrade to a separate pre-amp.

That's what I was thinking. I always have to turn the volume up a little more when I listen to records.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by handsareme

That's what I was thinking. I always have to turn the volume up a little more when I listen to records.

As did I when I was just going into the receiver's phono inputs, but now with the phono preamp not only do I find the frequency response to be better but I also find my turntable input volume matches my Blu-ray, SACD/CD/DVD-A and DVD inputs.

A dedicated phono preamp will definitely give you a better overall sound, more accurate RIAA curve, etc.

It's not a necessity given that you have phono inputs, but it should definitely be a goal.

[handsareme]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

As did I when I was just going into the receiver's phono inputs, but now with the phono preamp not only do I find the frequency response to be better but I also find my turntable input volume matches my Blu-ray, SACD/CD/DVD-A and DVD inputs.

A dedicated phono preamp will definitely give you a better overall sound, more accurate RIAA curve, etc.

It's not a necessity given that you have phono inputs, but it should definitely be a goal.

And as I'm sure you're getting tired of posting links to good buys...have any good recommendations for a preamp?

[AlexK79]

Originally Posted by handsareme

And as I'm sure you're getting tired of posting links to good buys...have any good recommendations for a preamp?

Check the BWGK on vinyl thread again, I'm pretty sure he put some pre-amp recommendations in there as well.

[handsareme]

Originally Posted by AlexK79

Check the BWGK on vinyl thread again, I'm pretty sure he put some pre-amp recommendations in there as well.

Too many vinyl threads! Thanks.

[AlexK79]

Here are Dobyblue's pre-amp recommendations from the other thread:

Phono Preamp –
1) entry-level sub$200
Parasound Zphono - $150 - http://store.acousticsounds.com/brow...Title_ID=14948
Rega Mini Fono - $145 - http://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Fon...2&category=401
Music Hall PA1.2 - $150 - http://www.musicdirect.com/product/84099
Pro-Ject Phono Box MKii - $159 - http://store.acousticsounds.com/brow...Title_ID=13112
Cambridge Audio 640p - $179 - http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA640P
Goldring PA1 - $199 - http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MHGRPA1

2) Intermediate Level $200~$450
Pro-Ject Phono Box SE - $329 - http://store.acousticsounds.com/brow...Title_ID=41773
Rega Fono - $350 - http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=REFONOMM
Clearaudio Nano - $349 - http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CLEANANO
Graham Slee Gram Amp 2SE - $410 - http://www.lptunes.com/Graham-Slee-G...mp-p/ga2pp.htm
The Graham is probably the best one at this level
Creek OBH-15 - $449 - http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=OBH-15

3) Advanced Level $500~$1000
Clearaudio Basic Plus - $900 - http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CLEABASS
PS Audio GCPH - $1,000 - http://www.musicdirect.com/product/74122
Pro-Ject Tube Box SEII - $700 - http://store.acousticsounds.com/brow...Title_ID=41770
Grado PH1 - $500 - http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=GRPH1

[Styx Cover Band]

Ordered a Pro Ject Debut III today from Musicians Friends. Should get here in a few days. I'm excited as I have been sans turntable for a few months now

[herzag17]

picked up Ray Lamontagne's first two albums today.

[Arby]

genesis - vertigo 4 bucks
Phil Collins - face value 4 bucks

Vinyl collecting is very cheap for how fun it is

[skaman343]

Originally Posted by som3d3vil34

genesis - vertigo 4 bucks
Phil Collins - face value 4 bucks

Vinyl collecting is very cheap for how fun it is

Yeah, you can get some really good deals on some. I have gotten most of mine really cheap. I just got "Unforgetable Fire" from U2 for 4 buck, and two pink floyd albums for something like 6 each. Then there are others like BTCS that are a huge amount of money. Also, it seems that newer ones they are putting out are really expensive. For example, the 25th addition of Dark Side of the Moon" is 25 bucks in most stores.

[herzag17]

Originally Posted by skaman343

Also, it seems that newer ones they are putting out are really expensive. For example, the 25th addition of Dark Side of the Moon" is 25 bucks in most stores.

yeah, i am confused on how record labels and/or artists come up with pricing. new albums that i saw at local record stores, for example:

Ben Harper - Live from Mars - $54.99 (its 4LPs)
Beastie Boys - Check Your Head - $29.99 (the re-release has a 2nd LP, i believe)
Jack Johnson - any of his albums - $12.99
Bob Dylan - Blood on the Tracks - $23.99 (re-release)

FWIW, i feel the 'typical' new album price is roughly $14-18.

[thestand]

You have to remember, a lot of these albums are being pressed by third party companies who can do whatever they want with them. The reason that, since Elephant, none of the White Stripes albums have been less than 29 dollars is because they're always pressed 2xLP on 180 gram vinyl. The Flaming Lips' last LP came on either colored vinyl for relatively cheap (23 or so), or a 180 gram audiophile pressing for 35. It's not like a CD where it's always going to be the same material on the same format all the time. If you really want to see excessive pricing, look into Bjork and Beck. Bjork's singles from her last album are around 50 bucks. Beck's box set for The Information was 300.

[brendangen412]

Yesterday's pickups:
The Police-Ghost in the Machine
The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta
Faces-Ooh La La
Elvis Costello - Spike
Van Morrison - Tupelo Honey
Sly and the Family Stone- Stand!
Prince - For You
Tin Machine - Tin Machine
Faith No More - Introduce Yourself

[thestand]

I haven't been to an actual record store since I was in Oregon. I'm thinking Thursday, pay day, may be my inaugural trip to Pure Pop Records in Burlington, VT.

[dmbgodagirl41]

just bought Justin Timberlake's Future Sex/Love Sounds yesterday. Nothing cooler than blasting "Sexy Back" on a 1960s stereo.

[skaman343]

Just picked up "The Song Remains the Same" by Led Zeppelin. It is pretty awesome.

[Arby]

Phil Collins Face Value and Hello I Must Be Going (both say near mint cond.) for 99 cents. Plus 4 dollars shipping. I love ebay

[thestand]

Just bought off a dude on ufck:

Daft Punk- Discovery
The Shins- Oh, Inverted World
Junior Boys- So This Is Goodbye
Silver Jews- American Water

For fiddy.

[dobyblue]

I wish vinyl was always cheap - I just paid US$50+s&h for a NM copy of "A Storm in Heaven" by The Verve and that's not a bad price!

Try and find a copy of any of the following records cheap:

Temple of the Dog
Brad - Shame
Mother Love Bone - Apple
Verve - Voyager 1
Verve - A Storm in Heaven
The Verve - A Northern Soul
Catherine Wheel - Chrome
The Cure - Wish
James - Seven
James - Laid

If you can, please let me know 'cause I want them!! These ones all range from around $60~$200 depending on condition.

Actually, just got a copy of The Cure - Wish for US$46 shipped, which is an EXCELLENT price, hopefully the condition is NM as stated.

Here's that Catherine Wheel record - http://www.discogs.com/sell/item/10998637?ev=bp_det

106 Euros for VG+! Damn it!!

[laststraw41]

Originally Posted by thestand

Just bought off a dude on ufck:

Daft Punk- Discovery
The Shins- Oh, Inverted World
Junior Boys- So This Is Goodbye
Silver Jews- American Water

For fiddy.

I need to get this on vinyl asap. Homework too.

and the Avalanches - Since I Left You, but I've only been able to find that for over $100 on Amazon unfortunately.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by laststraw41

I need to get this on vinyl asap. Homework too.

and the Avalanches - Since I Left You, but I've only been able to find that for over $100 on Amazon unfortunately.

Are you just looking for the 12" or the 2xLP?

[laststraw41]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Are you just looking for the 12" or the 2xLP?

of The Avalanches record? I'd prefer the 2LP

are the Daft Punk records easy to find?

[Styx Cover Band]

Glad this was topped because I completely forgot; got my Pro Ject Debut III yesterday. won't have time to set it up until tomorrow, but I can't wait to be able to listen to vinyl again

[handsareme]

So I had this little radio show last year in school, which I'll have next year when I head back. The main idea was that I played music that was recorded live in concert. I was thinking it'd be cool to spin a couple of records throughout the 2 hour show. Listeners wouldn't be able to tell the difference, except for hearing that 'pop' sound when the needle hits the record. I wouldn't be able to have an entire show of vinyl since I only have one TT and fading to the next song would be impossible. It's just an idea floating around in my head.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Styx Cover Band

Glad this was topped because I completely forgot; got my Pro Ject Debut III yesterday. won't have time to set it up until tomorrow, but I can't wait to be able to listen to vinyl again

Totally awesome!!!!

[mysticomimetic]

I've been collecting vinyl for over a decade. I started the collection from djing breakbeats. Then I branched out to purchasing my favorite artists as well. I have over 3,000 records. Off the top of my head:

All TooL LPs (Including rare picture discs and signed Lateralus picture discs)
All RATM LPS (Including Bullet in the Head picture disc)
All DJ Shadow LPs (Including Unkle )
All Pink Floyd
All Led Zep
RHCP- Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik
All Beck
All Mastodon (Including rare picture discs)

.....and DMB - BTCS - Mint