Thanks, Wayne. I hear you on the Rice Krispies. From what I can tell, a lot of that is alleviated by keeping the records and stylus clean. I've been doing a fair amount of research on the topic. I d finitely don't want a bunch of noise. I'll report back regardless of my level of success. As with all things, I expect there to be some trade offs.

Got the grill fired up this weekend? BBQ and play-offs sound like a great combo but I suppose your time difference may make that difficult for live broadcasts. No cooking out here. Sub zero temps are on the way... Perfect weather for music and movies on a warm couch.

Cheers,

T Cobe

Hi T Cobe,

I'm looking forward to your comments regarding your vinyl experience. You are 100% correct about keeping your records and stylus clean. Invest in a good-quality record-cleaning brush to use to wipe your records each time before playing. Also, you can use a small brush (an eyeliner brush will work) along with Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to clean your stylus. When cleaning your stylus, dip the brush in the alcohol, then gently rake the brush across the stylus from back to front. When cleaning a record, use a rotating motion parallel with the grooves (opposite from cleaning a CD). I place my record on the turntable, then rotate the turntable by hand while applying slight pressure with the record-cleaning brush to pick up dust.

If dirt or dust gets into the groove, there is a good likelihood that the heat generated from the friction created by the stylus will embed the dust or dirt spec permanently into the groove. resulting in a Pop. Always store the records in a sleeve in the outer case. Handle the record by the outer edge and the center label.

Another possible source of noise is static buildup - particularly in dry winter indoor heat. I don't have a good suggestion for eliminating static - check the web.

I am particularly interested to hear any comments you might have from playing a record containing the same recording that you also have on a CD - not just the same music, but the exact same recording.

Enjoy your new listening adventure.

Best,

Art

Thanks, Art! Some great tips for record owners. When I start a separate thread on the topic, I'll post some of the most helpful YouTube videos I found relating to these points.

I was able to stop at a local music store today and purchase some records. I don't have my cartridge installed yet but I want to hit the ground running once I finally do. Today I purchased:

1. Miles Davis- Kind of Blue (numbered, limited edition)
2. Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon
3. The Clash- London Calling
4. Thelonious Monk Quartet- Monk's Dream
5. Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald- Ella and Louis

Of these, the only one I own on CD is Kind of Blue. I intend to perform a comparison of the two since the CD I own has some clearly audible distortions at several points during playback. Besides listening for the distortion, I want to see if there is any differences in the ambiance of the recording. The claim is the soundstage is much more open on the record. If both are true, I'll have proof that analog can be better than digital depending on the recording and mastering. I'm excited to listen to each record from start to finish.

Cheers,

T Cobe

Hi T Cobe,

Certainly an eclectic group of LPs. I have an extensive collection of Ella on both LP and CD reissue. However, I do not have the Ella and Louis recording on either medium.

I'll look forward to your comments.

Oh, by the way.....

Roll Tide!

Go Pack!

Best,

Art

OK Guys,
I have been waiting until I saw my playoff game for myself, before getting on here, good thing too, there
was a spoiler waiting for me. My Texans' game, IF you can call it that, did not start here until 4 am last night.
So I watched it after church this aft. on replay.
OUCH!!!!!
T. Cobe, you gotta keep them records from getting scratched too, IF you hope to have low noise. Good luck with that!!!!
I never could. Clean, this is easy IF you don't have a wife or kids, clean stylus, that is easy, no scratches, HA!
YES I have been BBQing thanks!!!!! Perfect weather for that. And for watching movies too.
God Bless,
Wayne

Debating between the Ortofon 2M Blue and the 2M Bronze for a cartridge. I like the idea of being able to upgrade to the 2M Black later if I go with the Bronze (same body). Reviews of the Bronze specify a bigger and deeper soundstage. Descriptions of the sound resembles the sound of the T1s. It makes me think it would be a good match; however, the practical and frugal side of me says go blue to see how I like vinyl without too large an investment upfront. Decisions, decisions... Any suggestions? Thanks all!

Cheers,

T Cobe