VINYL LIVES

If you are a follower of my site, you have probably read about my lifelong fascination with records (yeah, those old 7″ and 12″ LPs). When the “vinyl revival” started picking up momentum about five years ago, I watched with interest as a multitude of new pressings and turntables (not to mention new cartridges and phonostages) began appearing on the scene. Made me glad I didn’t sell off my record collection in the late 80’s when CDs were king.

Now it’s downloads (and vinyl records) that have captured the imagination of the young and old alike. The ubiquitous CD is still being released as a physical format, but I wonder for how much longer. For those eager to try (or return to) larger art and a higher resolution warmer sound, playing records has never been easier.

I’ve always been a Rega fan. This British built turntable/tonearm/cartridge combination is the epitome of “set it and forget it.” All Rega ‘tables are well proven rigs that are super easy to set up. Many will come with the cartridge already mounted, so all you need to do is unpack it, put on the platter and mat, attach the counterweight, set the tracking force, level the unit, plug it in and away you go. 10 minutes tops. And because the cartridge is a high output moving magnet type, you probably won’t need any additional equipment besides your basic stereo.

For less than $450 (the new Rega RP-1 w/ Ortofon needle), you could be spinning records. Sure, you could add fancier stuff later on by mounting a more sophisticated cartridge, machined Groovetracer sub-platter, etc. But it’s really not necessary – except for those who get totally hooked on the experience. Hint: do not change the stock felt mat or feet – Rega knows what they are doing when it comes to building a well balanced, sonically compelling turntable.

Sitting in a room without distractions and listening intently to music without video playing may seem like a contradicton to what the modern world advocates. But it is this simple act of dropping your multi-tasking routine for a few minutes each day that can lead to the blissful experience that vinyl offers. Groovy.

(Photo: Courtesy rega.co.uk)