[Sweet Spot]

I have a fairly logical way of looking at the vinyl vs. digital debate, which goes:

You really don't have to spend a ton of money for a good deck/cart/accessories in order to enjoy the benefits of vinyl, really. For those thinking about taking the plunge, remember that it is vital to keep your equipment in perfect shape, so that if you decide to back out of your investment, the resale value of your stuff will be at a peak.

I decided to go with a Rega P2, and at the time was able to get the older model with a glass platter. Today, I might have either chosen to go with a P3-24 with external power supply or perhaps even a KAB modded Technics SL1200, though all three (which includes mine) are extremely worthy entry level decks.

I'd like to think that I'm just as anal retentive about sound quality as most other head-fiers, and can honestly say that the time taken and financial investment I made into the world of vinyl, was well worth it. There are some very simple reasons to back this feeling:

I take comfort in knowing that when I take the time to look for them, well mastered vinyl pressings are out there, which don't conform to the same standards which so many CD masters do. Meaning, I'm able to find out whether or not the pressing was done from the analog master tapes specifically for vinyl, or if it was pressed from the CD. If in the case of the latter, I'll just get the CD for the sake of convenience. Unless however, the production quality on the whole, was really on par. No brick wall mastering, in other words.

The way I see it is, if for every badly mastered CD which is out there, there is a vinyl counter part which was mastered separately and has all the dynamic range etc which the CD is missing, and I'm going to buy those LP's. Of course then, there's the case where the CD was mastered brilliantly, as was the vinyl. In that case, it's pretty much a matter or preference. Collectors are always going to get both versions, while those on a budget will mainly opt for the better $ deal, and then there are those who will make the purchase based on which sound they find more appealing.

But then we have the issue of what kind of system the medium is played back on... A more revealing system will truly make the choice either all the more easy, or perhaps harder ! This can probably go on forever, but to make it short, ones foray into the world of vinyl need not be so dramatic or even time consuming.

I'd probably recommend the Technics SL1200 which is such a low maintenance deck, and really is very durable as well as musical with the right cart. I'll also say the same about the entry level Rega decks. My Rega P2 is equip with a Rega Cart (Elys) which took like zero time to install and adjust. They're specifically made for the arms and are also very low maintenance.

As for overall system maintenance, I just recently bought a record cleaning machine to replace my worthless D4 brush and fluid. I got the KAB EV-1 manual machine, which requires that you own a cannister vacuum cleaner with a hose. It comes with fluid, which I'll not use because I bought some MoFi super deep cleaning fluid and 3 carbon fiber brushes for application. Total cost for all my stuff:

Deck: $550
Cart: $125

That's under $700 for a totally worthy setup. I was using the D4 brush with fluid for the first few months, and wasn't entirely satisfied, though there are tons of LP cleaning techniques which require little $, but plenty of patience. The KAB EV-1 record cleaning machine cost $160 and the fluids about $40 which includes medical grade distilled water for rinsing. Brushes are about $10

All in all, the way I see it is that for the money I spend on stupid crap, this is money well spent on something which is an integral part of my life, and will never cease to exist, and only continue to bring me happiness. And you really can't put a price on happiness, if you asked me.

Edit: Sorry, I forgot to mention what I'm running my deck through. Quite simply, a wonderful receiver. It's the Outlaw Audio RR2150 which has both MM and MC phono stages and to my ears, sounds just great ! Interestingly enough, I also have an old Onkyo TX SV515 Pro which also has a phono stage, and recently found out that it too, sounds pretty decent with my Rega ! So one need not get into fancy or costly phono pre amps... There are alternatives.