Recommended analog records

Record popularity has been rekindled recently. There are some record lovers in the Sound House, and they have been holding record listening meetings frequently. I am of the older record generation, before the birth of the CD. Looking back on those days, I really disliked the crackling noise inherent in records. I carefully dubbed records onto cassette tapes and then listened to the cassettes. I thought that records would deteriorate the more I put them on, and so I cherished my records.

When the CD appeared in 1982 with no noise and no degradation, I went to the audio fair held in Harumi with great expectations. A lot of people gathered at the CD player corner to give them a listen and it was a great success. At that time, the first CD I heard was Rainbow’s "Straight Between the Eyes". I remember clearly the shock of the rock sound that started with utter silence.

Since then, it has become commonplace to listen to digital music such as iTunes. But with a record party (with several record maniacs) held amongst friends with common interests, such as Queen and Prog, the way of listening has changed. Records from 40 or 50 years ago can be listened to with such good sound! I myself am not at the level where I care about the differences in sound between one pressing and another. I simply believe that music that was released during the golden age of records feels more moving when listened to it on records. I immediately went to my parents’ house to get my equipment to play records. Good that they kept it! (I had set it aside for listening again someday) Anyway, my set-up!

Technics SL-1200MKIII / VestaKozo DSM-309 DISCO MIXER

Since a phono preamplifier is required to play records, I also brought along a DJ mixer. I liked the look and had bought it a long time ago. (Isn't DISCO MIXER a cool name?) Because I live in an environment where I cannot play loud music, I'm using powered monitors used in home recording.

Genelec 1029A An old favorite

I was setting up when I noticed that there was no cartridge. From a number of options, I chose the historical "NAGAOKA" Japanese brand. Since it comes with a shell, the set-up is complete just by attaching it to the record player.

NAGAOKA / MP-110H MP type stereo cartridge

The impression that the range is wide and flat. Attack and low range come out firmly. Cost performance is high. The yellow shines impressively.

I also purchases a cleaners at the same time. This is a requirement for records. It takes time, but it is strange that I actually enjoy it.

Record cleaner audio technica / AT6012Xa

I used a cream colored cleaner in the past. Now it’s fearless black.

Stylus cleaner NAGAOKA / AM-801/2

The needle gets dirty no matter how clean the record, so the stylus cleaner is an essential item.

After setting the arm overhang and adjusting the needle pressure, I dropped the needle on the record after many years of none having done so. . . Along with the crackles and small noises, a sound with a strong presence came through! Hi-fi enough for me! I just listened to one side. 20 minutes per side is also good. The crackling sound is evidence that I’m listening to records, and I don't mind.

The disco mixer is big. The cool appearance is hard to throw away, but I started my downsizing strategy. First of all, I purchased the phono preamplifier that I mentioned earlier as being necessary for record playback.

BEHRINGER / PP400 MICROPHONO Phono preamplifier

Compact and a recommendable sound

The mixer is a Soundcraft Notepad-8FX compact mixer

The sound became clearer. This mixer is equipped with a USB audio interface, so you can record on a computer. You can digitally archive analog records, but for now, I just enjoy listening to them while watching the spinning record. So, USB I/O is mainly used for sound source playback from my computer.

The fact that the sound changes depending on the equipment, such as what cartridge you use, is also attractive. It's scary to step into the bottomless world of audiophiles.

Here are some other recommended compact mixers for audio playback.

YAMAHA / MG06 Analog mixer

Super simple! The pure, beautiful sound is attractive.

PRESONUS / StudioLive AR8 USB Hybrid analog mixer

Also supports Bluetooth and SD card playback. The SD card also allows for recording, so you can easily record your favorite songs onto the card.

Mackie 402VLZ4

This is also a super simple one. I think it goes well with dynamic sounds.

Records can't be easily skipped over, so you'll inevitably listen to the entire album. You remember when the next songs starts for your favorite records. Artists who stuck with albums, such as Led Zeppelin's work, are also good when listened straight through. (This is not limited to records.) Also, because it takes time to set up, I feel that listening to music is an important time for me. It takes more time to set up a record-listening environment, but it’s worth it. How about incorporating records into your music life? If you make use of the equipment you have, you may be able to set up a record-listening environment surprisingly easily!