El Pee

Rhino Records in Claremont CA was always a good spot for me, though I haven't been in a few years... Often times I find the best used records at used book shops... they aren't as picked through, they're never too expensive and all the scenesters are at the record shops leaving the book stores to old farts like me.

Where in DC are you? I'm in Montgomery County... I have found a few great finds on CL, but also at yard sales and estate sales. Go to fancy neighborhoods for yard sales, you'll find something.

This. For $150, go used. If you have the time, keep looking at craigslist, yard sales, thrift stores, pawn shops etc... You should be able to get a nice high-end Pioneer, Yamaha, Technics, etc for that kind of money.

How did you determine it's not the receiver?

The only thing I'd suggest is to avoid the ones with the adhesive, fold-over flaps... the adhesive can ruin a cover if it accidentally sticks to it. Beyond that... 3mil, 5mil, 2mil etc... all very (very) similar.

Discogs will give you a good sense of retail prices, remember that a shop will pay you less than that so that they can earn a profit.... and even less if they need to buy 100 lousy records to get the 5 that are actually worth enough to stay out of the dollar bin. Also, a "Music/Collectibles" store may not be the best bet, you might do better at a real record store. Where are you? I am sure someone here can recommend a place. You may have decent luck on craigslist selling the collection as one lot.. Typically when selling in bulk like that you will get less per disc, but you'll move everything all at once.

While the platter is spinning, grab the record and pick it up as you rotate against the direction of the spinning platter.... usually works pretty well... keep in mind that reaming out too much will make the record loose on the spindle, and that can be worse.

Something I'd suggest if you're new to vinyl and playing a lot of old records, is that you shouldn't underestimate the value of cleaning the records prior to playing them. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a fancy vacuum machine, but a discwasher brush and cleaning fluid or a good brush make more of a difference for the sound quality of the records than the very minor differences between the various amps and speakers in the entry-level price range... most of all, have fun!

Is the CAN record the recent reissue or an OP?

I can't believe I watched a 4 minute video on outer sleeves...

Any Sun 45s?

PM Sent

Make a list of what you have - let me see that list - and try to sell them as one lot.

Some do. Some don't. Such is life. When an LP does have liner notes they are usually larger and easier to read than they are on CDs.

Do you get sibilance on all records? If so, it is a problem with your set up... If you don't, it is a problem with that particular LP. Get a reference record, an album you know in and out, front and back so that when you tweak your set up you will be able to compare it.

The folks I know who switch between 78 and 33/45 have a dedicated cartridge and headshell just for the 78s, so it's an easy switch. If you only played the records a few times, you probably didn't do any damage... needledoctor.com might be a good place to look for options.

I'll play...

The advantage of a receiver would be that you have greater control over the sound (you'll have volume and at least bass and treble control) and the ability to add more sources (and/or more speakers) in the future. It's usually the receiver or amp that is the 'heart' of the system as everything is connected to it. As mentioned above, with your budget look for used stuff. Craigslist/garage sales and thrift stores are great for this. look for something with a dedicated phono input as well. I know you don't necessarily need it with what you've got now, but there is a really good (really, really good) chance that the analog phono stage on a vintage receiver will sound better than the on-board, digital processor in a USB TT. Also, as you upgrade your TT, most don't have it built in.

How much do you want to spend? You can get a decent integrated amp with phono input for around $500 (not sure what the exchange rate is these days), less if you buy used or less if you buy junk, but you're getting the Rega, so I'm assuming you don't want junk. You can find decent bookshelf speakers for around $100, more if you need something large enough to fill a big space... All these numbers are approximations, If I were in the UK, I'd see what my local NAD dealer has... that's a good place to start. Marantz also makes some good entry level integrated amps (not certain they are available in the UK, but you can search) Buying something second hand is also something you can consider, you'll get more bang for your buck (or Pound).

They did this last year and it was awful. The staff at my local shop didn't even know it was 'vinyl day,' so they had no idea what I was talking about when I asked what was going on... I had to ask because there were no people in the music section of the store. Turns out the big deal was that if I bought 3 records (at regular price) I would get a free bag. A bag like the free re-useable supermarket bags with the B&N log on it...

PM Sent

Amp and speakers... you should have no problem finding something decent on craigslist.

Need a remote control cue lever so I can lift the arm from across the room when a side ends. Better vibration isolation feet. 2 outputs (line/phono) 45 adapter built into the platter like the old broadcast 'tables had.