Hi all,

I set up my first turntable, an Audio-Technica AT-PL120 last week and my first three records came in as well. Wow ... I can hear a difference from this and CD's, even on cheap little Aiwa 3-way bookshelf speakers that came with an all-in-one system. With my limited experience I like the sound it produces better than my CD's. Female vocals especially seem clearer and more lifelike! And I love the feel of the whole thing ... think I spent ten minutes the first night just switching and adjusting platter speeds to watch the timing marks move around.

I have LAST 1/2 for the records, Record Research Lab #9 for the stylus and some poly sleeves on order to maintain what I have. To get a little more fidelity, I'm planning on ordering a set of Sony 750 towers as a budget speaker upgrade next month, but that will end my audio equipment purchases this year as I focus on other priorities. Next year I'll likely open the wallet a good bit wider for hi-fi.

That's the background, primarily so y'all don't recommend I go buy a $500 tone arm for my setup . Being new to this and not knowing anyone who's into vinyl, I have a few questions:

1 - Will the maintenance items I've listed cover my bases for protecting my investment? Especially the vinyl.

2 - Will things like anti-vibration mats, etc, improve sound if I presently hear no bearing noise with my setup (also assuming I don't with better speakers)?

3 - Should I limit the playing of my albums until the cleaners/preservatives arrive? I gave each a wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth before their first play, and they're currently not noticeably dusty. Should I give the stylus a wipe with a damp cloth too, or should I not touch it?

Thanks in advance!