"Trevor Wilson" wrote in message
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"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
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My record player sounds pretty good, on the whole (it's a Linn Basik
with Linn arm and cartridge that I got about 17 or 18 years ago).

However, on some records, it can sound a bit glassy. I don't know if
that's the right word. In louder passages - especially towards the end
of a side, I *think* - sustained notes seem to have a brittle edge to
them.

Because nearly all of my vinyl records are second-hand, it's hard to
know whether the records are worn or the player isn't playing them well.

Are there some basic adjustments I should check, or would I be better
taking it to a hi-fi shop and asking them to check it's set it up
properly?

I'm quite happy taking things apart and making mechanical adjustments,
but I haven't done much messing about with record players.

**Here's what you should do (in approximate order of importance):

* Have the stylus examined under a microscope. Replace (with a
manufacturer's original), if the diamond is chipped, or excessively worn.
* If the stylus is several years old, you may find that the rubber damping
has hardened. A replacement stylus will sort this problem out too. This
effect is temperature related. In cold weather, the rubber is harder. Try
warming the room.
* Check the tracking pressure and compare to the manufacturer's suggested
figures.
* Check and adjust the 'overhang' of the tone correctly.
* Check and adjust the azimuth of the arm.
* Check and adjust tone arm height.
* Check some of your LPs on a known good TT.

NB: Many modern, contemporary LPs are crap. Do not assume that a new LP is
blameless. NOS (pre-1983) LPs are usually blameless however.

Good advice, Trevor. I agree with everything except the last
paragraph. Due to much slower pressing cycles, and tighter
QC than was every applied in the pre digital era, modern pressings,
especially parallel issues of a new project (those where a CD is available
also) are actually very good indeed. The manufacturer is keen to
demonstrate just how good vinyl can be.

Iain