"Iain Churches" wrote in message
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"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.

**I was careful not to brand ALL modern vinyl as bad. IME, much of it is
crap. In fact, I purchased my last Australian vinyl (new) back in 1988. I
placed both records on my TT and was appalled at the sound quality. So much
so, that I thought I had a chipped diamond. Fearful of testing a another
record on the TT, I finally found one I was willing to sacrifice. It sounded
fine. Both recordings had different labels, but were pressed at the same
plant (here in Sydney). EMI Records. I sent both LPs back for replacement. I
received two new records by courier. They had identical faults to the
previous ones. When I called and complained, I spoke to the QC department
that claimed by equipment must have been defective, since they were unable
to hear any flaws on their reference equipment. I gave up and asked for
replacement CDs instead.

NEVER assume modern vinyl to be without fault. Boutique labels are likely to
be producing excellent product, but that's about it.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au