In article , Sumatriptan
wrote:
Yesterday, I got a Dual 505 on Ebay for £77. I know there are Denons,
Thorens etc. around but I have a budget...


It has a M55E cartridge which the seller tells me was recently fitted.

If you don't already have a suitable test LP in good condition I'd
recommend getting a copy of one. I have a set of different examples, right
back to HFS69 (the age is hinted at by the number 8-]), The old ones aren't
available unused any more. However I think the

"Analogue Productions Ultimate Analogue Test LP"

is still available.

As with many test LPs the white/pink noise, isn't. :-) But the tones are
OK.

You can then use it to check that your cartridge, etc, are working OK.
Initially check 'by ear' that it tracks reasonably well. Adjust the playing
force ('weight') and bias to suit. Then check by making a digital recording
and seeing how much distortion, rumble, hum, etc there is.

Once happy with it, adjust the levels so your recordings don't clip. FWIW I
tend to set levels so a 0dB RIAA tone would come out somewhere around -15
to -18dB in the digital file. This gives headroom for loud sounds and means
you can simply leave the recording gain set from then on. No need to fiddle
with it from one LP to the next or worry about clipping. Makes life easier.


I see a few people doubting if vinyl--digital is worth it. Rationally,
I'm not sure either but I think it will be fun trying.

Experiment is often the best way to decide since it'll depend on you and
the LPs, etc. Have fun and enjoy the music rather than regard it as a task
to be ground though.

Jim

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