Making my record player sound better
 

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.

Daniele

Making my record player sound better
 

D.M. Procida wrote:
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.

Daniele


Valve amplification and/or phono stage usually cures most ills with
vinyl replay kit, but what cartridge are you using?

Making my record player sound better
 

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:43:05 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

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.

Newly set-up system or a gradually-increasing problem? You may just
be hearing one of the reasons we now use digital playback :-)

Making my record player sound better
 

Keith G wrote:

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.

Valve amplification and/or phono stage usually cures most ills with
vinyl replay kit, but what cartridge are you using?

It's a Linn K5.

I hadn't thought it would be an amplification problem, but more likely
to do with the mechanical set-up.

Daniele

Making my record player sound better
 

In article
,
D.M. Procida wrote:
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.

FWIW The Linn sourced carts I had experience of many years ago tended to
mistrack badly, particulary with HF on inner grooves. So a change of
cartridge may help.

Alternatively it may be misaligned or the stylus worn (since you don't say
how old the stylus is).

To check you could buy something like the 'Ultimate Analogue' test LP and
see what you get.

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.

Yes, it could be wear of the discs. Can't say.

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?

cf above.

Slainte,

Jim

--
Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

Making my record player sound better
 

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:43:05 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

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.

Daniele

I think you really need to find out whether it is the discs or the
machine before you get the hammer and spanners out. Do you have any
friends with a record player? If so, take the worst offenders over and
listen.

Unfortunately records that have been played on a machine that can't
reproduce high velocities have bee wrecked by them - the peaks have
been machined off. That can give rise to what you hear.

d

Making my record player sound better
 

Laurence Payne wrote:

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.

Newly set-up system or a gradually-increasing problem? You may just
be hearing one of the reasons we now use digital playback :-)

I've recently set it up after a year or so packed away for building
work. But I didn't do any adjustments.

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.

Daniele

Making my record player sound better
 

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:19:40 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

I've recently set it up after a year or so packed away for building
work. But I didn't do any adjustments.

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.

Try to pin down whether it IS happening nearer the centre of the disc.
Could be cartridge alignment (don't tell me a Linn owner isn't
equipped to adjust this? :-) Could be worn stylus, worn records.

Have you been listening to a nasty cheap digital system while your
"good" equipment was packed away? Could just be something else....

Making my record player sound better
 

D.M. Procida wrote:
Laurence Payne wrote:

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.
Newly set-up system or a gradually-increasing problem? You may just
be hearing one of the reasons we now use digital playback :-)

I've recently set it up after a year or so packed away for building
work. But I didn't do any adjustments.

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.

Daniele

Try adding some capacitance to the cartridge load.
It may be that the cable and amplifier load doesn't provide enough for
the cartridge.

If you have a pair of F-F phono couplers you could easily add another
interconnect;
a metre or so would add 50-100pF and you could hear if it makes a
difference.

--
Eiron.

Making my record player sound better
 

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:46:21 +0000, Eiron wrote:

Try adding some capacitance to the cartridge load.
It may be that the cable and amplifier load doesn't provide enough for
the cartridge.

If you have a pair of F-F phono couplers you could easily add another
interconnect;
a metre or so would add 50-100pF and you could hear if it makes a
difference.

It's on "some records" possible more so on the inner tracks. Will
cartridge loading really affect mistracking?

Making my record player sound better
 

Laurence Payne wrote:
On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:19:40 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

I've recently set it up after a year or so packed away for building
work. But I didn't do any adjustments.

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.


Have you been listening to a nasty cheap digital system while your
"good" equipment was packed away? Could just be something else....

You trying to be provocative mate... :)


--
Bill Coombes

Making my record player sound better
 

Laurence Payne wrote:

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.

Try to pin down whether it IS happening nearer the centre of the disc.

Very difficult to tell. It becomes more irritating, and one notices it
more after a while, and records also typically get louder towards the
end of a side.

If I recorded it, would that help an expert identify the possible cause?

Could be cartridge alignment (don't tell me a Linn owner isn't
equipped to adjust this? :-)

I assumed that the hi-fi shop I bought it from wold have set it up
correctly, and that it won't have moved around very much since then.

Daniele

Making my record player sound better
 

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:06:31 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

Laurence Payne wrote:

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.

Try to pin down whether it IS happening nearer the centre of the disc.

Very difficult to tell. It becomes more irritating, and one notices it
more after a while, and records also typically get louder towards the
end of a side.

If I recorded it, would that help an expert identify the possible cause?


Please do. Save it as wav, not mp3 though.

Could be cartridge alignment (don't tell me a Linn owner isn't
equipped to adjust this? :-)

I assumed that the hi-fi shop I bought it from wold have set it up
correctly, and that it won't have moved around very much since then.


That is a big assumption. Last time I set up my cartridge and arm it
took more than 2 hours. I really can't see any shop taking that sort
of time, care or trouble.

d

Making my record player sound better
 

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:00:12 +0000, bcoombes bcoombes@orangedotnet
wrote:

Have you been listening to a nasty cheap digital system while your
"good" equipment was packed away? Could just be something else....

You trying to be provocative mate... :)

Just realistic :-) Maybe we can save a vinyl victim here!

Is this the same person who's been storing an antique reel-to-reel
machine? You think the vinyl sounds rough....

Making my record player sound better
 

But be fair. I was quite into music on vinyl when that was all there
was. I'm trying to give helpful answers in that context. But there's
the distinct possibility that in the years away, ears have got used to
cleaner sound.

Making my record player sound better
 

D.M. Procida wrote:
Keith G wrote:

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.
Valve amplification and/or phono stage usually cures most ills with
vinyl replay kit, but what cartridge are you using?

It's a Linn K5.

I hadn't thought it would be an amplification problem, but more likely
to do with the mechanical set-up.

Daniele


OK. First step is to try a new stylus - an AT-95E will fit and work
fine, if look a little strange. 22 spons from Mantra:

https://shop.mantra-audio.co.uk/acat...ca_stylus.html


But double check the fit first, to be certain...

Making my record player sound better
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:43:05 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

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.

Daniele

I think you really need to find out whether it is the discs or the
machine before you get the hammer and spanners out. Do you have any
friends with a record player? If so, take the worst offenders over and
listen.

Unfortunately records that have been played on a machine that can't
reproduce high velocities have bee wrecked by them - the peaks have
been machined off. That can give rise to what you hear.

d

Sensible advice. From the brief description it does sound like end-of-side
distortion which is caused by the lower disc velocity at the centre, coupled
to higher levels...why do composers put the crescendos at the
finale.....which could be exacerbated by a worn and/or incorrectly aligned
cartridge and/or tracking weight and/or bias compensation. If you have worn
records, then that adds to the mix.

If I had your problem, I would first do what Don suggested, and eliminate
the records by checking them on another system. Then, if the records sound
OK elsewhere, realign the cartridge using an alignment protractor which is
obtainable all over the place on-line..just Google...and reset the tracking
weight and bias compensation.
Then if the problem still exists, it's most likely either a worn/damaged
stylus or possibly that the inexpensive Linn cartridge isn't good enough for
the job...as another poster has said, you may just have got unused to the
limitations of vinyl which you previously accepted as normal. Nevertheless,
a well set up turntable is still capable of good results (pace those who
believe it's better than any digital) if not up to digital replay standards,
so you may need a new stylus, or change the cartridge to something
altogether better than the one fitted. Almost any Goldring or Ortofon will
be a better bet.

Good luck.

S.

Making my record player sound better
 

Serge Auckland wrote:

If I had your problem, I would first do what Don suggested, and eliminate
the records by checking them on another system.

I'm not sure I even know anyone with a decent record-player!

Then, if the records sound OK elsewhere, realign the cartridge using an
alignment protractor which is obtainable all over the place on-line..just
Google...and reset the tracking weight and bias compensation.

I did actually start reading about that last night, but when I
discovered that there were several different schemes and methods I gave
up, disheartened.

Then if the problem still exists, it's most likely either a worn/damaged
stylus or possibly that the inexpensive Linn cartridge isn't good enough for
the job...as another poster has said, you may just have got unused to the
limitations of vinyl which you previously accepted as normal.

That's unlikely. I had a CD player for years before owning a record
player. Nearly all of my records were bought second-hand, and many have
their own kind of sonic distress. But I am sure that this unpleasant
glassiness should not be there.

Daniele

Making my record player sound better
 

On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:23:56 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

That's unlikely. I had a CD player for years before owning a record
player. Nearly all of my records were bought second-hand, and many have
their own kind of sonic distress. But I am sure that this unpleasant
glassiness should not be there.

Can we hear a sample? This is much easier to discuss when we all know
what we are talking about.

d

Making my record player sound better
 

"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
...
Serge Auckland wrote:

If I had your problem, I would first do what Don suggested, and eliminate
the records by checking them on another system.

I'm not sure I even know anyone with a decent record-player!

Then, if the records sound OK elsewhere, realign the cartridge using an
alignment protractor which is obtainable all over the place on-line..just
Google...and reset the tracking weight and bias compensation.

I did actually start reading about that last night, but when I
discovered that there were several different schemes and methods I gave
up, disheartened.

Then if the problem still exists, it's most likely either a worn/damaged
stylus or possibly that the inexpensive Linn cartridge isn't good enough
for
the job...as another poster has said, you may just have got unused to the
limitations of vinyl which you previously accepted as normal.

That's unlikely. I had a CD player for years before owning a record
player. Nearly all of my records were bought second-hand, and many have
their own kind of sonic distress. But I am sure that this unpleasant
glassiness should not be there.

Daniele

I agree it shouldn't, but I think the remedy is in the steps I outlined. As
to second-hand records, almost all of mine were bought in charity shops or
car-boot sales, and the quality is indeed rather variable. However, when
cleaned properly using a vacuum Record Cleaning Machine, and played with a
decent stylus, they are capable of surprisingly good results.

Persevere and you will be rewarded.

S.

Making my record player sound better
 

"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
...
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.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

Making my record player sound better
 

"Trevor Wilson" wrote in message
...

"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
...
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

Making my record player sound better
 

"Iain Churches" wrote in message
...

"Trevor Wilson" wrote in message
...

"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
...
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

Making my record player sound better
 

Trevor Wilson wrote:

* Have the stylus examined under a microscope. Replace (with a
manufacturer's original), if the diamond is chipped, or excessively worn.

It's a Linn cartridge. They abandoned their customers many years ago.
You mean replace the stylus with an Audio Technica that doesn't quite fit.

--
Eiron.

Making my record player sound better
 

On 13/01/2010 19:12, Don Pearce wrote:
On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:06:31 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

Laurence wrote:

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.

Try to pin down whether it IS happening nearer the centre of the disc.

Very difficult to tell. It becomes more irritating, and one notices it
more after a while, and records also typically get louder towards the
end of a side.

If I recorded it, would that help an expert identify the possible cause?


Please do. Save it as wav, not mp3 though.

Could be cartridge alignment (don't tell me a Linn owner isn't
equipped to adjust this? :-)

I assumed that the hi-fi shop I bought it from wold have set it up
correctly, and that it won't have moved around very much since then.


That is a big assumption. Last time I set up my cartridge and arm it
took more than 2 hours. I really can't see any shop taking that sort
of time, care or trouble.


I wouldn't have thought it'd take a reasonably seasoned bod more than 10
minutes to fit and align a cartridge in one of those. Bias, tracking and
alignment aside, everything is fixed.

Making my record player sound better
 

Well lots of other responses to choose from, without reading them my first
thought was yes, wear, but also the compliance of some carts that old will
have become either too soft or too hard, particularly true I recall with
moving coil units.

However if this has occured over time, it may well have damaged records you
play a lot.

Another think is any lubricants in the arm. These can go sticky over time,
and may need cleaning out and replacing.

As you say, old second hand vinyl is not exactly going to be a test disc
worth relying upon. You need a known good sounding copy of something.

Brian

--
Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email.
graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them
Email:
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________


"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
...
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.

Daniele

Making my record player sound better
 

Brian Gaff wrote:
Well lots of other responses to choose from, without reading them my first
thought was yes, wear, but also the compliance of some carts that old will
have become either too soft or too hard, particularly true I recall with
moving coil units.

However if this has occured over time, it may well have damaged records you
play a lot.

Another think is any lubricants in the arm. These can go sticky over time,
and may need cleaning out and replacing.

As you say, old second hand vinyl is not exactly going to be a test disc
worth relying upon. You need a known good sounding copy of something.


Just an observation: Unless it has changed radically in the last two or
three years, it is/was not difficult to find unplayed or played only
once or twice vinyl in charity shops. Boxed sets for song with only the
first disc ever having seen the light of day were quite commonplace.

I reckon I have hundreds of unplayed discs yet to do!

Making my record player sound better
 

Rob wrote:
On 13/01/2010 19:12, Don Pearce wrote:
On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:06:31 +0000,
(D.M. Procida) wrote:

Laurence wrote:

I have noticed this glassiness before, but now I want to do something
about it.

Try to pin down whether it IS happening nearer the centre of the disc.

Very difficult to tell. It becomes more irritating, and one notices it
more after a while, and records also typically get louder towards the
end of a side.

If I recorded it, would that help an expert identify the possible cause?


Please do. Save it as wav, not mp3 though.

Could be cartridge alignment (don't tell me a Linn owner isn't
equipped to adjust this? :-)

I assumed that the hi-fi shop I bought it from wold have set it up
correctly, and that it won't have moved around very much since then.


That is a big assumption. Last time I set up my cartridge and arm it
took more than 2 hours. I really can't see any shop taking that sort
of time, care or trouble.


I wouldn't have thought it'd take a reasonably seasoned bod more than 10
minutes to fit and align a cartridge in one of those. Bias, tracking and
alignment aside, everything is fixed.



The biggest problem is yet again here we have someone with not much idea
who has been suckered into buying a 'famous name' instead of a better
option deck that is easy to live with, like a Technics - where you can
effect a headshell swap in 20 seconds if you bustle....

Making my record player sound better
 

Eiron wrote:
Trevor Wilson wrote:

* Have the stylus examined under a microscope. Replace (with a
manufacturer's original), if the diamond is chipped, or excessively worn.

It's a Linn cartridge. They abandoned their customers many years ago.
You mean replace the stylus with an Audio Technica that doesn't quite fit.



The AT-95E stylus fits and works fine, it just sticks out a bit - you
wouldn't give it a thought from Day 2....

Making my record player sound better
 

Keith G wrote:
Brian Gaff wrote:
Well lots of other responses to choose from, without reading them my
first thought was yes, wear, but also the compliance of some carts
that old will have become either too soft or too hard, particularly
true I recall with moving coil units.

However if this has occured over time, it may well have damaged
records you play a lot.

Another think is any lubricants in the arm. These can go sticky over
time, and may need cleaning out and replacing.

As you say, old second hand vinyl is not exactly going to be a test
disc worth relying upon. You need a known good sounding copy of
something.


Just an observation: Unless it has changed radically in the last two or
three years, it is/was not difficult to find unplayed or played only
once or twice vinyl in charity shops.

An ex of mine astonished me by the number of 78's she was able to accumulate in
that manner. She had one of those antique horn record player thingy's. It
sounded bloody awful of course but looked wonderful.

--
Bill Coombes

Making my record player sound better
 

"Trevor Wilson" wrote in message
...
**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.

LOL 22 years old, that's hardly modern!
All the LPs I have bought in the last 5 years have been excellent quality
pressings on heavy weight vinyl.

Making my record player sound better
 

David wrote:
"Trevor Wilson" wrote in message
...
**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.

LOL 22 years old, that's hardly modern!
All the LPs I have bought in the last 5 years have been excellent quality
pressings on heavy weight vinyl.



Ditto

Making my record player sound better
 

"Trevor Wilson" wrote in message
...

"Iain Churches" wrote in message
...

"Trevor Wilson" wrote in message
...

"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
...
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.

That was a long time ago, and the period when vinyl was assumed
to be on it's last legs. No one, the record companies in particular,
thought there would be a continued interest. Disc mastering facilities
and pressing plants, those that have not closed that is, have really
pulled their socks up since then.

Three parallel productions were discussed last year 2009 on
your Oz group. A number of people bought both CD
and vinyl versions for comparison.I was one of these
people. The quality of the numbered limited-run
vinyl pressings was impressive.

For many people, the perceived quality of an LP in a 12"
gatefold sleeve, with insert card, session photos, and copious
biographical notes makes it a very pleasing and tactile product,
especially when the sound quality lives up to expectations.

I get the impression that the percentage of serious listeners,
people who sit down in their favourite chair in front of their
speakers to actually *listen* carefully to a recording, either
from CD or vinyl has greatly decreased in the past few years.
There are so many alternative hobbies. People seem to listen
to music while doing other things, at their computers, or in the
car. Hence the popularity of -mp3 and download sites.

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.

Understood. It seems, according to posters on the Oz group, that EMI
Australia had a poor reputation for pressings. Presumably the plant is
now closed?

In the UK also, EMI had a rather poor reputation, which has been
discussed here on UKRA many times. Jim L has had particularly
disappointing experiences with their product and level of service.
Interestingly, the old EMI plant at Hayes, UK, now owned by an
independent manufacturer is turning out excellent work.

Once again, this is probably due to much slower pressing cycles,
the use of virgin vinyl (no recycled vinyl) as raw material, and
imnproved QC.

Iain

Making my record player sound better
 

Iain Churches wrote:


sneeyip



For many people, the perceived quality of an LP in a 12"
gatefold sleeve, with insert card, session photos, and copious
biographical notes makes it a very pleasing and tactile product,
especially when the sound quality lives up to expectations.



Ho yesss....

:-)


I get the impression that the percentage of serious listeners,
people who sit down in their favourite chair in front of their
speakers to actually *listen* carefully to a recording, either
from CD or vinyl has greatly decreased in the past few years.
There are so many alternative hobbies. People seem to listen
to music while doing other things, at their computers, or in the
car. Hence the popularity of -mp3 and download sites.


I worry when I see the phrase 'serious listeners' and envisage some ****
in a fair isle pullover hauling his chair into a tiny little
'sweet spot' right in front of his system with a notepad and stopwatch
on his knee, logging every little pop and fart....

;-)

Making my record player sound better
 

"Iain Churches" wrote in message


That was a long time ago, and the period when vinyl was
assumed to be on it's last legs. No one, the record companies in
particular, thought there would be a continued interest. Disc mastering
facilities and pressing plants, those that
have not closed that is, have really pulled their socks
up since then.

This is a false claim. It was always understood that there would be valid
reasons for a tiny minority to retain their interest in vinyl.

Making my record player sound better
 

"D.M. Procida"
wrote in
message

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.

Obtain a good test record (technical tests of tracking and the like) and see
which tracks are actually giving you problems. The titles of the tracks will
give you a clue as to a more specific definition of the problem. It will
then at least be fairly easy to determine when the problem is addressed.

Making my record player sound better
 

In article , Iain Churches
wrote:



Understood. It seems, according to posters on the Oz group, that EMI
Australia had a poor reputation for pressings. Presumably the plant is
now closed?

In the UK also, EMI had a rather poor reputation, which has been
discussed here on UKRA many times. Jim L has had particularly
disappointing experiences with their product and level of service.

Judging by comments from other people I knew at the time, and from magazine
articles, etc, I doubt my experience was anywhere close to being unique in
that respect.

Interestingly, the old EMI plant at Hayes, UK, now owned by an
independent manufacturer is turning out excellent work.

TBH I doubt the problem was with the machinery per se. It was almost
certainly with them being driven by bean-counters to make as many LPs as
they could, as quickly and cheaply as they could. So to hell with making
pressings with care, keeping things clean, etc.

Once again, this is probably due to much slower pressing cycles, the use
of virgin vinyl (no recycled vinyl) as raw material, and imnproved QC.

Happy to agree with that as a reason, although so far as I know, I've not
personally had any of their recent LPs so can't say from direct experience.

One curio I've noted over the years is the impression than in many
countries they tended to rate highly 'imports' from elsewhere over their
LPs made 'at home'. Does make me wonder if various factories tended to take
more care with export copies than with those for the 'home audience'.

Slainte,

Jim

--
Please use the address on the audiomisc page if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

Making my record player sound better
 

"Arny Krueger" wrote in message
...
"D.M. Procida"
wrote in
message

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.

Obtain a good test record (technical tests of tracking and the like) and
see which tracks are actually giving you problems. The titles of the
tracks will give you a clue as to a more specific definition of the
problem. It will then at least be fairly easy to determine when the
problem is addressed.

**IGNORE THIS ADVICE! This is extremely bad advice. Any faults with the
existing equipment will permanently damage any (expensive) test recording
(IOW: Subsequent playback will likely reveal faults that do not exist, due
to prior damage). The equipment MUST be fully and completely checked, BEFORE
using any form of test recording. Other than this, quite seriously bad piece
of advice, Mr Krueger is correct. A test recording is a good idea. AFTER
performing the requisite mechanical checks and adjustments, of course.


--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

Making my record player sound better
 

Well, I wonder how you would really know about the status of discs? Many of
them routinely clean them first and some even have new inner sleeves. The
only way to be sure is if they are skin sealed and with the sales stickers
attached, Even then you have no idea how they have been stored of course.

Brian

--
Brian Gaff -
Note:- In order to reduce spam, any email without 'Brian Gaff'
in the display name may be lost.
Blind user, so no pictures please!
"Keith G" wrote in message
...
Brian Gaff wrote:
Well lots of other responses to choose from, without reading them my
first thought was yes, wear, but also the compliance of some carts that
old will have become either too soft or too hard, particularly true I
recall with moving coil units.

However if this has occured over time, it may well have damaged records
you play a lot.

Another think is any lubricants in the arm. These can go sticky over
time, and may need cleaning out and replacing.

As you say, old second hand vinyl is not exactly going to be a test disc
worth relying upon. You need a known good sounding copy of something.


Just an observation: Unless it has changed radically in the last two or
three years, it is/was not difficult to find unplayed or played only once
or twice vinyl in charity shops. Boxed sets for song with only the first
disc ever having seen the light of day were quite commonplace.

I reckon I have hundreds of unplayed discs yet to do!

Making my record player sound better
 

On Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:45:54 +1100, "Trevor Wilson"
wrote:

**IGNORE THIS ADVICE! This is extremely bad advice. Any faults with the
existing equipment will permanently damage any (expensive) test recording
(IOW: Subsequent playback will likely reveal faults that do not exist, due
to prior damage). The equipment MUST be fully and completely checked, BEFORE
using any form of test recording. Other than this, quite seriously bad piece
of advice, Mr Krueger is correct. A test recording is a good idea. AFTER
performing the requisite mechanical checks and adjustments, of course.


If it may only be played on a perfectly set up system, what is a test
record meant to test?