Hi! I have a turntable to play a few of my LPs that I have. I haven't used it much over the few years I've had it. I went to go play an LP tonight and something was totally wrong.
It didn't really 'progress' through the tracks. It sounded 'dirty'. It sort of 'skips' but back to the bit before - so it's literally a "broken records".
I thought it might be a dud old record - it is VERY clean though. I checked a few other LPs and they are all doing the same thing. A dull distorted sound that replays the same section over and over and over. Once the tonebar skated across the front of the LP - I don't think mtoo much was done to the disc.
I was wondering if anyone ould halp or put me in the right direction of h elp.
Thanks!
Andrew
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
Replace the needle.
Posted by TSN (Member # 31) on :
Weird. I was at my parents' house just a couple hours ago, and my dad was telling me about having just had that exact same problem a few days ago.
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
Yeah, you either need to replace the needle, or clean it (tricky, and usualy damages the needle in the proces). You can usualy find a new cartridge online, and they're not too expensive.
If that fails, you might (if you can) adjust the weight on the arm (not all gramms have one).
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 44) on :
Thanks for the help! I asked at a decent alternative music store - they have a DJ/Vinyl section downstairs - they guy said to bring the needle/stylus in and he'd match it up to his 'poster of styluses'. He said it'd probably be about AUS$50 (US$70??). Too much or should I look on line?
Andrew
Posted by Peregrinus (Member # 504) on :
Pay attention to the Beacon. If the counterweight has managed to unscrew itself only slightly, the weight will be pulling down on the back of the arm, and the result is less contact between needle and LP. Symptoms: faint sound, pops and hiss from the lightest surface lint, bouncing between grooves because the faintest warp of the vinyl throws the arm...
Adjust the counterweight in the slightest of slight increments (you don't want the needle to dig into the album, after all). If that doesn't solve the problem, then look to the cartridge.
--Jonah
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
Thats quite a bit dearer than I'd of thought. If it's just a cartridge you need, than I'd pay about �2-10 (A$5-25). A whole stylus should put you back no more than �20 (A$50). Bear in mind that both can be much more expensive, and you might be better checing out an electronics shop as well, just to see if you can't get it cheaper.
If you can get away with it, just replace the cartridge. If the stylus is removable, check to see if the cartridge comes out of it as well.
Posted by TSN (Member # 31) on :
My dad had trouble finding a store that sold cartridges, so he apparently bought one off Amazon. Of course, that will probably require you to know exactly what you need.
Posted by Peregrinus (Member # 504) on :
There is a shop in Seattle that I go past quite frequently that advertises needles, cartridges, and the lot. Tell us what make and model you have, and I'll get a price-check for you.
--Jonah
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
But do they deliver globaly?
Posted by Peregrinus (Member # 504) on :