"Setting" Your Analog System

Surfer · July-13th-2005, 07:19 PM

LeMo is going to explain to me how to "set" my turntable correctly.

Chris D · July-17th-2005, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

LeMo is going to explain to me how to "set" my turntable correctly.

You need a tracking protractor and a stylus pressure gauge.

Surfer · July-18th-2005, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris D

You need a tracking protractor and a stylus pressure gauge.

LOL, what do those do?

It's amazing how much I dont know about something I think I know about.

Doc Martin · July-21st-2005, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris D

You need a tracking protractor and a stylus pressure gauge.

This is correct.

What make/model is your turntable?

LeMo · July-21st-2005, 04:05 PM

Yep, part of the answer is the posts above.
So what kind of turntable do you own?

Surfer · July-21st-2005, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMo

Yep, part of the answer is the posts above.
So what kind of turntable do you own?

It's a Sony. It's pretty crappy I must say (I paid about $60 used and then replaced the stylus), i'll have to check the model.

In my defense, I am looking to upgrade soon. But I'm poor.

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 12:31 PM

Sony PS-LX2

Here's it is now: http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos...ntable_web.jpg

Please dont laugh.

Kevin Bresnahan · July-22nd-2005, 12:41 PM

I've seen much worse. Nothing to be ashamed of. I wouldn't go playing any $1,000 records on this any day soon, but since you sound budget-constrained, that shouldn't be a probelm.

Looking at the picture, it looks like your basic Sony TT and if it is, there is little chance you will be able to adjust much of anything. I'd say you're likely stuck with "close & play". If there are any adjustable settings, it's likely just tracking force. My rule of thumb for that on these low end TTs is to track as lightly as possible. I wouldn't waste any money on a tracking force gauge for this. As I said, it's likely set about right so just put on a record, close the cover and hit "play".

Kevin

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Bresnahan

I've seen much worse. Nothing to be ashamed of. I wouldn't go playing any $1,000 records on this any day soon, but since you sound budget-constrained, that shouldn't be a probelm.

Looking at the picture, it looks like your basic Sony TT and if it is, there is little chance you will be able to adjust much of anything. I'd say you're likely stuck with "close & play". If there are any adjustable settings, it's likely just tracking force. My rule of thumb for that on these low end TTs is to track as lightly as possible. I wouldn't waste any money on a tracking force gauge for this. As I said, it's likely set about right so just put on a record, close the cover and hit "play".

Kevin

Pretty much what I do. Yeah, it has tracking, but I dont touch that.

There was one suggestion for a good inexpensive turntable around. Anybody have any more? Craig's List is a really great way of finding high quality used equipment, especially in this area.

Are there any brands I should look out for in particular, either new or used?

Thanks for your help.

groover · July-22nd-2005, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

Are there any brands I should look out for in particular, either new or used?
Thanks for your help.

I've no idea about current prices or availability, but I have a Bang & Olafsson Beogram that's solid as a rock. It was the first turntable I didn't have to install on a wall-mounted shelf to prevent it from skipping like a schoolgirl everytime I walked across the room.

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groover

I've no idea about current prices or availability, but I have a Bang & Olafsson Beogram that's solid as a rock. It was the first turntable I didn't have to install on a wall-mounted shelf to prevent it from skipping like a schoolgirl everytime I walked across the room.

In my price range!

http://www.craigslist.com/sfc/ele/85346313.html

How's this? Is this what you have groover?

I'll need to wait a month or two, but nice to know they're out there.

Any others?

groover · July-22nd-2005, 01:42 PM

That's not exactly the same as mine, Surfer. I'll have to check the model number when I get home, but mine has a radial tonearm, which projects perpendicularly to the platter. However, you'll probably be happy with a B & O, even with the standard tonearm.

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groover

radial tonearm vs. the standard tonearm.

Big difference?

letchhausen · July-22nd-2005, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

Big difference?

Since records are cut in a linear fashion a linear tracking tonearm is generally better. One of the best in the world, the Air Tangent is a linear tracker. I'm not sure for the price differential that the difference in the B&O is worth it. One of my earliest tables was the B&O RX-2 which was the 1990's version of the one shown in that ad. Nice tables but I got a Dual that was better, then an Oracle. Now I'm looking at a Galibier but it's pretty expensive. The B&O is nice because of the suspension but the cartidges aren't cheap and are getting in short supply. What's your budget?

groover · July-22nd-2005, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

Big difference?

To paraphrase a famous comedienne, you ask a lotta questions for someone who's originally from New Jersey, Surfer.

Actually, I think I may have confused the terminology. The standard tonearm is linear (radial?), and the perpendicular arm is tangential.

My Beogram looks something like this:

You'll find more info here: http://www.beoworld.co.uk/beogram4500.htm

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by letchhausen

What's your budget?

Less than $200.

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groover

To paraphrase a famous comedienne, you ask a lotta questions for someone who's originally from New Jersey, Surfer.

Cherry Hill, baby! And wut da hell is dat subbos'd da mean?

Where is Media? Up there past the Mainline, no?

groover · July-22nd-2005, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer

Cherry Hill, baby! And wut da hell is dat subbos'd da mean?

Where is Media? Up there past the Mainline, no?

Media's in Delaware County, actually a bit south of the Mainline.

When Gilda Radner used that line as Roseanne Roseanadanna on SNL, I think she was implying that it might be unhealthy for a resident of the Garden State to appear too inquisitive when visiting certain parts of New York City. I didn't mean anything quite as sinister, only that you could do a little more research of your own via Google. The info you seek is becoming more esoteric, but I found a few discussion boards which bandied about some info which might be relevant. Unfortunately, I don't have time right now to sort through it and figure what might be helpful to you. If you're still not sure what to do, which I can certainly understand, I'll research it a little later and get back to you.

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groover

Media's in Delaware County, actually a bit south of the Mainline.

When Gilda Radner used that line as Roseanne Roseanadanna on SNL, I think she was implying that it might be unhealthy for a resident of the Garden State to appear too inquisitive when visiting certain parts of New York City. I didn't mean anything quite as sinister, only that you could do a little more research of your own via Google. The info you seek is becoming more esoteric, but I found a few discussion boards which bandied about some info which might be relevant. Unfortunately, I don't have time right now to sort through it and figure what might be helpful to you. If you're still not sure what to do, which I can certainly understand, I'll research it a little later and get back to you.

OK, thanks for your help, groover.

Chazro · July-22nd-2005, 04:52 PM

Wazzup Surfer!

Always nice to see interest in vinyl playback. My advice would be to at least add another $100 or so, there are some amazing tables out there in the 3-400 dollar range. Go to audioadvisor.com or needledoctor.com. Needledoctor really has a huge selection and it's always fun to look at the exotica!!

letchhausen · July-22nd-2005, 05:10 PM

I agree with Chazro, try to move your budget up to $300-$400 and get a cheap Rega 3 or a Pro-Ject table. Before I would get the B&O, I would buy a used Dual 505 or 606 (probably $50 on ebay)and put a Denon DL-165 (around $150) cartridge on it. That would give you more dynamic oomph. Though the Rega would kill that.

A link for checking the stylus force of your current table here

A page with a variety of analog documents for turntable set up at audioasylum
the jazzcornertalk of audiophilia. You should go on the analog boards and ask for some advice too. You might meet someone in your area who could help you out. The nice thing about that board is that the analog people at audioasylum tend to try the get the best sound without throwing money around.

Surfer · July-22nd-2005, 05:41 PM

Thanks guys, I will check those out. Good info.

Chris D · July-26th-2005, 02:53 PM

Look on eBay or sales sites like Audiogon (which has free registration). You should be able to find a Pro-Ject 1.2 or Music Hall 2 there for $200 or less. For new budget tables, check out the Audio Advisor.

And, on linear arms and tables, while they would seem to be more reliable, they can be a bitch to set up properly. An a misaligned linear tracker can cause LP damage in a hurry.

Here's a nice little buy for $255+

LeMo · July-28th-2005, 02:49 PM

Pro-ject has a very good quality turntable for not much money.
It's a good way to go for a low budget.
They are also very nice looking, what is part of the pleasure.

Surfer · July-28th-2005, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris D

Here's a nice little buy for $255+

Wow, that is a beauty, in terms of design.

I bid on the other one you directed me too, Chris, and it looks like I might get it.

Thanks. That one's nice too.

Chris D · July-28th-2005, 05:32 PM

If you get it, I hope it works well for you. I'd feel guilty otherwise.

Surfer · July-28th-2005, 06:16 PM

The guy has a pretty good rating. Plus its only $105+shipping as of now.

My Sony is ready to go out to pasture.

Chris D · July-29th-2005, 10:22 AM

Saw you got beat at the last minute. Those old Micro-Seiki belt drives are very quiet, and the one you bid on had a great rosewood base.

Surfer · July-29th-2005, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris D

Saw you got beat at the last minute. Those old Micro-Seiki belt drives are very quiet, and the one you bid on had a great rosewood base.

Yup, I dont know eBay very well, but I am learning that you need to monitor those things during the last few minutes.

I was willing to go a bit higher too, unfortunately.