The absolute best of the best of all gadgets for vinyl lovers is a record cleaning machine! I have 2 cheap Knosti's, one with own cleaning solution and second with distilled water. Second most important would be a record and stylus brush. The antistatic gun also does wonder to quiet down the pops, crackles and overall background noise of the record.
Vinyl gadgetry! Part fun...part frustration. LOL This is one of the best, simple, just the facts explaining. In fact, the part about the stressed spring causing a difference in the tracking force vs anti-skate dial setting was great. I always wondered why my old decks never dialed in the same. But had not seen that explained elsewhere. I have an old Sony PS X5 in my collection. That thing is off by more than 2 when tuned. I never knew why...until now.
Picked up an AT LP120-USB back in January and I love the sound (my hearing isn't good enough to warrant popping for a genuine audiophile-quality unit). This vid was very informative about some additional accessories that I should have. Just put them on my Amazon wish list! I like the tip about using an old Laser Disc to check the skate setting. Never would have thought of that. Funny thing is, I run across those things once in a while down at our local Goodwill store. I'll have to keep my eye open for one now (LOL).
The GLi Pro I have is very similar to the AT LP120, but lacks the built in pre-amp and USB. I use an outboard ART USB phono plus for that functionality anyway. I borrowed the laserdisc idea from youtuber VWestlife who uses this method in at least two videos I have seen. I almost feel bad about using a laserdisc to check anti-skate, as the diamond needle puts micro-scratches into the laserdisc surface. Laserdiscs are worth grabbing at the thrift store regardless, as there is a collectors market for them. I'm glad you enjoyed this vid!
The LaserDisc trick works pretty good for anti-skate. Another method is to use a mono record with stereo cartridge, reverse polarity of one channel, mix the channels back together, then adjust anti-skate to maximum signal cancellation.
Regarding the adjustment of the cartridge by using a protractor. My new Audio Technica cartridge is mounted to the original headshell of my Dual 510 turntable. And the headshell completely blocks the cartridge when viewing from above, so it seems not possible to adjust the cartridge based on the protractor lines. Any ideas? Thanks
My only Audio Technica cartridge is an ATN110E. The stylus on it is aftermarket, thus no AT logo. If you are talking about the gold colored cart with the black headshell, that is a Stanton 600. I included a complete list of gear featured in this video in the description.
@@GW2_Live This would be a pretty good vid idea, comparing plinth and platter levels across various turntable models... I would want a high precision level for this comparison. Mine is a budget level.
Brushes are not essential at all. It doesnt neutralize static, rather it adds it if you use it like that, it doesnt remove even nearly all dust, and since it adds static it attracts more dust after use. Also, it scratches LPs, very lightly, but still. Leather mats are arguably more popular than cork mats. And there are also MI carts beyond the MM and MC.
@@ThriftyAV Ive talked to the guy in the article video and he seems similarly clueless about the effects and lack there of these brushes have. There is no demonstration anywhere of brushes removing static unless using the handheld method. Rather the opposite is true. And they can cause visible surface scratches if you just brush non perpendicular to the groove.
@@leon9021 If you are talking about brushes with insulating bristles, then yes, rubbing vinyl, an insulator, against another insulator, a horsehair shoe brush, for example, will cause a static charge buildup. Think a balloon and your hair, or an LP and a paper sleeve. However the brush I am using in my demonstration has carbon fiber bristles attached to a metal housing. The carbon fiber bristles are electrically conductive, and the metal housing around those bristles is also a conductor. Meanwhile, a human body holding this brush acts as a giant capacitor for the electrical charge. With a conductive brush, static charge is dissipated when the conductive fibers come in contact with electrically charged vinyl. The design of anti-static brushes takes advantage of well understood properties of static electrical charge, so I would say that the burden of proof is on you for the claim that an anti-static carbon fiber brush will increase that static charge on a vinyl record. If you can back your claim with "before and after" electrostatic voltmeter readings, I would be interested in seeing these results. As far as "micro-abrasions", it seems pretty obvious that the diamond tip on your stylus will cause far more damage to the record's surface than the relatively soft bristles on a carbon fiber brush. I've read debate on the Steve Hoffman forums regarding this topic, but I am unconvinced that brushes cause audible damage to vinyl records. I enjoy a lively debate about the merits of various turntable accessories, but I ask that you please refrain from ad hominem insults such as calling folks "clueless" in the comments section of my video. Thank you.
@@ThriftyAV Im talking about standard record carbon fiber brushes. The metal housing and human body can not work as a conductor so long as your platter isnt grounded directly, which few are. So that method sadly does not work which again is why its never been demonstrated to do so and instead rubs on more static to a threshold. You dont simply need a volt meter to show it. You can try for yourself at home. Just get a paper and some tape and do it like this guy: ua-cam.com/video/VuWPwFFYUtY/v-deo.html Ive tried it with consistently worse results. If you have a felt mat its also easy to tell since it will lift up with the record only after brushing. They do not cause audible damage. But if the damage is visual at all its a huge turn off for me at least. Ive tried 1 record multiple times and you can easily see how side 1 has lots more scratches than side 2 where I never used the brush. Especially since it doesnt remove the static or dust its marketed as doing. And yes Ive tried a brand new record with no dust on it. So its not simply the debris causing scratches. Even though it also could. How should I define it then? Im always skeptical of everything I try but I feel like others just assume things work without ever testing.
I'm moving on to cassette care for next weekend, but the anti-static effectiveness of carbon fiber brushes is certainly worth re-visiting in a future installment, perhaps as part of an "un-boxing" of a brand that loudly touts the anti-static claim such as the AudioQuest or Boundless. Thank you for your input.
The Pioneer turntable that I salvaged it from had multiple problems... It didn't maintain speed, even after a potentiometer cleaning. One of the audio channels had an intermittent crackling sound that I couldn't trace out, and then the transformer went out on it. I finally gave up on it, salvaging the mat, platter, and headshell.
The absolute best of the best of all gadgets for vinyl lovers is a record cleaning machine! I have 2 cheap Knosti's, one with own cleaning solution and second with distilled water.
Second most important would be a record and stylus brush.
The antistatic gun also does wonder to quiet down the pops, crackles and overall background noise of the record.
Thank you for your feedback.
Vinyl gadgetry! Part fun...part frustration. LOL This is one of the best, simple, just the facts explaining. In fact, the part about the stressed spring causing a difference in the tracking force vs anti-skate dial setting was great. I always wondered why my old decks never dialed in the same. But had not seen that explained elsewhere. I have an old Sony PS X5 in my collection. That thing is off by more than 2 when tuned. I never knew why...until now.
Picked up an AT LP120-USB back in January and I love the sound (my hearing isn't good enough to warrant popping for a genuine audiophile-quality unit). This vid was very informative about some additional accessories that I should have. Just put them on my Amazon wish list! I like the tip about using an old Laser Disc to check the skate setting. Never would have thought of that. Funny thing is, I run across those things once in a while down at our local Goodwill store. I'll have to keep my eye open for one now (LOL).
The GLi Pro I have is very similar to the AT LP120, but lacks the built in pre-amp and USB. I use an outboard ART USB phono plus for that functionality anyway. I borrowed the laserdisc idea from youtuber VWestlife who uses this method in at least two videos I have seen. I almost feel bad about using a laserdisc to check anti-skate, as the diamond needle puts micro-scratches into the laserdisc surface. Laserdiscs are worth grabbing at the thrift store regardless, as there is a collectors market for them. I'm glad you enjoyed this vid!
Love the beads! But seriously, good information.
Informative and great as always!
Cheers to using a LaserdDisc! I will use my copy of Speed.
The LaserDisc trick works pretty good for anti-skate. Another method is to use a mono record with stereo cartridge, reverse polarity of one channel, mix the channels back together, then adjust anti-skate to maximum signal cancellation.
Thanks 👋🤣 very helpful 🧿🎯
Great video!
Regarding the adjustment of the cartridge by using a protractor. My new Audio Technica cartridge is mounted to the original headshell of my Dual 510 turntable. And the headshell completely blocks the cartridge when viewing from above, so it seems not possible to adjust the cartridge based on the protractor lines. Any ideas? Thanks
I also have a Moving Coil Cartridge Demagnetizer.
Now I can clean my Guardians of the Galaxy records properly. Thanks for the tips
I thought that came out on cassette?!... If so, clean and demagnetize those heads (teaser for upcoming vid).
@@ThriftyAV it's also on vinyl
i liked, subscribed and commented.
Thank you, David... I'm glad to have you as a subscriber!
Is that an AT 125?
My only Audio Technica cartridge is an ATN110E. The stylus on it is aftermarket, thus no AT logo. If you are talking about the gold colored cart with the black headshell, that is a Stanton 600. I included a complete list of gear featured in this video in the description.
Shouldnt you level the platter, not the plinth?
When my plinth is level, so is my platter.
@@ThriftyAV if only we could all be so lucky!
@@GW2_Live This would be a pretty good vid idea, comparing plinth and platter levels across various turntable models... I would want a high precision level for this comparison. Mine is a budget level.
I just re-watched this vid. I DID place the level on the platter, not the plinth. I just had the pad off when I did it.
Brushes are not essential at all. It doesnt neutralize static, rather it adds it if you use it like that, it doesnt remove even nearly all dust, and since it adds static it attracts more dust after use.
Also, it scratches LPs, very lightly, but still.
Leather mats are arguably more popular than cork mats.
And there are also MI carts beyond the MM and MC.
A good article about brushes
longplayvinyl.com/vinyl-brush/
@@ThriftyAV Ive talked to the guy in the article video and he seems similarly clueless about the effects and lack there of these brushes have.
There is no demonstration anywhere of brushes removing static unless using the handheld method. Rather the opposite is true.
And they can cause visible surface scratches if you just brush non perpendicular to the groove.
@@leon9021 If you are talking about brushes with insulating bristles, then yes, rubbing vinyl, an insulator, against another insulator, a horsehair shoe brush, for example, will cause a static charge buildup. Think a balloon and your hair, or an LP and a paper sleeve.
However the brush I am using in my demonstration has carbon fiber bristles attached to a metal housing. The carbon fiber bristles are electrically conductive, and the metal housing around those bristles is also a conductor. Meanwhile, a human body holding this brush acts as a giant capacitor for the electrical charge.
With a conductive brush, static charge is dissipated when the conductive fibers come in contact with electrically charged vinyl.
The design of anti-static brushes takes advantage of well understood properties of static electrical charge, so I would say that the burden of proof is on you for the claim that an anti-static carbon fiber brush will increase that static charge on a vinyl record. If you can back your claim with "before and after" electrostatic voltmeter readings, I would be interested in seeing these results.
As far as "micro-abrasions", it seems pretty obvious that the diamond tip on your stylus will cause far more damage to the record's surface than the relatively soft bristles on a carbon fiber brush. I've read debate on the Steve Hoffman forums regarding this topic, but I am unconvinced that brushes cause audible damage to vinyl records.
I enjoy a lively debate about the merits of various turntable accessories, but I ask that you please refrain from ad hominem insults such as calling folks "clueless" in the comments section of my video. Thank you.
@@ThriftyAV Im talking about standard record carbon fiber brushes.
The metal housing and human body can not work as a conductor so long as your platter isnt grounded directly, which few are. So that method sadly does not work which again is why its never been demonstrated to do so and instead rubs on more static to a threshold.
You dont simply need a volt meter to show it. You can try for yourself at home. Just get a paper and some tape and do it like this guy:
ua-cam.com/video/VuWPwFFYUtY/v-deo.html
Ive tried it with consistently worse results.
If you have a felt mat its also easy to tell since it will lift up with the record only after brushing.
They do not cause audible damage. But if the damage is visual at all its a huge turn off for me at least. Ive tried 1 record multiple times and you can easily see how side 1 has lots more scratches than side 2 where I never used the brush.
Especially since it doesnt remove the static or dust its marketed as doing.
And yes Ive tried a brand new record with no dust on it. So its not simply the debris causing scratches. Even though it also could.
How should I define it then? Im always skeptical of everything I try but I feel like others just assume things work without ever testing.
I'm moving on to cassette care for next weekend, but the anti-static effectiveness of carbon fiber brushes is certainly worth re-visiting in a future installment, perhaps as part of an "un-boxing" of a brand that loudly touts the anti-static claim such as the AudioQuest or Boundless. Thank you for your input.
god. i wish i could comment on the ads that show up. totally irrelevant to what i clicked on to see. wth???
Hah, I've got that same rubber slipmat.
The Pioneer turntable that I salvaged it from had multiple problems... It didn't maintain speed, even after a potentiometer cleaning. One of the audio channels had an intermittent crackling sound that I couldn't trace out, and then the transformer went out on it. I finally gave up on it, salvaging the mat, platter, and headshell.