A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: So... I am getting a little bit of "pushback" on my "ditch the cover" hot take. That is really my personal preference. I probably should have included in the video that I cover all my turntables, when not in use, with a very lightweight cloth. I hit my records with a brushing before and after playing each side. I NEVER leave a record on my table longer than it takes to play it. My records go straight back in the anti-static sleeve (that I buy for every record) and then the record and cover go into a clear poly sleeve. I'm NOT a dirty audiophile. I have a SpinClean and a Record Doctor VI. I don't know.. on a day when our leaders are claiming the government has "weather machines," how is this the worst thing someone can say! PS I'm not "stupid." But please continue to comment if you believe I misspoke... maybe you can change my mind. But, I don't think my house has that much dust... and besides, most people don't even clean their records after they buy them! I do. How dirty are they coming out of the factory. Thanks! - the Author
I only take the dustcover completely off when listening, though even that can be contentious as Roy Gandy (Mr Rega) recommends leaving the cover on in the down position when in use! Happy listening from Scotland to all. Jim🏴🙂
I too cover the platter(s) with a thick cloth and blow it off with a rubber rocket blaster. One cover is in the box and the other turntable didn't come with one - it is so tall an aquarium size cover would be needed. Kuzma has a slick cover that is like plexiglass bent to shape with no sides. Don't know if it can be used on other turntables.
Mass is class! Heavy decks don't vibrate. Made my own using a Lenco 75. Laminated plywood and MDF. Added 5/8 inch of aluminum disk onto existing platter. The deck weighs about 70 lbs. An upgraded cartridge and stylus worked wonders. Nagaoka MP 50. The MP 500 stilus fits works if I need a new one. Worth every penny. Jelco tone arm. No complaints there. The dust cover is a must have. Keeps the dust off my deck. It's removable, but I can't hear the difference from on or off. Cheers, Al
The one upgrade I did to my 42 year old Dual CS-506 that you did not mention is #7 get better interconnects. This mod took the sound to the next level. My other mods for this turntable included a better sounding cartridge and Vibrapod isolators.
You should get a half inch adapter and change that Ortofon DN-155E ! I did that with my 506 and what a difference,! Only thing you have to be aware of is the VTA That will most likely be off but because of the additional space at the headshell end it's usually just a tiny bit low and trust me it won't make any difference. The one cartridge I put on my table was the Stanton ,681EEE Mk3 that suited the sound of it best.
@@dark-eternalknight3379 I did get that adapter back in 1989 with the counterweight. I've had a Shure Me97he cartridge attached to it ever since and to me it sounds perfect on my 506.
VWestlife did a great video about the dust cover. He did all sorts of measurements. Either off or down was the final result. I definitely use mine. It provides some physical protection from anything stupid and general house dust does accumulate over time. I just put mine down when playing. Put a couple of those tiny felt pads on your turn table where it contacts the cover if you want more isolation than the little rubber bumper on the lid.
Thanks for the info! I do protect my turntable and records in other ways. I'm already thinking about doing another video about the "cover controversy!"
My cat likes the amp because it’s warm I keep my dust cover down when I play records But I do agree that high volumes my sub increases the residence that is translated through the dust cover into the ultimate listening
I just listened to this entire video because UA-cam auto-played it while I was busy. This only reinforced why I quit vinyl after only starting to get into it as a teenager 50 years ago. I got my drivers license! I realised I could sit alone in my basement room on the farm or I could buy 8-tracks, and car audio, and go hang out with people! I'm never going back to vinyl (but I did "Like" your video).
Good recommendations. I have one to add. Make sure your table is on a stable base. A heavy table or cabinet. On that heavy base, get yourself a heavy concrete patio stone. They are cheap, and can actually be quite aesthetic. We're talking $10. Put the stone on the cabinet, and then put your turntable (with it's new upgraded feet) on that stone. Dampling is critical, imo, and this is a great way to protect the stylus from vibrations. You also want to make sure that your turntable is behind your speakers. You do not want a speaker playing at your stylus. Likewise, speakers should not be on the same surface as the turntable. I know people have desktop rigs, and this sometimes cant be avoided - all the more reason to use that patio stone. Your speakers are otherwise loading bass into the surface that will then transfer to your stylus. So use as much mass as possible. You don't need to pay money for a branded "isolation platform" or whatever. Concrete is arguably the best substance for this purpose. Otherwise, keep tweaking and upgrading. Its a journey, not a destination!
All excellent recommendations. My Music Hall turntable came with most of them. Built-in level,record clamp,Ortofon Bronze cartridge. My McIntosh MX130 preamp has a great photo stage.
The 2M Bronze was my starter cartridge...on a Fluance RT85 w/ a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono pre. The 2M Bronze is a great little piece of kit...and I honestly only moved on from this setup because the turntable stuck out like a sore thumb in my system. It sounded/performed great. I'm currently running the Concorde Music Black LVB 250 on a Music Hall Stealth w/ a Black Ice Audio Fusion9 MkIII phono pre. Real solid stuff imho...and this is my endgame. EDIT: I initially asked if you're using the 2M Bronze or the concorde music bronze...but then realized you said your 'table came w/ the Bronze & that it's a Music Hall. That's a 2M Bronze all day, every day.
@dizzle1119 Unless there's a failure, this is the turntable I will stick with till the end. I'm 72, and it should outlast me with proper care. FYI, associated equipment is Parasound A23 powering Sonus Faber Sonetto IIIs and Miller & Kreisel V-2B subwoofer. I'm very satisfied.
Contrary to some opinion I liked the first tip. Ive never tried it before but I have a deck with a very light tonearm and tracking weight. The difference was night and day. I only leave the dust cover off when Im using it but its made a huge difference.
I'm going to finally make the leap from Ortofon Red to an Ortofon Blue stylus (my Christmas gift to myself), a friend of mine with a not-dissimilar setup to mine says it made a world of difference. Don't even need a new cartridge, and all signs point to the better diamond (and grafting to the cantilever) being ground zero for getting more out of those grooves.
Though I'm not a vinyl devotee, your informative vids are always appreciated. No stylus shaming here, just don't have enough time left to start collecting albums, even if you gave me RCA, Capitol and Columbia House Record Club memberships. (Remember those?)
Glad you mention a clamp, however its main advantage is to damp record vibration or echo. Its a fine tune to use a good mat in conjunction, but the clamp helps any mat. If anyone wants to use a test to know the difference a clamp makes, I can tell.
Bought a new turntable and speakers a month ago. I'm 70 and wanted a good turntable and I found one! The U-Turn theroy is a beautiful thing 😍. The sound is out of this world and is the best $999.00 I've ever spent. It has all the bells and whistle s you suggested. If anyone needs a new turntable I highly recommend the Theroy.
The TT's dust cover/lid can effect the sound at high volume. I don't notice it at low volume, but when I'm playing music loud the dust cover can resonate quite a lot when open. It's mandatory for me though here in Melbourne, Australia. To keep dust off the table and the LP that I've left on the platter. Stylus upgrade. Think of the stylus as a subtle changing of the overall sound, or voicing of your TT. An inexpensive conical stylus may be just the one for you and your system. Platter mats. Once again these can subtly change the overall tone of your TT. More importantly they quieten down not only the TT but also the LP's surface noise. They're also the easiest and fastest way to change the angle that the stylus is in the LP's grove. This can make very big changes to voicing, tracking ability, sibilance and so on. A really good cheap mat can be made from a roll of non stick perforated rubber that's sold as a product to put in a utensil drawer in your kitchen. For a couple of bucks you can get yourself a very good mat. Keep on rocking in this absolutely redundant money pit of a hobby. I coulda travelled around the world for at least three years on the amount of money I've spent on LPs, tables and all the ancillary gear over the last three and a half decades.
I agree completely with your advice I own a thorens td104 with has a plastic body that everyone looks down on but it has a great tonearm which has its own sub suspension . I saw someone doing an elaborate damping inside the turntable It took him a long time but the had no intention of getting damping feet , changing the mat or getting a record clamp which I did right after I bought it .
I love the science behind all this especially the silly comments, if you can’t hear a difference your probably an headbanger, I appreciate the effort people put into helping others , and I don’t always agree.
Thank you for your instructive videos. I’m currently starting to listen to more vinyl, and I’m enjoying it after 33 years of listening to digital. I have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge connected to my Naim Audio system and Borresen X3 speakers. I like the sound, but I hear a rattling noise when I get close to the speakers. Is that normal? In my case, I’m not sure if I need to replace the turntable or just the cartridge. I listen to jazz and sometimes rock. Which cartridge would you recommend? Thank you for your support.
Hey I totally get why you would remove the dust cover when playing a record, I'm sure there are some Sonic vibrations that could vibrate that cover and possibly get to the stylus. I personally don't want to remove my dust cover so what I do when I close the top is put my extra record weight on top of my dust cover pretty much nulls any vibrations. It's not trash advice to remove your dust cover it's just personal preference.
If you have a moving coli cartridge, the ultimate magic sauce is a step up transformer. It truly sounds better than any moving coil amp for any price. ZERO distortion, perfect linearity, no artifacts of any kind. A superb one like the Ortofon ST 70 runs around 1200 bucks.
To make my turntable sound truly amazing, I've created a setup where I stream my FLAC files in parallel with the spinning record. Here’s how it works: my amplifier is connected to a DAC that plays the music from my streamer, while the turntable is simply spinning the record for that authentic vinyl experience. I've organized my FLAC collection into A and B sides, mirroring the record's format, so I still get to enjoy the tactile ritual of flipping the record over. To make it seamless, I've placed a Bluetooth button next to the turntable, allowing me to "flip" sides with a single press. The streamer runs a plugin that handles the side-switching for me. This setup means I can enjoy the full, beautiful routine of using my turntable while always hearing the music with pristine quality, as if it’s the very first play of the record. I’m currently working on phase two of my setup, which involves using RFID technology to automatically identify each record. This way, I won’t even need to connect to the streamer manually; the system will recognize the record as soon as I place it on the turntable. I’m very close to getting this to work, and once it's set up, it will truly complete the authentic vinyl experience. I should also mention that I have a filter running on my streamer, which I can activate to simulate the sound of a worn-out, dusty record. It’s perfect for when I want to embrace the nostalgia of a vintage vinyl sound while keeping the convenience and quality of my modern setup. The USB button I have is also a rotatable dial! If I manage to get the intensity of the filter working with the dial I'm set!
@zizendorf Indeed, all sound is ultimately analog; a DAC's primary role is to convert digital data back into analog waves that reach our ears. While my approach might not conform to traditional vinyl purism, it's designed to enhance the experience-which is, after all, a deeply personal and relative concept. The tactile ritual, the act of flipping sides, and even the simulated imperfections serve to create an immersive environment that resonates with my interpretation of the 'vinyl experience.' The notion that one can judge the authenticity of another’s experience is, perhaps, missing the point. In the end, isn't it the joy of the ritual that matters most?
Yes I have 2 cats so the cover stays on...On my old Marlux they were running over it... allready replaced the standard VMN95C with the VMN95ML and imho my SL100C has good feet (and also comes with a good mat)! The weight is a good one... goes on my bucket list! The pre-amp I use is from NAD so also good enough I think...
After my Technics SL-5 finally died, i went to a dealer (after doing research) and, with the budget I had to work with at the time, bought a Rega P2 and had the original (carbon) upgraded to an AT-VM540ML before I picked it up. Then after finding that I had to crank up the volume on my AVR to get any decent sound using the phono input, I bought a Rega Fono MM Mk5, changed the input to CD and Presto!. I found out that the S/N on the AVR was about 20 dB less than on a stand-alone phono preamp. I then bought a pair of cutting boards from Walmart and a couple sets of rubber bumpers from Home Depot and made myself an isolation table (leveled with a handful of scratch pads). I DO use my dust cover, but I don't use a record weight because it was recommended not to, either by Rega or the dealer I used. Overall I'm very happy with my modest setup, although now I wonder what a premium preamp would do (i.e. one that costs as much as the table and stylus), but that's the least of my concerns at the moment!
MEXICAUDIO recommended SOUNDECK MATT which is the most efficient at stopping vibrations. Why? He took the plate of a high end turntable and with a little hammer made it sound like a bell. Then put different types of Matts to see if they can stop vibrations. Only SOUNDECK MATT could
If at all possible can you give a tutorial on balancing your cartridge I have a AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable ( that I purchased from Amazon and it came with a cartridge) and I'm not sure if it's balanced because I have records that play well and for some reason they start skipping. I've cleaned and cleaned and even look through a magnifying glass to see if the vinyl was scratched which several of them were not scratched at all I have most of the things you suggested in this video already in practice. A guideline would be most helpful or any input. Also can you recommend a better cartridge then the one included with my turntable that won't break the bank . Thank you so much.
AT-LP120XBT-USB I'm really not sure what cartridge it came with, but I purchased it from Amazon. Thank you so much for your reply. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
@@klasanderlinable so... that table/tonearm is not balanced when you get it. You want the tracking force (downforce) to be about 2 grams. Make sure your turntable is level. Carefully take the tonearm off its stand and carefully let it hang between the stand and the platter. Make sure the cueing arm is in the down position. Carefully move the big counterweight back or forth until you can just get the tonearm to hang in a neutral position without tilting up or down. Just level. Make sure the stylus cover is off or your measurement will be off. You are now at zero grams downforce. Turn the plastic ring , only, in front of the weight until the number zero is at the 12 o'clock position. Now when you turn the big weight the numbered ring will turn as well. Turn the weight slowly ( clockwise I think) until the numbered ring has 2 or 2.0 is now in the 12 o'clock position clock position. You are now at 2 grams tracking force. That is in the middle of the suggested range of 1.8 -2.2 grams. Find the antiskate dial just off to the right, and set that at 2 as well. You should be balanced now. Let me know if it plays better.
newbie here - i was skeptical that taking off the dust cover would make ANY difference. Well color me corrected. There was this hard-to-describe flatness or foggyness to the record compared with the digital version. Took the dust cover off and boom. It sounded just as good. I kinda wish it hadn't been so evident, cuz now I'm in the rabbit hole.
Some sound advice in this video. Everyone has different ears and preferences that may require different “tweaks”. If you can adjust the height of your tonearm then try using more than one mat, maybe even experiment with mixing different materials, the more isolated from the motor the better. Also clean your mat regularly, I use felt, so a quick vacuum (off the turntable) does the trick and helps prevent dust from making my records sound old.
To start, research on #1. An open dust cover is certainly bad, but a closed probably has way more pros than cons. More than a slight resonance which only the best system will pick up, dust will be heard by even the most basic turntables. Keep your dust cover, down except when changing the record or flipping it over. Two, clean your records. Use an antistatic brush and a stylus cleaner. Static doesn't sound great and your records don't have to crackle and pop. Get a cleaner like the Spin Clean Record Washer and you'll be amazed! You don't need to spend 1000's on an ultrasonic cleaner.
I have a SpinClean and a Record Doctor 6. Thanks for the notes! I get your point. But I'm up in the air about it. I don't like dust... but I don't like over handling the cover. Thanks
Sorry to disagree here but DO NOT use a stylus cleaner! Do not blow on your stylus either as both will introduce dust and debris into the body of the cartridge that will affect both the cartridge life and sound quality. The best thing to do is use a small piece of jewelers paper carefully pulled from back to front every few plays to remove any vinyl buildup or dust. The stylus will extract dust from the groove. An antistatic brush is okay in the winter when the air is drier and static builds up...not really an issue in the summer with the added humidity. IF you must "clean" the record, you're best to get a cleaning system that uses a residue free liquid that is vacuumed from the surface. It's a very worthwhile investment considering a new record is typically $30 or more. The "crackle and pop" you'll hear is much more a result of your turntable and less of your record. A better turntable will extract more of the music from the groove with a lower sound floor and more of the lively information that is actually contained in the recording. Remember the hierarchy....Turntable, arm, power supply and then cartridge. The most expensive cartridge in the world is only as good as the arm it's mounted on and the table the arm is mounted to. The power supply ensures the most accurate speed stability with the least amount of audible harmonics.
I have a Thorens TD-160 with a hinged dust cover. I've never taken it off (I have a cat) and don't want to leave it off plus my house can get a bit dusty. The TD-160 has really good acoustic isolation and wondering if removing the dust cover would make a difference? By the way, I really enjoy your channel. I'm an audiophile but enjoy your sense of humor about this hobby. Some people take is far too seriously.
All good tips. I ditched the cover on my Rega RP8. It affected the mid vocal region blurring the sound stage some. But, if you like the cover, remove it when playing. The level can be affected if playing with the cover up. Was the level checked with the cover on and down? My RP8 has a frame that the turntable sat in and the lid's mounting slid into the base or frame. Even though the feet touched the table through the base, the base affected the sound, with the lid removed. Fortunately, the RP8 is a skeletal design which minimizes surface area that can pickup vibration and allowed the base and cover to be removed. A STURDY table to place the turntable on could be No. 7. Some people mount a shelf to a wall but I have a concrete floor which vibrates less than the walls. If possible, avoid passageways to minimize footsteps.
One more thing: it is obvious, but some how so often is ignored. Set everything precise by manual!!! Level turntable with level-gage (not just put on top of your audio shalf) set cartridge with spesial tamplate (length, angle...out of the box it is not always correct) set stylus downforce and play with this value in manufacturers given range. And also try to clean/wash your records. Very often these give you better result than some equipment upgrade without perfect settings
So many vinyl fans recommend removing the dust cover -- even the manual on my turntable says to do that. Problem: I get a LOT of dust buildup on the record in a matter of seconds. Just the atmosphere of my apartment, I guess. I keep the dust cover on, except if I'm doing a digital recording of a record I have that was never reissued digitally (and I have a LOT) -- I have to flip the internal preamp to the on position to do that, and the internal preamp is VERY sensitive. Lots of rumbling comes over on the recordings if I keep the dust cover on. No rumbling picked up at all though when I turn off the preamp and listen via my Sony receiver.
My 2 cents comment is I listen with the cover up on my Fluance RT85 and close it when not listening. I figure since I paid for it, might as well keep it on the table. But no matter how hard I try not to with dustcovers, at some point they get scratches and or smudges.
Love your videos ...I'm living in Japan and was looking to upgrade my Teac TN280BT with AT VMN95E and hooked up to only tx8720 amplifier and running some old mission speakers...I saw your video about the Fluance Rt85 and was wondering if I should upgrade from my current player or would you have any other suggestion ? Fluance cost double the amount you can purchase it in the US and I was more looking at AT-LP7 that costs half of the RT85
@@giuseppeviolante Yeah, I'm not a fan of the atn3600 cart on the TEAC. Cartridge upgrade would be good. Personally, I might try the cartridge upgrade first and see if that gets you closer to the sound you r looking for. $60 gamble, right! It will be an improvement. OR... live with what you have as save up the money for what you want. You got the time. Try to enjoy the music more!!!!
Great video, with lots of good links. However, there is one link I was hoping to find, but did not. Where's the link to buy one of the t-shirts you're wearing in the video? That is a great looking shirt, and I really want one. BTW, I most definitely subscribed and may join once I take in a couple more videos. Thanks.
An external phone pre could make a difference in some cases. In new amps the onboard phono section is often an after thought and not very good. If you've got a nice amp from the 70's to mid 90's you probably don't need to bother with an external phono though. Back then vinyl was still mass market and a mainstream concern so the reputable brands usually put a sufficiently good phono section in their amps. Also, I do not believe dust cover up, down or off makes any difference until I see some measurements that proves this.
Keep the cover on. Do you have a cat? Also my place gets dusty. Also put the cover down when you spin the record. It can add to the mass and reduce vibrations slightly.
Bob I have to say one the things I like best about your channel is the focus on fun. You, Randy, Guttenberg, and couple others are the only ones that aren't perputuating a wall of audiophile elitism. I belong to some FB groups tied some equipment I own and there are so many dudes with their egos tied to a pair of speaker or their opinions on cartridges. There is this huge disconnect between the younger folks driving the vinyl resurgence and the old guard that looks down their noses at anyone who dares challenge their belief that things can only be done a certain way and the other ways are apostasy. I love my vintage Cornwalls but it doesn't take a scientist to see the cabinets ring like crazy. I'd love to buy a new pair of Cornwalls but it also doesn't take scientist to see the components in the crossovers are barely better than the stuff on the floor at Best Buy. I like that you always stress the word "hobby" because for far too many old dudes this is a religion. I have an AARP card so I'm not saying old as a pejorative term except in the sense of having an open mind.
With all these upgrades, isn't it better to buy a better quality turntable right from the start? After all, all these upgrades cost something😉. Congratulations on your efforts, you are a refreshing addition to this hi fi community.
Within reason, any upgrade to a modest device is trumped by saving up a bit and buying a better device. The problem most run into is overspending... the "Ohhhh Shinnnneeeee" reaction to over the top silliness... that quickly becomes a rabbit hole of perennial dissatisfaction and expense.
Most of these upgrades, such as isolation feet, can be carried forward to your new turntable if you decide to do so. They will improve the results of any turntable.
Well, I do have two cats who like to sleep on my desk about an inch or two from it so I will keep it, if only to keep them from hitting the stylus while it plays and they stretch out.
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog i use puck on beltdrive. Maybe because the wight make the record make better contact with the platter? There's a lot of interference in record playing. Do not let it be your attention.
To add to the dustcover debate there's a school of thought that a cover helps protect the stylus from airborne vibrations (from the speakers and cat etc), which seems obvious. Counter-argument is it creates a trapped volume of air which could, theoretically, resonate, but this is almost hypothetical. A dustcover is also subject to airbourne vibration but in a competent design these should be grounded by / drained to the plinth and isolated via the suspension. Free experiment; try it on, then off and see if you have a preference (or can even tell the difference at all!) Incidentally, if you're looking at replacing feet, three will always be inherently more stable than four; as any engineer will tell you, a tripod can't be rocked. As any Australian schoolboy guitarist will tell you; "'for those about to not rock, we salute you........" ;0)
You can't have just any cartridge as long as you can raise the position of the tonearm. or otherwise do so that there is the right number of degrees on the carriage/Needle. and the phono preamp built into the record player or other phono preamp. may not have support for an MM cartridge but perhaps only an MC cartridge
Excellent information, Sir ! Thanks for sharing. Been an audio enthusiast since 1969, and feel that I am probably somewhere in the middle of the learning curve. Totally agree with you about the dust cover issue. IMHO, leaving the dust cover on while playing is similar to the sail on a sailboat, the cover serves to catch any and all vibrations and transmit them directly to your stylus....BAD JUJU ! Started using protective PVC outer sleeves for LPs in the mid-`70s, and also have upgraded inner sleeves to archival-quality ones from MoFi, TT Lab, etc. Albums have become expensive, sleeves are cheap protection. Currently spinning on the TT: King Crimson "Live in Frejus, France 1982"
The stylus never touches my records until they are cleaned. I've been using a discwasher since the 70's. Same as you, I play one then put it back in the cover. Peace!
Please explain how a weight in the center of a record can affect the vast warpage when it is an issue primarily on the outer tracks of the record. I don't see it. Been in the game nearly 50 years and own 2 weights. That being said, I can not hear any discernable difference in the sound.
You need a periphery weight to address warps. Not all tables can accommodate them. Center weights can help with some warps, but are mostly good for damping/stability.
1) my turntable has 4 half in springs suspending it in the air. 2) the platter is entirely plastic. 3) I have tried different platter mats and the only one that will operate on the platter is a foam mat, the cork gets hung up on the lift. 4) they only make replacement cartridges of the same caliber for the turntable. 5) I cannot put a record weight onto the platter due to the pole is about 5 in tall and is used as a record changer. 6) the record will not play with a cover on it due to the back of the tonearm will hit the back of the cover.
Tip #0: Always, but always, everytime, without fail CLEAN EVERY RECORD, all of them, new from the MOFI factory or good retailer shop, used from a trusty reseller or oppshop, from Amazon or Discogs, or handed down from big brother or swiped from best friend the first time they enter you possesion. After that you KNOW they have a good clean background. Spinclean or clones are great - but proprietary liquids are expensive - look up the London Jazz Club recipe, it works great in Spinclean or ultrasonics just fine. My process: run it through the spinclean, squeegee exess off with brush (Discwasher or MOFI), dry with microfibre cloth. Tip #0a: Ignore tip #1 altogether.
I have an order Sony for my pairs. That is probably 35 years old. I've tried these static the whole thing, but everything is staticky including the tone arm. I can barely touch it and it just vibrates through the speakers very staticky. Maybe I need to get maintenance. I'm not sure there is even one in my area. I have no idea or I just need a whole new record player idk
My best advice is dont listen to all those wanabe Hifi /Audio UA-camrs becourse they all have their own opinion /meaning . At the end you don't know who is wright or wrong . Just do your own thing and discover whats is good for you and your 👂👂. after I may say exspensive highend equipment I went back to not so overprized vintage hifi ,and now I'm happy and enjoying the music experience as I did when I was young wich started around 50 years ago when I was 16. 😉
...I have a cat😂😂😂 Tip #7...If you take the dust cover off and put it on the floor, upside down, your cat will lay in it instead of on top of your turntable 😉
BTW I do cover my TT with a very light silk cloth when not in use and I brush my vinyl before and after and then it goes straight back into the anti-static and into the sleeve then everything goes into a clear cover. Thanks!
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog bud, removing the lid is like 3 seconds at the start of the listening session, and 5 at the end. Leaving a cloth on it when not in use? That's going to look much worse. No thanks.
Why would I upgrade a Koetsu Gold Blackline that is actually brand new… don’t ask me how I was able to buy it. Sounds magical. I also have a Goldman methacrylate platter cover with it’s matching record weight. I guess I am a little bit advance for this particular video. Sorry about that.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: So... I am getting a little bit of "pushback" on my "ditch the cover" hot take. That is really my personal preference. I probably should have included in the video that I cover all my turntables, when not in use, with a very lightweight cloth. I hit my records with a brushing before and after playing each side. I NEVER leave a record on my table longer than it takes to play it. My records go straight back in the anti-static sleeve (that I buy for every record) and then the record and cover go into a clear poly sleeve. I'm NOT a dirty audiophile. I have a SpinClean and a Record Doctor VI. I don't know.. on a day when our leaders are claiming the government has "weather machines," how is this the worst thing someone can say! PS I'm not "stupid." But please continue to comment if you believe I misspoke... maybe you can change my mind. But, I don't think my house has that much dust... and besides, most people don't even clean their records after they buy them! I do. How dirty are they coming out of the factory. Thanks! - the Author
@UnitedStatesofAnalog The most important cleaning is the first one. That's a must to remove residue from the pressing process.
I only take the dustcover completely off when listening, though even that can be contentious as Roy Gandy (Mr Rega) recommends leaving the cover on in the down position when in use!
Happy listening from Scotland to all.
Jim🏴🙂
Anyone who leaves a record on their turntable platter is not really interested in being an audio enthusiast let alone an audiophile.
Covers up DO inject feedback and air vibration.
I too cover the platter(s) with a thick cloth and blow it off with a rubber rocket blaster. One cover is in the box and the other turntable didn't come with one - it is so tall an aquarium size cover would be needed.
Kuzma has a slick cover that is like plexiglass bent to shape with no sides. Don't know if it can be used on other turntables.
A couple of good shots of good whiskey takes the sound quality to incredible levels! 🤪
@@KOPOCT I've always thought that too!
A gummy takes it up a few more 😂
Smoke a Joint & music is Orgasmic!!! 💯
"Couple more shots of whiskey, I'm going down to Minglewood"
Joint and beer is the way
Mass is class! Heavy decks don't vibrate. Made my own using a Lenco 75. Laminated plywood and MDF. Added 5/8 inch of aluminum disk onto existing platter. The deck weighs about 70 lbs.
An upgraded cartridge and stylus worked wonders. Nagaoka MP 50. The MP 500 stilus fits works if I need a new one. Worth every penny.
Jelco tone arm. No complaints there.
The dust cover is a must have. Keeps the dust off my deck. It's removable, but I can't hear the difference from on or off.
Cheers, Al
The one upgrade I did to my 42 year old Dual CS-506 that you did not mention is #7 get better interconnects. This mod took the sound to the next level. My other mods for this turntable included a better sounding cartridge and Vibrapod isolators.
Cover on or off? That seems to be the controversy!
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Cover off for sure. It can bring about extra vibration that will negatively affect sound quality. Never a good idea.
You should get a half inch adapter and change that Ortofon DN-155E ! I did that with my 506 and what a difference,! Only thing you have to be aware of is the VTA That will most likely be off but because of the additional space at the headshell end it's usually just a tiny bit low and trust me it won't make any difference. The one cartridge I put on my table was the Stanton ,681EEE Mk3 that suited the sound of it best.
@@dark-eternalknight3379 I did get that adapter back in 1989 with the counterweight. I've had a Shure Me97he cartridge attached to it ever since and to me it sounds perfect on my 506.
Did this with my Dual 606, huge difference.
VWestlife did a great video about the dust cover. He did all sorts of measurements. Either off or down was the final result. I definitely use mine. It provides some physical protection from anything stupid and general house dust does accumulate over time. I just put mine down when playing. Put a couple of those tiny felt pads on your turn table where it contacts the cover if you want more isolation than the little rubber bumper on the lid.
Same here I don't want anything floating down while I'm spinning that licorice pizzas so I keep mine down
Thanks for the info! I do protect my turntable and records in other ways. I'm already thinking about doing another video about the "cover controversy!"
Exactly doesn't change the sound. Some peoples isn't rich like you guys. We don't waste money over and over.
Btw my cat doesn't sleep on my dust cover, act like he know everything. Why do youtuber do that like stop really.
My cat likes the amp because it’s warm
I keep my dust cover down when I play records
But I do agree that high volumes my sub increases the residence that is translated through the dust cover into the ultimate listening
I just listened to this entire video because UA-cam auto-played it while I was busy. This only reinforced why I quit vinyl after only starting to get into it as a teenager 50 years ago. I got my drivers license! I realised I could sit alone in my basement room on the farm or I could buy 8-tracks, and car audio, and go hang out with people! I'm never going back to vinyl (but I did "Like" your video).
Good recommendations. I have one to add. Make sure your table is on a stable base. A heavy table or cabinet. On that heavy base, get yourself a heavy concrete patio stone. They are cheap, and can actually be quite aesthetic. We're talking $10. Put the stone on the cabinet, and then put your turntable (with it's new upgraded feet) on that stone. Dampling is critical, imo, and this is a great way to protect the stylus from vibrations. You also want to make sure that your turntable is behind your speakers. You do not want a speaker playing at your stylus. Likewise, speakers should not be on the same surface as the turntable. I know people have desktop rigs, and this sometimes cant be avoided - all the more reason to use that patio stone. Your speakers are otherwise loading bass into the surface that will then transfer to your stylus. So use as much mass as possible. You don't need to pay money for a branded "isolation platform" or whatever. Concrete is arguably the best substance for this purpose.
Otherwise, keep tweaking and upgrading. Its a journey, not a destination!
All excellent recommendations. My Music Hall turntable came with most of them. Built-in level,record clamp,Ortofon Bronze cartridge. My McIntosh MX130 preamp has a great photo stage.
The 2M Bronze was my starter cartridge...on a Fluance RT85 w/ a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono pre. The 2M Bronze is a great little piece of kit...and I honestly only moved on from this setup because the turntable stuck out like a sore thumb in my system. It sounded/performed great.
I'm currently running the Concorde Music Black LVB 250 on a Music Hall Stealth w/ a Black Ice Audio Fusion9 MkIII phono pre. Real solid stuff imho...and this is my endgame.
EDIT: I initially asked if you're using the 2M Bronze or the concorde music bronze...but then realized you said your 'table came w/ the Bronze & that it's a Music Hall. That's a 2M Bronze all day, every day.
@dizzle1119 Unless there's a failure, this is the turntable I will stick with till the end. I'm 72, and it should outlast me with proper care. FYI, associated equipment is Parasound A23 powering Sonus Faber Sonetto IIIs and Miller & Kreisel V-2B subwoofer. I'm very satisfied.
@@johnlangdon4338 Looks like a solid list of gear to me, sir...
Thanks, John! I do it all for you!
😊
Earned my subscription and made me smile
Subscribed an I punched it real good!
I hope you didn't injure yourself! Thanks!
Awesome video. Thanks for the cool tips & I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. 👍👍
I am a watch guy so I noticed your swatch:)
Contrary to some opinion I liked the first tip. Ive never tried it before but I have a deck with a very light tonearm and tracking weight. The difference was night and day. I only leave the dust cover off when Im using it but its made a huge difference.
Solid Advice Bob!! ❤🎉😊
@@abxaudiophiles Thanks, ABX!
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog-You are welcome! Your vibes and scene are addicting! I love your channel, man! You consistently produce top-notch content!
I'm going to finally make the leap from Ortofon Red to an Ortofon Blue stylus (my Christmas gift to myself), a friend of mine with a not-dissimilar setup to mine says it made a world of difference. Don't even need a new cartridge, and all signs point to the better diamond (and grafting to the cantilever) being ground zero for getting more out of those grooves.
Though I'm not a vinyl devotee, your informative vids are always appreciated. No stylus shaming here, just don't have enough time left to start collecting albums, even if you gave me RCA, Capitol and Columbia House Record Club memberships. (Remember those?)
Thanks... and yes, I abused many record clubs back in the day! Thanks for watching!
@@eddents Yes, I remember those… Some of the worst pressings ever and a really annoying process for returns! The worst…
I definitely agree about an external phono preamp. Makes a huge difference in SQ
@@Scopolamine46 Unless your amp has its own high quality phono stage. Mine does.
Glad you mention a clamp, however its main advantage is to damp record vibration or echo. Its a fine tune to use a good mat in conjunction, but the clamp helps any mat. If anyone wants to use a test to know the difference a clamp makes, I can tell.
Good info ... thanks! We are always learning in this hobby!!! Thanks for watching!
Like your make analog great again hat ! 😊😊
@@paulomontero12 my son actually made one for me but I can't wear it.
😂😂😂 This was super fun !
Bought a new turntable and speakers a month ago. I'm 70 and wanted a good turntable and I found one! The U-Turn theroy is a beautiful thing 😍. The sound is out of this world and is the best $999.00 I've ever spent. It has all the bells and whistle s you suggested. If anyone needs a new turntable I highly recommend the Theroy.
Thanks for sharing! Congrats on your purchase! Now take the dust cover off and display the turntable proudly!!!
curious as to what made you decide on the Uturn. I have about 1k and the uturn is on my list but i also have a handful of others im looking at as well
Thanks Bob!
Thank you!!!
The TT's dust cover/lid can effect the sound at high volume. I don't notice it at low volume, but when I'm playing music loud the dust cover can resonate quite a lot when open.
It's mandatory for me though here in Melbourne, Australia. To keep dust off the table and the LP that I've left on the platter.
Stylus upgrade. Think of the stylus as a subtle changing of the overall sound, or voicing of your TT. An inexpensive conical stylus may be just the one for you and your system.
Platter mats. Once again these can subtly change the overall tone of your TT. More importantly they quieten down not only the TT but also the LP's surface noise.
They're also the easiest and fastest way to change the angle that the stylus is in the LP's grove. This can make very big changes to voicing, tracking ability, sibilance and so on.
A really good cheap mat can be made from a roll of non stick perforated rubber that's sold as a product to put in a utensil drawer in your kitchen. For a couple of bucks you can get yourself a very good mat.
Keep on rocking in this absolutely redundant money pit of a hobby.
I coulda travelled around the world for at least three years on the amount of money I've spent on LPs, tables and all the ancillary gear over the last three and a half decades.
I like’d it so good
I agree completely with your advice I own a thorens td104 with has a plastic body that everyone looks down on but it has a great tonearm which has its own sub suspension . I saw someone doing an elaborate damping inside the turntable It took him a long time but the had no intention of getting damping feet , changing the mat or getting a record clamp which I did right after I bought it .
Thanks for the info, just getting into this and these seem like useful cheap upgrades!
nice one, Bob!
Thanks, Bro!
I love the science behind all this especially the silly comments, if you can’t hear a difference your probably an headbanger, I appreciate the effort people put into helping others , and I don’t always agree.
An hero ( you're mine )
Thank you for your instructive videos. I’m currently starting to listen to more vinyl, and I’m enjoying it after 33 years of listening to digital. I have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge connected to my Naim Audio system and Borresen X3 speakers. I like the sound, but I hear a rattling noise when I get close to the speakers. Is that normal? In my case, I’m not sure if I need to replace the turntable or just the cartridge. I listen to jazz and sometimes rock. Which cartridge would you recommend? Thank you for your support.
Hey I totally get why you would remove the dust cover when playing a record, I'm sure there are some Sonic vibrations that could vibrate that cover and possibly get to the stylus. I personally don't want to remove my dust cover so what I do when I close the top is put my extra record weight on top of my dust cover pretty much nulls any vibrations. It's not trash advice to remove your dust cover it's just personal preference.
Thank you so much, you are awesome!
Thanks Bob for suggesting the Waxwing. I'm supposed to be getting it soon. Give you some thoughts on it after I get it 🎉
Hope you like it! I love it! I'm surprised it doesn't have a bunch of copycats!
It has completely revolutionised my vinyl listening. A gamechanger product.
If you have a moving coli cartridge, the ultimate magic sauce is a step up transformer. It truly sounds better than any moving coil amp for any price. ZERO distortion, perfect linearity, no artifacts of any kind. A superb one like the Ortofon ST 70 runs around 1200 bucks.
My 'vinyl journey' commenced in 1964 and I acquired my present turntable in 1999.
Lol. Thx! I had to subscribe!
You da greatest! Thank you Sir! Wish I had thought of phono pre Amp years ago! ABBA on pre Amp! Wow! Thank man!❤
When I got divorced, my audio gear sounded better. Food taste better too….
Congratulations! I hope you find love again!
Hahaha!!!!
......too bad she took that in the divorce.
Pioneer pl-518 turntables have an easily removeable/ replaceable dust cover. Can I keep it please????? I really like it!!!
To make my turntable sound truly amazing, I've created a setup where I stream my FLAC files in parallel with the spinning record. Here’s how it works: my amplifier is connected to a DAC that plays the music from my streamer, while the turntable is simply spinning the record for that authentic vinyl experience. I've organized my FLAC collection into A and B sides, mirroring the record's format, so I still get to enjoy the tactile ritual of flipping the record over.
To make it seamless, I've placed a Bluetooth button next to the turntable, allowing me to "flip" sides with a single press. The streamer runs a plugin that handles the side-switching for me. This setup means I can enjoy the full, beautiful routine of using my turntable while always hearing the music with pristine quality, as if it’s the very first play of the record.
I’m currently working on phase two of my setup, which involves using RFID technology to automatically identify each record. This way, I won’t even need to connect to the streamer manually; the system will recognize the record as soon as I place it on the turntable. I’m very close to getting this to work, and once it's set up, it will truly complete the authentic vinyl experience.
I should also mention that I have a filter running on my streamer, which I can activate to simulate the sound of a worn-out, dusty record. It’s perfect for when I want to embrace the nostalgia of a vintage vinyl sound while keeping the convenience and quality of my modern setup. The USB button I have is also a rotatable dial! If I manage to get the intensity of the filter working with the dial I'm set!
@@cunawarit LMAO So, your digital playback replaces analog? Well, that’s not the vinyl experience…
@zizendorf Indeed, all sound is ultimately analog; a DAC's primary role is to convert digital data back into analog waves that reach our ears. While my approach might not conform to traditional vinyl purism, it's designed to enhance the experience-which is, after all, a deeply personal and relative concept. The tactile ritual, the act of flipping sides, and even the simulated imperfections serve to create an immersive environment that resonates with my interpretation of the 'vinyl experience.' The notion that one can judge the authenticity of another’s experience is, perhaps, missing the point. In the end, isn't it the joy of the ritual that matters most?
I confused. Are you playing a record and a FLAC file at the same time? If so, how do you keep them in sync?
@@garytempleton5097 crucially you don't have to, it's a vinyl simulation.
I don't hate your methodology. Is it just one disc that you use?
Will a record weight put stress on the belt of a belt drive TT?
Yes I have 2 cats so the cover stays on...On my old Marlux they were running over it... allready replaced the standard VMN95C with the VMN95ML and imho my SL100C has good feet (and also comes with a good mat)! The weight is a good one... goes on my bucket list! The pre-amp I use is from NAD so also good enough I think...
I play with cover up . Reason is due to static attracting the arm and lowering the tracking force.
Nice video where did you find the iso feet?
@@gregtraut3827 a m a z o n. Has all kinds of options
I need those Heco speaker you have back there!!
@@lilman1234able I like 'em!
After my Technics SL-5 finally died, i went to a dealer (after doing research) and, with the budget I had to work with at the time, bought a Rega P2 and had the original (carbon) upgraded to an AT-VM540ML before I picked it up. Then after finding that I had to crank up the volume on my AVR to get any decent sound using the phono input, I bought a Rega Fono MM Mk5, changed the input to CD and Presto!. I found out that the S/N on the AVR was about 20 dB less than on a stand-alone phono preamp. I then bought a pair of cutting boards from Walmart and a couple sets of rubber bumpers from Home Depot and made myself an isolation table (leveled with a handful of scratch pads). I DO use my dust cover, but I don't use a record weight because it was recommended not to, either by Rega or the dealer I used. Overall I'm very happy with my modest setup, although now I wonder what a premium preamp would do (i.e. one that costs as much as the table and stylus), but that's the least of my concerns at the moment!
I got a Crosley and put a Sumiko Black bird cartridge on it but didn't hear much difference 😞
MEXICAUDIO recommended SOUNDECK MATT which is the most efficient at stopping vibrations. Why? He took the plate of a high end turntable and with a little hammer made it sound like a bell. Then put different types of Matts to see if they can stop vibrations. Only SOUNDECK MATT could
If at all possible can you give a tutorial on balancing your cartridge I have a AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable ( that I purchased from Amazon and it came with a cartridge) and I'm not sure if it's balanced because I have records that play well and for some reason they start skipping. I've cleaned and cleaned and even look through a magnifying glass to see if the vinyl was scratched which several of them were not scratched at all I have most of the things you suggested in this video already in practice. A guideline would be most helpful or any input. Also can you recommend a better cartridge then the one included with my turntable that won't break the bank . Thank you so much.
@@klasanderlinable what cartridge do you have installed and what turntable do you have?
AT-LP120XBT-USB I'm really not sure what cartridge it came with, but I purchased it from Amazon. Thank you so much for your reply. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
@@klasanderlinable so... that table/tonearm is not balanced when you get it. You want the tracking force (downforce) to be about 2 grams.
Make sure your turntable is level.
Carefully take the tonearm off its stand and carefully let it hang between the stand and the platter. Make sure the cueing arm is in the down position.
Carefully move the big counterweight back or forth until you can just get the tonearm to hang in a neutral position without tilting up or down. Just level. Make sure the stylus cover is off or your measurement will be off. You are now at zero grams downforce. Turn the plastic ring , only, in front of the weight until the number zero is at the 12 o'clock position. Now when you turn the big weight the numbered ring will turn as well. Turn the weight slowly ( clockwise I think) until the numbered ring has 2 or 2.0 is now in the 12 o'clock position clock position. You are now at 2 grams tracking force. That is in the middle of the suggested range of 1.8 -2.2 grams. Find the antiskate dial just off to the right, and set that at 2 as well.
You should be balanced now. Let me know if it plays better.
@@klasanderlinable ua-cam.com/video/nm0MwrHSLH4/v-deo.htmlsi=RjF8bAivJpxbYAAW
newbie here - i was skeptical that taking off the dust cover would make ANY difference. Well color me corrected. There was this hard-to-describe flatness or foggyness to the record compared with the digital version. Took the dust cover off and boom. It sounded just as good. I kinda wish it hadn't been so evident, cuz now I'm in the rabbit hole.
Can someone point me to a several thousand dollar placebo? I know some can be had for free, but the really good ones cost more money.
What I’ve done is get a stereo cabinet that has a top that can lift up keeps out dust and allows me to have no dust cover on
Great solution. I use a light silk cloth to cover when I'm not using
Some sound advice in this video. Everyone has different ears and preferences that may require different “tweaks”. If you can adjust the height of your tonearm then try using more than one mat, maybe even experiment with mixing different materials, the more isolated from the motor the better. Also clean your mat regularly, I use felt, so a quick vacuum (off the turntable) does the trick and helps prevent dust from making my records sound old.
Liked and subbed 👍
Yeahhhhh!
To start, research on #1. An open dust cover is certainly bad, but a closed probably has way more pros than cons. More than a slight resonance which only the best system will pick up, dust will be heard by even the most basic turntables. Keep your dust cover, down except when changing the record or flipping it over.
Two, clean your records. Use an antistatic brush and a stylus cleaner. Static doesn't sound great and your records don't have to crackle and pop. Get a cleaner like the Spin Clean Record Washer and you'll be amazed! You don't need to spend 1000's on an ultrasonic cleaner.
I have a SpinClean and a Record Doctor 6. Thanks for the notes! I get your point. But I'm up in the air about it. I don't like dust... but I don't like over handling the cover. Thanks
Sorry to disagree here but DO NOT use a stylus cleaner! Do not blow on your stylus either as both will introduce dust and debris into the body of the cartridge that will affect both the cartridge life and sound quality. The best thing to do is use a small piece of jewelers paper carefully pulled from back to front every few plays to remove any vinyl buildup or dust. The stylus will extract dust from the groove. An antistatic brush is okay in the winter when the air is drier and static builds up...not really an issue in the summer with the added humidity. IF you must "clean" the record, you're best to get a cleaning system that uses a residue free liquid that is vacuumed from the surface. It's a very worthwhile investment considering a new record is typically $30 or more. The "crackle and pop" you'll hear is much more a result of your turntable and less of your record. A better turntable will extract more of the music from the groove with a lower sound floor and more of the lively information that is actually contained in the recording. Remember the hierarchy....Turntable, arm, power supply and then cartridge. The most expensive cartridge in the world is only as good as the arm it's mounted on and the table the arm is mounted to. The power supply ensures the most accurate speed stability with the least amount of audible harmonics.
I have a Thorens TD-160 with a hinged dust cover. I've never taken it off (I have a cat) and don't want to leave it off plus my house can get a bit dusty. The TD-160 has really good acoustic isolation and wondering if removing the dust cover would make a difference? By the way, I really enjoy your channel. I'm an audiophile but enjoy your sense of humor about this hobby. Some people take is far too seriously.
What's cool is that everyone has their methods and rituals! Thanks for the comments!
1:26 1. Dust cover
2:41 2. Adjustable feet
3:37 3. Upgrade stylus
4:33 4. Mats
6:14 5. Weighted clamps for the LP
7:05 6. Phono Preamp
@@sirtainlee8725 Thanks so much! I wish I had the time to chapter-ize my videos... but I have a day job! Thanks
All good tips. I ditched the cover on my Rega RP8. It affected the mid vocal region blurring the sound stage some. But, if you like the cover, remove it when playing. The level can be affected if playing with the cover up. Was the level checked with the cover on and down?
My RP8 has a frame that the turntable sat in and the lid's mounting slid into the base or frame. Even though the feet touched the table through the base, the base affected the sound, with the lid removed. Fortunately, the RP8 is a skeletal design which minimizes surface area that can pickup vibration and allowed the base and cover to be removed.
A STURDY table to place the turntable on could be No. 7. Some people mount a shelf to a wall but I have a concrete floor which vibrates less than the walls. If possible, avoid passageways to minimize footsteps.
One more thing: it is obvious, but some how so often is ignored. Set everything precise by manual!!! Level turntable with level-gage (not just put on top of your audio shalf) set cartridge with spesial tamplate (length, angle...out of the box it is not always correct) set stylus downforce and play with this value in manufacturers given range. And also try to clean/wash your records. Very often these give you better result than some equipment upgrade without perfect settings
So many vinyl fans recommend removing the dust cover -- even the manual on my turntable says to do that. Problem: I get a LOT of dust buildup on the record in a matter of seconds. Just the atmosphere of my apartment, I guess. I keep the dust cover on, except if I'm doing a digital recording of a record I have that was never reissued digitally (and I have a LOT) -- I have to flip the internal preamp to the on position to do that, and the internal preamp is VERY sensitive. Lots of rumbling comes over on the recordings if I keep the dust cover on. No rumbling picked up at all though when I turn off the preamp and listen via my Sony receiver.
The issue with keeping the dust cover on is that as simply a source of resonance. Note its only a problem at high volume.
My 2 cents comment is I listen with the cover up on my Fluance RT85 and close it when not listening. I figure since I paid for it, might as well keep it on the table. But no matter how hard I try not to with dustcovers, at some point they get scratches and or smudges.
I am upgrading tonearm wire, what is a good gauge wire to use?
Love your videos ...I'm living in Japan and was looking to upgrade my Teac TN280BT with AT VMN95E and hooked up to only tx8720 amplifier and running some old mission speakers...I saw your video about the Fluance Rt85 and was wondering if I should upgrade from my current player or would you have any other suggestion ? Fluance cost double the amount you can purchase it in the US and I was more looking at AT-LP7 that costs half of the RT85
@@giuseppeviolante Yeah, I'm not a fan of the atn3600 cart on the TEAC. Cartridge upgrade would be good. Personally, I might try the cartridge upgrade first and see if that gets you closer to the sound you r looking for. $60 gamble, right! It will be an improvement. OR... live with what you have as save up the money for what you want. You got the time. Try to enjoy the music more!!!!
I love the hats !! Where can I buy one?
I have a vintage Kenwood KD-600 turntable. It needs the tonearm level fixed. The level doesn't lift the arm up. any suggestions?
Great video, with lots of good links. However, there is one link I was hoping to find, but did not. Where's the link to buy one of the t-shirts you're wearing in the video? That is a great looking shirt, and I really want one. BTW, I most definitely subscribed and may join once I take in a couple more videos. Thanks.
square.site.usanalog thanks!
An external phone pre could make a difference in some cases. In new amps the onboard phono section is often an after thought and not very good. If you've got a nice amp from the 70's to mid 90's you probably don't need to bother with an external phono though. Back then vinyl was still mass market and a mainstream concern so the reputable brands usually put a sufficiently good phono section in their amps.
Also, I do not believe dust cover up, down or off makes any difference until I see some measurements that proves this.
Keep the cover on. Do you have a cat? Also my place gets dusty. Also put the cover down when you spin the record. It can add to the mass and reduce vibrations slightly.
I don't hate it!
Bob I have to say one the things I like best about your channel is the focus on fun. You, Randy, Guttenberg, and couple others are the only ones that aren't perputuating a wall of audiophile elitism. I belong to some FB groups tied some equipment I own and there are so many dudes with their egos tied to a pair of speaker or their opinions on cartridges. There is this huge disconnect between the younger folks driving the vinyl resurgence and the old guard that looks down their noses at anyone who dares challenge their belief that things can only be done a certain way and the other ways are apostasy. I love my vintage Cornwalls but it doesn't take a scientist to see the cabinets ring like crazy. I'd love to buy a new pair of Cornwalls but it also doesn't take scientist to see the components in the crossovers are barely better than the stuff on the floor at Best Buy. I like that you always stress the word "hobby" because for far too many old dudes this is a religion. I have an AARP card so I'm not saying old as a pejorative term except in the sense of having an open mind.
With all these upgrades, isn't it better to buy a better quality turntable right from the start? After all, all these upgrades cost something😉. Congratulations on your efforts, you are a refreshing addition to this hi fi community.
@@gogo-fk1lu for sure. Just some ideas... but some upgrades could be done on mid-line tables.
Within reason, any upgrade to a modest device is trumped by saving up a bit and buying a better device. The problem most run into is overspending... the "Ohhhh Shinnnneeeee" reaction to over the top silliness... that quickly becomes a rabbit hole of perennial dissatisfaction and expense.
Most of these upgrades, such as isolation feet, can be carried forward to your new turntable if you decide to do so. They will improve the results of any turntable.
@@johnlangdon4338
True enough. Thanks.
@@johnlangdon4338
True enough. Thanks.
Another great episode! Thanks Bob, loved the witty humor.
Thanks... but Dave didn't! Different strokes... Thanks for watching and you are welcomed back!
I'd love to find a phono pre amp that cheap! Aways see them around 200 bucks
I don't get #3, do the suitcase Crosley not have upgraded styleuss'. Serious question
Lift the dust cover off when using and replace when finished.
Best response.
Well, I do have two cats who like to sleep on my desk about an inch or two from it so I will keep it, if only to keep them from hitting the stylus while it plays and they stretch out.
When you live in dusty West Texas and have 3 big dogs and a cat, a dust cover on the turntable is necessary.
@@MrEyesbleed Heard!
obviously sponsored by big Twist-Tie
I get FREE twist-ties for life from Acme Twist-Ties and Hair Clips. Lucrative, to say the least!
I thought your commentary was entertaining and sans BS. Appreciated.
YOU'RE appreciated!!!
What's your stand on a puck or clamp?
I have both. I use weights on my direct drives and pucks on my belt drives. Please don't ask me why?😅
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog i use puck on beltdrive. Maybe because the wight make the record make better contact with the platter? There's a lot of interference in record playing. Do not let it be your attention.
Sometimes bigger turntable doesn't mean better. For example Rega P8, P10, Naia, Naiad are smaller better than the lower Rega models.
To add to the dustcover debate there's a school of thought that a cover helps protect the stylus from airborne vibrations (from the speakers and cat etc), which seems obvious. Counter-argument is it creates a trapped volume of air which could, theoretically, resonate, but this is almost hypothetical. A dustcover is also subject to airbourne vibration but in a competent design these should be grounded by / drained to the plinth and isolated via the suspension. Free experiment; try it on, then off and see if you have a preference (or can even tell the difference at all!) Incidentally, if you're looking at replacing feet, three will always be inherently more stable than four; as any engineer will tell you, a tripod can't be rocked. As any Australian schoolboy guitarist will tell you; "'for those about to not rock, we salute you........" ;0)
You can't have just any cartridge as long as you can raise the position of the tonearm. or otherwise do so that there is the right number of degrees on the carriage/Needle. and the phono preamp built into the record player or other phono preamp. may not have support for an MM cartridge but perhaps only an MC cartridge
Excellent information, Sir ! Thanks for sharing. Been an audio enthusiast since 1969, and feel that I am probably somewhere in the middle of the learning curve. Totally agree with you about the dust cover issue. IMHO, leaving the dust cover on while playing is similar to the sail on a sailboat, the cover serves to catch any and all vibrations and transmit them directly to your stylus....BAD JUJU !
Started using protective PVC outer sleeves for LPs in the mid-`70s, and also have upgraded inner sleeves to archival-quality ones from MoFi, TT Lab, etc. Albums have become expensive, sleeves are cheap protection.
Currently spinning on the TT: King Crimson "Live in Frejus, France 1982"
The stylus never touches my records until they are cleaned. I've been using a discwasher since the 70's. Same as you, I play one then put it back in the cover. Peace!
Please explain how a weight in the center of a record can affect the vast warpage when it is an issue primarily on the outer tracks of the record. I don't see it. Been in the game nearly 50 years and own 2 weights. That being said, I can not hear any discernable difference in the sound.
I can't. I'm talking about very minor warp situations. Hey, I ain't the first one to say it! Thanks for the watch! I ain't no genius!
clamps &weights are to stabilise the record not flatten it. A common misconception
You need a periphery weight to address warps. Not all tables can accommodate them. Center weights can help with some warps, but are mostly good for damping/stability.
Upgrade your cartridge/headshell wire set.
Nervous time in balancing that Arm 😊
If I’m running my turntable (fluance rt 82) through a receiver (Denon AVR 1801), can I gain benefit from adding a preamp or no? Thx
1) my turntable has 4 half in springs suspending it in the air. 2) the platter is entirely plastic. 3) I have tried different platter mats and the only one that will operate on the platter is a foam mat, the cork gets hung up on the lift. 4) they only make replacement cartridges of the same caliber for the turntable. 5) I cannot put a record weight onto the platter due to the pole is about 5 in tall and is used as a record changer. 6) the record will not play with a cover on it due to the back of the tonearm will hit the back of the cover.
Wow! I'd like to see that rig!
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog If I could attach pictures to the message boards here I would. I have several pictures of it.
Tip #0: Always, but always, everytime, without fail CLEAN EVERY RECORD, all of them, new from the MOFI factory or good retailer shop, used from a trusty reseller or oppshop, from Amazon or Discogs, or handed down from big brother or swiped from best friend the first time they enter you possesion. After that you KNOW they have a good clean background. Spinclean or clones are great - but proprietary liquids are expensive - look up the London Jazz Club recipe, it works great in Spinclean or ultrasonics just fine. My process: run it through the spinclean, squeegee exess off with brush (Discwasher or MOFI), dry with microfibre cloth.
Tip #0a: Ignore tip #1 altogether.
I have an order Sony for my pairs. That is probably 35 years old. I've tried these static the whole thing, but everything is staticky including the tone arm. I can barely touch it and it just vibrates through the speakers very staticky. Maybe I need to get maintenance. I'm not sure there is even one in my area. I have no idea or I just need a whole new record player idk
Dust covers are always in the way,good tip.
@@lanceolsun5752 Glad you agree! Not one of my most popular audio takes! Thanks!
Is this Bob Fonseca from Dudley and Bob?
Same... but that's the previous brand
I have a Intergraded amplifier. I don’t need a preamp.
Easy!
Replace it with streaming music.
🤣
My best advice is dont listen to all those wanabe Hifi /Audio UA-camrs becourse they all have their own opinion /meaning . At the end you don't know who is wright or wrong . Just do your own thing and discover whats is good for you and your 👂👂. after I may say exspensive highend equipment I went back to not so overprized vintage hifi ,and now I'm happy and enjoying the music experience as I did when I was young wich started around 50 years ago when I was 16. 😉
Great stuff, Bob 🍺
Thank you kindly! Appreciate the watch!
...I have a cat😂😂😂
Tip #7...If you take the dust cover off and put it on the floor, upside down, your cat will lay in it instead of on top of your turntable 😉
Ehhhh the Dust cover is easily lifted off, back on when not in use.
That's a lot of handling, though!
BTW I do cover my TT with a very light silk cloth when not in use and I brush my vinyl before and after and then it goes straight back into the anti-static and into the sleeve then everything goes into a clear cover. Thanks!
@UnitedStatesofAnalog my Cover is Super easy to move and I've got a spot for it, same care for the Vinyl here!
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog bud, removing the lid is like 3 seconds at the start of the listening session, and 5 at the end.
Leaving a cloth on it when not in use? That's going to look much worse. No thanks.
The main way is to replace it with a CD player 😆👍
I love CDs too. We can use multiple formats... not just at the same time!
Why would I upgrade a Koetsu Gold Blackline that is actually brand new… don’t ask me how I was able to buy it. Sounds magical. I also have a Goldman methacrylate platter cover with it’s matching record weight. I guess I am a little bit advance for this particular video. Sorry about that.
You're WAY advanced! But I'm glad you're here!