Vinyl Record Pitfalls to Avoid
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- Опубліковано 11 лют 2024
- Let's call this the 5 vinyl record pitfalls to avoid (especially when starting out!).
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Haven’t been listening to Vinyl since 60-70’s.
Use to walk around a mile on weekends to a Department store and buy an album , get some food by myself… say grade 6.
I would go home and listen to the entire album… seem like forever till I had enough To buy another.
First album was CCR… Cosmos Factory, still have it.
Great channel,very easy going!
Thank you Rob. Love that album by the way. I have an original pressing of that one too.
Yeah - I remember the days of saving my allowance until I could buy another record. Then I got sucked into the Columbia House record club vortex and had a hard time getting out of it.
When I sold stereo gear, a customer would ask me what speakers they should buy, and my answer was always to go into the listening room and tell me what speakers sounded good to them.
If only more folks approached it as you did when you sold gear. Honest. Thanks David!
Absolutely great advice there. I would add - don’t let others dictate what records you must have in your collection. Just stick to what you like .
I hope folks see this,Andy. You are so right.
Absolutely correct. Gotta get what you love to listen to otherwise what's the point?
Love all your videos and your knowledge of the hobby. It has helped me to make good decisions on my setup
This made my day. Thank you!
One thing I would recommend to new buyers, and old, long time buyers as well, is to not get caught up in getting something you want and overpaying for it. I'm talking more specifically about LPs/records. I've literally made the mistake myself a number of times and paid right around $100 for something that I was able to get less than a year later for $20- $30. Don't feel like you have to have it this minute and be patient. I bet it will come along at a reasonable price especially now that so much is available again. I'm not necessarily talking about things like The Beatles butcher cover or the RL Led Zeppelin II cut. Those will likely cost you a little more and there's not as many of them so those rarities will usually cost more. But when it's a common album, but maybe one they just haven't repressed yet, chances are if you are patient and waiting/paying attention you'll see it available before too long. I've seen this happen a lot just in the last 3 years even. It's a good time to be able to find what you're interested in getting on vinyl. But sometimes being a little patient will save you a lot of money too!
Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
That is excellent advice and one I should listen to more often. I've been burned by being impatient. I mentioned it in another video where I spent way too much for a Samantha Fish album that was extremely hard to find, only to have it reissued a year later for 1/4 the cost.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Haha, yep. I know exactly what you mean. And it can still be hard to be patient or say no to yourself at times. At least for me it's that way 😁
The sensible half says you are right, the impatient half says buy now. I am adding some missing ELO albums to my collection and looked for “Zoom”. Two copies on Discogs but the cheapest is £299.00. The alternative is a £10.00 CD or free streaming download. The sensible half has won the battle. I am sure that it will get re issued at sometime.
Good advice ! I have tried the wood glue on a used very dirty record and did improve it but not enough for the time and effort. My recent tweak was to slant my floor speakers upwards with wedges and I could tell some improved sound difference.
That's good to know Bobby! My speakers have a slightly slanted stand and I think that is why KLH achieved the sound they did with them.
Excellent !!
Sound advice !!
Thanks Williams! 🍺🍺🍺
I've found that I am better off adding good equipment a piece at a time, over a little time and wait to get what I want, over grabbing the most you can afford at one time and not getting the all the equipment you really want.
Yes! Exactly 😎
All great advice. Thank you for telling the truth about suitcase players. So many groups frown on that for “equipment shaming” but it’s true. It defeats the purpose of listening on vinyl.
Thank you! I will never shame someone who bought one but I will be the first to offer honest/better alternatives if they ask me.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords love your attitude
I'm the Magic Eraser Guy. This is some of the most sound information you can find on UA-cam. Thank You. I recently upgraded to a record weight. Did it make a difference? I don't know. I sure couldn't tell. Snake Oil?
I think record weights make a difference, especially on the bass response.
If you can't hear a difference it's snake oil
I use my record weight on anything less than 180g. Mainly for stability.
Warning! Make sure that the weight does not BURN OUT YOUR TT MOTOR.
Not all TT's can handle the stress.
@@walterpen371 Excellent point
Ha, I saw that wood glue thing a while ago, and I tried it on a very dirty old record that I didn't care about. And it did actually work... but the glue didn't come off as easily as people show, and I ended up scratching one of the tracks trying to get it all off. Not recommended!
Yikes on the scratch!
You probably just didn't use enough glue to make it come off easier. Even though it cleans really well when done correctly...no one should do it. It's a lot of effort, mess, and wasted time; it takes like half a day just to clean one side. And unless you're buying glue at bulk discount, it's not cheaper either.
@@1RungAtATime Yes, I think you're right (and definitely right on the "no one should do it"!)
Great advice
Cheers Jeffrey!
For my secondary system running an RT85, with the AI61 powered speakers, and a DB10 subwoofer. I agree on the 180 gram have some of the old RCA Dynaflex lp’s and they do sound great.
It's crazy isn't it? As floppy as that old record is, you'd never know it when it's on the TT.
Great video! I might ad that the one thing I would have given more attention as a starter in vinyl many years ago. That is to take great care of your records. That also mean getting a turntable and a cartridge that would not harme your precious vinyl. Many of the records that I got in the early years are quite valuable today but ... record wear from bad turntables and used as party music have made some of them close to unplayable, even though the parties were great :-) ... An old mans regret is that I wish I took better care (a bit to deeb maybe :-D)
Great advice, Kjeld. I completely agree. I too have some decades old records that saw better days before being introduced to some bad turntables!
Ah yes, the old adage KISS- Keep it Simple Stupid. lol Well said. Take care of your vinyl and you will get many years of enjoyment from your collection. Some of my records are over 50 years old and still sound excellent. I really enjoy your channel, keep up the good work.
Me, too.
Thank you David! Cheers! 🍺
Just got into vinyl myself and enjoy the positivity message you bring. I'm part of several unrelated collector groups online and boy it can get quite elitist and gatekeeper-ist. I ordered the AT-LP60X which arrived with a busted dust cover (apparently common for this to happen on all turntables shipped), so I headed to a HiFi store and walked out with a Project Debut Carbon Evo. I was surprised to learn that this is "entry level" and cannot fathom forking over at least $2000+ on a turntable. But my current setup is the Pro-ject >> Schiit Mani 2 >> Mackie ProFX12 Mixer >> Sennheiser HD800S and this works great for me so far. I do have several old records I inherited which are quite crackly so I'm figuring out how to clean them so they are tolerable. Earned a sub from me my friend :)
Great to have you here! If your setup works for you that's really all that matters,. Interestingm the inclusion of the mixer. Are you a musician? I had a similar mixer but a smaller version quite a few years ago.
With the comparatively high prices of vinyl and all the price gouging that is going on, some would say the best recommendation would be to go cd. But if you must get into vinyl, and you must have that vinyl sound, I would say make sure you have the basics down first. Get a little bubble level and make sure your turntable is level. Make sure your cartridge screws are tight. Adjust anti skating by ear, Invest in a great premp. I'd allocate as much of my money to the preamp, as the speakers, if you want refinement. If you just want exciement and do not care about refinement, more allocation to speakers. I can't picture anyone just getting into vinyl, worrying about micro vibrations, because the probably are not even aware that micro vibrations exist. For those who ARE aware that they present a problem, since combatting vibrations is cheap or free, it wouldn't take finances away from your assembling a system. So it really doesn't matter what order you do it. Don't worry about micro vibrations until you actually have a system though. If buying expensive cables take away from what you have to spend on equipment; then do that later.
Excellent! Couldn't agree more. Love the advice on the turntable setup.
Now that most serious cartridge shells are made out stronger material than the cheap plastic of many decades ago, you don't have to worry as much about tightening your cartridge screws so tight that the part on top with holes on both sides will break off. On tonearms with removeable headshells; it was the same thing. The tighter you twist the collar that locks the headshell/cartridge in; the better the sound. People with stronger fingers got better sound quality than those with weaker fingers. Unless you got a V shaped metal nutcracker and used that to grip the collar instead of using your fingers. It would eventually take some paint off your tonearm locking collar; but the sound quality was better in no uncertain terms. There was improvements in every way sonically. Worth doing for me. One thing I always noticed with getting those things really tight, is acoustic guitar strumming got really easier to hear. It took on a whole new level of delicacy and nuance. That is still the one area where I give my vinyl playback the edge over my cd playback. The strumming of acoustic guitars is a bit more defined and nuanced on lps. Before my countless cd player mods, vinyl beat cds on just about everything. Brass horns in particular were harsh on many cds. Now, not a hint of that. After countless cd player mods it has all come down to acoustic guitar strumming. But only if you have really strong fingers!
It was like The Battle Of The Torque. Whoever had the strongest fingers; won....for resolving of subtleties and nuance. They say tonearms with fixed non-removable headshells sound a bit better. But what they don't realize and appreciate is the benefits of getting the locking collar on removeable headshell arms really super tight. With removeable headshells, you can have a whole bevy of cartridges & switch back and forth at will. I will go so far as to say that people who choose fixed non-removeable headshells are just plain no fun.
@@sidesup8286 Lol. I do wish I had a removeable headshell for specifically the reason you mentioned - the ability to easily swap carts out.
You get a little tablet and mark down which cartridge sounds best on what lp. Some cartridges are way preferred and sound way better on certain lps. For instance Supertramp Mofi's sounds great on old top of the line Shure moving magnet cartridges. The metal bodied Shure Ultra 500 cartridge was their top of the line cartridge not the VI5 Type V MR. Those albums sounded unlistenable on an unusual electret cartridge I had. Yet the electret cartridge almost made a joke of the Shure on Steppenwolf, or some Return To Forever albums; maybe the best musicians ever in one group. Or try an old ADC Induced Magnet cartridge on The Stones lp Exile On Main St. Or try a moving coil cartridge on Genesis or Emerson Lake & Palmer; or heaven forbid, Dark Side Of The Moon. Or try a moving flux cartridge on the early lps of the group Chicago. Or a Strain Guage cartridge on classical music. Certain records sound like they were just made to be played back by certain cartridges; or certain types of cartridges. Some of the old excellent Micro Seiki turntables had three mounting boards around their circular circumference, so you could have 3 tonearms/cartridges mounted and ready to go, anytime you wish.
@@sidesup8286 Incredible
My set up is embarrassing. But I am newer to collecting so I went as basic as I could. It was on purpose as I want to prove to myself that I'm gonna be in it for the long haul. So far so good as I'm legitimately excited to get home and put on a record to unwind after work. I figure in the next year I'll upgrade my setup. Still nothing super fancy though. I'm taking baby steps towards something I know I'll be completely satisfied with. Just along for the journey and discovery. It's just as exciting as buying a new record.
You're doing it right. It is a journey and making it about the music and not the equipment is the right frame of mind. You can drive yourself crazy (and drain your wallet) by focusing on how to cinstantly make it sound better - trust me - I've been there.
Isn't it the best way to end the day? My wife and I both spend a couple hours unwinding and listening to 2-3 records before dinner.
the thing about 180 gram records, i think, is that they resist warping from being slightly thicker..if storage vertically sometimes results in a slight lean. slight being the key thing here.
I've just added spring mounted feet to my Turntable base feet with 3 springs per mount to the 3 feet already fitted to see what extra sound I can get & the answer is "Maybe".. but it's giving me that extra gap between my turntable & base which I like the look of.
Were these custom made feet, Paul?
#1 for me after getting back into vinyl after 25 years is avoiding those players with the internal speaker. Even a 100yo name like Victrola has crappy speaker-player units. Get something with external speakers, even if lower in budget. Anything wil be better than Cromwell or Victrola all-in-ones.
Good advice there, Steve. Cheers!
2:52 it happened with audiotechnica lp 60 and thought what the hell Vinyl is about.then upgraded to lp 120 with micro linear and wow it was a revelation (the eliptical stock needle is also very good)
Id recommend not freaking out about pressings!!! When I first got started I thought original presses were the only way to go bc it was rarer and I thought that equated to better and cooler. It is certainly very cool in some cases but often the difference between an original copy and a later pressing is not worth the price difference. Same goes for the huge boxsets that legacy acts put out constantly (looking at you Neil Young), if the music is what matters, find the easiest way to it and worry about all the extra flare later.
Made me smile with the Neil mention, Debis - he really does have a knack for doing that 😂😂😂
And I agree with the original pressings. I used to be the same way but have since changed my mind about that (for the very monetary reasons you mentioned).
Trust your ears and just enjoy the music , as you said Rick people will rip your system to bits but as long as as your having fun , sod um . Another interesting chat keep it up mate
Most of the guys who rip into other people's systems are actually trying nothing better than proving how smart they are. And most of them aren't.
Thank you Eddy. Cheers! 🍺🍺🍺
All good advice! The most important thing is just listen to your music and enjoy it without over analyzing everything in your setup. Don't buy the cheapest of everything, but don't jump in over your head. If possible put together a system that allows you to upgrade instead of replace. That way you can tweak things as you go and have the budget to do so. Go with what sounds best to you. Not everyone likes the same type of sound. Find your sound preferences and look for equipment that lines up with those preferences. Check out different reviewers, ones like Rick, who are helpful not salespeople.
Thank you Neil - and great advice too. Especially about putting together a system that allows for tweaks and future upgrades. Wonderful way to put it.
The GrooveWasher cleaning brush is good if you're _only_ getting new records. You do not want to attempt to clean an actually dirty used record with that. Instead, get one of the Spin Clean knock-offs that start around $40.
Good advice!
The biggest pitfall is not having it on the superior CD format in the first place!! 😆
The AT-LP60X-BT is an EXCELLENT turntable to start out with, in my opinion. 👍🏻🤘🏻
I second that, Chris!
Well said ! take on the issues you see appearant. if it skips when you move, work on isolation, get a decent cartridge, and enjoy your music :- )
Isolation is my new obsession. It does make a difference.
Great video. So true about people tearing your system up. FB groups are great but also really bad. No Matter what you have people got shit to say. Way to keep it real and we need more of this kinda content 👌
It's crazy isn't it, Jamie? You'd think folks would simply be happy there are people into vinyl and collecting. Cheers my friend!
I do about six different things with my vinyl at various time. But, the best new one I've found is the tool to make sure the spindle hole isn't too tight. That really helps with wow & flutter. It was really noticeable on the first Garbage album at 45 rpm. I tend to notice it on lower frequencies. And, don't take the colored vinyl. 😂😂
Hi Jay! What is the tool you found? I still encounter spindle holes that are too tight. I have a screwdriver that is fortunately perfectly suited for it but I'd rather use something designed and made for that use case.
Stable 33.33 is stamped on the wooden insert. It is about the diameter of a half dollar with these little blades in the middle. About 1.5 inches tall. Pretty useful.
Pitfall #X: buying "must have" records, like dark side of the moon, Beatles [insert color here] album, etc. Find what YOU like. -- Re record cleaning solution, a drop of dishwashing liquid in distilled water goes a loooooong way, and is significantly cheaper than anything marketed for vinyl records.
Great point. Too many folks say "The 10 albums everyone should own". There is no "should".
I used to use a similar formula. Always worked for me too.
Here on Gilligan's Isle. I'm sure glad you didn't say anything bad about RCA Dynaflex records. I have some and they sound terrific. I have two pieces of advice. Position your speakers to get the best sound. It doesn't cost anything and it makes a great improvement. Once you get your system set up, just do one piece of equipment at a time. A new cartridge, a new external pre-amp, a new EQ. Have a good rest of the week.
Thanks Stanley! You as well! That "floppy" record sincerely sounds just as good if not better than some of the other records in my collection.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I have classical discs from the early '60s that sound br
better than the records from 25 years later. Especially RCA Living Stereo.
Raising bookshelf speakers to your ear listening height by using used heavy end tables or flower stands. Even covered up cinder blocks with a rubber mat top. Then position them away from the wall and towards your listening position. WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
@@walterpen371 Awesome Walter!
Pitfall number one: The one good thing about heavy records is that they play into the tactile aspect of playing records. I like holding them in the same way I like holding a 1 oz gold coin. It's just a weirdly pleasurable experience. But no, they don't sound better.
Pitfall number two: The one measurable way some speaker wire is better than other is this: gauge. and even then, it depends on how long your runs are. 16 is fine for most people for under 50 feet. I use 14 just because I have a lot of it and my setup is fairly powerful. Crutchfield has a simple guide, but there are plenty of UA-cam videos that get into the weeds on this issue, if one is so inclined. One thing I care about is the connectors. I solder my favorite style onto plain wire. They are dirt cheap off amazon.
Pitfall number three: I use various "levels" of cleaning based on how dirty the record is. They are all cheap. For super dirty records, (soaked with their jackets in a flooded basement) where everything is practically glued together, I use tap water, Dawn, and a paint trim brush. If the record was new before the damage, it literally sounds new again. This really works. For noticeably dirty records, I use an alcohol water mix with a soft bristle brush and literally "scrub" the record on the turntable (I have a high torque AT LP120USB that doubles in purpose for this), followed by a discwasher, followed by a graphite anti static brush, followed by a microfiber cloth to completely dry the record. For everything else, the discwasher or anti-static brush works fine.
Pitfall number 4: Solid floor and heavy plinth or base under the plinth work great. Concrete floor helps. Placement of the TT helps But most people only notice this when they turn it up loud and they get that terrible deep bass rumble.
Pitfall number four: Yeah, you nailed it. 'nuff said.
BTW, your record collection is not complete without The Shaggs and Captain Beefheart. 🤣
I need to correct that - Captain Beefheart has come up alot recently. I have no idea why a single album never made it to my collection!
...to keep your stylus and records as clean as possible.
Perfect! Cheers, Steven!
The skiniest vinyl I've ever seen was when RCA Records introduced "DYNAFLEX" Records. I believe I purchased the Nilsson Schmilsson album by Harry Nilsson when I was a kid. I'm now 62, and I clearly remember that. I also remember purchasing the Broadway cast of HAIR and it was also a DYNAFLEX Record. You can bend that record like no other!
Almost in half!
Best recommendation. Cleaning routine.
Cheers to that 🍺🍺🍺
I'm new to vinyl and turntables. Thinking of getting an Audio Technica LP5X turntable after reading some reviews online. Is this turntable good or maybe decent even? This is probably the max I can shell out for a turntable.
I actually had an LP5 a couple years ago. I really enjoyed it and gifted it to my brother when I upgraded. He loves it too.
And welcome to the wonderful world of vinyl Charan. If you ever have questions please don't hesitate to reach out.
Basics. Most don't teach basics. It's you have to have this 5K amp so I can feed my fish. Basics. Thank you for this video. George from St. Pete
Thank you as well, George!
Thicker vinyl always sounds better! Thank you!
Thank you too!
That wood glue thing actually works. It's like Biore for your records.
Here's an unsolicited piece of advice: Find your way to estate sales at retirement communities. Those would be the "active" places with individual houses and condos, not assisted living places. I live in Sun City West, 28,500 people, 18,000 individual dwellings. 5-6 sales a week.
For 7 years I've been finding LPs at these estate sales that are in excellent to flawless condition for $1.00 to $3.00. I recently bought 10 excellent condition classical recordings on Columbia and RCA from the 50s and early 60s for $9.00. What, is that 85 cents each? These were the masters: Toscanini, Stokowski, Bernstein, Walter, Gould, Rubinstein, Casals.
Back in the day (50s and 60s) people would buy classical records to set on top of their new hi-fis, stereos, and Coffeys tables. They would play them maybe once each and after never played Side 2. I even found a 1950 Toscanini recording with a Thun leather sheet glued over the front cover.
That is excellent advice, Tom, and not unsolicited at all - this is the type of advice I was hoping folks would be presented with, Thanks for that!
Hi Rick. I've been buying records for about 40 years but am relatively new to cleaning systems. I am currently using the Groovewasher G2 fluid. I have noticed that when I play a record after , I get some build-up on my stylus. I grew concerned that it was leaving a residue behind. I have always done a straight up distilled water rinse. Have you noticed this at all? Any thoughts? I am currently cutiing it with distilled water and it seems to be cleaning just as well with no stylus issues. Thanks!
Ed from Chicago
H, Ed! I haven’t noticed it but I am curious about the distilled water rinse. How are you doing it? Is it with the Spin-Clean or another method? You are spot on to do a rinse after. I find the Spin-Clean to be the perfect way for a final rinse.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I picked up a barely used Spin Clean at a garage sale for $5 and use that.
I do wet clean with Groovewasher on an old turntable. Into the SpinClean to rinse and then into Humminguru for an ulrasonic clean. Takes a while, but it is the method I've settled on. Do you have any thoughts on other fluids? I know alot of us older guys use the infamous homemade version.
@@ediblehorse Yes. For the first wash I've been using Tergikleen. Basically 10-20 drops per gallon of distilled water. Then just distilled water afterwards for rinsing. I don't have an ultrasonic (maybe someday) but I've heard to only use distilled for that as well.
I am also planning on creating my own formula soon that will be Tergitol based, but haven't yet. I will soon though!
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords It was my understanding that Tergitol doesn't work great as a regular cleaning fluid. It is recommended in an ultrasonic cleaner tho. I read up quite a bit on cleaning and 20 drops of Tergitol might be too much for a gallon. Who knows? There's so much info out there lately. I do have Tergitol and sometimes use that in my Spin Clean rinse. Still a work in progress.
@@ediblehorse The Tergikleen is what I meant - sorry. That's 10-20 drops per gallon (per their instructions). Tergikleen contains a mix of a couple different Tergitol formulations. It serves as both an emulsifier and detergent. Getting the right mix is the trick. There's a great white paper out there about different aqueous solutions using different chemicals for cleaning records. . It's extremely thorough but also very dense in information and somewhat scientific. That's what I'm working through now.
Hi Rick, I started a vinyl collection 15 months ago after years of streaming and CDs. I think right up front a rough budget is a sensible plan. I bought a nice entry level turntable and in three months part exchanged it for something better. I knew I would upgrade and I should have spent closer to my budget rather than entry level. I didn’t buy a cheaper record cleaner but jumped in when I saw a Project on sale.
Another early learning lesson is don’t buy bucket bin records (3 for £5) type as you will only be disappointed with the sound quality. You will go back to streaming wondering why everyone else raves over vinyl. Another piece of regular advice is try and audition any equipment purchases, make comparisons with more expensive options so you know what “better” sounds like. I don’t think anyone will disagree with your list. Oh and I have bought a record weight, I am now convinced it makes a difference in the bass sounds. Best, Pat
Thanks for sharing your experience with the record weight. It really does help. I know folks disagree and that's ok too.
And yes about the bargain bins! 99.9% of the time it will end in disappointment.
still wish I had my bose 301s from the 80s...haha...best speakers ever
There's gear we had back in the 70s and early 80s that my dad had that I wish I had my hands on as well.
still have my 901's from the 70's
sorry to disagree re 180g records. The simple fact is that the heavier records are less prone to vibration and therefore provides superior tracking. However that aside i fully concur with your sentiments. There will always be others who 'know better' and have better equipment so don't get hung up on it and enjoy what you have. It took me 20 years to reach the point where i have decided that i had reached my optimum level with the finances at my disposal but, in the meantime, thoroughly enjoyed the journey. As for cleaning records i agree some of the methods seem a little odd and some of the record cleaning equipment can by eye wateringly expensive. However Ron Beaudry's channel showcased a solution entitled Tergikleen (yes an unfortunate name). However at £40 i decided to invest and can report this product is superb and so easy to use. I have cleaned >300 records from one small bottle and it has certainly resurrected my vinyl collection.
I've use Tergikleen as well Barrie and completely agree with you. 🍺
With regard to thinner records, THANK YOU. I have tons of thinner records that sound amazing. I don't know why RCA Dynaflex records are so despised. I have many that sound great. Yes, they are more warp-prone. That is no doubt a risk. But when not warped, they're just fine.
Also, I suspect the more flexible records wear slower. I find more rigid pre-1970s pressings often have more distortion from groovewear than more flexible ones from the 1970s and on. And that is controlling for apparent condition. Granted, this could be attributable to the fact that more rigid pre-1970s pressings were also often played with the heavier arms of that era. I have considered that. But still.
As always, there are multiple variables, but that's also true for heavier pressings. A heavier pressing does not necessarily use a better formula. It might just use 180 grams of a lousy one.
Yes! I don’t know why Dynaflex always get a bad rap. Granted, a lot of what the claims were are definitely false but the same can be said for today’s 180-200 gram records. It’s all in how you take care of them but I also feel the QC was so much better back then which was huge.
Isolation does help. But, like anything else, it can be carried to extremes. I know someone with a mega-buck system who puts weights (sandbags of buckshot) on all this components, including his bookshelf speakers, and he doesn't even own a turntable. I have to wonder where all this so-called vibration is coming from and why he needs all that when he now streams all his music.
True... Most equipment is _not_ vibration sensitive. The exceptions are turntables, microphones and some older vacuum tubes. For the rest of it, you're just wasting time and money.
Yes - agreed! My TT was the biggest culprit of being affected by vibrations. Other than that I am not going to stress over it - although I would like to isolate the amp (microphonics with tubes is real). Still - taking my own advice and not stressing over it.
As you know, audio is among the most obsessive of hobbies. Ritualistic nonsense and insecurity are part of the equation. But it's all fun, right? @@Douglas_Blake_579
@@user-xx2hj7xb6b
_"Ritualistic nonsense and insecurity are part of the equation."_
No, not part of the equation.... and definitely not fun. Only those who listen to the BS sales strategies of predatory companies suffer this fate.
The rest of us buy equipment and accessories at more or less average prices, hook it all up, maybe tweak the speaker positions a bit then we simply use what we got.
David Brubeck, Time Out 180 g record from quality sound recordings is amazing. By far…by far best sounding recording I own. Why can’t all recordings have that kind of dynamic range and sense of the room,
In truth ... they all could. But, between marketing, mixing and mastering these things tend to take a second place to loudness and commercial appeal.
If only they all did. I coincidentally just drafted ideas for an episode about this. You read my mind 😎
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords
The loudness wars are less of a concern for Vinyl but on CDs and Digital Files they got way way way out of line for over a decade.
The thing I never understood (and still don't) is why they didn't produce their very best recordings and if compression and limiting were needed to overcome noise, it should have been applied in the playback device, not burned into the recording itself. For example: A portable player would have a built in compressor/limiter that, when turned on, would help get above street noise for playback.
Doing it the way they did, "brick walling" so many otherwise good recordings, was just about the dumbest way imaginable.
Yeah, that accent's thick. "Ah-deggal. Err'aah. Missiles in Koober."
Just listened to this one, Unexpected 50% Sound Improvement and Struggle With A Love Supreme. Subscribed. Speaking of Trane, if you haven't gotten the recent Stereo/Mono reissue of My Favorite Things, check it out. Still priced at regular value. KG cut.
😂😂 thanks, Glenn. Yeah - my Massachusett's accent is something I try to control but it wins more often than not. Especially when I'm talking about something I enjoy. And thank you for subscribing! I have an older pressing of _My Favorite Things_ and just ordered a new pressing of _Crescent_ . I'm planning to do an update at some point soon. I've been on the Trane Education "Train". Cheers!
Hi Rick. I think the greatest pitfall in vinyl records is... FALL IN THE VINYL RECORDS!!... once you are in you cannot get out!! 😄
😂😂😂😂. so true
If I had just ONE piece of advice to throw out there, it's to never skimp on your sonic screwdriver. Yea, there are LOTS of Chinese companies just pumping out cheap copies of these vital tools, but take it from me, you need to save up a few pennies and get yourself a QUALITY sonic screwdriver from a Reputable American, Dutch, or even Croation sonic screwdriver manufacturer. I would recommend a good British company, but they all just sold their designs to China and shipped those jobs overseas. Remember, if it's made out of bakelite, it's garbage! (something to do with frequency curving or whatever). Just ask Tom Baker.
Never fail to make me laugh. And Tom Baker will always be the Doctor I grew up with...
Buy what you like and sounds good to you. You do not HAVE to have Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin in your collection...buy what you like and what you will listen to. Save the money on what others will tell you are the "essentials" and buy the ones YOU want.
I agree. Why collect something you may never listen to ? You are just wasting space.
Truer words have never been spoken, Dan. Cheers!
GM ☕️❄️
I’m in the process of rebuilding my digital playback system…
The analog section is going to be made up using my (currently in storage) Linn LP12 …but that’s later on.
There’s so many ways of getting good sound that YOU can enjoy..without taking out another mortgage.
Have a great week 🙏
You as well Carmine!!
Here’s a thought, do the Linn first. You may never bother doing the digital setup and you can spend the money you save on records. You’re welcome 😂
And Rick, be like Carmine, buy a Linn! Now that’s how to isolate your record from vibrations. 😊
Good people on this community…
A :I’ve had the Linn since the 80’s.
B:Both Streaming and cd are part of my audio experience.
C: I think I’m around 300 records and an equal number of cds .
Each format brings something to the table ..each offer great but slightly different sound signatures…all are enj.
If you’re looking to get top tier S class..that road is both expensive and soul crushing ..as there’s a level that you’ll reach and if you’re lucky..you’ll be happy and ENJOY THE MUSIC.
Enjoy the music and save the analyzing, compairing and “tweaking” for specific times you set aside to do such things. If you allow every time you sit down to listen to be filtered through critical ears you will never enjoy your music or the purpose of it in the first place.
That one resonates with me. I've fallen into that trap on multiple occasions.
Listen to you records. You should enjoy your system. The one thing you must do without fail is plug it in, if you don' it will not work. In all seriousness, there so many ways to build a system, start simple. I have all sort of opitions, but I don't always follow my own advice so why should you. Lastly, for any option there is a down side or a trade off you have to determine what is right for you.
Great advice, Chuck!
Well sort of have to disagree sorry! with cable interconnects tho! don't worry about power that makes no difference. And it's not about price either. especially turntable to phono stage, ideally you want 43 ohms or less this will give you better bass and control of lower frequency in its clarity and control
and the rule of thumb all analog has to be 50 ohms or less only digital output coax you needs to be 75 or 93 ohms.
If you use microphone cable its 50 ohms cable double or triple shielded you shouldn't have a problem with noise in analogue signals and a better power band.
and make sure your RCA plugs are 50 ohms most of them are 75 ohms it's very difficult to no or not without knowing the spec sheet and the manufactures don't generally give that. Buy from a reputable sauce and they give you that information your be alright.
You can get Belden cable at 43 ohms, you need to make sure that the negative braid is shielded with some copper tape and covering the positive connector wire plastic coating, and the copper tape goes back over the wire plastic sheath so the outside clamp of the RCA plug goes ground clamping around the copper tape of the connector of the cable, to stop EMI getting in this has to be done at both ends it's not crucial but it will protect against EMI interference. Always make sure your interconnects are separated from power cables if you have to cross cables cross them over 90 degrees. A good cable manufacture quiet like the look of that's ready made is cord cables, and not too expensive. I don't think they do the 43 ohns, something you'll need to make. Pro shops are good you'll get made up cables there as well for microphone just make sure you ask for double or triple shielded microphone cable if you need a RCA not lxr if you don't need that
Power from an amplifier makes all the difference in the world
I don't know what you mean power from an amplifier makes all the difference what's that got to do with what I'm saying?@@sbwlearning1372
Interesting. Thanks for this. I need to check to see what I have and look into this. Great advice!
I'm sorry but I have to disagree with this.
At radio frequencies, cable impedance does matter because the antenna, cable, and transmitter are a _resonant_ system.
At audio frequencies no such concern exists. Audio equipment uses "Impedance Bridging" (look it up) where the output of a given stage is low (typically 100 ohms or less) and input of the following stage is higher (typically 10k ohms or more). This ensures best signal transfer without any cable matching needed at all.
This bridging system is deliberately built right into all modern gear. Trying to "tune" it with cables is just going to cost you a lot of time and money that accomplishes nothing.
Sorry I don't know what you're talking about I'm not talking about power from the amplifier or matching resistance@@sbwlearning1372
What advice would I give a newcomer to Vinyl ... or for that matter, to the audio thing in general?
One word: *LEARN*
An entire industry exists for no better reason than parting you from your money. They are totally unabashed about lying to you and creating false science to entice you. If you are not to be repeatedly victimized by these people you need to know at least enough to understand when you are being lied to.
My best advice is that you should find an accredited course on basic electronics, not affiliated with any marketing or corporations. Find one tied to a university or college, and at least learn the basics like Ohm's law and how audio signals work. No you don't have to become a technician or engineer. But I can guarantee you will have a far more satisfactory experience if you know enough to see through the marketing and BS.
One of the best things about knowledge is that it doesn't hurt the way ignorance and gullibility does.
I'll add to that. It's why I created this channel. To share what I've learned and to continue learning from the community here. I learn something new from the folks here almost every day.
To answer the trailing question ...
My advice would be to love music, find more and better music to enjoy. Don't waste your time and money on "audiophile" stuff. The truth is that most of the mid-price and even some of the low price gear on the market today is very well engineered and unless you are an engineer, second guessing those design engineers is a total fools errand.
The best example is the cables thing ...
There is a simple analogy you can follow from general physics. That is: Once you have a chain that is strong enough to tow a car, using a bigger chain actually makes the car harder to tow. (because of the added weight)
This is also true in electronics. Once you have a cable that will properly carry your signal, using a bigger cable gains you nothing... except added expense.
Seriously, the cables that come with your gear are almost always just fine. No credible audio company is going to sabotage their own products by supplying inferior accessories.
Simple, basic setups are the way to go.
Excellent advice there Douglas about the cables. I even found myself getting caught up in what ti buy and what I should get early on. Keeping things simple and enjoying the music without stressing over everything else is key.
For beginners, I'd suggest buying from a reputable source that provides a good warranty. Unless you have an aptitude for electronics, shy away from vintage equipment.
I would tend to agree with that. I am lucky in that my Thorens was built by Dave at Vinyl Nirvana, and he's only 45 minutes away. Other than that I would be wary of vintage equipment without having someone nearby to service it.