Suggestions needed for a vinyl newbie

Rob

Even though I am not a "fan" of current production AT's, the 400mla is in a completely different class than the 2M Red. To my ears even the AT-95 is better for half the price. As to test LP's never owned one. You can do the setup you need with your ears and a decent protractor. Many swear by Conrad's Arc Protractor on VE and I can see where it would work the best if you know or measure the spindle to pivot distance for the tonearm.
 
Jack..agree. The test records I have are cool..BUT...found them to be little use although I did do "some" fine tuning here and there. Especially dial in anti-skate...but yeah, don't want to send Matt down that path...LOL :rolleyes:
 
Jack said:
Yes simple is better. If he could find a Technics Sl-1100 headshell which has the fixed Stevenson alignment and you just move the sled to the proper overhang then that would be the best solution. I have bought about a dozen of them over the last two years as it was easier on me with my "old age eyesight." This is an example.

Vintage Audio 8 6g Technics SH 98 Headshell Shell | eBay
Click to expand...

That's cool !!! Does it have marks for overhang ?

Only issue..sometimes overhang specs are wrong !!! Drives me nuts. My Pioneer PL-500 says 49mm...Set it there, its wrong...set it at approx. 51mm and check alignment....right there.

As I don't switch tables or carts much anymore(yeah right) , not much of an issue, but I think those headshells are cool !!! May try one...Thanks !!!
 
Rob

No marks, have to use a ruler or some other device. I use a marked 3x5 card that I have cut with a T-Square.
 
I finally received the stylus today and...:exciting:huge improvement! I lost the loose/tubby bass and I have gained a very nice soundstage. The highs are much improved but still a tad tame for my taste. All in all, I agree with Jack's statement of it being neutral sounding. I currently have it set at a 1.5g VTF with no brush and 2 for anti-skate. The one thing I noticed as soon as the needle dropped was now I hear a rumble on the lead in (the very outer part of the record) and some noise during a silent part. Is this what is referred to as rumble?
 
Matt

Glad you finally got it, damn that took a long time, and yes what you are hearing is basically the Stanton/Pickering sound to a point. A NOS stylus will get you a little more high end and no sibilance, but it will never sound like an AT or even a Denon Dl-110. In the end you have to decide which sound profile suits you, but at least you see to a point what the Stanton could be capable of. Let it run in a little more and see if it opens up some. I don't think that stylus has much more than a dozen hours on it if that. If you haven't you might look into whether or not the main bearing needs lubricating and if so buy some sewing machine oil from Walmart.
 
Hahahha..You went with the 440Mla...How do you like it ?

You can see whats sitting on my Pioneer...

1551751_787842401231224_1502406160_n.jpg
 
It has a much larger soundstage and the top end is extended with lots of detail. However, the bass, while tight, is a lot less than the Stanton cart. I literally put it on about an hour ago and have run just a few tracks from various LPs to see what it sounds like. I am curious to hear what it sounds like after I get some hours on it.

Random question about aligning it: Do I align it by the needle guard or the cart body? I used the needle guard but I'm not so sure that is the best thing to use. I'm not sure how I would be able to see the front of the body with the guard on it, or am I going about it all wrong? :skeptical:
 
Matt715 said:
It has a much larger soundstage and the top end is extended with lots of detail. However, the bass, while tight, is a lot less than the Stanton cart. I literally put it on about an hour ago and have run just a few tracks from various LPs to see what it sounds like. I am curious to hear what it sounds like after I get some hours on it.

Random question about aligning it: Do I align it by the needle guard or the cart body? I used the needle guard but I'm not so sure that is the best thing to use. I'm not sure how I would be able to see the front of the body with the guard on it, or am I going about it all wrong? :skeptical:
Click to expand...

You are on the right track...use the cart body and if the stylus guard (which should be straight) lines up ..good. Remember, it doesn't have to align ON a line, just parallel to a line. So for example, if it is 1mm BEFORE a line, that is fine as long as it is straight

The bass will bloom..AT440Mla takes about 40 to 60 hours of breakin...The highs smooth out and the bass blooms...Congrats

Picture of how alignment works. Dot in the center is stylus tip...cart body is thicker and thin lines show you how you can be parallel but not ON the line. As long as it is square at BOTH null points.

align.jpg
 
Ok, cool. It lined up pretty easily without any problems.

So on a semi-related note, since the stylus sits so much further down in the grooves (so I've read) vs my Stanton, I get a lot more noise since I'm sure my records have never been cleaned. Should I look at getting some things to clean what I have? Do the carbon brushes make any difference, or is that to mostly remove surface dust on already clean records?

I experimented with some microfiber cloths and recommended DIY cleaning solutions on one record but it didn't seem to make a difference or remove any dirt for that matter.
 
Well...Just so you know...cleaning will make improvements but it depends on the condition of the album. If its in MINT condition but dirty, yes. If its a thrift store album, chances are you will always hear noise. Find something ne (180gr vinyl) or mint vintage just so you can get an idea.

As to cleaning, an inexpensive and good first solution...The Spin clean...about $80 new.

Vinyl Record Cleaner and Washing System | Spin Clean Record Washing System
 
So far all I have is used/thrift store LPs. I did pick up 8 really clean looking albums on Monday from the thrift store. Someone must have donated their collection and I managed to find a few that were interesting before they all got picked over. I keep eying a few new titles but I just haven't had the motivation to spend the money yet. It's hard for me to spend $25+ on an album that I'm not sure I'm going to like. :S
 
I pretty much like everything but country, well most country, and I'm not big into polka. I'm actually drooling over the coming release of Johnny Cash's American IV next month on vinyl. I've been finding that the longer I've been in this hobby, the more my music tastes have changed. What I thought was ultra boring or unlistenable a few years ago has started to become ok. I guess it's part of "maturing" LOL. If I had to choose my main genre, it would be rock, more so alternative rock.

I have no problems buying used vinyl all day long for a couple bucks a piece. If I don't like it, no problem; spending big dollars on something that can be had on CD for 1/4 the cost is a little hard for me to swallow at this point. I know, I know, this is just how it is, especially if you start getting into audiophile pressings ect. but honestly, as much as I would like to, I just don't have the disposable income to spend on album after album. I went into this with the mindset that I would mostly be buying second hand LPs with the occasional new album if it was something special.

I guess I just need to do some listening and research, then find what I want and wait for deals. After all, this isn't a race, but a long journey. :)
 
To be honest MOST of my albums cost between 12 and 25 dollars...In pristine shape or new...

Okay, BUY This album
Herb Alpert "Magic Man" Original LP Vinyl Album | eBay

It wont be your usual music style, but it will certainly tell you just how good your system sounds...and the music just gets to you ...

remember I did a needle drop on one track ? Like I said for this price...TEST you system

Sample - needle drop long -AT440MLa cart
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=D25B243EF6E53584!854&authkey=!AG0jzZEHPTZfjlg&ithint=file,.wav
 
Matt715 said:
It's on the way.
Click to expand...

Good deal..if it is in the condition it says then you are in for a treat. I can put that album on, close my eyes and feel like I am at a resort in the tropics...more important, I get to hear the detail and separation in my system. If that album doesn;t sound good, there is a PROBLEM....

Again congrats
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top