Is LP distortion the record or the cartridge?


Or maybe something else? On dynamic peaks, even at fairly low volume, the sound breaks up and produces distortion.
The first thought is that the cartridge is not properly tracking. Am using a Miyajima Shalabi, Tri-planar arm and Woodsong Garrard 301. Fairly new to serious analog and TTs, I hear the phrase “compliance” but not really sure what that is all about. I do know that the arm and the cartridge need to be compatible.
mglik

Showing 4 responses by atmasphere

Now that I remember could be a third possibility and this is the cable tonearm that some Triplanar owners warned that if it’s not in the precise rigth position will not " track " as should be.
This is not the case with the Triplanar FWIW but I have heard of this with some arms.
The cartridge probably has about 2000 hours on it.
I am only getting that distortion on old and, probably, worn records

Sometimes you can get dust buildup on the stylus tip that is difficult to see and difficult to clean off. If the stylus has just a little dirt on it distortion will be present! But if you are careful you can remove it with a good stylus cleaner. Have you tried this?
The first thought is that the cartridge is not properly tracking. Am using a Miyajima Shalabi
@mglik How old is your cartridge?
Cartridge alignment is paramount.


If the LPs are damaged, there won't be anything you can do.