need help with vinyl


I have an old Pioneer PL-516 with new belt and stylus. It plays great on virgin records but I have bought used records the last 3 years in anticipation of going to an all vinyl lp collection of Jazz mostly.... I can't get static and popping off of these records & can't tell if old records are worthwhile without playing them & I am often suprised by all the background noise. They LOOK ok! I like cd's becuse of their "cleanness" but like the vinyls range and warmness when good. It's like the old "...when she's good she's very, very, good, and when bad very very bad." I can't spend any money on expensive machines. Of 60 LP's only 10 are decent & those are recent, 15 to 20 year old rock & popular albums. Maybe I shouldn't ever buy $5.00 used records & expect them to play but it's so much fun finding old jazz records! I hate to shop or buy records on the internet...no fun! I did notice that I have to clean the record and the needle every time but their still is a surface noise problem with most records. I know it's NOT my set-up or machine because a few play perfectly with NO NOISE....! What are some basic steps & rules for a great vinyl collection & system...? What am I missing here..? I use the felt pad & cleaning liquid religiously- thanks in advance
dla405j

Showing 1 response by albertporter

Worn and abused LP's reveal noise of a less than perfect turntable set up, whereas new records don't require that precision to play perfectly.

I've purchased LP's for fifty cents at used book stores that are as quiet as new virgin vinyl Classic Records reissues.

Last Tuesday night we spun a forty year old Audio Fidelity LP of Louis Armstrong that exhibited noise on only two tracks. This LP looked like it had been through the war, REALLY mistreated, but cleaned up very nice.

Most important, It cost $1.50 and this music cannot be enjoyed on CD, as it is not available (according to AMG).

Take the advice of Ivanj, dispose of the pads and buy yourself a VPI record cleaning machine. If you really intend to build a library it is a solid investment that will last a lifetime.

As to setup, perhaps there is an Audiogon member who lives in your area that can help. Record players (regardless of price) are mechanical and like any precision device may perform totally different within hundredths or even thousands of an inch of adjustment.

Once the work is done, the investment in time will repay you a thousand times over. It's not difficult, just requires a person who understands how to go about it.