I guess that if you're a dj, you could scratch the platter like that if you scratch records with out using a mat. |
The circles could be from the polishing of the surface during manufacture. You could try to remove them with the Novus plastic products. |
I'm no DJ at all and handle my LP's very carefully. And it's no TT for DJing for sure :) That's why I don't understand where could those scratches come from. |
I can't see how in normal use you would end up with
the markings you describe, more probable a part of the
platter manufacturing/finishing process. |
You didn't mention it, but I assume you bought the TT new. If not, the scratches would be easy to explain.
2 things come to mind. The first is how the TT was packaged. I don't know if every manufacturer uses it, but I've never been a fan of that rough paper that's sometimes used. Some type of dirt or debris may have come into contact with the platter. Many TT parts are made in a machine shop so something like dirt isn't out of the question. And the other possibility is that you may have scratched it during set up. I don't know how Clearaudio does it, but my VPI TT's come with a big metal jig you put on the platter. Not to mention other tools like levels and tracking force gauges. Also, any cleaner that contains alcohol will destroy acrylic. |
Hello, thank you very much to you all for your helpful answers.
Sorry that I didn't mention it but yes, I bought this TT new. The platter was wrapped in a sort of soft plastic bag, which was itself placed in the bottom of the box, in a hard foam case. I don't think it comes from here.
I don't think I've scratched it during the set-up either, as I did everything very carefully.
So I assume it may come from the polishing/manufacturing process, as some of you suggested. The other thing is, those scratches follow a regular semi-circular pattern (although they are much smaller than a semi-circle), just as they came from a mechanical process (that's why I wondered if it could have been done by the LP's themselves while turning on the TT).
Just another question, Zd542: when you say that alcohol will destroy acrylic, what will it do exactly? Change the texture of it, I guess, or create spots on it? Anyway, I never used alcohol on the platter and those scratches don't look like checmical damages. |
spray platter with paint to hide'm |
Do you normally brush the LP while it is moving? Could there have been some hard grit in between?
In theory the characteristics of vinyl and acrylic are similar enough that they should not scratch each other?
If this is happening because of grit (and indeed the LP itself could end up being scratched) you could try a mat such as the Ringmat. It offers minimal contact between table & mat as well as Mat-LP. |
"Just another question, Zd542: when you say that alcohol will destroy acrylic, what will it do exactly? Change the texture of it, I guess, or create spots on it?"
Its not subtle. Alcohol dissolves/breaks down acrylic. I should have been more clear. I put the comment in just as a caution in case you decided to try and polish or clean the platter in some way. If you tried to clean you platter with an alcohol based cleaner, you would be buying a new one. |
If it bothers you,get yourself a platter matt. There are many types to choose, from cork to carbon and a whole range of prices ! |
Don't worry, it's perfectly clear. Thank you for the precision though. It didn't come to my mind to clean the platter with alcohol but now I'm sure I will never do it.
Moonglum and Yogiboy, thanks for the mat suggestion. I will consider it. I don't think there was grit between the LP and the platter though.
All the best and thanks again. |
Most tables that utilize an acrylic platter do so specifically to couple the record to a surface with similar characteristics so that vibrations (from the stylus tracking in the groove) travelling in the record will be transmitted to the platter and dissipated in the platter. If you use a mat between the two, you will compromise this particular design feature.
Acrylic is a quite soft surface that can be easily scratched, even when all you are doing is trying to clean it or remove dust. Do not even use paper towels in the cleaning process. I use the special eyeglass cleaning paper towels for this purpose. I keep the platter from collecting dust by covering it when not in use with a sacrificial record (a Charlie Rich album someone gave me that I have never listened to, although it is, now the record that spends the most time on my platter). |
My turntable has a heavy thick composite platter which was intended to be used matless (although the manufacturer did originally supply a carbon fibre + felt "sandwich mat" which could be "flipped" to cover alternate preferences) but I preferred (by a large margin) the undamped approach of using a mat which decouples the LP from it's surroundings.
Might not be for everyone but in various AB comparisons - VTA precisely matched - it's a clear winner for me...
It also means no fussing around with clamps & weights as the mat couldn't handle the extra loading. Speeds up the process of playing LPs. :) |
I bet this happens all the time at the factory and they know the best way to deal with them. |
Stringreen, you mean: scratches happen all the time at the factory? |
Carpet manufacturers know the best way to deal with imperfections on carpets, furniture manufacturers know the best way to deal with scratches et al on their goods, car dealers know how to eliminate scratches on their inventory.....get the idea? |
Yes I do :)But as a Frenchie, I wasn't sure I got you right. Thx :) |
"07-28-15: Stringreen
Carpet manufacturers know the best way to deal with imperfections on carpets"
They put a piece of furniture over the mistake.
"furniture manufacturers know the best way to deal with scratches et al on their goods"
They put the damaged goods up against the wall.
"car dealers know how to eliminate scratches on their inventory"
Pint stripes at no extra charge (just pay labor). |
zd542....true.. and effective. |
