2. analog
  3. 1000484332

hopeless LP's

Ok, now a question about maintaining one's collection.

4 day weekend this weekend, so the wife and I, as a diversion, are going to start to go through our large and varied collection of LP's (garage sale, thrift store, mostly) and pare it down to records actually worth keeping.

Assuming a clean record (we have a nitty gritty) and a properly set up TT, but NOT the "finest" stylus in the world (a Sumiko Black Pearl, which has an elliptical stylus), can it be safely assumed that if a well-cleaned, de-staticized, gruv-glided, etc. record is being played and still either distorts or crackles, or sounds like someone shaved off the high frequencies, that is is, alas, a goner and should be put out for trash?

I'd hate to throw away my found vinyl (some of it very nice performances, mostly the classical stuff) only to find out later that if I had a different TT or cart set-up, in fact the gross and obvious distortion I am hearing now would not be audible.

Thanks again, as always

pcanis
pcanis
jimbo3
304 posts
 
You'll find that many of the better MC cartridges ($500+) will really minimize surface noise and, to a very limited degree, some of the ticks and pops. Some additional reduction of noise might be obtained by adjusting the VTA (or shimming the cartridge) so that the arm slopes slightly downward toward the bearing end. Results will vary.

I've been using a DBX-3BX expander and find that it helps quiet a record somewhat. The purists out there may object, but, if used in moderation, it does seem to help.

As far as all the clicks and pops, there are a couple of "transient noise" filters that seem to work OK, but they do introduce distortion- more pops equals more distortion. The better filters of this type are from SAE and Burwin. I have the Burwin piece, but haven't had it in the system for years.

I would caution you that analog "signal processing" creates alot more distortion and, on better systems, can tend to distract from sound quality rather than improve it. I remember a very reputable audio dealer telling me years ago that "as your system improves, you'll eventually notice that many switches and extra components have disappeared".

Getting back to the records, why not hang on to them for awhile and see what happens?

Regards
Jim

rdr4b
81 posts
 
I can assure you that if you find these well-cleaned LP less than desirable while playing on your current system, chances for them to sound much better is next to none on a state-of-the-art system. However, if you collect for the sake of performances and artists, then the sound shouldn't matter as much. A lot of eBayer would pay over $2000 for a clean copy of Joanna Martzy in mono while most audiophiles would probably consider the recording low-fi since it suffers from poor high and low frequency extension. You should always identify what draws you into this hobby -- the music itself or the vehicle that takes you there.
rcreations
158 posts
 
percy faith, mitch miller, andy williams, foghat, molly hatchet, barry manilow, chicago, and all the firestone christmas vol's, should deminish the work load without fear of wishing you'd have not disguarded prematurely. hesitate to include john denver,but the john surplus is enough for everyone in the country to own at least two copies.
if in doubt pigeon-hole until later.
i have several lp's that appear to have been sand blasted but play thru without any assistance. won't part with unless i upgrade the copy. kurt
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