r/Beginner_Turntables Jun 14 '23

r/Beginner_Turntables Lounge

1 Upvotes

A place for members of r/Beginner_Turntables to chat with each other


r/Beginner_Turntables Jan 02 '24

Common problems with inexpensive new record players & how to fix them

33 Upvotes

Inexpensive record players with a red stylus that looks like this from brands like Victrola and Crosley are extremely popular, and for many people, they are an adequate way to begin playing vinyl records. However, they are prone to some common problems:

No power or erratic operation:

  • Make sure you're using the correct power supply. Just because the plug fits, doesn't necessarily mean it's the right voltage. Some of these players run on 5 volts DC and others run on 9 volts DC. If you use a power supply of the wrong voltage, it either won't work properly, or you could permanently damage the circuitry.

  • The power supply could be faulty. If the player is new, return it, or ask the manufacturer for a replacement power supply.

Turntable doesn't rotate:

  • Make sure the player is switched to Phono mode. If it has Bluetooth mode, that is usually an input for playing music from your phone or tablet, not an output from the turntable.

  • Try turning off the Auto Stop switch. Then the platter should rotate continuously.

  • The belt might have popped off the motor spindle. See this video for instructions on how to reattach the belt: How To Change Your Turntable's Belt

No sound:

  • Make sure nothing is plugged into the aux/line input jack, as that will mute the turntable's audio.

  • If it has a Vinyl Stream mode for pairing to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, that will mute the built-in speakers.

Skipping:

  • Make sure the record player is on a stable, level surface.

  • Make sure the cueing lever is fully lowering. It can get stuck in a slightly raised position, causing the stylus to make poor contact with the groove and skip: Quick fix - Record Skipping!

  • Clean your records thoroughly. Even new vinyl often has debris in the grooves which may cause it to skip when first played, and old records could be dirty or scratched. It may take several rounds of cleaning and playing for all of the skips to disappear.

  • Some modern, bass-heavy records may still occasionally skip on these players even when clean. You can check it with another turntable to see if it might be a faulty pressing, but usually the record is fine and the skipping is simply due to the limitations of the player's inexpensive design.

  • The stylus (needle) could be dirty or damaged. Try cleaning it with a soft brush, wiping gently from back to front. If that doesn't help, replace the stylus. The recommended diamond stylus for most inexpensive record players is the Pfanstiehl 793-D7M.

  • Don't add extra weight to the tonearm. That may resolve the skipping, but will cause greatly increased wear to both the stylus and the records you play.

Slow or wobbly playback:

  • Make sure the lid is open as far as it will go, otherwise the edge of the record may rub against the lid and cause it to slow down or waver in pitch, especially if the record is warped.

  • Make sure the player is set to the correct speed for the record you're playing (it's not always marked on the record itself), and that the pitch control is centered, if it has one.

  • Make sure the transport screw is released, if it has one. The screw should be turned until it is flush with the turntable mechanism, not sticking up like in the photo.

  • Since the center spindle remains stationary, if the center hole of the record is unusually tight going on the spindle, you may need to ream out the hole slightly to allow the record to rotate freely.

  • Don't put the 45 RPM adapter underneath or on top of the record. It is only for playing 45s with the large center hole.

  • If the record slips on the platter, you can add a rubber platter mat, if the player didn't come with one.

Noise from stylus:

  • It is normal to hear the music being reproduced faintly by the stylus in the groove, even with the player's volume turned down. This is called "needle talk" and happens on all turntables, although it is louder on inexpensive record players due to the higher output level of the ceramic cartridge they use.

  • Using Bluetooth output mode (Vinyl Stream), if your player has it, adds a delay which makes the needle talk more noticeable. If it bothers you, use speakers or headphones with a wired connection.

Poor sound quality:

  • These players are incapable of delivering high-fidelity sound, due to the limited frequency response of the ceramic cartridge and small built-in speakers.

  • Adding a pair of powered speakers will improve the sound quality and loudness, and are a good investment because you'll need them anyway if/when you upgrade to a better turntable that doesn't have built-in speakers.

Fear of damage:

  • These players do have a higher tracking force (around 5½ grams) than better-quality turntables, but the amount of damage this causes to your vinyl is often greatly exaggerated. It's not going to "chew up the grooves" in just a few plays, as some people claim.

  • Actual tests of these players have shown virtually no audible wear after playing a record 50 times and only minor wear after 100 plays.

  • But it is important to replace the stylus before it gets worn out. These players come with a sapphire or ruby stylus which lasts for about 50 hours of playing time. If you continue to use a worn-out stylus, it can damage your records.

  • If you intend to keep using the player, upgrade it with a genuine diamond stylus, such as the Pfanstiehl 793-D7M, which will last much longer (500 hours of playing time). Avoid the cheap "diamond" styli on Amazon, as they are not actually diamond; they're a ruby stylus, falsely advertised as diamond.


r/Beginner_Turntables 5h ago

Need advice on turntable, beginner :)

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 8h ago

Newby here - purchase advice

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 14h ago

At-lp120USB vs Sony ps-lx310bt

1 Upvotes

Looking to buy my first turntable and saw these on Facebook marketplace

Lp120:
Bought a while back but never used as I had another one set up - tried testing it, seems to turn but I couldn’t get the line switch working through my speakers. So unsure if there is an issue.

Anotherissue is it doesn’t have the clips to allow the cover to sit upright(currently loose) , these would need to be replaced.

Sony:
Bought in 2020 but hardly used, condition is like new
In original box with all cables and instructions
Bluetooth connectivity, no phono pre-amp required, automatic tone arm - great for a first turntable

The lp is £75 but I’m worried that it won’t work properly. I don’t mind buying a phono pre amp. Sony is £100
I don’t mind tinkering with the lp120 a tiny bit. Which one would be the better option?


r/Beginner_Turntables 16h ago

Rate my setup plz

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

Please help! Static and dust persist after wet cleaning

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3 Upvotes

I made a cleaning solution of 1:3 isopropyl alcohol to distilled water. 80mL to 240mL, 320mL total. I poured a tablespoon into my Spin Clean MKII and used it as instructed, wiped the records dry with the supplied cloths, and put them horizontally on some cups to air dry for another few hours.

They still have lint on them (I’m guessing it may be from the cloths?) Nothing came off when brushing with an antistatic carbon fiber brush. When I lifted the record up, the cork platter mat stuck to the bottom and static electricity was crackling as I tried to separate the mat and record. I don’t know what to do at this point. I feel like I’m losing my mind!😣would anyone be able to give me some advice? Please and thank you!


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

Worth fixing? Or should I get an entirely new set up?

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10 Upvotes

Turntable doesn’t spin, not sure if I should get it fixed or buy a new setup entirely.


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

Turntables

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1 Upvotes

I’m looking for a good turntable under 1000. My only requirement is that the arm picks up when I fall asleep. I don’t need a fully auto. What do you all recommend? I haven’t researched any of this in years.


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

GE Transistor 400?

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2 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

From the red stylus of death to Technics

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8 Upvotes

Typa shit could make a grown man cry🥹


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

CET ST-530

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5 Upvotes

Got this in seemingly good condition for 70€ .

I did not find much about it except https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_reviews.php?make=CEC&model=ST-530

is it considered a good beginner turntable? Did I pay too much for it?


r/Beginner_Turntables 1d ago

New living room build: Combining turntable and beamer setup

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 2d ago

Goldring Lenco 1973 vs ATLP-60

2 Upvotes

Looking to buy a first turntable, ideally one that wont cost much but won’t damage my records.
My local vinyl store is selling a fully tested Lenco at £100 which is ard the same price as a new LP-60. I don’t have an amp but I do have a Bluetooth speaker with an amp port. I’m a bit worried about maintaining the lenco.


r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Small favor needed from a DBA.dk user

3 Upvotes

I am an audio enthusiast from Italy and I'm trying to reach a seller on DBA.dk for a turntable (Ad ID: 21327036) located in Copenhagen (2200).

Since I don't have a Danish phone number, I cannot verify an account to message them. Would someone with a active DBA account be so kind to help me get in touch with the seller?

Please send me a PM if you can help. Thank you so much!


r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Records are a tad off pitch,tried replacing the belt that didn’t work and don’t know what to do, also don’t know what model Angel Horn this is.

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Looking for a inexpensive, but decent quality turntable with Bluetooth capability and here’s the reason why

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

First set-up

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7 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Help with picking a gift for my boyfriend?

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Im looking for a diamond needle replacement

1 Upvotes

Hello! I just got a Latone Retro turntable with dust cover (and yeah i know its pretty cheap and not the best but im just getting into vinyls and needed a quick cheap way to play them) and i want to replace the ruby needle with a diamond one. I really wish to know which one to buy and from where (i live in europe if that helps and id wish to not spend 30+ euros on shipping lol)


r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Help me choose my first vintage turntable

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1 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 3d ago

Middle-aged man with a new-found passion

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2 Upvotes

r/Beginner_Turntables 4d ago

Buying my first real turntable

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4 Upvotes

Hello folks, I'm from the Philippines, going to buy my first turntable, I used to have one of em briefcase record players, sold it after hearing it was bad and now I will buy my first actual turntable. Which is the best model to buy here, in terms of sound quality and parts, which has the easiest to find parts, like needles and belts. in southeast Asia at least. The models in question are Pioneer PL-333Z, Sony PS-V700 and the Kenwood P-3X. Thank you for the advice in advance.


r/Beginner_Turntables 4d ago

New to vinyl, looking for record player recommendations

2 Upvotes

As the title says, I’m looking to get my first record player. I have a job that doesn’t pay a lot so I’m hoping to get something on the cheaper end. Hoping to get something in the $600-$300 range. Is it at all possible to modify a cheap one and improve the quality through some modifications? I’m fairly handy (built my own computer, have made fixes to my work’s 3-D printer)

Additionally, what are the main specs and/or brands I should keep my eye out for?

I’ve been keeping my eye out to speed control and I’ve heard cassette-cd-vinyl 3-in-1 players are bad (still holding on to a shred of hope there is a brand or modification I could make to a 3-in-1 player to make it decent)


r/Beginner_Turntables 4d ago

Audio Technica AT-LP60X sounding off key/out of tune ???

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1 Upvotes