Turntable advice

A question, what is involved in general TT maintenance? How should I clean Vinyl, and how should I clean the stylus? Thanks, I'm new to this stuff.

 

A record cleaning machine with vacuum and for the stylus a chunk of Magic Eraser you drop the needle onto a couple times before you play. And Google.

 

I previously answered but lost in server hiccup. I recommend the onzow zerodust stylus cleaner. For record cleaning there is a whole thread to read, basically it all depends how much you want to spend. I have tried orbitrac, spin clean and a cheap vacuum based machine all with good results. You definitely need a good brush like an audioquest carbon fiber to clean prior to playing. My advice is don't spend more on the cleaning machine than the cost of your turntable.

 

my tt was $100...

 

@spwath what @EeePee and @Gaspasser said was very good advice. A box of ME go for a few bucks and would last forever with a dip after each side played. Though the spinclean being the bare minimum I would recommend as a pre fab unit for the vinyl, it is close to the cost of your TT. You won't regret investing in good cleaning "solutions," it's imperative everything is really clean to enjoy the most out of this. These items can be carried over when you want to upgrade.

This may be a little more than you asked but maybe read into ultrasonic cleaners? Save money by skipping the spinclean and the likes.

There is a thread for a discussion on all this (I read it a long time ago so not sure of exactly what's in there anymore): http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/cleaning-vinyl.73/

 

@spwath if you are looking to spend more than $99 on a cleaning solution, I heard about this inexpensive record cleaning machine from @Merrick
I bought one and a cheap wet/dry vac and my records are super clean. I had a spin clean and it works however it takes forever to clean records. If you buy your records new then they shouldn't need a lot of cleaning, however if you buy used from places like Goodwill then invest in something better than a spin clean.

 

@Gaspasser please don't take this the wrong way, I understand in context what you may be saying, it depends on the environment, but I want to expand on this and would suggest to always clean new vinyl out of the packaging. I just don't want someone to misread what you wrote and have a possible bad time, ruining a possible first time experience.

For any lurkers or new vinyl nuts (and in general) that are getting into this, don't take my word for this. There's an easy test for this.

Buy a new record that has a paper sleeve. Look at the record, if it's black, even better. Just imagine what you can't see now. Paper leaves tons of trace dust when cut. I'm not going to get into the materials that are still left on the vinyl from manufacturing. Still not convinced? Now use that same record and use your cleaning method. Hopefully it will allow you to see the waste water. Look at your waste. This should help hammer home the need for good cleaning on brand new sealed records.

Now if you plan to do this test, as a third point and a joke, don't read this until you're done:

Spoiler

Did you happen to blow on your record or some other method before using your cleaning method (or possibly straight to your needle) to get the larger paper pieces off?

Enjoy.

 

I should clarify that I was thinking new "audiophile" releases like Mofi or other >/= 180g releases, not new Justin Bieber records. You are correct about new releases having chemical residues however their ill effects on a $100 setup are debatable. I just would like to see someone avoid purchasing tons of cleaning accessories for a $100 turntable/cart combo hoping to improve the sound. I would recommend saving that money for a better budget system like a U-turn Orbit.

 

most of my records are used from places.
that ultrasonic diy thing looks interesting though

 

On the subject of record cleaning, I went for an inexpensive option & bought a Knosti disco-antistat a couple of months ago. I've since cleaned about 100 records (new and used) & it's been mostly a decent solution...

+ Seems to clean pretty well, makes a big difference to used LPs in particular (obviously)
+ Very effective at eliminating static. I get zero detectable static on all cleaned records (whereas I get loads of static on all LPs I play that haven't been cleaned). I put the records straight into Nagaoka anti-static sleeves after cleaning.
+ Fairly easy and quick to use....though of course air drying takes longer than the vacuum on posh cleaners.

- Poorly designed clamp. Not enough coverage to always protect the record label from water.
- Warped records can cause the clamp to rub the inside of the reservoir. Again, a clamp issue.
- Clamp seal frequently falls off and is a pain to put back in place without falling off again. Yes, it's a shitty clamp.

The good news is, there's an enterprising chap in the UK who'll convert your standard clamp into an improved version, eliminating all the clamp issues. I recently received mine and it's an essential upgrade imho.... http://highqual.co.uk/modified-clamp-pics/4580316614

Incidentally, I'm using homebrew cleaning fluid... 80% deionised water : 20% isopropyl alcohol + a few drops of dishwasher rinse aid.

 

Anyone have the pioneer plx 1000?

 

I've talked myself into a higher priced set up, is there any reason why I shouldn't buy a vpi scout prime with a dynavector 10x5 mc?

It's going to be running off a rogue sphinx integrated with mullard tubes and into monitor audio silver 8s.

Upscale audio has an upgraded scout 2 as well...

https://www.upscaleaudio.com/products/vpi-scout-ii-limited-edition-10-5-tonearm-vta-on-the-fly

I'd get 100 off the cartridge, but I don't think they install it like other vendors do.

 

There's a lot of nice tables at that price point. You might want explore all your options before you just blind buy a table. Look at Michell, SOTA, Nottingham Analogue and others. I also like the GEM Dandy Polytable better than the Scout for $1000 less.

 

For where it's going, build quality and appearance are going to be equally as important as the sound, we don't watch tv so this is a center piece for the living room.

I have a debut carbon with the 2m red now and moved it from the basement to this upstairs set up (which is currently all digital) and it was lacking bottom end and was a bit too clinical and analytical for me. It sounds good enough downstairs with some darker warmer speakers through an entry level integrated though.

Tldr: I want a table/cart that looks great and has some warmth and depth without losing detail and I don't want to feel like I need to upgrade it in the future or read audio forums.

 

Agree with @dmckean44 in terms of looking around and listening. For one, I think something like a Nottingham with SME arm (just throwing something out there that I've heard) beats these VPIs in refinement, and can be put together for roughly the same ballpark price. For another, a used Classic 1 is doable at a better price than this Scout and probably at least on par in sound.

 

I would never assume that the cart/tonearm/table parameters have been dialed in by the dealer anyway. Especially after being shipped. At this price range, you've got to learn to do this stuff yourself.

 

Well, in that price range, there's nothing prettier and more impressive looking than a Gyrodec.

 

Right on will check it out. I'm thinking I may wait for Black Friday sales since it's not too far off. I'm between a denon 110 and the dynavector, am i on the right path for a full, musical sound? Indie, punk, reggae ska, chill out, some rock some metal is what it's going to be used for.

I'm going to join a few record of the month clubs to start discovering some new stuff. I found one that also sends a bag of coffee!

 

Well there's a vpi prime up for 2500 used I was told it's 6 month wait on a classic right now.