TT Noob questions


1) I have a VPI Scoutmaster. I bought the stainless steel center weight thinking it would not only be a sonic improvement but convenient (not have to screw). However, with the stainless steel weight, the LP is not stable at the edges (you can easily press it down and make contact) whereas the screw-in stock clamp seems to be more stable. Does this matter? I think it sounds better with the stock clamp. Does the stainless weight really need the VPI edge/ring device to be useful?

2) When I finish playing an LP and take it off, as soon as the record is a few inches away, I hear a big static pop. Each additional record produces more pops (2 pops for 2nd LP, 3 for 3rd etc) as if I'm building up more and more static. Anyone experience this - is it indicative of something I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance; you guys have been extremely helpful in making a return to vinyl a rewarding experience.

Ian
madfloyd
If you are using the supplied small rubber ring (washer) that is recommended for use with the screw down clamp, remove it when using the heavy centerweight. I use the centerweight without the ring clamp because after borrowing it (the ring clamp) from my dealer I thought it only sounded better with 25% of the records. With most it just sounded dull.

Try getting a Milty Zerostat3, proper use as follows: with table still, gun 12" above lp, slowly squeeze trigger while pointing at 12 o'clock position. Move to 8 o'clock and repeat, then to 4 o'clock. Then point away from table to floor, and slowly squeeze one last time. Do this before playing first side of every lp, and see if this helps. It has helped on my turntable, so give it a try. There will still be pops from dirt and such lodged in the grooves, but it should lessen the static pops you are hearing.

I include these instruction due to the fact there aren't any included with the Zerostat. Someone was kind enough to post them here on Audiogon, can't remember who, now. Thanks to you, whoever you are.

Enjoy,


dan
Thanks, I do have the gun (just opened the box today as a matter of fact), but wasn't quite sure how to use it.

Joey: thanks for the tip about removing the rubber ring washer when using the heavy centerweight - I'll try that.
Another question: my wife listened to my analog setup for the first time last night and surprised me by immediately hearing surface noise coming through during playback. Her high frequency hearing is better than mine and I'm currently auditioning speakers that are fairly bright (Rockport Mira). It wasn't as if I was playing a quiet piece either.

Afterwords put on an analog test LP that has a track of silence and I could hear it myself. Is this to be expected or is it possible to eliminate this?

Thanks.