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Vinyl newbie - have a few questions

Ok, I'm fairly new to vinyl. I have a few items I'd like some advice on.

My vinyl system is a small collection of hand-me-downs:
MacIntosh Mac1700 receiver
A/D/S L500 2-ways
and the recent addition, Denon DP-52F w/ Ortofon OM-3e

I realy like the over-all sound, and am really impressed with how dynamic instruments are compared to CD. I love how the brushes on drums sound like brushes instead of static like on most CD remasters. However, I have a couple gripes and need some direction in working them out.

I suppose I should mention that a majority of my listening is jazz, mixed with classic rock. Right now my personal collection is probably only 30 discs, but with my father's neglected collection I have three or four hundred within a couple minutes drive from my house.

First of all, is the background noise. I just can't seem to get it completely black behind the music. I must say, it's not much noise, but I notice it; even when other's don't.

Second, on some stereo recordings the mid-range seems a little "compressed" to me. Even my wife has noticed that it just isn't as dynamic in the mids as the rest of the range. However, this seems to only occur on stereo discs, when I play mono's I get a really sweet full-range.

Third, I just need advise on cleaning albums. I'm just using my discwasher from 1980-whatever while hunting through boxes at my dad's for his Zerostat. Any suggestions for cleaning regimens that don't include dropping a thousand dollars for a RCM would be appreciated.

So I guess the crux of my inquiry would be; where am I going to get the most bang for my buck in improvements?

I appreciate any input you can give me.

M
ninetwofour
elinor's avatar
elinor
275 posts
 
You don't say what kind of noise you hear. If it is a general hiss it can be on the original tape from which the records were pressed. OR it can be a poor quality phono stage, OR the phono stage might have inadequate gain to amplify the signal from the cartridge. If the noise to which you refer is dirt on the record, you need a record cleaning machine and a good record cleaning fluid. You mention that the mids seem too layed back. You also say that you like the sound of cymbals on vinyl. It is possible that the cartridge is not set properly for vertical tracking angle. Too much angle between the cartridge and the record surface will yield very lively highs but less than present mids. If you do not have an adjustment for VTA on your tonearm, sometimes you can use a shim between the cartridge and the headshell to change VTA. Having fun yet? It is confusing at first, but if you get into it enough, vinyl is a glorious mystery that is never quite resolved but yields the best audio sound available.
carter9000
23 posts
 
I had the same issue with noise when I rediscovered vinyl...and to some extent still do. Some records are clean and amazingly quiet, while others, even brand new have some crackle and pop.

To some extent I have learned to live with it. The noise was greatly reduced when I changed cartridges - I went from a benz mc20e2 to a benz micro ACE high output. The earlier cartridge was too detailed and crisp for it's own good and really accentuated the ticks and crackling on a record. Unfortunately I can't recommend a cartridge, because I haven't really listenend to much outside my 2 benz cartridges. I CAN say that the cartridge made a difference. Purchasingn a Record Cleaning Machine also helped.
crem1
672 posts
 
9-2-4 : I strongly suspect that deep record cleaning such as Steam Cleaning as outlined in a thread below may be a real assistance. A Record Cleaning Machine (RCM) is also something to consider.

Since you are using used vinyl, I also suspect former owner abuse that can increase vinyl noise that is discouraging to a newbie or and 'ol hand like me. Remember, LPs are not CDs and that great record care certianly reduces noise. Read up a-bit and steam clean , drying with a micro fiber cloth . Use a good record cleaner home brew or commerical and a very good scrubing brush ( like VPI). If that process impoves the noise for you , all to the good. From that point you can read on and start to make some decisions about those "treasures" up the road at Pop's place. All the best.
victorlong1
7 posts
 
Unfortunetly, once a record is scratched it can not be repaired. Noise can also be caused by dust or grunge in the grooves of the disc. I use a Nitty Gritty Record Doctor III. $299.00 at Audio Advisor. You need to get that stuff off the disc, not just smear it around. It is the least expensive of the effective machines. I have owned it for a few years and it works great. As far as solvent,save your money for music and use Windex Glass Plus or mix one part alcohol (clear, no additives) and one part mineral water, and a few drops of Joy. This will give you a clean disc,but won't help with scratches. Seperate your quiet discs from your noisy ones. Some day you may want to go back and listen to the noiser discs for one reason or another. What makes records better than CDs is the soundstage, dynamics, and the removal of those cloudy vails that seem to cover the music on our CDs. Records are more trouble to play but for serious listening a scratch free quiet record is the best. I hope this helps. Enjoy!
donshoemaker
38 posts
 
Windex or Glass Plus?????
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