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Oh no, there's metal in your records!

IMO, this is completely out of left field. But, here’s the story. On Saturday, there was a "seminar" at the local stereo shop about why you should listen to high quality records. It turned out to be a 3 hour commercial for this dude who wants to market his services as a "HQ record shopper" of sorts. For a mere $240, you get an annual subscription to his services. You pick a title, and he will find the "best available" version of the record... so you can buy it. And, when he brings it to you, he’ll bring other similar records for you to buy. Most of these records are in the $50 to $100 range, so this "service" clearly not for me. Plus, I kind of like the hunt for a gem.

Anyway, the point of the post: One thing he said is that some older vinyl has metallic content embedded in the vinyl, and that it can interact with your cartridge’s magnet, causing distortion. Therefore, you should only buy the newest, most pristine (hence most expensive) vinyl records... from him, of course. I didn’t want to challenge him on the spot in front of others, but in my mind I’m thinking this is the most ridiculous claim I’ve ever heard. Even more ridiculous than gems you place on your speakers to change the way they sound... but, I digress. I understand he wants to show the true value of his "service"... but, seriously? Interesting business idea... but metal in the vinyl?

Just for fun, I did a little bit of google searching for metal in vinyl, and I found links to Metallica and Whitesnake records, but no stories about the metal embedded in the vinyl. So, can you prove me wrong, or just remind me that I’m not all that gullible. Please! Anyone have any information about such a wild claim?
128x128soundermn
moonglum
619 posts
 

Dear Jonathan,

Many thanks for rescuing me! :)

(Lyra were not the suppliers of my original information BTW but it was very kind of Jonathan to elaborate on this problem. Top man!)


Having given the earlier question (ie the source) some thought I realised the following (and thankfully nobody has mentioned it yet).

I said that no one would operate a vacuum cleaner near their turntable whilst music was being played but soon realised that the cartridge doesn’t need to be in use in order for the particulates to be absorbed by it, although uncovering the T/T is undoubtedly UNhelpful(!)

When I initially discussed this via email with a “World Renowned Cartridge Builder/Rebuilder”, one of their theories for the source of the problem was :

“Vacuum cleaner motor + super-strong magnet = cartridge full of metal filings” (a direct quote from their e-mail)

In retrospect that theory looks more probable by the minute. It’s difficult to say what percentage of the contaminants might be attributable to “non-virgin vinyl” but I would guess that it is extremely small e.g. an occasional chip for every 50x 1970s LPs.

So, in a way, “the truth is still out there” regarding “non-virgin vinyl”.

“Onwards & upwards….!” :)

moonglum
619 posts
 
The effects of magnetic particulates in old carts makes one wonder if there is an argument in favour of replacing or reconditioning cartridges more frequently than we would normally have considered? (A slightly off-topic comment I realise....)
soundermn's avatar
soundermn OP
344 posts
 
Who is this unnamed source?  And what problem is this source trying to help you resolve?  The original question is about metallic content in vinyl.  What super strong magnet, and what vacuum motor are you talking about?  

Even if the record has metallic content, like Carbon Black, it isn't "rubbing off" continuously such that it's coating a cantilever.  If that was the case, all of my 50 year old records would be either smooth, or unlistenable, and my cartridge would look like a wooly bear.

soundermn's avatar
soundermn OP
344 posts
 
The effects of magnetic particulates in old carts makes one wonder if there is a...
We haven't established that there are any magnetic particulates.  In fact, my conclusion is that it's unlikely.  I've learned that cartridges get dusty, just like everything else.  Over time, static charge plus moisture in the air or whatever, and those dust particles get stuck to the cartridge or cantilever.  So, a little cleaning is in order (just like under the couch and on our records) to keep things tidy.  

I definitely don't draw the conclusion that we should now replace cartridges regularly because metal is being stripped from the vinyl and attaching itself magnetically to the cartridge and cantilever.  

Moonglum, I think you are trolling here.  You've implied that the production of vinyl rubs metal particles off the "Tungsten steel grinder blades", which are then deposited in the non-virgin vinyl, which is then rubbed by the diamond needle, which pulls the metal out of the vinyl.  And then, the "super strong magnet" in the cartridge sucks these particles to itself, like an electromagnet.  And in the process, the cantilever grows to the point that it cannot move any longer.  I assume you are also implying that the diamond is harder than the vinyl, even though the vinyl is strong enough to abrade Tungsten steel?  
  
Next, I suppose you will tell me I need to lift the speaker cable off the floor to prevent static electricity from "smearing" the sound, and that some unnamed world-renowned genius thinks we should sprinkle diamond dust over tubes to make them sound more sparkly.  JK... I don't wish to go there.  Sarcastic humor.  

This train is well off the tracks now...

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