2. analog
  3. 189748-190514

Record player sounds out of tune and "wavy"

I've been trying to diagnose this issue for a while. My records all sound slightly out of tune and "wobbly". I've tried old and brand new records and they all have the same issue. It's not an obvious thing to hear, but I can definitely hear it when I pay attention and it drives me crazy. Is it possible I set up the turntable wrong when I took it out of the box and assembled everything? Something with the belt? Or could it be a needle issue? I'm pretty much a turntable newbie, so I'm hoping there's some glaring error I'm unaware of. 

I don't hear the problem when playing anything else through the speakers (Bluetooth, Spotify, movies, etc.). I've also tried placing the turntable on the ground or making sure the table's surface is completely level. Still has the same issue. 

Here is a short clip to give you a sense of what I'm hearing. I hope you can hear it too! Any help is much appreciated! By the way it's a Kenwood KD-291R.

CLIP: 

 

timattin
kingsleuy's avatar
kingsleuy
180 posts
 

I also had a slipping mat problem.  I could stop the record spinning with slight finger pressure on the side of the record.  Slipped both record on the mat and mat on the platter.  I washed the mat and wiped down the platter.

Could be a worn stretched belt, motor, motor speed control, bearings, anything on the spin part of the turntable.  I don't think arm cartridge will cause this.

There is a Rega Planar 1 demo listed here for $113.  Oooo, 5 hours left.

 

kennyc
1,515 posts
 

The Fluence and Rega are good suggestions, but better to stretch for the Project Debut Carbon which includes a cart as it is a much better deal/value.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

Clean the belt with isopropyl alcohol and the platter with brake cleaning fluid. Make sure the belt is positioned correctly and the set screw on the motor's pulley is tight. If this does not fix the problem you have a defective turntable.

macg19
934 posts
 

I also had a slipping mat problem.  I could stop the record spinning with slight finger pressure on the side of the record. 

This is how slip mats are supposed to work...hence the name.  

macg19
934 posts
 

OP, even if your record collection is significant, given your budget, maybe invest in streaming until you have funds to get a better TT. You could probably get a used Bluesound NODE for $300. Add Quobuz for $11/mth and have access to almost anything at CD quality or better.

I enjoy the heck out of my Bluesound and have a pretty decent analogue source, but the value for money proposition of digital via Bluesound is really tough to beat.  

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