2. analog
  3. 1210003918

LP Sound Quality

Awhile back I purchased a used LP12 turntable with an Ekos tonearm, Arkiv cartridge with the Lingo power supply & Linto phono pre-amp. Running this thru a couple Klout amps to B&W Nautilus 802 speakers. Playing a CD or Tape the sound is great. Playing an album the sound is not very good. It almost sounds like the singer needs to clear their throat, it's kind of garbled, I guess is the word to use.
All I have is a couple brushes to clean the LP's (Discwasher & Bib).
Curious to what everyone uses to clean their albums & cartridge & also where to purchase? New to this analog stuff.

Thanks !!
giglr
jependleton
155 posts
 
Hi Giglr,

Sounds most likely to be a setup and adjustment problem with the turntable itself. The turntable needs to be perfectly level for starters and, in the case of the Linn, the suspension needs to be functioning properly and properly adjusted.

The tonearm and cartridge also need to be precisely set to perform optimally. Do you have the tools and/or assistance for doing this? It is very important.

I expect that someone in this forum would be able to suggest setup help for you in your area if you think that you may need it.

Best wishes.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
musicslug
430 posts
 
most people here would suggest you buy a wet record-cleaning machine, and I'd do so also, but it does sound like you have a bigger problem than that, possibly with the LP-12 set up. that rig should sound clear as a bell.
sinisterporpoise68
63 posts
 
It sounds like you just might need to have your LP12 professionally set up. From the one LP12 I've heard, I think it'll be worth it!
theo's avatar
theo
2,681 posts
 
As a LP12 owner I can say the investment of having the table re-set up. I am sure that even if packed in all Linn boxing that it gets out of adjustment. That cartridge that came with the table may have some wear that is causing that distortion in the vocals. The LP12 is a tochie-fickle table but when set up I think it offers some of the best sound extraction from vinyl.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
hi Giglr,

i just noticed you use a tall Salamander rack. you might consider doing an isolation shelf of some sort under the turntable as your rack is likely causing at least some blurring of the sound. it should be easy to experiment putting various materials under the turntable and see how different things change the sound.

also, related to the same issue; what are you using for a platter mat?

bad set-up on the plinth suspension could be most of your problem but the rack and platter mat could also be contributing.

good luck; an LP12 is an oldie but a goodie.
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