2. analog
  3. 1273170947

Analog care -- what do we NEED

Looking at all the stuff on the market -- cartridge demagnitizer, anti-static gun, stylus cleaners, a plethora of record cleaning accessories, plastic versus paper sleeves, cartridge alignment tools, damping materials, and a plethora of other tweaks -- it seems as if you can never get your analog set up right. So, here's my question; what do vinyl lovers need to do?

I clean my records regularly - dry-brush before every play, run them through the VPI 16.5 on occassion, - and I clean the stylus, both dry and with Last stylus cleaner about once every week or two, I obviously use a stylus gauge to set up the cartridge and a spirit level to do the turntable. There is a lot of isolation for my turntable and some damping. This already seems excessive. I just want to know what other people do and how much of this is really a necessity?
ssayeed
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
What do vinyl players "need" to do? Only whatever each one finds useful for the level and kind of replay they're seeking.

I know what I do and why I do it, but it would be impertinent to suggest that because I do a thing anyone else "needs" to. My musical tastes, sonic sensitivities, system, budget and proclivity for tweaking surely differ from yours - or anyone's. (Of course you and I understand that my way is best and everyone else's is wrong, but we wouldn't say so!)

If you're looking for examples of "here's what I do", why not check out the Record Playing Rituals thread . It's been stickied at the top of this forum for nine years to capture exactly that sort of thing.
ssayeed OP
37 posts
 
More than what people do, I'm looking for what is considered necessary when it comes to an analog set up. Particularly in terms of turntable set up and certain aspects of record care.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Necessary? A stylus and a groove would be first on the list. Take it from there, then re-read what Doug posted. :-)

Unless we're talking R2R analog. . .
photon46
1,085 posts
 
Why do we keep asking questions to which there are no answers? This is like
asking "what is essential to the maintenance of my body?" For some
of us, it's miles of running every day, weightlifting three times a week, yoga
every night, and a strict healthy diet. For other, it's barbeque, beer, and reefer
every day.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,092 posts
 
Dear Ssayeed: First than all IMHO the main target on why we own an analog audio system is to enjoy music and this means heard/hear music as many hours we can.

I say this because many times the music/software is a " slave " of hardware " care ".

Ones you make the cartridge/tonearm set up and fine tunning you only want to have your LP's in pristine/clean condition and the cartridge stylus in that same condition too and enjoy the music.
Time to time check the cartridge set up to be sure is right on target and that's all.

Try to enjoy the music listening music and not " playing " with the hardware.
The time is the only element where we don't have control so don't waist it if you really love music and want to hear music.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
More to discover