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hopeless LP's

Ok, now a question about maintaining one's collection.

4 day weekend this weekend, so the wife and I, as a diversion, are going to start to go through our large and varied collection of LP's (garage sale, thrift store, mostly) and pare it down to records actually worth keeping.

Assuming a clean record (we have a nitty gritty) and a properly set up TT, but NOT the "finest" stylus in the world (a Sumiko Black Pearl, which has an elliptical stylus), can it be safely assumed that if a well-cleaned, de-staticized, gruv-glided, etc. record is being played and still either distorts or crackles, or sounds like someone shaved off the high frequencies, that is is, alas, a goner and should be put out for trash?

I'd hate to throw away my found vinyl (some of it very nice performances, mostly the classical stuff) only to find out later that if I had a different TT or cart set-up, in fact the gross and obvious distortion I am hearing now would not be audible.

Thanks again, as always

pcanis
pcanis
rcreations
158 posts
 
percy faith, mitch miller, andy williams, foghat, molly hatchet, barry manilow, chicago, and all the firestone christmas vol's, should deminish the work load without fear of wishing you'd have not disguarded prematurely. hesitate to include john denver,but the john surplus is enough for everyone in the country to own at least two copies.
if in doubt pigeon-hole until later.
i have several lp's that appear to have been sand blasted but play thru without any assistance. won't part with unless i upgrade the copy. kurt
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Rdr4b is right on the mark in each sentence of his post. The signal processing mentioned in my previous post is a band-aid and not a cure for a couple of sonic ailments.
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
I remember that years ago (70's), when radio used vinyl, we used to use a devise called a Burwin Noise Reducer that did a good job of reducing ticks and pops. Don't know where to start looking for one...maybe "Antique Electronic Supplies" in Arizona could help. Tel. 480-820-4643 or www.tubesandmore.com website. Happy Tunes!
najo
18 posts
 
I have bought thousands of used LPs and , it sounds to me like you have other problems! you will encounter LPs that are worn out or hav ebeen played on a system that has ruined them but this happens not that often, at least to me. I have a rather expensive LP play back system but I have experience with all levels of LP play back and it sure sounds to me like you problems are in the arm , cartridge, or phono section. Befor you toss the LPs I would do some serious dective work on that chain.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
My experiences are the same as Najo.

I have a 20K turntable rig and I frequently buy LP's at used book stores for as little as .50 cents. I rarely have to resort to the trash can, even though I am a picky listener.

With correct cleaning, then careful turntable and cartridge set up you will retrieve information you thought was impossible. Often with very little or no noise. I would not give up on the music you like due to imperfections, unless you never intend to upgrade your playback and cleaning system.
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