2. analog
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need help with vinyl

I have an old Pioneer PL-516 with new belt and stylus. It plays great on virgin records but I have bought used records the last 3 years in anticipation of going to an all vinyl lp collection of Jazz mostly.... I can't get static and popping off of these records & can't tell if old records are worthwhile without playing them & I am often suprised by all the background noise. They LOOK ok! I like cd's becuse of their "cleanness" but like the vinyls range and warmness when good. It's like the old "...when she's good she's very, very, good, and when bad very very bad." I can't spend any money on expensive machines. Of 60 LP's only 10 are decent & those are recent, 15 to 20 year old rock & popular albums. Maybe I shouldn't ever buy $5.00 used records & expect them to play but it's so much fun finding old jazz records! I hate to shop or buy records on the internet...no fun! I did notice that I have to clean the record and the needle every time but their still is a surface noise problem with most records. I know it's NOT my set-up or machine because a few play perfectly with NO NOISE....! What are some basic steps & rules for a great vinyl collection & system...? What am I missing here..? I use the felt pad & cleaning liquid religiously- thanks in advance
dla405j
rocknrobin
7 posts
 
Hi DLA405j
I also agree with a VPI,With one more thing to add to it,Also buy a portible steamer(The ones used for cleaning around the house),Steam the record as it is turning on your VPI record cleaner with the vacuum switch on to pick up any moisture. I think you will be impressed with results.Rock On!
rockvirgo
587 posts
 
Once you've cleaned your records there's little need to use the fluid every time. It's ok to use the dry brush to pick up bits of dust. Back in the good old Discwasher days I wetted the brush ever time like the directions said. Then my pal in the retail record biz enlightened me to this variation of "if it's not broken don't fix it." I'd also recommend taking a look inside or decanting the fluid bottle to see if something is growing inside. In winter when static prevails swipe the LP as usual then pick it up and touch the edge to the tip of your nose to remove static.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
"I knw it's NOT my setup or machine." Sorry, but I'm afraid it probably is. Some setups and cartridges accentuate surface noise, however clean the records are (not that a good cleaning regime isn't absolutely essential). You'll find that the better your vinyl system gets, the less problems you'll have with surface noise. If your vinyl doesn't sound substantially better than your CDs, something is wrong. Good luck, Dave
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