is there a vinyl forum?

[audioman00]

I sit here at work fighting a stupid socket 939 motherboard and processor that seems to be glitchy as heck...... and I ask myself ' why not find out about the wierd little orange light on my technics tt ? So.... please help me if you can, to understand how to calibreate the rmp on a regular belt driven turntable? I see that there are little black blocks that rapidly move across the light, but what am I supposed to be looking for? so far I have just corrected the speed by ear, but you know how that goes..... I'm sure it's off a bit. Oh, and one more if I may... I have a Technics 300 model tt and I am curious about replacing the stylus with a better make and model, but it says Digitrac on it and I cannot seem to find a nicer one for this type of arm and headshell config, Any suggestions? thx!

audioman00

 

[MUDSHARK]

There are many forums dedicated to analog sound that could likely help you in your calibration. Stereophile has many such enthusiasts and could recommend some of them. There may even be some published articles on their site that will help. My Thorens is pretty straight-forward and did not present any noticeable calibration difficulties.

On the second question check out needle doctor for hints of cartridges. I have had good luck with Ortofon. The P-mount days were much simpler. Good luck.

 

[Geno]

You should adjust the speed control until the little dots appear stationary. Also, check out AudioKarma or VinylEngine for vinyl/turntable forums. Not many folks here are vinyl junkies. I happen to have one foot in each camp, but vinyl, for me, is mostly a nostalgia kick. There's no vinyl comparison to a well recorded 5.1 SACD or DVD-A.

Of course, that's just my opinion...I could be wrong

 

[Haoleb]

The orange light is a strobe that when used with the markings on the platter will visually display accuracy of the motor. You can hear when the record is not playing at the correct speed quite easily as well. As has already been said when your turntable is operating properly the black dots should not appear to be moving they should appear completely stationary. I would reccomend posting at Audiokarma for more technical details of what is needed for your particular table but most will have a speed adjustment up front for slight changes, and a more coarse adjustment inside the table somewhere for more tweaking. Your table may also have a type of speed control circuitry which may or may not be functioning.

Depending on the mounting style of the cartridge you can usually pick up a new one for a reasonable price. Standard mount cartriges are available all over the web, one of the cheapest respectable ones being the Grado Black which retails for about $40

 

[gus6464]

The AudioKarma guys are very knowledgeable and will help with your problem. Right now they are helping me get a vintage Technics TT up and running and have been great. They are all about bang for the buck over there. I will be purchasing a Grado Green cartridge myself for the Technics.

 

[Duffinator]

I happen to have one foot in each camp, but vinyl, for me, is mostly a nostalgia kick. There's no vinyl comparison to a well recorded 5.1 SACD or DVD-A.

Of course, that's just my opinion...I could be wrong

Yeah there are many that won't agree with you on that one, but not necessarily me. I've gotten back into vinyl in the past couple of years and while some of it does sound great it's hard to beat a SACD or DVD-A even in two channel. Like the others have suggested check out audiokarma or the vinylassylum.

 

[audioman00]

yea... but i'd rather ask the audioholics guys, cause they're the best!!

I love this forum.... always find something interesting to read and a question answered one way or another.... later! and thx again!