Saturday, April 29, 2017

Best Way To Take Advantage Of Record Player Needles

By Deborah Hill


A record player is an apparatus for reproducing sounds from a phonograph record disc that is being spun by the turntable at a constant speed. The sound is reproduced by the vibrations picked up by the stylus or needle in the grooves of the vinyl. These vibrations are converted into electric currents and amplified for the loudspeakers to reproduce the sounds.

Their parts are needed to be changed regularly because they will wear out by constantly using them. This is true specially for record player needles due to the friction made when it runs along the grooves. The following are some of the best ways in taking advantage of your phonograph and having it produces quality sound.

Setting up the player would require an amplifier and speakers but speakers with an amplifier built inside them are already available so they can be used instead. Set the position of speakers according to which side they must be placed and put enough space in between the wall and speakers. Sit them on a foam when placing them on hard surfaces for the vibrations to be absorbed.

Buy also second hand vinyls because they are obviously cheaper than the brand new ones specially those found in garage sales, charity shops and vintage markets. Thoroughly clean your records to have the best sounding music possible when you play them. There are machines that can do this although cheaper alternatives are available.

Dust cover of the player must be down when it is not used to keep its cleanliness. Though when used, the option of having it down or having it taken off is dependent on your preference. Down dust cover may result with the sound resonating with it so there is a difference in the sound quality compared when the cover is taken off.

Platter mats are disc shaped materials sitting between the player and vinyl which is commonly made of felt. The vibrations are absorbed by it and holds the record steadily in improving sound quality. Materials made of felt are the most common because they are the ones included with the player but rubber and cork are better at reducing vibrations and static.

Cartridge houses the stylus and is replaceable due to the dust and debris wearing the needle down. If regularly playing records, changing the cartridge annually is advisable in keeping its excellent condition. You might also consider upgrading to have further improvements instead of just replacing it regularly.

Set the tracking force which is the weight of the cartridge on the vinyl and can be changed by turning the counterweight at the other side of the tonearm. There are guidelines available online or together with the product manual about the suggested tracking force. If the weight is too heavy then the music will be dull to listen to and if it is too light then it will be thin.

Make sure enough space is available in your place for your record player because they are bulky most of the time. Placing them somewhere that does not produce vibrations is important. If not, then the vibration will make the needle to skip and jump when being played.




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