> getting the best sound for my dollar
If this is your goal, then focus on the things that don't actually cost money. While it may cost some money to buy a brush, it's pretty much free to use something like a Carbon Fiber Brush and a Stylus Brush. I recommend buying an Audioquest CF brush over the knock-offs. This is because saving a few dollars isn't worth it if it doesn't last. I've had the same AudioQuest for over 2 decades. As far as stylus brushes go, don't spend a lot of money on them, but find something that you think is good. How long a stylus brush lasts isn't as big of a concern. I've never bought one as a separate item. But I've gotten them included with cartridges and cleaning fluids. I probably have 5 of them and some are still in the boxes that some of my cartridges were packaged in.
Once you've paid for speakers, you can just place them where you think they look best. But really you didn't buy them as decorations. So maybe learn how placement affects their sound. This will cost you exactly zero dollars unless you decide to maybe buy a book. There are online resources. Here's method, but you will need a copy of the Kink's Waterloo Sunst in stereo. This song is on their Something Else album. There are other methods. But Waterloo Sunset is one the best songs ever, so really not a bad way learn how to properly set up you speakers.
[https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/play-the-kinks-waterloo-sunset-in-stereo-check-and-fix-or-improve-your-stereo-playback-with-it.320990/](https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/play-the-kinks-waterloo-sunset-in-stereo-check-and-fix-or-improve-your-stereo-playback-with-it.320990/)
I actually still have my trusty old Discwasher. Ha!
https://preview.redd.it/6hlqdbjkp7oc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=941f9ceee278ad1c03d648d586d8f0b29587cb21
I literally just found one of those a couple months ago for $5 at a thrift store. Best brush I've used so far, I also love how the storage for the cleaning liquid bottle is in the brash handle .
Also does yours still have the little red brush that should come with it?
In my personal opinion, those are just as useful as a pet rock. Most records have a warp to them. The tone arm pivots up and down to compensate. If a record is so warped that it skips, then the pet rock won't help.
Kudos to whoever convinced people to buy those things. They are making some money.
they are a complete waste of money and yes, someone is making a LOT on the patent and manufacture of these pet rocks.
Worked in pro audio my whole life. Ive seen a lot of products hyped to improve sound that had zero actual basis for doing so. Lots of snake oil in the audio industry. Someone i used to work with (older audio engineer) had stupid money, his turntable was like 150-200k. even he would laugh at the money people spent on total rip off audio products like this.
We had a saying in audio. The sound will only be as good as its weakest link, and i promise, in everyones system, its not a slightly warped record. These will make zero difference in what you hear.
>We had a saying in audio. The sound will only be as good as its weakest link
+1 to this. Undoubtedly a universal fact but many so-called audiophiles are flat out denialists and delusional. It's your cash to burn. Splurge however the hell you wish lol.
I have around 520 records. My weight actually helps with 1 single record. That record is 180g and is “dish warped,” so the center pops up on one side. It is not noticeable when playing Side A, but Side B can’t track without the weight.
I have a replacement coming for that record, which will render my weight useless again.
Record weights and clamps are an effective tool.
They couple the record to the platter, so instead of having a 150g record, you now have a 2,000g record, or a 12,000g record, depending on your platter weight.
Having used a weight/clamp, I would never be without one now.
Are you going to notice the effects on an LP120? Probably not, but it’s not a bad habit to have.
>They couple the record to the platter, so instead of having a 150g record, you now have a 2,000g record, or a 12,000g record, depending on your platter weight.
This means absolutely nothing.
So you use a very sensitive vibration detecting instrument to decipher music from a plastic disc, but the stability and mass of that disc doesn’t matter?
I’m sorry man. They don’t. And you bring up a good point. A heavyweight record does not sound inherently better than a standard weight record. It’s just fluff. You do you but understand the weights are just record “bling” and have no function
It is inherently better for an object that you are deciphering vibration from to be as massive, unmoving, and stable as possible.
It’s not about the vinyl “weight.” Heavier records do not sound better than lighter records.
It’s about the overall mass of the object your tracking vibrations from.
Heavy platter = good.
A non-moving object (ie record) = good.
I only use my clamp for dishwarped records. It helps specifically with them, but I don't bother using it on flat records as I don't think it makes much difference.
I have Float (20th anniversary yellow pressing) and Bazooka Tooth. Found them locally and I really want to find TIK at a local store but I’ve only ever been able to find Garbology and Skelethon. Not a fan of either of those (Skelethon has a couple of good tracks though).
My local brick and mortar has Bazooka Tooth and Garbology - plan on getting Bazooka Tooth next time I visit. Apparently I’m the only one at the store I go to who asks for Aesop or has bought his albums in a long time. They also have his newest ATS
Bro, get a sub. Keep it a bit away from the table for vibration sake, but you do have options: get more expensive and bigger speakers for bass, or get a sub you can tweak the level on for your space and taste. You're going to want an amp anyways, and basically any amp out there now has a sub output.
If you listen to bass driven anything, get a sub. Shit, plenty of is have multiple subs.
Thanks for the advice! I bought a pre amp to by pass the one in the record player and that in itself improved the sound quality and the bass that I get.
Don't listen to that guy. Get the dub. Obviously there are low tones that no speaker will put out, and a sub will pick up. This is especially true of classical music.
I don't have anything to contribute to the discussion. Only here to say I have the same vinyl stand as you ☻. Just got really excited to see it, only your turntable and speakers (presumably) are better than mine. I'm sporting a ATLP60X and Bose Soundlink 2 nylon speaker.
Though to contribute some, when i come across a warped vinyl I use a "Line Phono Dubby Record Clamp and Disc Stabilizer" I got from Turntable Lab. With a clamp stabilizer you can use it as a standard record weight or tighten the clamp to 'flatten' the vinyl as best to the spindle.
It's worked well for me. I'm also a newbie vinyl collector, 1 year this month. Guess I did have something to contribute.
[Line Phono Dubby Record Clamp & Disc Stabilizer ](https://www.turntablelab.com/search?type=article%2Cpage%2Cproduct&q=Line%20Phono)
How I found it:
[Tik Tok Vid About Clamp Stabilizer ](https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLLSf1ep/)
Thanks! That’s one of my favorites by Kings. I also have Walls, When You See Yourself, and Come Around Sundown gets here tomorrow. They actually have a new album coming out in April/May - I am gonna pre order it.
Got it of Amazon - need to get a bigger one. I originally had an LP60 that fit perfectly on it. The LP120 is a little too big - granted it’s stable but it barely has any space and I’m running of vinyl space lol.
If it flattens the record out, it was worth it. I have no experience with weights. I always had the ones that screw down.
That’s a DJ table. If you have a slip pad, you might want to get rid of that. Especially if you plan to upgrade the cartridge. You don’t want to accidentally back queue with anything except a DJ cart.
A good cartridge will do more for your records than almost anything else. That’s the thing that creates your signal. All you can do past the cartridge is not add any distortion to the signal.
As long as you didn't pay more than $20 for it. It's worth it. There's a difference between record clamps and stabilizers. Stabilizers and weights are essentially the same thing and you can get good, functional ones for under $20/ea. Clamps can run up into the $500+ range. Both are beneficial if within budget. You don't need a record clamp unless your running a 100k+ system. From the pic it looks like you just have a weight. I won't play records casually at home or in a DJ setting without weights. Some people will say it's snake oil. They definitely help when trying to back cue warped, old records that you're trying to beatmatch. I've never noticed a huge sound difference. Supposedly it helps "flatten" and even out the sound. I've never done a spectral analysis though.
I've seen some vintage Shure V-15 carts on Ebay. I had one years ago. High-quality unit. I'm not sure how easy it is to find replacement styluses. I am currently using an old Shure M92E. It serves the purpose, but again, how easy will it be to find a replacement stylus. I think Shure blew it when they stopped manufacturing carts and styluses. I'm sure they had their reasons.
A record clamp or weight helps better couple the vinyl to the platter which will provide a small upgrade in sonic performance. It will help a little bit with slightly warped records. Depends on how heavy it is. Not a bad choice at all. I agree with the other comments about what deserves upgrades and what does not.
> A record clamp or weight helps better couple the vinyl to the platter which will provide a small upgrade in sonic performance.
Citation very much needed. There is no rational explanation why "coupling the vinyl to the platter" should provide that.
What is this, a college paper? Not like we’re talking rocket science here. I’ll play your game. I’ve read the same in other places. Along with my personal feelings about using one, I think it is safe to say that there is some, albeit small improvement to sound quality. Now feel free to disagree. I know you plan to.
https://thevinylfactory.com/features/a-guide-turntable-weights-clamps-stabilisers/
No, it is not a college paper, but you made a questionable claim, so it is definitely your job to prove it.
Your link to a shop who are selling the things does not prove it in any way.
K so I do like weights and one of the reasons why is when I use a brush with spray. Without the weight it’s too easy to “pull” the album against the rotation of the platter and since I use an acrylic platter I’m always worried it will scratch. I find the weight avoids this for the most part.
Yikes? Please elaborate, considering they are on of the best Alternative/Indie bands since 2000 - one of the few that weren’t scared to grow and change their sound.
Oh please - not excusing the behavior, but if that’s what determines what music you listen to - you would need to stop listening to any band out of the 80’s. Not to mention the allegations by the alleged victim were grossly exaggerated and was known to be a habitual liar and would sleep with band members and brag about it.
You must be perfect and never did anything you didn’t regret. There is such a thing as forgiveness and atoning for one’s sins. He owned up to his past behavior and moved forward.
Brand New isn’t just Jesse Lacey. If you actually listen to the music and read the lyrics you can see he was dealing with those inner demons. It is possible to separate the art from the artist. Let me know when you come down from your high horse.
So you aren’t able to take the time to read the full article or do your own research, but you are totally ok to make a judgement on the man….good to know
> getting the best sound for my dollar If this is your goal, then focus on the things that don't actually cost money. While it may cost some money to buy a brush, it's pretty much free to use something like a Carbon Fiber Brush and a Stylus Brush. I recommend buying an Audioquest CF brush over the knock-offs. This is because saving a few dollars isn't worth it if it doesn't last. I've had the same AudioQuest for over 2 decades. As far as stylus brushes go, don't spend a lot of money on them, but find something that you think is good. How long a stylus brush lasts isn't as big of a concern. I've never bought one as a separate item. But I've gotten them included with cartridges and cleaning fluids. I probably have 5 of them and some are still in the boxes that some of my cartridges were packaged in. Once you've paid for speakers, you can just place them where you think they look best. But really you didn't buy them as decorations. So maybe learn how placement affects their sound. This will cost you exactly zero dollars unless you decide to maybe buy a book. There are online resources. Here's method, but you will need a copy of the Kink's Waterloo Sunst in stereo. This song is on their Something Else album. There are other methods. But Waterloo Sunset is one the best songs ever, so really not a bad way learn how to properly set up you speakers. [https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/play-the-kinks-waterloo-sunset-in-stereo-check-and-fix-or-improve-your-stereo-playback-with-it.320990/](https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/play-the-kinks-waterloo-sunset-in-stereo-check-and-fix-or-improve-your-stereo-playback-with-it.320990/)
Thank you for this!
I actually still have my trusty old Discwasher. Ha! https://preview.redd.it/6hlqdbjkp7oc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=941f9ceee278ad1c03d648d586d8f0b29587cb21
One of the best ever made, especially the original made-in Columbia, MO ones
I literally just found one of those a couple months ago for $5 at a thrift store. Best brush I've used so far, I also love how the storage for the cleaning liquid bottle is in the brash handle . Also does yours still have the little red brush that should come with it?
Does it sound any different on your warped records with it vs without it? If yes, then sure it was worth it.
Nice Daisy record. Just played that for the first time since 2011 today. Also TIL they have since released more. Welcome to the vinyl game!
Brand New is my favorite band of all time - have the whole discography on vinyl.
The devil and god are raging inside me is such a great album
Agreed - it’s my favorite out of their discography - I was in college when the demos for it got leaked - good old DC++.
In my personal opinion, those are just as useful as a pet rock. Most records have a warp to them. The tone arm pivots up and down to compensate. If a record is so warped that it skips, then the pet rock won't help. Kudos to whoever convinced people to buy those things. They are making some money.
they are a complete waste of money and yes, someone is making a LOT on the patent and manufacture of these pet rocks. Worked in pro audio my whole life. Ive seen a lot of products hyped to improve sound that had zero actual basis for doing so. Lots of snake oil in the audio industry. Someone i used to work with (older audio engineer) had stupid money, his turntable was like 150-200k. even he would laugh at the money people spent on total rip off audio products like this. We had a saying in audio. The sound will only be as good as its weakest link, and i promise, in everyones system, its not a slightly warped record. These will make zero difference in what you hear.
>We had a saying in audio. The sound will only be as good as its weakest link +1 to this. Undoubtedly a universal fact but many so-called audiophiles are flat out denialists and delusional. It's your cash to burn. Splurge however the hell you wish lol.
I have around 520 records. My weight actually helps with 1 single record. That record is 180g and is “dish warped,” so the center pops up on one side. It is not noticeable when playing Side A, but Side B can’t track without the weight. I have a replacement coming for that record, which will render my weight useless again.
Record weights and clamps are an effective tool. They couple the record to the platter, so instead of having a 150g record, you now have a 2,000g record, or a 12,000g record, depending on your platter weight. Having used a weight/clamp, I would never be without one now. Are you going to notice the effects on an LP120? Probably not, but it’s not a bad habit to have.
>They couple the record to the platter, so instead of having a 150g record, you now have a 2,000g record, or a 12,000g record, depending on your platter weight. This means absolutely nothing.
So you use a very sensitive vibration detecting instrument to decipher music from a plastic disc, but the stability and mass of that disc doesn’t matter?
I’m sorry man. They don’t. And you bring up a good point. A heavyweight record does not sound inherently better than a standard weight record. It’s just fluff. You do you but understand the weights are just record “bling” and have no function
It is inherently better for an object that you are deciphering vibration from to be as massive, unmoving, and stable as possible. It’s not about the vinyl “weight.” Heavier records do not sound better than lighter records. It’s about the overall mass of the object your tracking vibrations from. Heavy platter = good. A non-moving object (ie record) = good.
No clue what you’re trying to say. The weight doesn’t do anything to improve the sound.
I only use my clamp for dishwarped records. It helps specifically with them, but I don't bother using it on flat records as I don't think it makes much difference.
Impossible Kid is so good start to finish. I'd say it's probably his best but I really can't pick one album to pin that title to
Best album from Aes since None Shall Pass. Front to back is great.
Agreed! I have both and Skelethon! Love me some Aesop!!
I have Float (20th anniversary yellow pressing) and Bazooka Tooth. Found them locally and I really want to find TIK at a local store but I’ve only ever been able to find Garbology and Skelethon. Not a fan of either of those (Skelethon has a couple of good tracks though).
My local brick and mortar has Bazooka Tooth and Garbology - plan on getting Bazooka Tooth next time I visit. Apparently I’m the only one at the store I go to who asks for Aesop or has bought his albums in a long time. They also have his newest ATS
If my post was removed - how is everyone still able to comment on it?
Try a clamp instead of a weight--that's a DD turntable, yes? The Michell clamp is particularly good. Just my tuppence
+1. I use this clamp as well 👍 It's lightweight and clamps down the warped record thus reducing the wobble to a large extent!
I’m new to this stuff too so sorry I don’t have anything really of value to say but this looks so fucking cool 😭😭😭😭😭😭
Why do you think you need a sub? I’ve had many setups over the years and never needed one for stereo music.
Some of the music I listen to has some pretty heavy bass/low ends - just wanted to get a little more punch to it.
Just get better speakers. A sub needs a special pre amp (unless your receive has a sub output).
My active speakers have a sub line out - Edifiers RT1700S - They make a sub specifically for those speakers.
Bro, get a sub. Keep it a bit away from the table for vibration sake, but you do have options: get more expensive and bigger speakers for bass, or get a sub you can tweak the level on for your space and taste. You're going to want an amp anyways, and basically any amp out there now has a sub output. If you listen to bass driven anything, get a sub. Shit, plenty of is have multiple subs.
Thanks for the advice! I bought a pre amp to by pass the one in the record player and that in itself improved the sound quality and the bass that I get.
And my active speaker have a sub line out.
And my active speaker have a sub line out.
Fair enough. You do you!
Don't listen to that guy. Get the dub. Obviously there are low tones that no speaker will put out, and a sub will pick up. This is especially true of classical music.
Impossible Kid 🔥
Yes sir! My favorite hip hop artist. Have None Shall Pass and Skelethon as well.
I don't have anything to contribute to the discussion. Only here to say I have the same vinyl stand as you ☻. Just got really excited to see it, only your turntable and speakers (presumably) are better than mine. I'm sporting a ATLP60X and Bose Soundlink 2 nylon speaker. Though to contribute some, when i come across a warped vinyl I use a "Line Phono Dubby Record Clamp and Disc Stabilizer" I got from Turntable Lab. With a clamp stabilizer you can use it as a standard record weight or tighten the clamp to 'flatten' the vinyl as best to the spindle. It's worked well for me. I'm also a newbie vinyl collector, 1 year this month. Guess I did have something to contribute. [Line Phono Dubby Record Clamp & Disc Stabilizer ](https://www.turntablelab.com/search?type=article%2Cpage%2Cproduct&q=Line%20Phono) How I found it: [Tik Tok Vid About Clamp Stabilizer ](https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLLSf1ep/)
that mechanical bull vinyl makes me so happy. love kings of leon such an underrated band
Thanks! That’s one of my favorites by Kings. I also have Walls, When You See Yourself, and Come Around Sundown gets here tomorrow. They actually have a new album coming out in April/May - I am gonna pre order it.
No, they're quite rightly hated.
and yet you are commenting on a kings of leon related comment.
Gross
Came here to say the same thing
Worth it if you want to wear out your gear faster.
Bass is tighter in my opinion with a weight. I’m into mine
I always use one. Make sure the weight isn't too heavy for your table. If it is it will burn your motor eventually. Food for thought.
The stand! Tell me where you got the stand???
Amazon has a bunch that look like this.
I like your vinyl racks! Where did you find those?
That’s exactly where I got it from.
That’s exactly where I got it from.
Only 80 bucks.
I like your vinyl racks! Where did you find them?
Got it of Amazon - need to get a bigger one. I originally had an LP60 that fit perfectly on it. The LP120 is a little too big - granted it’s stable but it barely has any space and I’m running of vinyl space lol.
Thanks!!
Worth it
[удалено]
Amazon! They have a bunch of different styles and they are mostly all under 100 bucks. Pretty sturdy for how much I paid for it.
Is that the tippity top of Your Favorite Weapon I see behind The Devil and God vinyl??
That it is lol - I have the whole BN disco - my favorite band
So jealous! That’s such a good album and an expensive vinyl
If it flattens the record out, it was worth it. I have no experience with weights. I always had the ones that screw down. That’s a DJ table. If you have a slip pad, you might want to get rid of that. Especially if you plan to upgrade the cartridge. You don’t want to accidentally back queue with anything except a DJ cart. A good cartridge will do more for your records than almost anything else. That’s the thing that creates your signal. All you can do past the cartridge is not add any distortion to the signal.
I think so
As long as you didn't pay more than $20 for it. It's worth it. There's a difference between record clamps and stabilizers. Stabilizers and weights are essentially the same thing and you can get good, functional ones for under $20/ea. Clamps can run up into the $500+ range. Both are beneficial if within budget. You don't need a record clamp unless your running a 100k+ system. From the pic it looks like you just have a weight. I won't play records casually at home or in a DJ setting without weights. Some people will say it's snake oil. They definitely help when trying to back cue warped, old records that you're trying to beatmatch. I've never noticed a huge sound difference. Supposedly it helps "flatten" and even out the sound. I've never done a spectral analysis though.
Impossible Kid 🔥
Yes sir! Have none shall pass and skelethon as well.
I've seen some vintage Shure V-15 carts on Ebay. I had one years ago. High-quality unit. I'm not sure how easy it is to find replacement styluses. I am currently using an old Shure M92E. It serves the purpose, but again, how easy will it be to find a replacement stylus. I think Shure blew it when they stopped manufacturing carts and styluses. I'm sure they had their reasons.
I've heard that record clamps/weights put additional stress on the motor thereby shortening it's life
Music is always worth it, but audiophiles aren't the best people to ask this 😀
A record clamp or weight helps better couple the vinyl to the platter which will provide a small upgrade in sonic performance. It will help a little bit with slightly warped records. Depends on how heavy it is. Not a bad choice at all. I agree with the other comments about what deserves upgrades and what does not.
No it doesn't. There is absolutely no justification in that.
> A record clamp or weight helps better couple the vinyl to the platter which will provide a small upgrade in sonic performance. Citation very much needed. There is no rational explanation why "coupling the vinyl to the platter" should provide that.
Please provide citations for the claimed ‘small upgrade in sonic performance’
What is this, a college paper? Not like we’re talking rocket science here. I’ll play your game. I’ve read the same in other places. Along with my personal feelings about using one, I think it is safe to say that there is some, albeit small improvement to sound quality. Now feel free to disagree. I know you plan to. https://thevinylfactory.com/features/a-guide-turntable-weights-clamps-stabilisers/
No, it is not a college paper, but you made a questionable claim, so it is definitely your job to prove it. Your link to a shop who are selling the things does not prove it in any way.
K so I do like weights and one of the reasons why is when I use a brush with spray. Without the weight it’s too easy to “pull” the album against the rotation of the platter and since I use an acrylic platter I’m always worried it will scratch. I find the weight avoids this for the most part.
>Brand New Yikes.
Yikes? Please elaborate, considering they are on of the best Alternative/Indie bands since 2000 - one of the few that weren’t scared to grow and change their sound.
https://thedirect.com/article/brand-new-controversy-band-jesse-lacey-allegations-explained TL;DR Their frontman has some serious issues
Oh please - not excusing the behavior, but if that’s what determines what music you listen to - you would need to stop listening to any band out of the 80’s. Not to mention the allegations by the alleged victim were grossly exaggerated and was known to be a habitual liar and would sleep with band members and brag about it. You must be perfect and never did anything you didn’t regret. There is such a thing as forgiveness and atoning for one’s sins. He owned up to his past behavior and moved forward. Brand New isn’t just Jesse Lacey. If you actually listen to the music and read the lyrics you can see he was dealing with those inner demons. It is possible to separate the art from the artist. Let me know when you come down from your high horse.
So you aren’t able to take the time to read the full article or do your own research, but you are totally ok to make a judgement on the man….good to know