Saturday, April 29, 2017

Record Player Needles Information About It And The Other Parts

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.

These parts of your apparatus need regular changing because constantly using them will wear them out. It is specially true with record player needles because of the friction created when it runs along vinyl grooves. Here are a few information about them and how to best take care of this and other parts for a quality sound to be produced.

The set up of the player will require you to have a speaker and an amplifier but there are available speakers where an amplifier is already built inside them so you could just instead use them. Speakers must be positioned according to the indicated sides and enough space between the speakers and wall. When placed on hard surface, have them sit on a foam and let it absorb the vibrations.

Buying second hand vinyls is better because they are cheaper than brand new ones particularly those found in charity shops, vintage markets and garage sales. Clean your records thoroughly and have the best possible sounding music when playing them. Machines are available who can clean them but they are alternatives that are cheaper.

When the player is not being used, the dust cover should be down to keep it clean. Though when using it, you can either have it down or off depending on your preference. Having it down may make the sound resonate with the cover so the sound quality will be different when it is taken off so try which one you like best.

Platter mats are materials that looks like a sitting between player and vinyl that made usually from felt. It is used to absorb vibrations and to steadily hold the record for improving sound quality. Felt may be the most common because it is included in the player although cork and rubber are better in reducing static and vibrations.

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.

Tracking force is what the cartridge weight is called that is set on the vinyl that can be adjusted using the counterweight located at the end of the tonearm. Online guidelines are available or those with the product manual for tracking force suggestions. Too much weight will make dull sounds while thin sounds if too light.

Make sure you have enough space where you can put your player as they tend to be bulky. It is also important to place them where there are lesser vibrations produced. These can cause the needle to jump and skip when playing.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment