Schmendoh Posted December 15, 2019 Posted December 15, 2019 Seeking advice on an unusual issue. I have a Linn LP 12 , 70's version which has had no upgrades to motor or power supply Power supply is original and has been called the 'Plessy" version in some forums. Arm is a Stax and the Cartridge is Ortophon 2M Bronze , Amp is Music fidelity MS6 and feeding a pair Celestion SL6's. Yes its very old, but, work beautifully. It is a vinyl only system. My problem is that the TT appears to be unable to play " audiophile records" that is 180/200gram recordings. Normal LP's have no issue. Speed on TT is at 33.3 and checked regularly. Music from these recordings is unplayable. Checking the speed while recording insitu, speed accuracy does not deviate. Can anyone enlighten me as to why this is the case? Is it power supply or Motor or both? I have replaced the belt, cleaned and re greased the bearing and given everything a spring clean. I am new to the forum and Any help would be appreciated.
andyr Posted December 15, 2019 Posted December 15, 2019 Sorry, Bruce, but I'm not sure I understand your problem? Am I correct ... you are saying: with 'normal' (thin) LPs - the sound is fine ... and the platter turns at 33 1/3rd rpm? with 'audiophile' (thick) LPs - the sound is unlistenable to; however, the platter still turns at 33 1/3rd rpm? Andy
Schmendoh Posted December 15, 2019 Author Posted December 15, 2019 Yes, as stupid as that sounds, it is the case. I have tried several albums and the result is always the same. It is as if the extra weight "slows down the TT, yet measuring the speed with the record insitu, there is little change. Speed is being checked via phone app "Turntabulator'
andyr Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 That is certainly bizarre! Does "Turntabulator" require you to place your phone on the LP? If so then I would've thought it would be heavier than any LP - so if weight was the problem ... the speed would show this? Is your problem due to VTA, then? A 180gm/200gm LP is quite a lot thicker than a 'normal' (120gm/140gm) LP - leading to a 'tail down' orientation of your cart. If your arm is set a bit low then you might be getting 'acceptable' sound with a thin LP - which becomes unacceptable with a thick LP? Can you raise your arm slightly - say, 4mm at the pivot - then see how both types of record sound? Andy
Schmendoh Posted December 16, 2019 Author Posted December 16, 2019 Thanks Andy, I will give that a shot
audiofeline Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 Rather than putting your phone on the platter to measure speed accuracy, perhaps print a paper stobe disk which can be placed on the label area of the record and checked using an incandescent light (these can be found for download on the internet, as well as programs that will generate them on your computer). Cheap electronic tachometers can be bought via ebay/china, which are useful for this as well.
Chill3 Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 2 hours ago, Schmendoh said: Seeking advice on an unusual issue. I have a Linn LP 12 , 70's version which has had no upgrades to motor or power supply Power supply is original and has been called the 'Plessy" version in some forums. Arm is a Stax and the Cartridge is Ortophon 2M Bronze , Amp is Music fidelity MS6 and feeding a pair Celestion SL6's. Yes its very old, but, work beautifully. It is a vinyl only system. My problem is that the TT appears to be unable to play " audiophile records" that is 180/200gram recordings. Normal LP's have no issue. Speed on TT is at 33.3 and checked regularly. Music from these recordings is unplayable. Checking the speed while recording insitu, speed accuracy does not deviate. Can anyone enlighten me as to why this is the case? Is it power supply or Motor or both? I have replaced the belt, cleaned and re greased the bearing and given everything a spring clean. I am new to the forum and Any help would be appreciated. Are the " audiophile records" 45s 1
zippi Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 I only had a fleeting read of the post, however could it be a VTA issue. The vertical tracking angle issue shouldn't be such a dramatic problem, but maybe coupled with 1 or 2 other "small" issues it could result in the OP's issue.
Telecine Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 If you have a 45 RPM adaptor for your pulley, put it on and try playing the records again.
andyr Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 2 hours ago, Capone said: Are the 180gm records 45s? 2 hours ago, Chill3 said: Are the " audiophile records" 45s ^ ^ ^ Very good point, gentlemen! @Schmendoh... playing 45rpm records at 33 1/3rd rpm will certainly make them sound dreadful! Andy 1
Luc Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 I think I have a 45 rpm adaptor in my draw. It's yours if you want it. I bought a 180 gm record and played it and it was awful, then I realised it was a 45rpm so I purchased the pulley. But to be honest, it was a pain in the arse to change everytime you wanted to listen so that led me onto the upgrade path. Careful what you wish for...
PKay Posted December 16, 2019 Posted December 16, 2019 17 hours ago, andyr said: ^ ^ ^ Very good point, gentlemen! @Schmendoh... playing 45rpm records at 33 1/3rd rpm will certainly make them sound dreadful! Andy Unless it is techno 1
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