Decent Turntable, but wont play my old records! Advice please!

[Shippy87]

So, I have a Pro-ject version 1 xpression mk 2, carbon fibre arm and all that. Had it for ages, and do you know what, it actually caused me to lose interest in my collection. I used to have an old, old record player that would play anything. Most of my collection is either inherited or picked up here and there in stalls and shops, and is old and well worn. The frustration with this player is that it is so lightweight and fussy that any hint of a scratch or dust or somesuch and it skips and refuses to play the record.

I dont want to downgrade for something less good that will be less fussy. Is there a way I can get it to be more "hardy"? A new cartridge or something? I've tried weighting it, but it doesn't work as the stylus still moves independently of the cartridge and jumps the groove.

I'd love some advice please!

 

[nima]

Sounds like there's something seriously wrong with your settings.
First thing you'll need are stylus scales. Get the cheap thing from eBay: NEW Version Professional LP Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge led. (Or if you can't wait, but them at Audio Origami for a few quid more.) These scales are perfectly good with MM carts.
Then adjust anti-skating accordingly.
Only then you'll need to figure out an efficient way of cleaning your records. And the last thing would be to get some seriously good tracking cart like AT440MLa.

 

[chebby]

So, I have a Pro-ject version 1 xpression mk 2, carbon fibre arm and all that. Had it for ages, and do you know what, it actually caused me to lose interest in my collection. I used to have an old, old record player that would play anything. Most of my collection is either inherited or picked up here and there in stalls and shops, and is old and well worn. The frustration with this player is that it is so lightweight and fussy that any hint of a scratch or dust or somesuch and it skips and refuses to play the record.

Put "Henley Designs" or "Help required with Pro-ject Xpression Mk2" somewhere in the thread title. They regularly check in (and post) so that would catch their attention.

It definitely seems like there is something fundamentally wrong with the set-up from your description of the problem..

 

[Al ears]

I'd agree with chebby here. Something fundamentally wrong. Your xpression normally comes fitted with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge though not sure if yours is. This is a fairly basic cartridge but should do the job.

Unless your LPs are seriously in a bad way then it should track them OK even if you do get crackles and pops. If they are this bad then you'd be better off not playing them as they will damage your cartridge.

Have you had a good look at the stylus? Is it there? Is it simply covered in crud / dust? This might account for mistracking, if it is clean then some work required on tracking force / antiskid would appear to be in order.

 

[Teo]

Indeed ,

I agree also , you should check the settings :

-level the TT

-check the VTA withe a simple ortofon gauge adjust after cart's manufacturer's specs.

-set the antiskating

-Align the cartridge with a dedicated protractor .

-Clean the stylus ( you can begin with this ) you'll need a good loupe , a brush (small one) ,some alcool based cleaning liquid ,if needed. Frequently ,old uncleaned records contain amazingly much dirt wich cat be transferred on the needle in such an amout that you almost can't see the tip anymore.And it can't follow the groove. Could be just this. Don't make lateral movements ,only longitudinal ,paralel with the stylus cantilever.You don't want to brake the stylus .

-Clean the records

-You'll find extensive details on all these and more on vinylengine .