How to test a cartridge?

[admin_exported]

Hi

Well I have finally finished setting up my first ever (budget)
turntable Hi-Fi system. It is a Dual 505-1 turntable, Rotel RA-820AX
intergrated amplifier and a set of Mordaunt Short MS10 speakers.

I'm a complete newbie to turntables so all of these purchases were
made based on recommendations I have received on this forum. I don't
really have an in-depth knowledge of turntables/amps etc. I just know
the certain parts of the turntable and how to work one, that's about
it.

Basically the Dual turntable I bought from ebay has come with an
Empire 2000 E/IV cartridge installed. I would like to test this
cartridge/stylus out first to decide whether I will need to actually
buy a new cartridge or not. And because I'm over my budget with the
setup so far, if I don't need to buy a new cartridge I'll be happy to
use the existing one for now (probably until early next year). So how
do I go about testing out the cartridge/stylus to see if it works well
and without damaging any vinyl?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Anonymous]

check that the cartridge is set up correctly including tracking weight etc

you will have to test it on a record eventually but before you can test theres no hum etc by turning the amp on at zero volume with the phono input selected

if theres hum then turn the amp off and check all your connections but assuming that isnt the case turn the volume up slowly and again if theres no hum your ok

if there is hum then it could be coming from the cartridge or from the ground so check the ground is connected if that looks fine then probably its the cartridge and easiest fix is to replace it

if thats all fine then play your least favourite record

if theres no obvious distortion then let it play through to the end to check the tracking is ok

if the sound is blurred that can indicate a worn needle or insufficient tracking weight

new needles may be available from lpgear in the states or jico in japan but youd need to email them as they dont show your model

 

[Anonymous]

Hi all

I have now got the full turntable Hi-Fi up and running. I tested the cartridge out on a full play through of an LP and a single, it worked with no issues.

The only thing I am a bit worried about is the fact that when I look at the small tip of the stylus it seems to have what looks like bits of fluff or dirt on it after playing a record. I don't know whether this is the stylus damaging the vinyl or just dust/fluff etc. as the records themselves have been stored in an attic for many years (albeit all the records have their original covers and inner sleeves and they were stored in a plastic bag).

Is there any way to check the actual vinyl record itself for damage? Just to be on the safe side as I would just like to double-check that nothing is getting damaged.

But I have tried three records now and they have all played fine. There is lots of popping and crackling going on but I assume that's normal for vinyl?

My only other issues is that when I turn the amplifier on there is quite a loud 'buzzing' or 'humming' noise coming from the speakers. The amp is only set to about a quarter volume, maybe even less so I don't know whether this is normal or not? Also, when I turn the volume up to full I get a loud, high-pitched 'screeching' type noise which I assume is some form of feedback, yet my speakers aren't placed too close to my turntable/amp. But my bedroom is quite small so there isn't much space, I have just tried to setup the speakers as good as possible. But is this 'screeching' supposed to happen? And is there any way to get rid of it?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Anonymous]

Also, just a question regarding the placement of
each item. I have the amplifier on a table and then the turntable
placed directly on top of it. Is this ok or is it unsafe or not
recommended? As when I pick up the tonearm as if I am going to put it
onto a record the 'buzzing' or 'humming' that I mentioned before
actually stops and you can't hear it. You can only hear it when the
tonearm is on the tonearm rest. So I assume it's something to do with
feedback from the cartridge/stylus itself?

Thanks again.

 

[Andrew Everard]

It's usual for the stylus to trawl out dust from dirty records: it's worth investing in a carbon fibre brush to clean the records before playing, and a stylus brush to clean that.

The hum is probably down to the turntable being on top of the amp and picking up interference from the amp interference, or it may be an earth loop: worth experimenting with the earth cable either connected to the amp's grounding post, provided for the purpose.

And the screech is feedback - it's the vibrations in the air from the speakers being picked up by the stylus, amplified, fed round again, amplified and so on. Better isolation of the turntable, for example on a wall-shelf designed for the purpose, should help eliminate this.

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:
It's usual for the stylus to trawl out dust from dirty records: it's worth investing in a carbon fibre brush to clean the records before playing, and a stylus brush to clean that.

The hum is probably down to the turntable being on top of the amp and picking up interference from the amp interference, or it may be an earth loop: worth experimenting with the earth cable either connected to the amp's grounding post, provided for the purpose.

And the screech is feedback - it's the vibrations in the air from the speakers being picked up by the stylus, amplified, fed round again, amplified and so on. Better isolation of the turntable, for example on a wall-shelf designed for the purpose, should help eliminate this.

Hi

Thanks for your response.

Is it safe to have the turntable on top of my amp? Or can it damage either item in some way?

Also, if my records are all playing ok can I assume that the stylus is ok and not doing any damage to either the stylus itself or the records?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Andrew Everard]

I wouldn't put the turntable there - it'll block airflow from top of the amp, which may cause it or the turntable to overheat, may promote warping of the records, and could cause hum.

And assuming you have the tracking weight and aligmnment set OK, you shouldn't be damaging the records or stylus.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

Well the table that I have both items on is quite small, but there is space on the floor underneath for either the amp or the turntable if I need to move one. Would the amp be ok sat on the carpet underneath the table? I think there is some sort of vent on the bottom of the amp but the top of the amp should be clear of anything blocking the vent then.

Also, the cartridge on my turntable is an Empire 2000 E/IV. I can't actually find any reference to this cartridge anywhere but I can find references to the Empire 2000 E/III and so I have set the tracking force to the recommended setting for the E/III instead as I assumed it would be similar. Do you think this will be ok? The tracking force is set to 1.0 grams and the same for anti-skating. The E/III is on this page: http://www.adelcom.net/EmpireCart1.htm

My cartridge actually looks very similar to the E/III so I'm assuming the difference shouldn't actually be too big?

Thanks again.

 

[Andrew Everard]

No, putting the amp on the carpet will block the air vents on the bottom - the amp cools by convection, drawing cool air in through the lower vents as the hot air leaves via those in the top-panel.

You could put the amp down there if you put a piece of board between it and the carpet.

Yes, the settings you're using should be fine.

 

[chebby]

An Ikea 'Lack' side table costs about £8 and is an excellent support for a turntable.

This will be a perfect replacement cartridge for the Dual CS505 and only costs £37.95

This will all be a lot cheaper than replacing scads of ruined vinyl or getting an amp repaired.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

Would the turntable be ok sat on the carpet then instead? The carpet is quite thick so it shouldn't allow any vibration that could interfere with it or cause damage.

Thanks again.

 

[chebby]

Absolutely not!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Ok. I just haven't got much money at the moment. I went over buget aswell so I haven't got the money to upgrade the cartridge or anything at the moment. I'm going to have to make do until after Christmas I think.

Also, I'm completely new to vinyl and turntables which is the reason I'm probably sounding like a fool asking if I can place the turntable on the carpet etc.

 

[Andrew Everard]

I'd keep the turntable where it is, and move the amp to the floor, placing it on a shelf or board laid on the carpet to maintain airflow. You'll need one around 45x30cm.

You could even use one of these...

 

[timwileman]

if you live anywhere nr me (nr reading)i can give you a granite chopping borad for free...