start with a good cartridge. what kind are you using on your pioneer?
Absolute newbie question ??
Ok, I am brand new to the whole analog, vinyl hobby. I am not sure if I ever will be but I wanted to own a record player, so I bought one since I own many records. I have never heard how a record should sound in analog reference system. My system is very good and it plays CDs beautifully. However, records sound like they are missing bass and most of the mids. Is this how they were recorded? Do I need a new needle? new turntable? new preamp?
BTW, what I bought was: Pioneer PL-1100 and Rotel RQ-970. I didn't want to spend a lot of money since I didn't know if I am going to stick with it.
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance,
MO
BTW, what I bought was: Pioneer PL-1100 and Rotel RQ-970. I didn't want to spend a lot of money since I didn't know if I am going to stick with it.
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance,
MO
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It sounds to me that you may be tracking too light. Get a stylus wgt scale and check to see that you are tracking within the recommended guide lines for your cartridge. Also the anti-skate need to be accurate if there is one. Make sure also that if you are using the phono inputs, that you are indeed using the correct one for your cartridge (MM in MM input, MC in MC input, etc.) |
I think the Rotel is fine. Make sure it is plugged into a line level input (CD, AUX, Tape) on your preamp or integrated, don't use the phono stage into the phono input on the preamp if it has one. The Rotel switch should be on MM. I'm assuming you bought a used table. If so then you have to assume that the cartridge is worn out. If you don't have a local dealer who sells phono cartridges I would contact http://www.needledoctor.com/ and see what they recommend. You can get a good entry level cartridge for $40 or less. |
Once you order a new cartridge, I suggest you start studying this link. Once you get your cartridge, you will be ready to mount and setup your first cartridge. http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/819.html Before you order your new cartridge, have you cleaned the stylus (diamond tip) on your old cartridge? If it looks like it is growing a dust bunny, that could be the cause of it's terrible sound. |