thomas Posted December 25, 2007 Share Posted December 25, 2007 So I got a Audio-Technica PL12 for Christmas, and it is a direct drive table. Neither my Dad or I have ever used one, so setting it up was a new experience. We got it set-up and it sounds great, now my question is do all direct drive tables require you to move the stylus arm on your own, and do they all sit on the last groove of the record? I thought they were all automated like my shitty belt drive, but it's all manual it seems. I don't mind having to do it, but I just want to make sure I did not do something wrong while setting it up. Edit: Also I notice more pops now with my records, is it because we did not balance the arm right, or is that common on better needles? I am playing a brand new never played record now, and I am noticing a few pops every so often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle Posted December 25, 2007 Share Posted December 25, 2007 The only turntables with automatic arm return are shitty $120 'tables you get from Best Buy or Circuit City. Audiophile and DJ 'tables require you to get up and take the arm off at the end of the record. If you are noticing pops it could be from the needle, but its most definitley not because its better. In fact, the DJ needle is probably a very minor improvement over what you had, if any. The simple matter is, DJ 'tables and needles are built for longevity, for playing in a club environment day in and day out, being mixed, scratched, etc. They're not built for sound quality. That said, the pops could be a product of the needle, but I doubt it, usually pops are in the record. Try playing an old record you know doesn't pop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomas Posted December 25, 2007 Author Share Posted December 25, 2007 I figured that only low end tables are all automated. I'll try an older record here in a bit, but I noticed when I took it off it was a bit dusty (never played the record, but have had it for a few weeks now and my room gets dusty) so maybe that was the problem. The pops don't bother me, I only heard like 3-4 total. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle Posted December 25, 2007 Share Posted December 25, 2007 It was most likely just in the record Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomas Posted December 25, 2007 Author Share Posted December 25, 2007 It was most likely just in the record Maybe. Oh well, new table sounds a lot better than my old one. Maybe in a few months when I get birthday cash I'll upgrade the needle and cartridge. I am pretty cheap and lazy at time though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle Posted December 25, 2007 Share Posted December 25, 2007 I definitely would upgrade to a decent cartridge meant for listening, rather than scratching. You should notice a really good improvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotterson Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 i am about to buy a new cartridge for my pioneer pl 400 direct drive table, and am considering either the audio technica AT120E/T Audio Technica Magnetic Cartridge or the grado green prestige. i dont want to spend a lot, but i want to upgrade from my 'universal' audio technica cartridge i bought at best buy 4-5 years ago. i have heard good things about grado, but that audio technica has a retail of $160 and is at Garage 'A Records for $70...any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riddle350 Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I kinda like how the pops sound. Gives it character. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxmartinxx Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 i am about to buy a new cartridge for my pioneer pl 400 direct drive table, and am considering either the audio technica AT120E/T Audio Technica Magnetic Cartridge or the grado green prestige. i dont want to spend a lot, but i want to upgrade from my 'universal' audio technica cartridge i bought at best buy 4-5 years ago. i have heard good things about grado, but that audio technica has a retail of $160 and is at Garage 'A Records for $70...any advice? It's hard to go wrong with the Grado. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.