czurek13 Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 So not to long ago I was about to buy a new phono cartridge, but it never panned out because i was told you need to know how to align them. So my first question is how hard is it to align them, and do you really need to buy separate tools to do so. also on a somewhat different note, how do you know when a new needle is needed. I saw an article saying that if you wait till its warn out you have most likely already damaged your records, so now I have become rather paranoid. I appreciate any help. I am good with modern technology, but I seem to be having a hard time grasping how my turntable works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zak138 Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 You need to provide more info, table model, cartridge. etc. You may only need a stylus replacement which is usually cheaper than replacing the whole cartridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamover Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 i know bartlett's a bit far, but if you have $50-100 you're ready to spend, bring your turntable down to saturday audio exchange in chicago and they will sell you a really good cartridge and install and align it for you. they're only open 10 hours a week, so make sure you google it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
czurek13 Posted July 17, 2009 Author Share Posted July 17, 2009 i have the debut III with the Ortofon OM 5E cartridge on there I believe. The guy at needle doctor which is where i got the turntable recommended the ortofon 20 stylus. Anyone have any insight into knowing when a needle change is needed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preston Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 The stylus question is a good one. I'd like to know as well. I bought one last night, because the quality of my records sounding like it was declining, but there are so many variables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zak138 Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 i have the debut III with the Ortofon OM 5E cartridge on there I believe. The guy at needle doctor which is where i got the turntable recommended the ortofon 20 stylus. Anyone have any insight into knowing when a needle change is needed? There are tons of variables concerning when you should change. How often you use the needle, do you have an automatic arm, do you cover it between uses, are your records clean, etc. I'd offer two pieces of advice: 1. Buy a new stylus (you'll need one eventually, even if not right now) and visually compare it to your current one. I just replaced mine last week and when comparing the two, you could really tell the difference, my old one was beat to shit. 2. If your records are clean and seem to be sounding like shit, replace the stylus/cartridge. You'll find that the longer you listen to records, you'll notice the difference as the stylus gets older and you'll know when to replace it by ear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
czurek13 Posted July 17, 2009 Author Share Posted July 17, 2009 thanks. I'm curious to go check out the store dreamover recommended as well. i would say as a whole my records don't sound bad, minus a few, but i think that is more companies trying to save money by using cheaper means of pressing them.. Im looking at you victory records on my thursday record with lots of background noise. I buy most of my records new and as I know i should still clean them it is better than the ones at used stores that have a layer of dust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattstrike Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 You can count on the stylus/cartridge being playable for 600-1000 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preston Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I installed my new stylus last night. Holy shit. There was a huge difference. I bought the turntable (Pro-ject Xpression) about 7 months ago. It was listed as an in-store display model, so never used. It never sounded quite right. I didn't now if it was my pre-amp, the receiver, the wiring. It was always the stylus apparently. Even comparing the two, the original looked like it was hit with a hammer. I'm pissed I didn't get one earlier, thinking back to all the damage I may have done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomas Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 You can count on the stylus/cartridge being playable for 600-1000 hours. Any idea on how long needles last? I've noticed a decline in quality on my table lately, but I know I've not used it anywhere near that 600 hour mark yet. I think I just need a new needle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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