RE: Yes, but not in any dramatic fashion.

Posted by John Elison (A) on July 19, 2014 at 13:10:32

In Reply to: Yes, but not in any dramatic fashion. posted by StephenJK on July 19, 2014 at 06:06:47:

> John Elison, what do you think?

I think you've pretty much nailed it.

LPs normally wear out very slowly when played on a properly adjusted turntable. Other than putting a quarter on the headshell, a worn stylus is probably the most dangerous and will definitely cause premature vinyl damage very quickly. I don't think cartridge alignment is much of a factor, though. Too little vertical tracking force and stylus wear are the biggies. Of course, you don't want to too much vertical tracking force either, but too little VTF will cause mistracking and premature groove damage.

With regard to sibilance problems, it is possible the grooves have already been damaged. I have an elliptical stylus on my Technics SL-1200 and I don't notice any more sibilance distortion than with the line-contact stylus in my Sota Millennia turntable. There could also be problems elsewhere in the tonearm that are causing sibilance distortion. This type of distortion is sometimes difficult to troubleshoot and eliminate. I feel fortunate that I haven't had sibilance problems in my system for many years.

Good luck,
John Elison

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Is a not perfecly aligned stylus capable of destryoing records? - Ymer 05:42:50 07/19/14 (9)

I doubt it. I listen to 50 year old records that still sound quieter than something fresh off the production - jdaniel@jps.net 15:39:05 07/20/14 (0)

"Perfectly"? - hesson11 20:47:54 07/19/14 (1)

Interesting article... - John Elison 15:12:29 07/20/14 (0)

DO NOT Think Negative Thoughts Near the Turntable - HotStamper 17:38:07 07/19/14 (1)

RE: DO NOT Think Negative Thoughts Near the Turntable - Duaney 16:46:42 07/20/14 (0)

For me this is part of what makes records endearing and enduring - M3 lover 14:12:06 07/19/14 (0)

Depends... - Bry 08:24:17 07/19/14 (0)

Yes, but not in any dramatic fashion. - StephenJK 06:06:47 07/19/14 (1)

RE: Yes, but not in any dramatic fashion. - John Elison 13:10:32 07/19/14 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: Yes, but not in any dramatic fashion. - John Elison 13:10:32 07/19/14 (0)

RE: Yes, but not in any dramatic fashion.

Post a Message!