[random53]

Well, it is pretty certain that one way or another I am going to end up with a turntable, it is also certain that I know practically nothing about them.

I am trying to figure out everything _other_ than table, arm, cartridge, phono stage that I am going to be needing.

Cleaning records:
the low end vpi tables? the nitty gritty? the disk doctor cleaner?I have started an lp collection from scratch and have so far been somewhat selective, but I definitelly intend to go garage sale shopping for records.

Changing cartridges:
I have nothing here, I know it must be done and talking to a local store owner made it sound like a daunting task. What kind of tools do you recomend, brands, places to buy them from?

Other:
I am seriously considering getting a cheap osciloscope, I am somewhat familiar with their operation, does anybody have experience on using them with their gear? Any recomendation on what would work best here or links with information would be great.

Stuff I don't even know about:
Thats pretty much everything I know about, let m
e know if I am forgetting something even mildly significant.

Thanks!

 

[rickcr42]

read this


http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...threadid=44410

 

[Hirsch]

Cleaning records is critical. For light cleaning, I still use a Discwasher system. Used properly, it's very effective. A record vacuum does a better job, though. I use a VIP HW16.5.

For cartridge setup, you'll need an alignment protractor. You can get a free one here .

You'll want a small bubble level.

The Shure tracking force guage is very useful.

You may need jewelers screwdrivers and/or small allen wrenches for some adjustments. Cartridges and tables should come with the tools you need, but often don't.

I've found that a good test LP is very useful. I use the HFNRR test record, but don't know if it's still available. If not, there will likely be a replacement of some sort available.

 

[rickcr42]

some links

http://www.lpgear.com/

http://www.xs4all.nl/~rabruil/amb.html

http://www.nakedresource.com/library.shtml

 

[kentamcolin]

I second the VPI MK16.5. No other upgrade made as big a difference in my system.