Playing 78 RPM Shellac Records properly
Techmoan・28 minutes read
The speaker aims to create a budget-friendly 78 RPM record player for archiving audio effectively, criticizing misleading marketing of unsuitable devices. They explore options like the Audio Technica ATLP 120 and Thorens TD 180, discussing technical issues, capacitors, and RIAA equalization for optimal sound quality.
Insights
- Lack of suitable equipment for playing 78 RPM shellac records at high quality for archiving purposes drives the speaker to explore creating a cost-effective solution, criticizing existing options for subpar performance and misleading marketing.
- Detailed process of identifying and rectifying speed issues in turntables, involving capacitor replacement and pot adjustments, showcases the speaker's dedication to achieving optimal sound quality, emphasizing the importance of proper equipment selection and setup for effective audio archiving.
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Recent questions
How can I play 78 RPM records effectively?
To play 78 RPM records effectively, you need a specific stylus size that matches the wider groove of these records. Commercially available record players like the Audio Technica ATLP 120 are affordable options for playing 78 RPM records. Avoid suitcase record players as they have incorrect stylus sizes, leading to poor audio quality. Ensure proper setup and testing of the record player, adjust the tracking force, and understand RIAA equalization for optimal sound playback.
What are the common issues with playing 78 RPM records?
Common issues when playing 78 RPM records include using a narrow stylus in a wider groove, resulting in surface noise and lower audio quality. Speed issues like running slow at 45 RPM, 33 and a third, and middle ring speeds can also occur. These issues may not be due to a slipping belt but could be related to capacitors. To fix speed issues, consider purchasing cap kits from eBay, replacing capacitors, and adjusting pots on the turntable.
How can I improve the sound quality of 78 RPM records?
To improve the sound quality of 78 RPM records, focus on selecting the right playback tools and methods. Experiment with better equipment than suitcase record players, such as the Audio Technica cartridge designed for 78 RPM records. Adjust bass and treble settings for optimal sound, understand RIAA equalization, and use a headphone splitter with mono function for accurate playback of mono records. By carefully selecting playback tools and methods, you can enhance vocals and overall sound quality.
What are budget-friendly options for playing 78 RPM records?
Budget-friendly options for playing 78 RPM records include the Audio Technica ATLP 120 and the Thorens TD 180. While the Audio Technica ATLP 120 is more affordable at around 340 pounds, the Thorens TD 180 offers a budget-friendly option with technical issues that require proper setup and testing. Consider purchasing the Audio Technica cartridge for 78 RPM records, adjusting tracking force, and focusing on improving sound quality through careful selection of playback tools.
How can I create a decent 78 RPM record player at a minimum cost?
To create a decent 78 RPM record player at a minimum cost, focus on selecting affordable options like the Thorens TD 180 or the Audio Technica ATLP 120. Avoid suitcase record players due to incorrect stylus sizes that result in poor audio quality. Ensure proper setup and testing of the record player, adjust tracking force, and understand RIAA equalization for optimal sound playback. By carefully selecting playback tools and methods, you can effectively archive audio from 78 RPM records without breaking the bank.
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Summary
00:00
Creating a Quality 78 RPM Record Player
- The speaker has equipment capable of playing various pre-recorded music formats like vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, open reel tapes, eight tracks, minidiscs, and DCC.
- However, the speaker lacks a device to play 78 RPM shellac records at a high quality for archiving purposes.
- The speaker has tried using devices like the HMB 102, but they do not provide the desired quality for playing back 78 RPM records.
- The speaker aims to create a decent 78 RPM record player at a minimum cost to archive audio from these records effectively.
- Commercially available 78 RPM record players like the Riga Planar 78 and Audio Technica ATLP 120 are discussed, with the latter being a more affordable option at around 340 pounds.
- Suitcase record players are not suitable for playing 78 RPM records due to the incorrect stylus size, leading to poor audio quality.
- The speaker demonstrates the issue with using a narrow stylus in a wider groove, resulting in surface noise and lower audio quality.
- The speaker tests a similar mechanism to suitcase record players for playing 78 RPM records, highlighting its subpar audio quality.
- The speaker criticizes manufacturers for misleadingly marketing devices as suitable for playing 78 RPM records without mentioning the need for a specific stylus.
- The speaker explores the Thorens TD 180 as a budget-friendly option for playing 78 RPM records, highlighting technical issues and the need for proper setup and testing.
14:28
Troubleshooting Turntable Speed Issues and Upgrades
- RPM mode running slow at 45 RPM, 33 and a third, and middle ring speeds.
- Issue not due to slipping belt, but possibly related to capacitors.
- Cap kits available on eBay for fixing turntable issues.
- Process of replacing capacitors involves desoldering and soldering new ones.
- Adjusting pots on the turntable to correct speed issues.
- Purchasing Audio Technica cartridge for 78 RPM records.
- Testing the turntable with the new cartridge and adjusting tracking force.
- Explaining RIAA equalization and its impact on vinyl playback.
- Adjusting bass and treble settings for optimal sound from 78 RPM records.
- Using a headphone splitter with mono function for accurate playback of mono records.
30:11
Improving Sound Quality on a Budget
- To achieve high-quality sound playback on a budget, experiment with better equipment than suitcase record players, focusing on improving vocals and overall sound quality through careful selection of playback tools and methods.
