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-- Time to exchange needles?

Posted by Alccode on Oct-08-2002 20:05:

Time to exchange needles?

I've had my turntables for most of a year now, which I had obtained used. The needles are crappy Numark needles that came with the decks (TT-100's). Now, I'm considering buying new needles but would like to know what are the general criteria for knowing "when" new needles are "due"?

Right now, they crackle a little, and during breakdowns, where there is little sound, you can definitely hear the crackling. During the actual music, though, the crackle is not noticeable. I'm wondering how much damage the needles could cause to my vinyl - in fact I don't know how long they have been "in use" (I don't know when the original owner purchased them) so the only criterion I have is the crackling.

I have the Stanton stylus cleaning kit and apply it from time to time - it doesn't help the crackling.

Should I wait until the crackling gets really bad? On the other hand, would this mean greater vinyl weardown?

Thanks for any input.

Posted by Devbert on Oct-08-2002 22:12:

Stop being a lazy sack of shit and buy some new needles.

Posted by mute79 on Oct-08-2002 22:52:

lol

true

Posted by Haunted on Oct-09-2002 01:33:

get some ortofons

Posted by ExcelonGT on Oct-09-2002 01:36:

I think if a needle is very worn, it wont hold a groove as well when cueing. I dunno if thats tru though

Posted by DjJade on Oct-09-2002 02:30:

i just got a pair of ortofon nightclubs at www.sixstardj.com a few a weeks ago...they sound great and the site seems to have nice prices... i didnt get the ellipticals though since they didnt have them at the moment but ill eventually switch...the prices were just so good i didnt really mind especially for a set that came with an extra stylus

Posted by DjJade on Oct-09-2002 02:35:

if you wanna know about damage and stuff i found out alot from http://www.pcmusic.co.za/archive/20...edles/index.php
keep in mind that most people have their own opinion...but i still learned alot about needles here. [i know im a dork for actually finding this but hey...its education : P]

Posted by fzrr on Oct-09-2002 03:02:

quote:
Originally posted by DjJade
if you wanna know about damage and stuff i found out alot from http://www.pcmusic.co.za/archive/20...edles/index.php
keep in mind that most people have their own opinion...but i still learned alot about needles here. [i know im a dork for actually finding this but hey...its education : P]

Great link!! Some good info on there!

Posted by Alccode on Oct-09-2002 03:12:

Thanks everyone for the replies!

And that link is phenomenal, kudos to DjJade.

Posted by ExcelonGT on Oct-09-2002 23:21:

quote:
Originally posted by fzrr

Great link!! Some good info on there!

Info on that site scares the bejeeberz out of me. MY Precious collection!!!!

Posted by Alccode on Oct-10-2002 22:24:

Update:

Well, I finally replced my needles. Trashed the crappy old Audiotechnica ones (I just recently found out the brand name), and opted to get the Stanton 680 EL-II. A little pricey, but definitely cheaper than any Ortofon Concordes... which were horrendously expensive.. I was shocked!

Anyway, now I'm thinking, "What was I waiting for??" The Stantons sound so much better than my old needles. Being elliptical, the frequency pick-up is greater, and I'm hearing little details in tracks (barely noticeable) that I didn't hear before. Another huge bonus is the bass - it sounds a lot fuller, and doesn't distort when I increase it through my mixer! Previously, increasing the bass would create this farting noise through my speakers, but now I just hear clean, fuller bass when I do the same thing.

So if you want awesome sound and minimal record wear, I recommend considering the 680 EL-II's. If you're not such a buff for the record wear (and on a budget), then go a step down for the Stanton 500 AL II (spherical tip), which are essentially half the price. (!)

Posted by CarlosM on Oct-11-2002 17:17:

Hi, I bought same Stanton Cartridges, but I find The sound Too Crispy, do u have the same felling?, some times the Bass is a little low, well.. the bass were Stronger with my old Pickering Cartridges.

later, Let me know