HEy everyone.. well i have a pretty big problem.. ive been noticing alot of pops in my records,, and ive come to realise that maybe its due to the weight my needles are putting on the records


firstly .. i would like to know how to set my weight properly. Do i start the knob @ the indented line marker, and set the front spinning dial with all the numbers to zero? and then accurately adjust the weight?

what recomended weight should i be using, 2.0 - 2.5?

also what needles should i be using.. currently im using stanton D500 AL II needles. Ive heard from many people that these needles are well known to destroy your records.. but i want to know the truth before i just toss my needles

If so what needles do you guys recomend? any help please..


Man im soo pissed .. most of my records sound like promo records for rice krispies!!

hi. I don't know about those needles, but I don't think they can destroy your vinyl.
But here is how to set up the weight:

adjust the weight so the arm stays "balanced" horizontally without touching the record (needs feeling).
Then set the "dial" to "0" at this position. From there, adjust the weight as needed. I use 2.5 grams for my Ortofon Concorde Nightclub. Try to use not too much weight and only go higher when you want to scratch or have a lot of skipping. There is usually a recommended "range" for different needles, so check your needles' manufacturer for that range, and start at the lower end.

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RetroActive 4

Yeah i fixed up the weight.. thanks for the info.. the range for my sylus is from 2 - 5 grams.. i have it @ 2 right now.. for bedroom playing.. its perfect.. but i still have pops in my records.. i guess ill give them a good cleaning and hope for hte best

any news on those needles tho? anyone? whats your take on them.. and what are other good needles to use?

thanks'

i havnt heard of the 500AL's causing super-excessive record wear.

they are a very common needle, too.

my personal favorite is the Shure M44Gs - Of all the needles ive used (included ortofons) i still prefer the M44G's.. even over ortofon nightclubs.

they track really well.. very hard to skip.. very good sound.. fairly inexpensive.. and quite durable! they have a nice little flip down stylus guard, and are black to match the stock technics headshell nicely. they also work well at low forces (rated .75 - 1.5g !!) so they wont wear your vinyl much at all.

It's the only needle ive used that is workable at barely over a single gram of force

Incredible.. im thinking of getting some shure needles.. my records aer in bad shap .. i feel bad letting them through more
:P

thanks for your help !

one thing i should mention...

if you have a preference for groove holding power vs sound quality, go with the M447.

The M44G and M447 are very similar - the M447 is for scratching/turntablism and the M44G is for mixing - thus, the M447 holds the groove better, but the M44G puts out better defined sound.

The M447 stylus will mount on the M44G head, though.. so you can have the best of both worlds if you want.