Analogue help

[miner]

I recently purchased a Thorens TD-185 with an Ortofon OMB10 cartridge. I am interested in enjoying LPs again. What other accessories should I get (vaccuums and digital stylus gauge are not an option)? I need advice on record and stylus care items. Although this TT is not audiophile quality I did not want to spend $$$ not knowing how much I would enjoy LPs again. Thanks for your help & suggestions.

Miner

[madmax]

A digital stylus guage is not needed, you can probably set the weight going by the tone arm dial. A vacuum is pretty much necessary if you are going to keep your collection in whatever condition it is capable of when you get it. Playing dirty records degrades them. You can get by with a brush to wipe off the dust before playing but I wouldn't expect the records to stay in good condition if you play them much. Certainly used records normally need a vacuuming to keep from further damage. You need a phono preamp to amplify the signals from the needle. Other than that you can get by.

[miner]

My pre has a built-in phono stage that is pretty decent (either MM or MC). I understand the vacuum comment but at this stage I am not ready for that. In the 70's I used a Discwasher system that did OK, but what I have been reading lately any liquid cleaners on LPs are not recommended. I am nort really sure if I need to get a TT mat either. Keep the comments coming guys.

Also, since the cartridge came pre-mounted I am also interested in a 'second' cartridge in the $150 range.

[billbillw]

Its not that liquid cleaners are bad, its overly harsh cleaners or ones that contain isopropyl alcohol are bad. Even the vacuum cleaners need a wet cleaning before they are vacuumed dry.

Another option for cleaning is to use the Spin-clean system. (here) It uses distilled water and a small amount of cleaning concentrate (which is mainly a wetting agent and a floc agent). I've been using this system for about 6 months and have been very satisfied with the results. Always place wet cleaned/dried albums in a new clean poly lined sleeve. If you do this, you probably won't have to wet clean again after the initial cleaning. Just observe proper handling technics (to avoid fingerprints) and use a light carbon fiber brush before each play. The key to getting the best results out of the spin-clean is to dry them immediatly and throroughly. I have a spare junk table and a small army of drying cloths to help facilitate this.

[hearingimpared]

My philosophy on record cleaning and preservation is this: you can always get new and used hardware. You cannot replace the software (LPs) you currently have by way of replacement because vinyl is not mass produced any more the way CDs are. If you do wish to purchase audiophile quality or good LPs you are going to pay a pretty penny for them. Therefore, taking care of what you have is extremely important. It would behoove you to buy a good wet vac system and the necessary cleaners, preservatives, and storage materials. It may seem a little expensive to begin with but the long term benefits definitely make themselves evident.

There are all kinds of wet vac systems that are available. I’m sure there is one out there to fit your budget. Elusive disc & KAB websites have good prices and a wide variety of cleaners and preservatives.

My own experience is that I always took excellent care of my record collection. In 1990 I had to pack them up for storage (I didn’t know at the time it would be 16 years of storage) so I deep cleaned each LP, treated each one with a dose of “LAST”, placed each in a static proof polybag and placed them standing up in crates. Here it is 16 years later and each record is still in pristine condition and is as quit as can be.

Hardware; easy to come by. Software; NOT

Joe

[cmy330go]

There are reasonably priced vacuum options if you're willing to look around some. Here is a pretty good deal from Audio Advisor.

In regards budget cartridges, there are many respectable options under $150. I've heard a number of good comments on the SHURE M97xE. It can be had for around $80 or less. I think someone on the forums may have one. Maybe the extra cash from the cartridge could go towards a good record cleaning method.

Enjoy the adventure!

[cmy330go]

Just stumbled upon the M97xE at Amazon.com for only $62.15 with FREE Shipping.:D