Amazon is now having a sale on the Ortofon Blue moving magnet cartridge for $189, which is a great deal from it’s usual $239.

A lot of turntables come with the Ortofon Red and the Blue is a recommended step up and this is a great price!

https://amzn.to/3Frfx6j

The 2M Blue features an improved engine, which provides an increased output of 5.5 mV and an optimized sound reproduction and a high level of sonic accuracy. 

The stylus features a Nude Elliptical diamond and split pole pins with a copper wire. The cartridge body is manufactured from Hopelex which ensures high rigidity while eliminating unwanted resonances. 

The 2M Blue adds more dynamics and resolution, more openness and reproduces more details compared to the 2M Red.

Benefits of vinyl records and why someone would want to collect vinyl records.

Vinyl records, also known as phonograph records or simply records, are a type of analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove. (Please don’t call them “vinyls”.)

Although they were once a popular format for music playback, they fell out of favor in the 1980s and 1990s with the advent of cassette tapes and CDs. (Both of which are also making a bit of a comeback.)

Read: What It Was Like To Collect Music In The 90s

However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vinyl records as a medium for music playback, and many people have started collecting for various reasons.

One of the main benefits of vinyl records is their sound quality. Many audiophiles and music enthusiasts argue that the sound quality of vinyl records is superior to that of digital formats such as CDs and MP3s. This is because vinyl records capture the full frequency range of sound, including the subtle nuances and details that are lost in digital formats due to the process of digitization and compression. In addition, vinyl records have a warm, analog sound that is often described as more natural and organic than the colder, digital sound of CDs and MP3s.

Another benefit of vinyl records is their physicality. Unlike digital music, which is stored electronically and played back through a device, vinyl records are tangible objects that you can hold in your hands and interact with. They often come with artwork and liner notes that provide additional context and information about the music and the artists. Many people enjoy the tactile experience of selecting a record, placing it on the turntable, and carefully lowering the needle onto the spinning disc. There is a sense of ritual and ceremony associated with playing a vinyl record that is lacking in digital formats.

Vinyl records also have a certain nostalgia factor that appeals to many collectors. For those who grew up listening to records, owning and playing them can be a way to reconnect with their past and relive memories. In addition, vinyl records have a certain retro coolness that has been embraced by younger generations, who appreciate the vintage aesthetic and the sense of history and authenticity that comes with collecting and playing records.

Vinyl records can also be a more immersive listening experience than digital formats. Because they require more active engagement and attention from the listener, they can be more conducive to focused listening and deeper engagement with the music. This can be especially true when listening to longer works, such as concept albums, which can be more rewarding when heard in their entirety without the distractions of digital media.

In addition to their sound quality, physicality, nostalgia, and immersive listening experience, vinyl records can also be a more collectible and potentially valuable format than other types of music media. Many records are pressed in limited quantities and can become rare and sought after by collectors, leading to higher prices on the resale market. Some records, especially those by popular or influential artists, can even become valuable investments. Collecting vinyl records can therefore be a hobby that combines an appreciation for music with the potential for financial gain. (You shouldn’t get into records thinking it’s an “investment”. This takes an extensive knowledge of music, the vinyl record market, and some luck. You’re better off investing in a more traditional way.)

Note: Artists sometimes only release certain songs on a vinyl record, or a CD, or a cassette. If you’re a fan of that artist or song and want to own a copy of it, sometimes buying that particular release is your only choice. Read the previous linked article on collecting music in the 90s for more info on this.

There are, of course, some drawbacks to collecting vinyl records. They can be more fragile and prone to damage than other types of music media, and they require more maintenance and upkeep, such as cleaning and handling with care to prevent scratches and wear. (Read more on this below) In addition, they can be more expensive to purchase than CDs or digital downloads, and the cost of equipment such as turntables and speakers can also be a consideration. However, for many collectors, the benefits of vinyl records outweigh these drawbacks, and the joy and fulfillment they get from collecting and listening to records makes it worth the extra effort and cost.

In conclusion, vinyl records offer a number of benefits that make them an attractive format for music collectors. Their sound quality, physicality, nostalgia, immersive listening experience, and potential collectability all contribute to their appeal. In addition, many people enjoy the ritual and ceremony of playing a record, and the sense of connection with the music and the artists that comes with it. While there are certainly some drawbacks to collecting vinyl records, such as the potential for damage and the higher cost compared to other formats, for many collectors, the benefits far outweigh these challenges. Whether it’s for the superior sound quality, the tactile experience, the nostalgia, or the potential for financial gain, there are many good reasons to collect vinyl records and enjoy them as a medium for music playback. So, vinyl records can be a great addition to any music lover’s collection.

What to look for in a good quality turntable

A turntable, also known as a record player, is a device that plays vinyl records. It consists of a platter that rotates the record, a tonearm that holds the phono cartridge and needle, and a phono cartridge that converts the mechanical vibrations of the needle in the record grooves into an electrical signal.

Read: Recommended Beginner Turntables

When shopping for a turntable, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure that you get a good quality one.

1. Drive system: There are three main types of drive systems for turntables – belt drive, direct drive, and idler drive.

Belt drive turntables use a belt to connect the motor to the platter, which helps to isolate the motor from the platter and reduce vibrations. This results in a more stable and smoother rotation of the platter, which can result in better sound quality. However, belt drive turntables are more prone to wear and tear and may require more maintenance.

Direct drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, which allows for faster start-up and braking times. They are also more durable and require less maintenance. However, the direct connection between the motor and platter can result in more vibrations, which can affect the sound quality.

Idler drive turntables are similar to direct drive turntables, but they use a rubber wheel to transfer the motor’s torque to the platter. They offer a combination of the benefits of both belt drive and direct drive turntables, but they can be more expensive and harder to find. Idler drive turntables were largely displaced by belt drive turntables.

For a beginner turntable, you don’t need to worry that much about this. Most tables you’ll be interested in will be belt drive tables which are perfectly adequate.

2. Speed: Turntables typically have three speed settings – 33 ^1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm. It’s important to check if a turntable can play the speeds of the records you own or plan to buy. (Nearly all modern/contemporary records are 33 ^1/3 or 45) Some turntables also offer variable speed control, which allows you to fine-tune the speed for better accuracy and sound quality.
3. Platter and bearing: The platter is the flat surface on which the record is placed. It should be made of a heavy, non-resonant material, such as metal or acrylic, to ensure a stable and consistent rotation. The bearing, which is the mechanism that supports the platter, should be smooth and precise to minimize vibrations and noise.
4. Tonearm and cartridge: The tonearm is the long, thin arm that holds the phono cartridge and needle, and it plays a crucial role in the sound quality of a turntable. It should be well-balanced and have low friction to allow the cartridge to trace the record grooves accurately.

The phono cartridge is the device that converts the mechanical vibrations of the needle in the record grooves into an electrical signal. It should be of good quality and properly aligned with the tonearm and the record grooves to ensure accurate and detailed sound reproduction. Some turntables come with a built-in cartridge, while others allow you to install a separate cartridge of your choice.

5. Suspension: A turntable’s suspension system helps to isolate it from external vibrations, such as footsteps or loud music, which can affect the sound quality. A good suspension system should effectively absorb and dampen vibrations without affecting the tonearm’s movement.
6. Build quality: A turntable should be well-built and sturdy, with tight tolerances and precise adjustments. It should also have a good fit and finish, with no visible gaps or seams.
7. Features: Some turntables come with additional features, such as a built-in phono preamp, digital outputs, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth connectivity. A built-in phono preamp allows you to connect the turntable directly to an amplifier or receiver that doesn’t have a phono input. (Read: Recommended Preamps) Digital outputs, such as coaxial or optical, allow you to connect the turntable to a digital device, such as a computer or a digital-to-analog converter, to digitize your records. USB connectivity allows you to connect the turntable to a computer to record and edit your vinyl tracks. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly stream your vinyl records to a Bluetooth-enabled speaker or headphones. (Bluetooth is generally viewed as a modern convenience but is frowned upon by many vinyl enthusiasts.)
8. Price: Turntables range in price from under $100 (usually only recommended for children) up to several thousand dollars. In general, you get what you pay for when it comes to turntables. Cheap turntables may have lower quality components and may not offer the same level of sound quality and durability as more expensive models. However, there are also some good quality turntables available at more affordable price points. It’s important to set a budget and consider the features and performance that are most important to you.

In conclusion, a good quality turntable should offer a stable and consistent rotation of the platter, accurate and detailed sound reproduction, effective isolation from external vibrations, and a well-built and sturdy design. It should also have the features and performance that meet your needs and fit your budget.

How to clean and care for vinyl records

Cleaning and caring for vinyl records is an important task for any music enthusiast or collector. Not only do dirty and poorly cared for records sound worse, but they can also become damaged over time.

New records can come with a bit of debris, such as little paper bits or dust, and used records, depending on where you find or buy them, can be especially dirty.

We will go over the steps you can take to properly clean and care for your vinyl records to ensure that they last for years to come and continue to sound great.

Step 1: Dust and Debris

The first step in cleaning and caring for your vinyl records is to remove any dust and debris that may have accumulated on the surface of the record. A soft, lint-free cloth is the best tool for this task. Gently wipe the surface of the record in a circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Be sure to get the edges of the record as well. You don’t need to press hard, and be conscious of your finger nails. Once a record is scratched, you can’t unscratch it.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning

If your record is particularly dirty or has visible scratches, you may need to do a deeper cleaning. There are a few different methods you can use to deep clean your records.

One option is to use a commercial record cleaning solution and a record cleaning device, like a Spin Clean. These use a combination of a cleaning solution and a brush to gently remove dirt and grime from the surface of the record. You can also use a cleaning solution and a soft, lint-free cloth to manually clean the record. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaning solution and use it sparingly to avoid damaging the record.

You can also use a device that uses vacuum to suck up the cleaning solution and dirt. These work very well and are relatively affordable. Especially if you already have a small shop vacuum. There are a number of options but we’re fond of this 3d printed device called Squeaky Clean. You just attach a small shop vac to it. It works better than a Spin Clean but it more expensive.

A more advanced option is to use an ultrasonic cleaner. There are many options here as well and some new ones have come out that are reasonably priced. A newer addition is the HumminGuru, pictured left. There are also some more generic ultrasonic cleaners available.

These have their pros and cons as well.

A cheap, popular method is to use a carbon fiber brush to gently remove dust and debris from the grooves of the record. You can also use a velvet brush with a record cleaning liquid. For an older record or particular dirty record, you’ll need to use one of the other options though.

Step 3: Handling and Storage

Proper handling and storage of your vinyl records is crucial to their long-term care. Here are a few tips to follow:

• Always handle your records by the edges or the label, and avoid touching the grooves of the record. The oils from your skin can easily transfer to the record, leading to build-up and potentially causing damage.
• Store your records vertically in a sturdy, protective sleeves. This will help prevent them from getting scratched or damaged. You can also use a protective outer sleeve for added protection.
  
  This is our recommended practice. Just store the record in a protective rice-paper sleeve outside of the cover, and put both in a protective plastic outer sleeve. (They are available in combo packs with both.) Keep the inner sleeve that the record comes with inside of the cover. This way you don’t have to mess with taking the record out of the cover every time you want to play it.

• Keep your records away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as extreme temperatures can cause warping.
• Avoid stacking your records on top of each other, as the weight can cause them to become damaged.
• Don’t store them compacted too tightly. You should be able to easily slide them in and out of the shelf.

Step 4: Stylus and Turntable Maintenance

In addition to cleaning and caring for your records, it is also important to regularly maintain your turntable and stylus. A dirty or worn stylus can cause damage to your records and result in poor sound quality. Here are a few tips for maintaining your stylus and turntable:

• Regularly clean the stylus with a stylus brush or a special stylus cleaning solution. This will remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the stylus, and help extend its life.
• Check the alignment of your stylus to ensure that it is tracking properly. An improperly aligned stylus can cause wear and damage to your records.
• Clean the turntable regularly to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. This will help ensure that the turntable is functioning properly and that your records are spinning smoothly.
• If you notice any issues with your turntable or stylus, it is a good idea to have them professionally serviced. This will help ensure that they to function properly and that your records are being played back correctly.

In conclusion, cleaning and caring for your vinyl records is an important task that requires time and attention. This all may be overwhelming to someone looking to get started but it’s all much easier than it seems.

By following the steps outlined above, you can help ensure that your records stay in good condition and continue to sound great for years to come. Regular dusting and cleaning, proper handling and storage, and maintaining your turntable and stylus are all key to keeping your vinyl collection in top shape. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy your vinyl records for many years to come.

Start Off On The Right Foot With These 10 Entry-Level Turntables

Mid-Century Styled Vintage Turntables For The Design Minded Music Fan

A turntable preamp, also known as a phono preamp or phono stage, is a device that amplifies the inherently weak electrical signal produced by a turntable’s cartridge to a level that is compatible with a standard audio amplifier or receiver. Turntables produce a very low-level signal, known as a phono signal, which is not strong enough to be directly amplified by most audio amplifiers.

For example, if you plugged a turntable, without a built-in pre-amp, into a receiver’s CD input, it would be too quiet. You could turn the volume way up but it’s still going to be too quiet and you’d lose much of the detail of the signal.

There are several reasons why someone might use a turntable preamp. First and foremost, many newer receivers do not have a built-in phono stage, so a turntable preamp is necessary to amplify the phono signal produced by the turntable. Additionally, the phono stage of a turntable preamp can help to correct for any imbalances in the turntable’s cartridge, resulting in a more balanced and accurate sound.

There are many turntable preamps available on the market at different price points. The main differences are generally related to their build quality, performance, and features.

Entry-level preamps tend to be more basic and won’t offer as much flexibility or sound quality as higher-end models. Mid-range and high-end preamps, on the other hand, tend to offer more features and higher performance, but also obviously come with a higher price tag.

Entry-Level Recommendations

Pro-Ject Phono Box E

Pro-Ject Phono Box E Phono Preamp: This compact and affordable preamp is a great choice for those on a budget. It offers good performance for the price and is easy to set up and use.

• Amplification and RIAA equalisation for MM cartridges 
• SMD circuitry 
• Special low noise components 
• Internal metal shielding 
• Gold plated RCA connection sockets

→­ link

Schilt Mani

This budget-friendly preamp offers excellent sound quality and a range of features, including adjustable loading for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. It also has a built-in headphone amplifier, making it a great choice for those who like to listen to vinyl through headphones.

• Super low noise and high RIAA accuracy. 
• Gain: Choose 35, 45, 50, or 60dB of gain, for virtually any cartridge from Decca to low-output MC and MI models. 
• Loading: Choose 47KΩ, 200Ω, 47Ω, or 38Ω, and 47pF, 100pF, 150pF, or 200pF for virtually any MM, MC, or MI cartridge. 
• Filter: Choose 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave of purely passive low-frequency filtering (at 15 Hz), to help with warped records or other subsonic problems.

→­ link

Mid-Range Recommendations

Cambridge Audio Alva Duo

This mid-range preamp offers excellent sound quality and a range of features, including a built-in moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono stage.

• The switch mode power supply and surface mount technology delivers short signal paths and a faster response with precision and lower background noise.
• Subsonic filter and balance control
• Headphone jack

→­ link

Music Hall Mini

Compact and affordable. Offers good performance and a range of features, including adjustable loading for MM and MC cartridges. It also has a built-in headphone amplifier and a variety of connectivity options, including both RCA and XLR outputs.

• Cartridge Load Capacitance – Fine-tune the pre-amp to match the characteristics of your chosen MM or MC cartridge. 
• Rumble Filter – Filters out disrupting frequencies that degrade the overall sound quality.
• Trim-Gain Control – Match the output with your stereo system.

→­ link

Rega Fono Mini A2D

This mid-range preamp offers excellent sound quality and a range of features, including a built-in analog-to-digital converter for easy digital recording. It also has a variety of connectivity options, including both RCA and XLR outputs.

• MM Phono Preamp with a USB output, connects directly to your computer 
• Converts analog signals to USB 
• Convert your records into high-resolution digital audio 
• User-friendly front and back panels 
• Compact size

→­ link

High End Recommendations

Rega Fono MM MK III

The new Fono MM phono stage has been designed to be effective, easy to use, and above all, to reproduce music.

• Fully discrete, cascaded, complementary amplifier input stage
• Detailed, spacious performance in a small package
• Fine handling of dynamics and timing

→­ link

Music Hall PA2.2

Phono preamplifier for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, with USB output and headphone amp

• compatible with moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridges
• high performance 24-bit/96kHz Wolfson WM 8786 analog-to-digital converter
• quiet, energy-efficient external power supply

→­ link

Rega Brio

Great rhythm, dynamics, and agile.

• Redesigned circuit
• Integrated phono stage
• Headphone socket
• Mini remote control
• Custom designed case

→­ link

There are certainly many options in all price points, and you can spend as much as a car on a preamp, but we feel that these are respected and reputable offerings that are attainable to most people. Because prices are always changing, we’ve left prices off.

In summary, a turntable preamp is a necessary component for anyone looking to play vinyl records through a modern audio system. It amplifies the weak phono signal produced by the turntable’s cartridge to a level that can be directly amplified by an audio amplifier or receiver. There are many options available on the market at different price points, and the best choice will depend on the individual’s budget and audio needs.

Here are 10 vintage turntables that may be of interest to the music lover who likes Mid-Century design.

Thorens TD-124: This turntable, released in the 1950s, is known for its high-quality sound and reliable performance. It features a suspended chassis and a belt-driven motor, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality. If you want a new, updated version of this turntable then you can get one here.

Lenco L-75: This turntable, released in the 1970s, is known for its simplicity and reliability. It features a belt-driven motor and a heavy, die-cast aluminum platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.

Dual 1219: This turntable, released in the 1960s, is known for its versatility and high-quality sound. It features a belt-driven motor and a heavy, die-cast aluminum platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.

Rega Planar 2: This turntable, released in the 1970s, is known for its high-quality sound and simple design. It features a belt-driven motor and a lightweight, acrylic platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.

Pioneer PL-12D: This turntable, released in the 1970s, is known for its reliability and versatility. It features a belt-driven motor and a heavy, die-cast aluminum platter, which helps to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.

Marantz Model 6300: Features classic styling elements typical of Marantz from this era, including the Marantz font, mixed wood and metal finishing. While it’s beautiful deck, you’re paying for the aesthetics more than for features. You can find better turntables for less in today’s market.

Denon DP-1300M: The Denon DP-1300M, released in Japan in 2003, is a high quality direct-drive turntable. Amongst Japan-savvy audiophiles. Denon’s long legacy of phenomenal turntables, this DP-1300M is a fantastic modern product. It features a quartz phase lock servo motor with rotation feedback control via an innovative optical system.

Linn LP-12: These are classically designed and can cost nearly as much as a car.

Thorens TD-125: A classic belt-drive turntable and was the successor of the TD-124. The TD-160 is a similar looking table.

Yamaha YP-511: A direct drive turntable by Yamaha that was released in the mid 70s. The YP-701 / YP-700 are options as well.

There are new turntables that have the wood styling. Check out these by Audio-Technica, Fluance, House of Marley, and Teac. (If you like the look of the Thorens above then Crutchfield has a Teac model that is relatively close looking.)

This is a rough translation of the DarkVoice headphone pre-amp Chinese ‘manual’. The instructions don’t really give you much information worth worrying about anyway. This mostly may help you with some of the specs. I even had a friend, who was born in China and speaks fluent Mandarin, read over the document that comes with the Darkvoice and compare it with the translated version and it still came across as odd sounding as what you’ll read below.

I am not responsible for any damage you do to yourself or to anything else.

You can buy headphone pre-amplifiers here.

You can find tubes for “tube rolling” on eBay here.

Everything in music…

D A R K V O I C E

DarkVoice series all-tube headphone amplifier

Read this document before using this device and retained for future reference.

© 2009 BY ORPHEAN SOUND AUDIO-VIDEO LAB, CHENGDU

Designer Words:

The designer’s design of audio equipment is like a cook cooking.

In fact, I think the cleverness of the Sichuan chef lies in using the most common ingredients to make one of China’s most famous dishes.

This view is exactly the same as that of the Japanese audio master, Nasu. Good men think that the audio design is not a pile of luxury parts, but should be from the circuit itself, starting from the characteristics of the components, using ordinary components to make a good sound.

So many of my friends did not see the use of unpopular. In fact, in our opinion, the components, as long as it is in line with the IEC standard, that is, qualified components, you can make good things. Complement and not complement. Is dialectical and should not be the only ideal “In other words, people who are fit and healthy are not going to make up, but what we mean is not that we can use some components casually, but we must understand the characteristics of each component and the way we use it. This is what the chef cooks. Take the output capacitance of the 336 model for example, we have tried dozens of species, and their mutual match, and finally selected the best effect is the appearance of crude, we have not estimated of the products of a notorious factory whose sound quality is better than WIMA capacitors does not mean that WIMA is not good. Not that WIMA is not good, just use the effect here is less than that capacitance.

This example has been passed in many aspects of our circuit experiments and noise abatement.

Simply put, we just do the circuit experiment on the use of nearly a year and a half, once again confirmed that the sound design is a scientific twinning instead of metaphysics and science is something not to the slightest false.

From our circuit structure, it should be said is very simple. However, the simple circuit does not mean easy success. The circuit structure we use is completely based on the characteristics of the tube after a large number of experiments due to the use of direct coupling circuit, the operating point. The adjustment in the experimental phase is a very daunting task. Because the whole straight for the work of the coupling circuit is a lead move the whole body, and each parameter changes must be from start to finish to adjust all the time. After adjustment, there are all the parameters are readily available, you do not think it is remarkable, but we think in the process of adjustment “KNOW HOW”, is the most valuable, we Chinese people the most disrespectful is This “KNOW HOW”, but willing to emphasize what I use tonic elements, emphasizing these things for the promotion of the value of the product, not to pay attention to manufacturers for product development, technology grasp ability, so our direction is to the spirit of science, rich practical experience, a large number of experimental serious and responsible attitude, go down to develop enthusiasts satisfied with the product.

Production Process Profile:

Production process to ensure that the DarkVoice quality products Pure quality voice tube earphone amplifier internal main circuit connection with 1mm silver-plated or gold-plated copper wire manual scaffolding welding and each DarkVoice product quality sound and calibration by Chengdu Jinniu Square audio and video studio founder Mr. Zhang Qiang personally completed. Each DarkVoice product has a serial number and comes with a year warranty and lifetime maintenance and consulting services.

After Sales Service:

DarkVoice service products to comply with all the provisions of national product after-sales service. Warranty period of one year (in order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of users, please protect the machine seals and the number of users).

Notes:

Matters needing user attention the first time using the machine. Do not plug the headset in until you check the power and check the tube, without exception. the previous Vice cheap headphones audition, confirm the normal back of the machine can be inserted into the normal high-end headphones listening. DarkVoice series products cannot be used in humid environments. Machine without any user can repair part of the female case of failure, please contact the dealer or the Studio, DarkVoice products when using an open design for the tube will have a high temperature, beware of scalding.

Tube Suggestions: (buy replacement tubes here)

Users can replace the included foreign tubes to enhance the quality and tone of the device, 336SE tube 6N8P foreign models 6SN7 Direct replacement, 6N5P available foreign models 6080 or 6AS7 direct replacement. For tube changes, headphones cannot be plugged in until the device is working properly. (I think what they are saying here is to unplug your headphones and unplug the power before changing tubes. Check the functionality of the pre-amp with the new tubes before plugging any headphone in.)

Model: 336SE

Design Profile:

This model using 1 level double-transistor 6N8P for the left and right channel to increase low resistance double transistor 6N5P for the cathode output. Left and right channel share a supply.

Parameters:

Drive Impedance Range: 32 ~ 600 Ω
Frequency Response: 10 Hz ~ 30 kHz (-1dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio: >100db
Output Power: >2W
Exchange of Power: 220V / 50Hz