Record player /cartridge too low?

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33coupe

988 posts

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#251694 7-Jul-2019 10:30

I've just set up my project debut carbon as per the instructions but am a bit worried the cartridge/needle is sitting too low, much lower than the platter. Is that right?
I thought it would just sit a little on top of the record but I am a noob. Couldn't find on Google, just want to check as don't want to damage anything.

Thanks

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cH60I3K4RL-AHpBF5KeI3no7x8YNSCl/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-_pVa97uUIP9U8IcsmJZCE3tzyRjYm6t/view?usp=drivesdk

Fred99

13684 posts

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#2271285 7-Jul-2019 11:52

From the photos, it looks like there's a big gap under the turntable platter - as if that's not seated properly and sitting too high - not the tonearm being mounted too low.

dusty42

117 posts

Master Geek

#2271286 7-Jul-2019 12:02

That's normal for an arm that doesn't have the counterweight set.

https://youtu.be/TLuOgA9i7AY?t=86

33coupe

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#2271295 7-Jul-2019 12:47

Thanks for those.
I've checked the platter and the counterweight settings quit a few times, not sure what else I can do

Fred99

13684 posts

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#2271367 7-Jul-2019 18:15

33coupe: Thanks for those.
I've checked the platter and the counterweight settings quit a few times, not sure what else I can do

I'd expect that when the needle is sitting on the record, then the turntable arm should be parallel with the surface of the record/platter. I can't tell from the photos if that's the case or not - it looked like it wasn't, but maybe it is.

What's the recommended tracking weight? It's usually 2 grams these days, but probably depends. Once upon a time there was a delusion that less had to be better, back in those days I had a cartridge where tracking weight was ideally set at 0.5 grams. This was hopeless for parties of course, and buckled LPs.

Anyway, balance the tonearm counterweight so the stylus near enough to level with the platter surface. Set the ring on the counterweight to zero without turning the counterweight itself. Then dial in the recommended tracking weight, set the anti-skating to the same, and Bob's your uncle.

33coupe

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#2276758 15-Jul-2019 09:38

Thanks for that. tracking weight is 1.75 grams I've tried countless times now and still get the same result. I'm just worried I will do some damage to something, and it's too much money to damage.

I might try and take it to an audio shop in Christchurch just in case.

Cheers

dclegg

2806 posts

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Trusted

#2276778 15-Jul-2019 10:29

Lots of knowledgeable folks in the Vinyl Lovers of New Zealand FB group. May be worthwhile posting there for advice.

lxsw20

3556 posts

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#2276802 15-Jul-2019 11:02

You can buy scales to get an idea of the actual tracking force on the record. Can't see anything on trademe, but this sort of thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neoteck-Digital-Turntable-Backlight-Cartridge-Black-Black/dp/B01GJ01FGM

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Fred99

13684 posts

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#2276928 15-Jul-2019 13:11

lxsw20:

You can buy scales to get an idea of the actual tracking force on the record. Can't see anything on trademe, but this sort of thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neoteck-Digital-Turntable-Backlight-Cartridge-Black-Black/dp/B01GJ01FGM

I'd be gobsmacked if - compared to a balanced counterweighted tonearm - any extra accuracy (even if it was true from a $12 device) would make the faintest bit of difference.

lxsw20

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#2277343 15-Jul-2019 20:54

It's not to compare to a balanced counterweighted tonearm, it's to check it's accurate. It's just a small pair of scales.

Fred99

13684 posts

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#2277564 16-Jul-2019 08:42

The tonearm / cartridge that the OP has is OEM, so the weight setting is going to be accurate. Changing head-shell or cartridge weight will affect that accuracy, but not enough to make a difference.
Figuring out how to set it up seems to be the problem, not whether the thing is calibrated correctly.

lxsw20

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#2278022 17-Jul-2019 04:56

"I've just set up my project debut carbon as per the instructions but am a bit worried the cartridge/needle is sitting too low, much lower than the platter."

I read that as it's set up but worried about the calibration being correct. I get that it's OEM, I have the same turntable minus the acrylic platter.

Fred99

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#2278082 17-Jul-2019 08:56

lxsw20:

"I've just set up my project debut carbon as per the instructions but am a bit worried the cartridge/needle is sitting too low, much lower than the platter."

I read that as it's set up but worried about the calibration being correct. I get that it's OEM, I have the same turntable minus the acrylic platter.

I read it as that there's probably no problem at all. Once the tonearm is balanced and then the weight set, the cartridge/needle should sit much lower than the platter - supported by the lowered lift mechanism at a height so the needle doesn't hit the plinth. Didn't say that earlier, as OP seems to think there is a problem, and if there is then you wouldn't want the problem to risk trashing the cartridge / stylus. If it's been set up correctly, measuring stylus weight isn't needed. Anybody older than about 45 who'd taken more than a passing interest in music/hifi should be able to sort it out in a jiff.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#2278159 17-Jul-2019 10:05

Drop past the store you purchased it from and ask for a hand.

If you bought it online from someone out of town, expect to pay... whether it's cash to a professional, or in beer / food to a passionate individual (warning - results can vary).

1101

3122 posts

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#2279078 18-Jul-2019 14:51

The arm needs to be able to move, up AND DOWN . So it needs to be able to move to where it would be otherwise slightly below the platter.

With the needle on the record , just check that the arm is parallel to the record (as mentioned above)
You should be able to move the whole tonearm assembly up & down a bit .

The actual Records are hardly a highly precision medium , so we may all be overthinking this. Chances are it wont matter if the arm isnt perfectly level with the arm (within reason)

Also, if taking the player to the shop to have it checked, make sure you remove the heavy platter & tonearm weight being transporting it .

A bad analogy, but if you jack up the car, you'll see the wheel moves down from where it normally sits. Things need to be able to move slightly below where they normally sit