Hi all, I know this is probably a dumb question, but I'm still new to turntables. The JVC JL-A1 I just bought came with this stylus. I can't really tell whether it's in okay condition or not, would be grateful for any help, thank you.
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malden
Lunatic Member
after-market needles are for the most part garbage compared to the originals, my suggestion would be to get an entirely new cartridge
www.audio-technica.com
AT-VM95C
This VM95 Series cartridge with 0.6 mil conical stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. The cartridge’s special coil design delivers a powerful output level of 4.0 mV. It also offers excelle ...
www.audio-technica.com
1st, try twisting it to the correct orientation.
It says 4 channel, which means it’s a shibata or micro line, which is a very good stylus
You have nothing to lose
I have done surgery like this and 50/50 it works.
Yep, I have had 100% success rate (tried it once)
malden
Lunatic Member
it's an old beat-up needle, shibata or conical, it's lived its life
my understanding about those fancy needle shapes, shibata, etc. is that alignment is crucial to proper tracing of the record groove
how close to perfect alignment do you think the op will achieve by straightening that thing?
my understanding about those fancy needle shapes, shibata, etc. is that alignment is crucial to proper tracing of the record groove
how close to perfect alignment do you think the op will achieve by straightening that thing?
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Zero risk
If it’s straight and sounds good, that means it’s aligned
malden
Lunatic Member
zero risk? of what?
and if it's bent to begin with, it more than likely has a worn tip
who uses a worn stylus tip to play their records?
malden
Lunatic Member
I still don't know what you are referring to
but how well?
definitely get a new one
well, you quoted me in post #11
Plenty of people who will do whatever it takes to save money, they even buy complete carts with stylus for less than 20 dollars and are happy. I bought one to check it out, absolutely disgusting sounding. Anyway, you buy records, you buy gear and only you know's your level of comfort when it comes to budget and how happy you are with how good it sounds. It might sound great to you if you just twist it straight and it plays, but that doesn't really mean it is right or that it actually sounds good. We spend thousands of dollars, on gear, then thousands on records, thousands on a good room set up, and then spend hours setting up a cart to get as close to perfect as possible. The likelihood of being able to bend it to microscopic accuracy and then hoping it isn't already worn out, just doesn't make sense to me. I would doub't if it is an exotic profile you would even get close to the correct azimuth and tracking angle.
Now if you have a Crosely or similar table with worn out records go for it, it wouldn't make much difference.
Now if you have a Crosely or similar table with worn out records go for it, it wouldn't make much difference.