New Member, New to Vinyl – Looking for Some Advice

[santtt]

Welcome to AK! Your imbalance between channels could be a worn stylus or your cartridge / head shell azimuth needs adjustment. Not knowing your budget, I would skip the Ortofon 2M Red and get something above the entry level.

Thanks for the welcome and the advice, TomD62!

I hadn’t really considered the azimuth, so that’s definitely something I’ll check before replacing anything.

As for the budget, I was initially looking at the 2M Red because it seemed like a reasonable starting point. But after reading everyone’s comments, I’m beginning to think it might be worth stretching the budget a bit if the improvement is significant. I’m also open to other recommendations, especially Japanese cartridges that would pair well with this turntable.

 

[borchee]

I apologize in advance for my lack of experience.

Nonsense!...nobody is born with experience...the one being able to squeeze the head through a narrow opening, aside!

I would advise you to stay away from vinyl, but you presented your case well. Happy listening...and welcome.

If only a few records have the problem you describe, it's likely the records themselves (as you're leaning towards), rather than azimuth or stylus wear. Clean the stylus, clean the records and listen again. For giggles, you can also reverse the phono inputs on your preamp - it, more than likely, won't bring anything, but it's easy and free.

 

[santtt]

I'll second that welcome to AudioKarma, @santtt! Let's slow down a bit here, shall we, and first off do a thorough check of your Stanton, a worthy cartridge, to include cleaning the stylus (which I trust you have already done, but dip it into some blutak to make sure you have everything off of there), followed by a careful check of all the setup parameters, including VTF, VTA, zenith, and azimuth. If you are not familiar with these terms, you will be well-served to learn about them and there are many threads here that deal with each. Then, let's remove the little wires on the rear of the cartridge and use some Deoxit D5 to remove any tarnishing (oxidation) that might have occurred there creating the imbalance of sound you mention. Again, there are threads here that will help you with this, being careful not to damage either the wires, the clips, or the posts in the back of the cartridge. Then, clean your RCA connectors from the turntable to your phonostage and also those from the phonostage to your receiver. Now you're hitting on all cylinders if you have done things properly and only then can you make an informed decision about whether or not to keep the cartridge. By the way, that Stanton is a far nicer-sounding cartridge to my ears than the Ortofon Red......not even close, and the Ortofon Blue might get you closer but I really think you will benefit by doing some work with your present, very appreciable setup! Good to meet you, amigo, and I trust you will be happy with your time here......carry on

Thanks for the warm welcome, Fishead, and for taking the time to write such a detailed reply!

I really appreciate you laying out a logical troubleshooting process instead of telling me to replace the cartridge right away. I have cleaned the stylus, but I haven’t checked things like azimuth, VTA, or zenith yet, so it sounds like I have some homework to do.

I’ll also clean the cartridge contacts and RCA connections as you suggested. Since I’m completely new to turntables, this is a great opportunity to learn how to properly set everything up before spending money on a new cartridge.

It’s also reassuring to hear such high praise for the Stanton 500. I definitely don’t mind keeping it if I can get it performing the way it should. Thanks again, amigo—I already feel very welcome here.

 

[santtt]

Welcome to AK!

Like the guys suggested, upgrading the cartridge should pull out more hi-end.
That said... having good speakers to play the full range of sound, is crucial.
The music makes a difference too, the recording, issue.
All records are not always created equal.

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks for the welcome, Onepixel!

That’s a good point. I’d actually like to keep using my current system and speakers while I learn, so I can change one variable at a time and really understand what each upgrade is bringing to the table.

I’m sure the recordings themselves and the condition of each record play a big role too, so I’m trying not to jump to conclusions too quickly.

Thanks again—I’m definitely having fun already!

 

[santtt]

Welcome aboard! I have no knowledge of the Stanton but I would heartily recommend the Audio-Technica VM95 line as a replacement phono cart. That line gives lots of options for upgrades with just a stylus change. Start with the 95E and go from there. That said, there is a lot to recommend a vintage cart. A quick search showed replacement styli available at LP Gear. Again, welcome to this particular brand of madness! Enjoy the ride!

Thanks for the welcome, PDQBob!

The Audio-Technica VM95 line is definitely on my radar as well. I really like the idea of being able to upgrade just by changing the stylus over time.

That said, after reading everyone’s replies, I think I’m going to spend a little more time with the Stanton before replacing it. There seems to be a consensus that it’s a cartridge worth keeping if it’s properly set up and fitted with a good stylus.

I appreciate the recommendation—and thanks for the warm welcome to this particular brand of madness! I’m already enjoying the ride.

 

[santtt]

It could be a lot of things. Some causes have already been mentioned. If the records in question are from the 60s or 70s, look for the words "electronically re-channeled for stereo." That means they took a mono recording and changed the EQ for each channel (among other things). The results are usually worse than the original mono.
If you have a true mono record, play it and compare L & R channels. They should sound the same if your setup is set up correctly. Download the manual for your turntable and follow its directions regarding alignment, anti-skate, etc.

Thanks for the advice, Jeff!

That’s a really good point. A lot of my records are actually from the ’60s and ‘70s, so I’ll definitely check whether any of the ones giving me trouble are electronically re-channeled for stereo.

I’ll also go through the turntable setup using the service manual and make sure everything is adjusted correctly before I start replacing components. Thanks for pointing me in that direction!

 

[santtt]

A 2m red or blue is not gonna give you that. both have a simple elliptical profile.
A microline stylus is the way to go. Get an AT-VM95ML. Costs about $170
Best stylus shape to get high end detail (well, best stylus beside some exotics costing 3k and up)
Added bonus is that the Microline stylus has a longer lifespan than the other stylus shapes so it's a solid investment.

Thanks for the recommendation, mr_petit!

The VM95ML is definitely one I’ll look into. I wasn’t aware of the advantages of the MicroLine stylus profile, especially the longer lifespan.

That said, as someone who’s just getting into vinyl, I think I’d like to learn the basics first and make sure my current setup is working as it should before moving to a more advanced cartridge. But it’s great to know there’s a clear upgrade path once I have a better understanding of what I’m listening for.

 

[santtt]

Welcome to the forum!

This could be an anti-skate setting issue. How did you adjust this setting?

I use a test record. That seems to make the A/S the best for the two tonearm/cartridge setups I own.

Thanks for the welcome, Mr. Boochie!

At the moment, I have the anti-skate set to 2.5. The scale on my turntable goes from 0 to 4, and I simply matched it to the tracking force recommendation rather than using a test record.

A test record sounds like a good investment, though. It would be nice to know the adjustment is actually correct instead of just relying on the dial. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[santtt]

I do not have one myself, but I have read many, many posts where people were not happy with the sonic characteristics of the Ortofon 2M Red. I have a 2M Blue. It's "OK". I am a fan of the Audio Technica cartridges in the $200 to $500 price range. You seem to get more bang for the buck with the AT cartridges.

Thanks for the advice, DlStryker!

That’s interesting. When I first started looking into cartridges, the 2M Red seemed like the obvious choice, but after reading all the replies here, it sounds like Audio-Technica has a lot of fans in this price range.

I’ll definitely take a closer look at the VM95 series before making a decision. I really appreciate everyone steering me toward options I might have overlooked.

 

[santtt]

I had a 2M Blue as well and thought it was just "OK". Sold it on Bartertown and went with a Denon DL-110. That has since been upgraded to a DL-103R. To each there own.

Thanks, TomD62!

It’s funny how many different recommendations I’m getting—that’s part of what makes this hobby so interesting.

The Denon cartridges are another option I hadn’t really considered, so I’ll add them to my list as well. At this point, I’m trying to avoid rushing into a purchase and instead learn as much as I can before deciding what direction to take. I really appreciate you sharing your experience.

 

[santtt]

Nonsense!...nobody is born with experience...the one being able to squeeze the head through a narrow opening, aside!

I would advise you to stay away from vinyl, but you presented your case well. Happy listening...and welcome.

If only a few records have the problem you describe, it's likely the records themselves (as you're leaning towards), rather than azimuth or stylus wear. Clean the stylus, clean the records and listen again. For giggles, you can also reverse the phono inputs on your preamp - it, more than likely, won't bring anything, but it's easy and free.

Thanks for the welcome, Borchee—and thanks for the laugh!

You’re probably right, I won’t gain any experience unless I just dive in and start learning.

The fact that only a handful of records seem to have this issue is what made me think it might be the records themselves rather than the cartridge. I’ll give everything another careful cleaning and also try swapping the phono inputs just to rule out something simple. As you said, it’s easy, free, and worth trying.

I really appreciate all the advice I’ve received here.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Thanks for the welcome, Mr. Boochie!

At the moment, I have the anti-skate set to 2.5. The scale on my turntable goes from 0 to 4, and I simply matched it to the tracking force recommendation rather than using a test record.

A test record sounds like a good investment, though. It would be nice to know the adjustment is actually correct instead of just relying on the dial. Thanks for the suggestion!

As an example, the Audio-Technica 33Sa MC cartridge on my stock Technics 1200MkII arm tracks at 2 grams. But the best anti-skate (using the Tacet test record) is 0.7.

Proper anti-skate setting can make a difference in right- and left-channel quality. Stereo focus and imaging.

 

[PDQBob]

That said, after reading everyone’s replies, I think I’m going to spend a little more time with the Stanton before replacing it. There seems to be a consensus that it’s a cartridge worth keeping if it’s properly set up and fitted with a good stylus.

Good call. We are all prone to wanting to change something "right now!" You can begin to understand its sound and your preferences. And if those two meet you have a most happy moment.

 

[Fishead]

It’s funny how many different recommendations I’m getting—that’s part of what makes this hobby so interesting.

.....and precarious! A slippery slope indeed with rabbit holes EVERYWHERE!!! Just about the time you think you're finally done, arrived in Nirvana, another rabbit jumps at you from nowhere and away you go......just sayin', beware! But, in the end there's no question about this being an interesting "hobby!!!"

I’ll give everything another careful cleaning

.....and there you go! The emergence of one of the more precarious aspects of this "hobby" and before you know it, you will have heard a record that has been properly ultrasonically cleaned and off you'll go! Best to get ahead of the curve while you don't have over 3,000 records to clean!!! (Ask me how I know! Took me about a year to finish the job, but now every time I listen to a record, I get that same, "inky black" background and the smile on my face says all the work was worth it!!!).

Glad you're havin' some fun, amigo.....carry on

 

[borchee]

Just about the time you think you're finally done, arrived in Nirvana, another rabbit jumps at you from nowhere and away you go......just sayin', beware!

Yep, the quest for the Holy Grail ain't a walk in the park; better have the Holly Hand Grenade handy!

 

[curtisw99]

Hi everyone,

I’m a new member of the forum and also fairly new to the world of vinyl, so I wanted to introduce myself.

One of the reasons I decided to get into vinyl was that I had grown tired of the endless abundance of streaming services and the way we tend to listen to music today—playlists, individual tracks, and constantly skipping from one thing to another. I wanted to go back to the way I experienced music when I first fell in love with it: listening to complete albums, taking my time, and being fully present with the music. So far, it’s been a wonderful experience.

I recently added a Pioneer PL-518 turntable to my early-2000s Yamaha hi-fi system, along with a Fosi Box X5 phono preamp. The turntable currently has a Stanton 500 cartridge.

Overall, I feel the sound is fuller and warmer than what I’m used to from CDs or streaming, with more emphasis on the bass and midrange. However, it also seems to have less high-end detail and clarity. I know it’s probably not fair to compare vinyl directly to digital sources, and I’m still learning how to appreciate the format and train my ears, but I’m curious whether upgrading to something like an Ortofon 2M Red would be a worthwhile improvement.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that a few of the records I’ve bought seem to have one channel that sounds less detailed than the other. Could this simply be because they need a proper cleaning, or is it more likely to be wear or damage?

I apologize in advance for my lack of experience. I’m just beginning this journey, and I’d really appreciate any recommendations or advice you might have.

Thanks, and I’m looking forward to learning from all of you!

Santiago

Step 1:
Wash your records. Doesn't have to be complicated, just use dish soap and a microfiber sponge or cloth. then set them somewhere to drip dry.

Even new records need washing. They have some slime from manufacturing

I use vintage cartridges, and buy used records, but all my records sound better than what I remember my Dad's sounding like. He never washed them

 

[Krešo]

Don't throw away your Stanton 500 cartridge. There are plenty modern (newly manufactured) styli/tips. Among many other cartridges I too have Stanton 500AL MK2 cart from way back in the day, from high-school. I am 53 now. Cartridge (body), if in good condition, is long lasting piece. Get yourself replacement styli, either newly manufactured or browse the internet for NOS styli.

Now, what you're writing regarding the sound signature - yes, Stantons are specific but they DO NOT sound dull or lacking highs (treble). Answer lies somewhere between worn styli, poor turntable setup or maybe somewhere in your audio setup. Although if everything in your entire system works good, if you're experiencing CDs as it should as well as other sources then most likely something is going on with the turntable.

Some folks suggested other cartridges which is fine too. You can try Ortofon 2M Red or Blue (cheaper ones, won't tear up your wallet) if you want but if I were you I would first try to find out is your Stanton really worn out. If worn out then the cheapest option is replacement styli for Stanton. Then move on from there.