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Noob in need of some help - Loud Muffled Sound

L

Liboy12

New Member
Hello. I got a Realistic Lab-500 at a yardsale. It's in good condition and works well. I'm not quite sure what it could be but some music sounds muffled when there are a lot of instruments playing. At the same time though I'll play songs that are a lot slower and they sound great. I don't know what the problem is but I'm sure it's related to my speakers. Let me know what you think.

Setup
Player: Realistic Lab-500
Pre-amp: PYLE PP999
Cord: Amazon basics Phono to AUX cord
Speakers: Bose Companion 2 Series III
 
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Does it only happen when using the turntable as the source? If yes, problem is with the turntable. If no, problem is with your speakers.

Is the stylus clean and in good condition?

Has the cartridge been properly aligned? Is tracking force correct for your stylus?
 
I expect it's a worn out or very dirty stylus. If it has the original LAB-500 integrated headshell and cartridge it's impossible to get the alignment wrong at least.
 
That leaves the stylus as the likely issue, assuming the problem occurs when using the turntable but not other sources.
 
Montycat said:
I expect it's a worn out or very dirty stylus. If it has the original LAB-500 integrated headshell and cartridge it's impossible to get the alignment wrong at least.
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It has the original one. It's probably the stylus then. Do you know if it is possible to replace it if needed? Again I bought it used so there is a chance I need to replace it because of the previous owner.
spark1 said:
That leaves the stylus as the likely issue, assuming the problem occurs when using the turntable but not other sources.
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Should I try it in other speakers to test this?
 
If they sound ok when streaming from your computer, it's not the speakers.

That said, I would not expect those speakers to handle complex recordings or higher volumes very well, regardless of source.

The R9000E cartridge under the integrated plastic headshell is a Shure M95 and can use any stylus that will fit a normal M95, such as the N95ED, N95EJ, N95HE, etc. $40 and up, depending upon stylus profile.

The M95 is a well-regarded cartridge, and my favorite Shure, other than some of the V15 versions.
 
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spark1 said:
If they sound ok when streaming from your computer, it's not the speakers.

That said, I would not expect those speakers to handle complex recordings or higher volumes very well, regardless of source.

The R9000E cartridge under the integrated plastic headshell is a Shure M95 and can use any stylus that will fit a normal M95, such as the N95ED, N95EJ, N95HE, etc. $40 and up, depending upon stylus profile.

The M95 is a well-regarded cartridge, and my favorite Shure, other than some of the V15 versions.
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So at this point, I'm thinking it's the turntable itself. I will try to bring it to my grandpa's house since he has a full actual setup and test it once and for all.

In the meantime, do you think I should try getting a new stylus to put on it or just go and get a new turntable? The most I'm probably willing to spend on a new turntable is $150. I was looking at this one knowing that Audio-Technica is a good brand from what I hear -- https://a.co/d/8lJfjNz --
 
Why are you thinking it is the turntable itself? There's nothing about the mechanical aspects of the turntable that would cause poor sound quality, assuming you have tracking force set correctly. Are you sure that this has been done? It involves "floating" the tonearm to calibrate the tracking force gauge, and then setting the tracking force.

A dirty or heavily worn stylus, on the other hand, will most surely result in poor sound quality.
 
spark1 said:
Why are you thinking it is the turntable itself? There's nothing about the mechanical aspects of the turntable that would cause poor sound quality, assuming you have tracking force set correctly. Are you sure that this has been done? It involves "floating" the tonearm to calibrate the tracking force gauge, and then setting the tracking force.

A dirty or heavily worn stylus, on the other hand, will most surely result in poor sound quality.
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What is the process of leaving it and so on called? I want to look it up. That might be part of my problem.

When I looked into getting a new stylus there were a lot of different options and styles. What do you suggest I get? Preferably $50 or less.

EDIT: To be clear I am looking on Amazon and there are different brands and styles. I can't find the ones you suggested originally there unless I buy them used. Is there any place you suggest I buy it from or any other brand I could buy off of Amazon? This one looks good but I don't think it is compatible -- https://a.co/d/5soDbXA --
 
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spark1 said:
Why are you thinking it is the turntable itself? There's nothing about the mechanical aspects of the turntable that would cause poor sound quality, assuming you have tracking force set correctly. Are you sure that this has been done? It involves "floating" the tonearm to calibrate the tracking force gauge, and then setting the tracking force.

A dirty or heavily worn stylus, on the other hand, will most surely result in poor sound quality.
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Nevermind, I figered it out. It didn't seem to do anything. Guess it's the stylus.
 
With cueing lever down, take tonearm from its rest and turn the counterweight until the arm "floats" parallel to the platter. At this point, your tracking force is zero. Move the arm back to its rest. Now hold the counterweight so that it does not turn, then turn the gauge to zero. The gauge is now calibrated.

The recommended tracking force for the original stylus is 1-1.25 grams. So simply turn the counterweight so that the gauge indicates 1-1.25 grams.

There are various methods for cleaning the stylus. I use a small stylus brush or medium firmness small artist's brush and 92% isopropyl alcohol (NOT running alcohol, as it may contain oily additives). Brush ONLY in the forward direction (NOT towards the pivot of the tonearm), and clean only the tip itself...not the cantilever.

Alternatively, you can use a piece of Magic Eraser. Google for how to. This is a bit more risky, but quite effective.
 
spark1 said:
This is a reliable supplier, with Japanese-made (Jico) stylii.

www.turntableneedles.com

N95ed type Needle for Shure M95ed Cartridge - our # 767-DED

www.turntableneedles.com

There are less expensive Swiss-made versions, but in my experience they are more hit and miss as regards quality. Sometimes very good, sometimes just ok, and sometimes pretty bad.
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So I asked my nana if she had any records I could look through and possibly borrow. she said I could. I never got to my nana's house, but she came to my house today and showed up with a full-on stereo system and a box of records in her car. Apparently my grandpa went up into their attic and found it. It sounds so good and all the issues I had are gone. Thank you very much for helping but it turned out it was the speakers.

The new system is
Record player: Realistic LAB-500
Amp: JVC RX-315
Speakers: Bose 2.2 Series II
 
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