• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Static problems with all my turntables

Sgt Shultz said:
Exactly why I said it's not worth worrying about, I just brush the record before putting it back in it's sleeve. Even if you use the antistatic carbon brush right before removing the record it still has the charge when removing from the platter.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I've noticed this.
But I've definitely seen a static reduction when using conductive mats.
It's a bummer that they don't seem to make many of those!
 
Is it possible that the air is extremely dry in your house?

Maybe you need a humidifier? I had to run one once in a house I used to live in.
 
bungler666 said:
I don't have a humidifier to check but it's big time rainy season here in Sweden, and I always keep the window open so I have a hard time believing the air is very dry.
Click to expand...

Just trying to think outside the box a little. ;)
 
Tried making a mat out of an ESD-sheet today. Measured 15Mohm to ground, maybe too high?
Didn't solve anything. I'm really trying anything at this point. The only thing I haven't tried is a dryer sheet underneath. Worth trying?
 
Wearing socks when walking from my chair to my turntable causes some static on my records. So I don't wear socks in this situation.
 
bungler666 said:
No, I haven't tried one actually.
I don't get how those work against static though, aren't they insulators?
Click to expand...
I’m not sure of the mechanism of how it works, I just know the results I have had and I own every type of slipmat I can think of - rubber, cork, leather, copper, felt… only the copper and acrylic reduce the static for me.

Maybe it won’t work for you but your problem was the same as my problem and it plagued me for several years.
 
matteos said:
I’m not sure of the mechanism of how it works, I just know the results I have had and I own every type of slipmat I can think of - rubber, cork, leather, copper, felt… only the copper and acrylic reduce the static for me.

Maybe it won’t work for you but your problem was the same as my problem and it plagued me for several years.
Click to expand...
Interesting! I've been looking at a copper mat myself. Which one do you have? I see that Douk Audio from china make a rather cheap one...
 
bungler666 said:
Interesting! I've been looking at a copper mat myself. Which one do you have? I see that Douk Audio from china make a rather cheap one...
Click to expand...
Mine was made by Sion from lencoheaven. You can buy one from him at that site in the sale section.

But I’m telling you… the $20 acrylic mat works really well… it might not as pretty as this though.

IMG_3272.jpeg
 
matteos said:
Mine was made by Sion from lencoheaven. You can buy one from him at that site in the sale section.

But I’m telling you… the $20 acrylic mat works really well… it might not as pretty as this though.

View attachment 2959373
Click to expand...
That's stylish, almost looks like a steampunk turntable! I've actually got the means to make my own copper mat, so I think I'll try that.
If I buy the acrylic mat, I'll have 1 each of all the standard mats! :crazy:

Is there any difference in sound between the two?
 
One more time...
ripblade said:
How you pull the record off the platter makes a big difference. Pull it off slowly by lifting one edge, keeping the opposite edge on the mat till the record is at a 45 degree angle to the platter, then remove it completely. I've found this helps tremendously when there's a static problem that can't be resolved any other way.
Click to expand...
The mat and record both develop a charge as the record plays, but the charge remains neutral as the generated ions all go in their respective places. The problem comes when you separate the two quickly, with one going positive and the other negative. Separating them slowly gives the ions time to move around, keeping the equilibrium they want to maintain.

Or something like that....that's my story and I'm staying with it. :D

Try it....what have you got to lose?
 
bungler666 said:
Is there any difference in sound between the two?
Click to expand...
There should be, but some say no. They're both hard mats so the dynamics with both will be extreme, but the copper mat will damp the platter better. It should lend more body to the sound whereas the acrylic will sound lighter and more airy. This can be improved by gluing it down to the platter but it'll never approach the slam of the copper mat..
 
bungler666 said:
Hello!
I have an extremely irritating problem when playing my records. After just 1 play the record gets very statically charged.
I live in Sweden and it's been raining here constantly for the last few weeks so I doubt it's a humidity problem.

I've tried different mats and the only one that had an effect was the anti-static carbon mat, but that one shed fibers across the record so I'm not using that one.
What's strange is this problem has occured on all my turntables, a Thorens TD166, Technics 1210 and now an Acoustic Signature Challenger.

I have sprayed my carpet with anti-static spray to no avail. Carbon fibre brushes also make it worse.

What's strange is, when I brush a record with the same brush on my Project VC-E RCM it actually works as it should and removes a lot of static.

When I tried the Challenger in the Hifi-shop a few days ago, the records I played did not build up a static charge, not when I brushed them either.

I've tried grounding the spindle to the amplifier, outlet and radiator to no effect whatsoever.

What is going on here?!

I'd REALLY appreciate some help with this, or I'm gonna go crazy!
Click to expand...
Did you try one of these? They work. Zerostat gun https://www.amazon.com/Milty-5036694022153-Zerostat-Anti-Static-Blue/dp/B0033SHDSS
 
bungler666 said:
That's stylish, almost looks like a steampunk turntable! I've actually got the means to make my own copper mat, so I think I'll try that.
If I buy the acrylic mat, I'll have 1 each of all the standard mats! :crazy:

Is there any difference in sound between the two?
Click to expand...
The copper looks a lot nicer for a while, but it tarnishes over time and it does so very easily. They sound very similar to me.

The acrylic mat is what I use 95% of the time.

IMG_3431.jpeg
 
DeadRock said:
I like my acrylic mat...prolly 'cause I spilled a 16 year old Lagavulin on it some years ago...still smells peat... ;)
Click to expand...
Normally it would suck to waste a nice single malt, but if you get those lovely aromas every time you change a record then it’s no waste at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom