Rookie question

boomerfss

I dusted off my old record player and added it to my system. Thought I would give two channel a try. Anyway, the songs sounded a bit lispy at higher volumes. Listening to the same music when streaming didn't have any lispy sounds. I did like how warm the music sounded from vinyl and would like to get back into listening to my old records.

Just wondering if the record player should be replaced or if there is a system deficiency.

Thanks.

I have a Onkyo HTRC 180 with polk Monitor 70's.

brgman

Gonna need more info.
What is the TT? How is it hooked up and to what?
Is the needle/cartridge in good shape or been cleaned?
Lots of little stuff when getting into vinyl again.

hochpt21

In my somewhat limited experience. The "lispy" sound your hearing is called sibilance. It can be caused from a record player not being set up properly, but also can vary from recording to recording. On my system there are a few records where the sibilance is fairly prominent, but most are not noticeable.

boomerfss

Oh, it's certainly an old turntable that's never been serviced. I guess I will start with that. Maybe buy a new one. Any recommendations for something in the $200 range?

doctor r

It could be that you only need a new cartridge as some have issues from age. What is the turntable and cartridge right now. Certainly a new one is an option, but some of the older ones cAN be as good as anything new in your price range with a little TLC.

boomerfss

It's a Kenwood KD 26r. I'm not even sure how old it is.

doctor r

The Kenwood KD 26 series were very basic tables. There are sites that have replacement belts and needles for your table for about $25.00 each. I am not sure you will be where you want to be even with these improvements. A basic TT, new, will run around $400.00 when it includes a cartridge. These are tables from companies like Rega, Project, and others. You can look on the Needle Doctor website, Music Direct's site and others. Another path to consider is to find a nice Techniques 1200 series used direct drive table that has not been used/abused in DJ work. These turn up local on Craigs list soemtimes. Very solid tables with good arms and well supported with aftermarket parts and upgrades if you ever decide to go down that path.
Rick

boomerfss

Thanks Rick.

I was looking at a Rega turntable at a local av store. It sells for about 450. It was hooked up to some B and W 685 speakers and it sounded amazing. Even the wife was impressed. I think I will go back for another look.

Cheers,

Jim.

whereas

It does sound like sibilance, but have you tried cleaning the needle? Any record player that hasn't been used for awhile needs to have the needle dusted, etc. They're very finicky about that.

I'd also try another cable, just to be sure.

classic carl

If you hear the sibilance on only a few records, it could be a bad pressing. If you hear it all the time on every record, it is probably that your cartridge is not aligned correctly. If the stylus (needle) is very old and you cannot verify that it still has life left, you should start by replacing the stylus. Correct alignment of the cartridge is critical.

boomerfss

Thanks guys. I'll have a look at it today.

gp4jesus

boomerfss wrote: »

I was looking at a Rega turntable at a local av store. It sells for about 450. It was hooked up to some B and W 685 speakers and it sounded amazing. Even the wife was impressed. I think I will go back for another look...

A Rega for $450 w/a cartridge? Which model? P2? P3? I bought and still have a P3 w/the RB 300 arm, quite the pain to set up but worth it! If it comes complete, stop looking, buy it!

Tony

boomerfss

It's the Rega P1 and it does come with the cartridge and tone arm for $459, I just called to re-check. Here is the link. http://www.hificentre.com/Products-Services/High-Performance-Audio/Turntables/Rega.aspx