Turntable Noise?

TomB

I was listening to my circa-1982 Denon DP-31L turntable (direct drive), and heard a noise on quiet passages of classical music that I would describe as sounding like something heavy being rolled across the stage during the performance.

If I watch the platter, it seems that the noise occurs as the same section of the record/platter reaches the needle.

I was listening through headphones, so I know it's not feedback or speaker- induced rumble.

Am I hearing noise from the motor/bearings? Is there a fix, other than a new table? Would one of the entry-level tables from Rega, Pro-Ject or Music Hall (all belt drive) be a major improvement?

Thanks for any help.

jimmydep

I have a Sony direct drive TT, and have noticed the same rumble sound on very low passages at high volumes. I don't notice it while playing at normal volume and it is a very faint sound. When I use the Bren 1 weight it seems to lessen if not eliminate the sound completely. and I've noticed a slight increase in the low end with crisper highs while using the weight (thanks to Keiko).

I'm sure more experienced members will have better advice for you.

Jimmy.

dkg999

Common TT problem. The vinyl album is like a conductor/amplifier of everything it picks up vibration wise from the turntable mechanics, room vibration, sound waves, etc. and the cartridge then picks that up along with the good vibrations from the record groove. A heavier platter will help, so will more solidly connecting the record to the platter (as in the weight mentioned above), or a good TT mat like the Herbies mat referenced in at least one other thread in this forum.

All the above assumes there is no operational problem with the TT, such as a bad bearing, unbalanced or unlevel platter, etc.

hearingimpared

dkg999 wrote: »

Common TT problem. The vinyl album is like a conductor/amplifier of everything it picks up vibration wise from the turntable mechanics, room vibration, sound waves, etc. and the cartridge then picks that up along with the good vibrations from the record groove. A heavier platter will help, so will more solidly connecting the record to the platter (as in the weight mentioned above), or a good TT mat like the Herbies mat referenced in at least one other thread in this forum.

All the above assumes there is no operational problem with the TT, such as a bad bearing, unbalanced or unlevel platter, etc.

That was going to be my question. Also direct drive tables can introduce motor noise to the platter which sounds like rumble.

HB27

I just trashed my DP 47 due to the same type of noises. I isolated it to the bearing on mine. I used an automotive stethoscope to find the problem
Best of luck eleminating the noise.

hearingimpared

HB27 wrote: »

I just trashed my DP 47 due to the same type of noises. I isolated it to the bearing on mine. I used an automotive stethoscope to find the problem
Best of luck eleminating the noise.

Was the bearing shot or in your opinion is it because of the direct drive design?

mhardy6647

Is that one direct drive (I assume so)?

I would say, if possible, lubricate the main bearing with a drop of high quality light oil.

If it is belt drive, I'd further recommend changing the belt and cleaning the motor and platter pulleys thoroughly with something like isopropanol.

hearingimpared

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Is that one direct drive (I assume so)?

I would say, if possible, lubricate the main bearing with a drop of high quality light oil.
If it is belt drive, I'd further recommend changing the belt and cleaning the motor and platter pulleys thoroughly with something like isopropanol.

Customer Service at VPI recommended that I put a drop of 10w 30 motor oil on the shaft and bearing. DO NOT use vegitable oil or anything like it.;)

dkg999

Slick50 will quiet things right down

mhardy6647

hearingimpared wrote: »

Customer Service at VPI recommended that I put a drop of 10w 30 motor oil on the shaft and bearing. DO NOT use vegitable oil or anything like it.;)

Typically something like sewing machine oil or clock oil.

hearingimpared

I thought 3 in 1 oil got gunky over time?

jimmydep

I'm surprised VPI would recommend using motor oil and not a high grade pump oil, or sewing machine oil. 3 in 1 should work just fine.

hearingimpared

jimmydep wrote: »

I'm surprised VPI would recommend using motor oil and not a high grade pump oil, or sewing machine oil. 3 in 1 should work just fine.

Why do you find that surprising Jimmy?

HB27

hearingimpared wrote: »

Was the bearing shot or in your opinion is it because of the direct drive design?

in my case it was the bearing. They're actually a very quiet DD table when working properly.
The first issue I had with it was the speed control (typical) and then the bearing. It got so bad at the end of it's useable life that you could hear it all the time.

TomB

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll try (a) oil; (2) a weight; and (iii) a mat, in that order.

Everything is level - how does one check a platter for balance? (It's the stock aluminum platter that came with the table.)

hearingimpared

TomB wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll try (a) oil; (2) a weight; and (iii) a mat, in that order.

Everything is level - how does one check a platter for balance? (It's the stock aluminum platter that came with the table.)

With a round bubble level. Be careful though some platters are slightly dished.

mhmacw

hi tomB, i dont in any way shape or form want to discount anything that has been said or posted by anyone previously. however, if it was me i would talk to darknight(sp?) and be it as gospel. he is a tt freak and will have the goods no matter what the problem. just my humble for what its worth.

wayne3burk

Did anyone suggest you get a belt-drive turntable ??? i'd suggest a Dual