Analog warmth, True sound and Pure music, that is what the audiophile listener is attracted to. Team carries a nice selection of reasonably priced turntables and a selection of upgrade cartridges, head shells, and record care cleaning kits. Team can also provide full service turntable setup and repair, this includes but is not limited to: belts, cartridge installation and tone arm balancing. See below for some turntable basics or stop in to our Manitowoc Showroom and speak to one of our Team and they will assist you with all of your questions.
Cartridge
This is where the magic happens.
To the naked eye, there are two basic parts of a cartridge: the cartridge body and the needle/stylis. The needle is the part that reads the groove. It is attached to the body, in which the mechanical vibrations are converted into an electrical signal. When something goes wrong, it is usually the needle that suffered. It breaks easily, and though it is also easily replaced, it can cost over 85% of the total cost of the cartridge, so it’s best to be careful.
How to spot a damaged needle?
Well, if you know how it should sound, and it suddenly doesn’t sound like it should, that’s a big tell. It’s not always this easy, though.
Inspect it visually
If the needle is broken, it is pretty easy to spot. If the needle is not broken, but the cartridge body is touching the record while playing (and the weight is set up properly), there’s likely no other solution than replacing the needle. If the needle is worn out it also needs replacing,
Catridge: if your inspection does not reveal any visable defects, but you hear mid range distortion in any channel there is a good chance the cartridge is probably at the end of its useable life and is in need of replacement.
Tonearm
It is what holds the cartridge in place, making sure it reads the recording at the right angle and also providing enough mobility and stability. The cartridge needs to move freely, but also track with a constant pressure.
Platter
Records sit on top of it. It can be made from different materials, each with its specific characteristics.
Belt
Used simply to provide as much decoupling between the motor and the rest of the turntable as possible, while maintaining an accurate turning speed.
Direct Drive: No belt, motor is connected directly to the platter.
Motor: Tuns to allow platter to turn.