Some playback problem with PL-112D

[Justake]

Hi guys!

I have some question about my turntable. Maybe someone had this problem before, and can explain me what is wrong. I bought my first turntable around one year ago, and since then I was living with it having some problem, not major, but anyway... When I spin my records, the best sound is playing first tracks, around vinyl edges. When it gets close to middle, sound becomes edgy and sharp (i like edgy guitar sound, but not like this, it becomes just annoying). First I was thinking its just my imagination, but after longtime of listening I`ve decided its REAL. Maybe someone has some ideas whats going on.

[markinuk]

Originally Posted by Justake

Hi guys!

I have some question about my turntable. Maybe someone had this problem before, and can explain me what is wrong. I bought my first turntable around one year ago, and since then I was living with it having some problem, not major, but anyway... When I spin my records, the best sound is playing first tracks, around vinyl edges. When it gets close to middle, sound becomes edgy and sharp (i like edgy guitar sound, but not like this, it becomes just annoying). First I was thinking its just my imagination, but after longtime of listening I`ve decided its REAL. Maybe someone has some ideas whats going on.

Hi

This sounds like Inner Groove Distortion. The groove modulations read by the stylus are packed tighter as the groove nears the middle of the record. This has two results: the alignment of the cartridge in the headshell becomes more critical; and the shape of the stylus tip has a large effect on the ability to track the groove, especially at the middle of the record.

These problems are dealt with as follows: for the alignment, buy an alignment protractor or download one from Vinyl Engine (I recommend the Baerwald "Stupid protractor"). You will need to print it out on thin card, and then carefully make a hole to fit it over the Pioneer's centre spindle.

As for the cartridge: you don't say what type this is, but if it has a spherical stylus, this will manage particularly badly at the inner grooves. A decent elliptical-tipped cartridge, such as the Audio Technica AT95E or, for a bit more money, the AT120E, should help. As an alternative (smoother sounding) recommendation, I would suggest the Nagaoka range, perhaps the MP110. These generally track very well.

HTH,

Mark