Analogue help

[miner]

I just purchased a Thorens TD-185 with an Ortofon OMB10 cartridge. What accessories should I also get (record & stylus care and anything else) to use with the TT? Just basic equipment for now - no vacuums/digital stylus gauge yet. I now need to 'rebuild' my LP collection. Any and all suggestions welcomed. Thanks.

Kevin

[Bluespower]

If I remember, DiscWasher is a brand name that has quite a few nice products. I still use a record cleaner that is a good sized piece of walnut with a velour pad on one side. The handle is hollowed out so you can store a bottle of cleaner/anti-static fluid. A good stylus brush is a must. Check out "The Needle Doctor" for some good choices. Enjoy...

http://www.needledoctor.com/

I use a Ortofon OM 20 Super in a TD-160 and am satisfied.

Here is a good link for setting up your cartridge.

http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm

[dyazdani]

I normally use an AudioQuest record brush just to get the dust off the vinyl. My dad has a VPI machine, so I use it on visits to do major cleanings.

I've always used some fine sandpaper on the stylus. I bought some Last cleaner once, but there's always a debate on whether using liquid is a good thing given that it is possible to suck the liquid up by capillary action.

For a force gauge, I use the old standard Shure balance, it's only $20 or so IIRC.

That DiscWasher brush is nice too, used to have one...

[Bob]

For cleaning the stylus, many of us use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. You cut off a little square about 1/4 inch thick. Stick a toothpick in it so it looks like a lollipop. Put the piece of eraser on your plinth and hold it by the toothpick so it can't move. Using your arm lifter lower the stylus into the eraser and back up again. This is safest, and yet effective, method I have found.

Also, a dry Swifter cloth works better than a brush for getting rid of static and dust just before playing.

[miner]

Interesting suggestions Bob. I assume with the swifter cloth you wipe in a circular direction (along path of the grooves).

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

[Bob]

I don't really wipe with the cloth. I let the record turn on the turntable and let the swifter just drape from my hand onto the record.

[miner]

Thanks Bob. I think I can afford these suggestions.

[twitch54]

Kevin, good day. First off stay away from Discwasher, horrible brush (wooden handle, how is that going to conduct static eletricity away fromyour record ???) and their fluid is junk. For the least amount of $$ and still decent results try using the Alsop Orbitrac 2 along with a Disc Care 2 + 2 Record brush( great brush metal handle with carbon fiber). rember when cleaning your stylus with a stylus brush gently sweep from back to front keeping in line with the cantaliver, NEVER side to side.

good Luck !

[Bob]

Kevin,
A couple of more things. For cleaning records I suggest using the products from Audio Intellegent. I have tried most of the popular products, Record Research, Miracle Dr., Disc Dr., VPI, Discwasher, etc. and the stuff from Paul is the real deal and more affordable.

Also, good luck on building your record collection. There are a number of very reliable sources on the net for used records. I suggest Audiophiliausa, Gemm, and Musicstack and to stay away from ebay. For new records, Acoustic Sounds, Ellusive Disc, and Music Direct are pretty much all you need.

[Chris D]

I use Acoustic Sounds a LOT. (but for SACD/DVD-A)

[dyazdani]

I've used Music Direct an Elusive Disc, both are very good. They've got some nice stuff for sale too, in addition to lots of software...