Noob seeks advice.

[jasoncase]

I've been collecting and listening to records my entire life but have never paid much attention to my turntable. Never even heard of cartridge alignment... You get the idea. I have a rather nice Yamaha YP-B4 that I'd like to make better. I'd like to get a new cartridge (I don't even know what's in it now). From what I read in a very brief investigation it seems like maybe this turntable isn't worth sinking any money into but Im not convinced. I don't have a super driscriminating ear but it sounds pretty good to me now. I have ordered a clamp (400g) and a felt mat for it so far. I'm going to level it and align the cartridge (free stupid protractor). I was also going to open it up a little and inspect the belt and try to see if I can find the bearings that I read about people oiling and I'm not sure what else. Is there a few cheap things I could do to optimize the performance of this unit for less than the cost of a new TT? I've seen glass and acrylic platters (is that what they're called?) that look like they add weight. Are they a good investment? What about a cartridge? Brief search there too but too much to digest. I have a great variety of records, in terms of genre and condition and would like a good all around cartridge. I play new audiophile vinyl and 60 year old thrift store records. I have $150 in the turntable. I see some pretty nice looking pieces on Amazon for $500-700. Can I get a half decent cartridge for under $100? If it matters I play it through a 2002 model year Sony home theater receiver on analog 2ch direct mode hooked to a pair if BIC Venturi speakers. Help me map out an affordable game plan if you'd be so kind. Brand new here. I appreciate any advice. Also how do I upload pics from iPhone? Ramble over.

[moimeme_81]

I on't know your table but I know a thing or two about sound system and turntable, basically there's no bad system (well it's relative, radio shack and stuff like that is...) a system (considering a perfect room acoustic wise) will be always as bad as your ears so if you can't hear the difference between a system that is worth $2 000 and an other that is worth $20 000 there's no point in getting a $20 000 system. In the other hand, you can always make it better, starting with the reading device all the way to the speakers. as for the uploads, I think it's pretty much the same way than a computer so just go in the galery and add them there then post the link here

[Bob in STL]

Your turntable is nice, it was the TOTL Yamaha belt drive.

Here is some info at the VE library, unfortunately no users manual or service manual but it has a linto to an informative brochure.

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/yamaha/yp-b4.shtml

Before getting into mods I would do the basic maintenance. I would replace the belt, clean out the bearing and add fresh oil. I would give the motor a drop or two of oil. Make sue the motor spins at the right speed and is quiet. You can download a strobe tool for this. I would check the feet and make sure they are in good shape and doing their job of vibration isolation. Make sure the TT is level and mounted away from external vibration as much as possible.

If you decide on a new cartridge there are plenty of good options. Shure M97xE, AT 95E and ortofon OM 10 are all in the $60 range. At ~$100+ there are many more that would be compatible with your tone arm.

If you receiver has a low quality phono section (and it probably does if it is a home theater receiver) then adding a phono stage (i.e. phono preamp) would really make an improvement. I would rather do that than a bunch of hokey add ons to the TT.

Speakers are another place to maximize bang for buck. They are critical for a good sounding system. Nice thing about your receiver is you can get very good used bookshelves and a small subwoofer and really get some good sound.

Take your time and listen as you go. Get the basic TT working properly first before sinking $$$ into other mods and things. I think your deck can be as good as a $500-600 new one if you get it set up properly with a well matched and properly aligned cartridge.

good luck, Bob

[jasoncase]

Thanks for the replies guys. Bob, any good budget phono preamps that you could recommend? Thanks. JC

[Alec124c41]

Properly aligning your cartridge is a cheap way to improve your sound. There are alignment protractors under Tools at the top of the page.
About that felt mat: listen to that, and the stock mat, and decide which you like better.
I think a Denon DL-110 would go well on that turntable.

Cheers,
Alec