a podcast about vinyl & hi-fi in collaboration with lakridspizza
1. 13 meter vinyl
During vinyl’s heyday, I managed to collect 13 meters before giving it all away in favor of CDs – only to start all over again! Fortunately, vinyl has made a comeback, and for some it was never gone. Vinyl is for those who are serious about sound.
Together with Aalborg’s record store Lakridspizza, we have created a podcast series where we dive into vinyl and hi-fi.
Follow us on Facebook and in the newsletter for new episodes, or read along here on the blog, which is continuously updated with the new episodes.
2. understand your turntable
The second episode is about the RIAA amplifier. What is it and which one should you choose?
The RIAA amplifier amplifies the very weak signal coming from the turntable's cartridge, and it corrects the frequency curve to reproduce the original sound from the record's recording. In other words, an RIAA amplifier is unavoidable - but how do you choose the right one?
It is important to choose an RIAA amplifier that is compatible with your cartridge, as different cartridges require different amplifiers. As a rule of thumb, you should choose based on:
- Your budget
- Your type of cartridge
- Which amplifier you use
3. clear sound requires cleaning
Maintaining and cleaning your cartridge and your vinyl records ensures a longer lifespan for your turntable and – yes – cleaner sound! It does not take much money to acquire the necessary accessories to clean your equipment.
Hear more about the O-ring and cleaning your equipment in this third episode.
Listen to episode 3 about Discogs and expensive records here.
4. STABILITY IS THE KEY TO PURE VINYL SOUND
Is a tube amplifier a must for analog sound? And what about power amplifiers and mono amplifiers—what’s the difference, and how does it all fit together with the digital age we live in? Get the answers in episode five, where Jan asks Thomas the right questions about different types of amplifiers. Thomas might even reveal what he uses at home.
5. Good speakers for your turntable
In the fifth episode of the podcast, we take a deep dive into speakers that deliver really good sound for your turntable – without breaking the budget. We guide you through the big speaker guide and present three specific recommendations for speaker sets, each in its own price range.
6. The importance of acoustics for your vinyl records
In the sixth episode, Thomas gives you a better understanding of acoustics, because the layout of the room where you listen to your vinyl records means an enormous amount for your listening experience. And there is also a focus on the record fair — Denmark's largest record fair is being held here in Aalborg on March 28.
7. Can you hear the difference between vinyl pressings?
If you’re following the podcast series about vinyl and hi-fi - AND have made it this far, then you’re a true enthusiast. And you can probably easily hear the difference between vinyl pressings. Thomas certainly can. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on the quality of vinyl pressings throughout music history. A British and a Danish pressing from the 1960s do not sound the same, and in the mid-1980s something significant happened to the quality of many vinyl pressings. Not least the Danish ones.
Listen to episode 7: Great film music and swinging vinyl here.
8. the elephant in the room
We need to talk about the elephant in the room.. This episode is about Bluetooth. Perhaps surprisingly to some, you actually get full bandwidth today, because the treble and bass are no longer cut off in order to transmit the signal. So how are the results today compared with vinyl?
9. Thomas recommends pickups – and gives you a discount code
Thomas shares three cartridge recommendations — and as a listener, you even get a special discount. So it’s worth listening extra carefully to this episode, especially if you’re considering a cartridge from the Danish brand Ortofon.
Listen to episode 9: Record Store Day and cartridge recommendations here.
10. What should I bet on?
Thomas gives recommendations for turntables in three different price ranges. The first one mentioned, the JBL TT350 Classic, is even on sale right now, so you really get a lot for your money here. But you need to act now, because the model is on its way out of the range, and once it’s gone, it’s hard to get hold of again.
- JBL TT350 Classic
- Rega Planar 3 RS
- Package solution: Pro-ject Debut Reference 10 + Primare R15 RIAA
Listen to episode 10: Meet Jonah Blacksmith and three turntables here.
11. What is it that is forbidden to talk about?
Hear Thomas talk about CD and streaming vs. vinyl. Among other things, he touches on the technology behind the media and whether the CD is coming back?
Listen to episode 11: It almost killed vinyl. Now it's back!
Turntables
"Vinyl has been there all along for people who are serious about sound quality."
Thomas Mørk, Owner
"Make sure to keep your pickup and your records clean. Use the right cleaning equipment, such as a record brush and cleaning fluid, and make sure to have your turntable serviced about every three years. That will give you the longest possible lifespan for your system."
Thomas Mørk, Owner
NEED HELP?
FAQ
turntables
Not necessarily, but more expensive turntables often have better components, more precise construction, and lower vibrations. This can provide more stable playback and better sound quality.
Yes, the turntable should be placed stably and free from vibrations. A solid hi-fi cabinet or a wall shelf can reduce vibrations and improve playback.
Most LPs are played at 33⅓ revolutions per minute, while singles are typically played at 45 RPM. The record player must be set to the correct speed to reproduce the music correctly.
Belt-drive turntables use a rubber belt between the motor and the platter, which often reduces vibrations. Direct-drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter and provide very precise speed and quick startup.
cartridge and stylus
MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges are the most common and often have a replaceable stylus. MC (Moving Coil) cartridges typically provide even more detailed sound, but often require a more advanced RIAA amplifier and rarely have a replaceable stylus.
Yes, a new cartridge is one of the most effective upgrades. It can provide significantly better detail, dynamics, and sound quality without replacing the entire turntable.
A stylus typically lasts between 500 and 1,000 playing hours, depending on quality and maintenance. A worn stylus can both degrade the sound and cause unnecessary wear on the records.
Tonearm and adjustment
The tracking force is adjusted via the tonearm's counterweight and should be set according to the cartridge manufacturer's recommendations. Too little or too much force can affect both the sound and wear on the records.
The tonearm holds the cartridge steady and ensures correct tracking in the record groove. A good tonearm reduces vibrations and improves playback precision.
Anti-skating counteracts the force that pulls the tonearm toward the center of the record during playback. Correct adjustment ensures more precise tracking and even wear on both the stylus and the records.
RIAA and connection
Yes, a record player requires an RIAA amplifier to amplify and correct the signal from the cartridge. Some amplifiers and record players have a built-in RIAA, but otherwise it must be added as a separate unit.
A phono input has a built-in RIAA preamplifier designed specifically for turntables. If your amplifier does not have a phono input, you need to use an external RIAA preamplifier.
An integrated RIAA is built into the turntable or amplifier. A separate RIAA is an external unit that often provides better sound and more adjustment options.
Maintenance and cleaning
A cartridge brush is a must-have to give your stylus the best working conditions. Gentle cleaning will not only give you better sound - it will also give your cartridge a longer lifespan. It is an absolute must for any vinyl enthusiast, and at that price, it is an accessory you should not skip. The value it adds to your record collection far exceeds its modest price. For more thorough cleaning, you can use a record cleaner or special fluid for vinyl records. You can also buy a complete cleaning kit from Thorens here from us. It includes brushes, antistatic fluid, and cloths.
A record cleaning machine cleans vinyl records more thoroughly than ordinary brushes. It removes dust, dirt, and grease from the grooves, which can improve both sound quality and lifespan.
Keep records and the stylus clean, store the records in inner sleeves, and avoid static electricity. Dust and dirt in the grooves are the most common cause of noise.
Static electricity can be reduced with antistatic brushes, turntable mats, or inner sleeves. This helps reduce noise and prevents dust from collecting in the grooves.
Vinyl records and accessories
The turntable mat sits between the platter and the vinyl record. It helps reduce vibrations, improve grip, and in some cases can also reduce static electricity.
Records should be stored upright, in inner and outer sleeves, and away from heat and direct sunlight. Proper storage both extends the life of the records and preserves sound quality.
Yes, if they are well maintained. Many older vinyl releases are of high quality and can sound excellent, especially if they are cleaned and played with the proper equipment.
