David Goodwin wrote:

On Thu, 28 Aug 2003 20:07:32 -0400, in rec.audio.opinion you wrote:



Yes, if it's the hardware. Trying starting with the tracking force at the
upper end of the suggested range and see if it's still there. If not,
gradually drop the tracking force in small increments until you begin to
hear it and then raise the force to just above that threshold.



How exactly do I *do* this? I always hear people talking about
tracking force, but I have no idea how to adjust it.

If you changed cartridges and didn't adjust the tracking force, that
is almost certainly your problem.

Precisely how it's done varies from turntable to turntable. A stylus
gauge will help get it right, since the markings on turntables can be
inaccurate.




One other thing you might check for from experience: often a new stylus
(especially some of the ATs that dig deep into the groove) will dig out dirt
and collect it behind the stylus. It may not be easily visible to the naked
eye, but it can certainly have the effect of adding harshness to the sound.
Use a magnifying glass and carefully brush out any dirt that may be trapped
behind the tip.



Will any sort of brush do?

For a quick MP3 clip of two sibilance examples, please go to:

http://www.lukpac.org/~handmade/sdistort.mp3

and

http://www.lukpac.org/~handmade/sample.mp3

All three are from *different* records.

I'm really panicking about this...I changed my cartridge because it
was damaged, and I spent a lot of money on this one..I don't want to
have to replace it again!:-(


-D