Been a long time since I have spun any vinyl. All I ever used to do was use my discwasher and i had a zerostat.
Getting back into vinyl with my "new" turntable on the way (thank you dokblues) I am wondering what are the most vital accessories I should get? A record weight or whatever they are called? Seems to me a record clamp may be better - would that be true and if so - any recommendations for an affordable one ?
I know I need to isolate the turntable from the rest of the room - when it gets to it's final resting place, it will probably be on a VERY sturdy shelf - any other suggestions appreciated.......

Stylus tracking force gauge - I've used a Shure balancing one because I'm cheap, but when I can afford it I think I'll get one of the electronic ones.

;2635463']Stylus tracking force gauge - I've used a Shure balancing one because I'm cheap, but when I can afford it I think I'll get one of the electronic ones.
The irony is that you can get the electronic ones on ebay cheaper than the Shure gauge.

Been a long time since I have spun any vinyl. All I ever used to do was use my discwasher and i had a zerostat.
Getting back into vinyl with my "new" turntable on the way (thank you dokblues) I am wondering what are the most vital accessories I should get? A record weight or whatever they are called? Seems to me a record clamp may be better - would that be true and if so - any recommendations for an affordable one ?
I know I need to isolate the turntable from the rest of the room - when it gets to it's final resting place, it will probably be on a VERY sturdy shelf - any other suggestions appreciated.......
What turntable is it?

I wouldn't consider a record weight/clamp vital, but it's certainly advantageous to use one. For cleaning, I'd suggest you do a search on AK--there are a zillion threads with all kinds of ideas that run the gamut from homebrew systems to the ultimate automatic vacuum cleaning systems. The Discwasher system is not very thorough. Zerostat is fine.

Get yourself a carbon fibre brush, and some stylus cleaner.

carbon fiber brush (good one), magic eraser to clean the stylus, record cleaning solution (homebrew or purchased), microfiber cloths for drying records, cleaning brush for washing with solution.

good record mat and weight/clamp. both are very dependant on which turntable you have.

cheap stylus force gauge, electronic or balance.

ok, I am making a shopping list of everything recommended here. While I realize I will not get the same sound as many of the audiophile tables around, I do want to get the best possible sound I can get - the turntable is going to be the anchor of my sources.
Have not got it yet but it is the Empire 598 II which has apparently been refurbished - did not know a whole heck of a lot about it, but seems most people are very happy with them for what they are. i know it gets a + for the cool looking factor.

I have been perusing all of the old posts about cleaning the vinyl, just was not sure about the clamp or a weight etc...
thanks - ALL info is deeply appreciated.
highlight of the year for me is when I get the turntable connected to the system, sit down in my sweet spot and play a few albums that I have had since 1979 - fortunately I kept about 50 - wish I would have kept the turntable and the DBX noise reduction unit I had tho....I think I will be REAL happy with the Empire though.....for now it looks like I will just be using a AT cartridge on it for a few months until I can save my pennies -

G'day all, for accessories yes I think it's all been covered mostly. I wouldn't be without my ultra basic yet accurate Ortofon stylus tracking weight gauge, a x10 magnifying loupe (for stylus examination), my carbon fibre brush for record cleaning, and more recently my battery powered negative ion generator for removing accumulated static charge off records, especially after cleaning with the carbon fibre brush!

As for clamps I use a circular block of rubber bought cheaply from the local hardware store. They are designed for use as doorstoppers. Ultra basic and cheap, but rather effective as record clamps. Just press on to the spindle and they stay put.:yes: Regards, Felix aka catman.

If not already mentioned, a cartridge alignment protractor or device of some kind should be near the top of the list as far as essential gear, along with a stylus force gauge and cleaning supplies.

In regard to the OP's question, a record weight or clamp is a real nice upgrade to any turntable, but is not essential to get you in the game and can always be added later.

:thmbsp:+1 How could I forget about an alignment protractor! I have three! Regards, Felix aka catman.

As every one has said already.....Carbon fibre brush, down load or buy an alignment protractor and I would also get a Rega record clamp, does not really improve sound but they do help flatten warped vinyl.

carbon fiber brush (good one), magic eraser to clean the stylus, record cleaning solution (homebrew or purchased), microfiber cloths for drying records, cleaning brush for washing with solution...

.

Is something called "Sonic Broom cleaning pad" from the Audio-Technica AT-6012 Record Cleaner Kit a good "Carbon fiber brush"? If not, what is a good one?

The "magic eraser" is Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser that looks as some sort of white sponge sold in office stores like Staples, right?

Just wanted to clarify things. Perhaps it will make sense if experienced vinyl lovers be more specific and wouldn't hesitate to recommend brands that they use. It will help a lot us newbies.

I only have a carbon fiber brush-my Linn dealer takes care of tuneup/setup stuff.
I've never used a "weighted record clamp" and see no reason to start.

I have the following in close range: Record cleaning machine and supplies, Zerostat, carbon fiber brush, magic clean eraser, stylus brush, shure stylus force gauge and a small flashlight and a small screwdriver.

Oh also a pint of beer or glass of whiskey. All this tedious record cleaning and playing makes a man thirsty.

the audioquest c/f brush is a good one. some of the generics have a habit of shedding carbon fibers onto your records. bad mojo!

the plain, white magic eraser is the way to go, although some have reported generic versions of the same thing are now available.

also, do a search on both topics. tons of info available.

have fun!

I would go in this order
download free protractor and set up cartridge
If stylus is new , Mr clean Magic eraser , white version , sold in most grocery stores.
If stylus is not new , might need liquid cleaning or new stylus ?
Next would be record washing system of some sort , vacum to me is the way to go in my mind and can be done cheap . I have used the discwasher for 30 years and has kept my lp's in good shape but washing with a home made vacum RCM is a real step up and I can't stress what am improvement it made on my old LP's (new too)

If you go with a record washing system it seems a light brush with almost any brush is all you need , I have a Deca CF brush and still use the discwasher brush dry if the Deca's in the other room .Washed LP's seem to have little static cling , rarley use the zerostat gun anymore. So to sum up , washed LP's and a new stylus set up would be the most sound improvement .

You will buy all the other stuff later , there is no getting away from that once you get hooked :D , just a matter of what to work on first .
I must say though that I am happy that I used the discwasher system all those years , lp's from my teens are still in good shape , I don't think a dry brush alone would have kept them in such good shape ?
Those Empires were sexy beasts back in the day , I hope you enjoy it !

Definetly need a protractor and a stylus gauge these are the first two Essentials for all TT`s. Try here: www.turntablebasics.com/index.html BTW you need the Large hole protractor.

He`s a little slow but nice products. :yes:

I have no affiliation with this website or company.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=220053

Check out this link for VTF gauge.

;2635463']I'm cheap, but when I can afford it I think I'll get one of the electronic ones.
They're less than $15 delivered.

Guys, for the basic protractor, if your Table has a built in overhang calibration device for the stylus, would you still use the protractor? If so, would you use the protractor that comes with the stylus? My 97xE came with its own but the hole is way too small.

Where does everyone get a nice record weight/clamp reasonable and quality?