warped records and Beogram

[pauljc]

I have a Beogram RX2 that I got from my parents. I replaced the needle with a Soundsmith SMMC4, and in general am very happy with the sound etc.

However, I have an issue with some new records sounding “warped” and the sound being off. To my eye, although they do have some warping, it doesn’t seem like it is enough to cause this sonic issue. Should I look at adjusting the tracking of the sound arm as a solution?  Or have I just had bad luck recently with the pressings?

[trackbeo]

If you describe how the sound varies it might help diagnose.  Is it “wow”, i.e. frequency change up&down, “flutter”, i.e. rapid tone or volume changes, “thinning” i.e. certain frequency ranges but not others fading out, or additional non-recorded sounds added to the mix?

Warped records might cause frequency changes, but it is usually small.  Big warping sounds will be bumps or skips from the cartridge bottoming out.  Vertical tracking angle changes can cause the sound to change, but it’s not so obvious.  An off-center hole in the record pressing is more likely to cause wow, but is also easily visible from above looking at the tone arm wobble in and out.

At this age and with multiple new records, I would bet on mechanical failure of some kind rather than merely warped vinyl, but hopefully an expert on RX2 restoration will chime in if there exists some obvious failing…

[pauljc]

I’d describe it as more wow- kind of an warped sound, like instruments are moving at the wrong speed. I’m hesitant to say it is the turntable because Most of what I’m playing sounds fine. Thats why I’m wondering if my tonarm is magnifying the slight warp.

[Author]

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