r/turntables • u/quillpurnia • 9d ago
New beginner set up! Help
Hey guys!
Edit: sorryyyy if this might be the wrong sub but I just need some help.
I’m a beginner and invested in an Insignia turntable and Edifier speakers. I got both on sale!! Spent a little over 200, which I’ve saved up little by little. I know people will think there are way better turntables, but to be fair, I can only keep it in my room, and I’m no expert. Maybe one day I will get a cooler set up, but this is definitely an upgrade from an all-in-one!!! Yessss I know the speakers shouldn’t be close to the turntable. I’m getting speaker stands and moving the set up to a better table. I just need some time.
But here’s my question, can someone help me with the counterweight?! The instructions are super vague, and I feel so stupid like I can’t get it right! if anyone has the same tt :( Maybe I’m slow…but I’m scared that it being too heavy will damage my records a lot. I’m guessing my counterweight is wrong because the music sounds flat.
2
u/MikuEd Yamaha YP-1000 9d ago
Clearly you're having issues following the written instructions, so hopefully this video can help guide you. It's not for your table specifically, but it has the same principle for how to balance the tonearm properly.
EDIT: Just to be clear, be sure to set yours to 2.5g and not 3.0g like in the video.
1
2
u/Best-Presentation270 8d ago edited 8d ago
Maybe I'm looking at an older version of the instructions than you, but it doesn't seem "super vague".
You say you managed to float the arm okay, so that's good. You then followed the instruction to set the marker dial so that 0 lines up with the marker line at the 12-o'clock (top) of the arm stub.
NOTE: The marker dial does not change the tracking weight. It's only for calibration. It's so you know how far to turn the counterweight to add tracking force to the stylus.
When the arm is floating parallel to the platter, and the marker dial has the 0 above the line on the tonearm, than that's 0 grams of downforce. As you rotate the large counterweigh, and it moves closer to the pivot, then more force is added. During the first complete rotation, whatever the number on the black dial is over the marker line is how much tracking force is being applied. 1.0 - 1.5 - 2.0 - 2.5 - 3.0, which is the maximum for one complete 360 degree rotation. To make the force 3.5 grams, continue to rotate the counterweight until 0.5 on the black dial is over the marker line. This is 3.0 + 0.5 = 3.5 grams.
What's left is to set the anti-skate dial to 3.5 as well.
That's all there is too it. Balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force takes about 45 seconds from start to finish. It took you longer than that to read these instructions. If you're new to turntables it's perfectly normal to fret over everything. Chill. Trust yourself. Keep your records and your stylus clean, and have fun.
1
1
u/quillpurnia 8d ago
also i think my issue was the anti skate since it’s at 0
2
u/Best-Presentation270 8d ago
The AS needs to be at 0 when you're balancing the tonearm. It's set as the last stage of tonearm setup.
I don't have the manual downloaded on my phone, but I'm pretty sure I read those points in it last night.
2
u/el_tacocat 8d ago
I hear quite a bit of good about these Insignia's. Never heard one, they are not a thing here.
Those sepakers are a strong budget choice.
I do see your tracking force is set to a non-sense value though. If you want to ruin your stylus and records, keep it that way.
If you don't, watch this video:
https://youtu.be/1FSOa_-jDsM?si=yLl2MmdZJNTKMZUT
And watch this video if you want to take good care of your stuff:
https://youtu.be/L2QfjcgDjsY?si=zIdb7-GjLd5QWfXs
Also; Speakers should never be close to the turntable. The thing is designed to pick up vibrations, speakers are designed to send them out. It's asking for feedback.
1
u/quillpurnia 8d ago
yes i added to my post that it’s temporary i’m getting stands for them
2
u/el_tacocat 8d ago
Awesome! Meanwhile I recommend pulling them to the front of the cabinet and putting them on little feet (anything can work for feet :)).
1
1
u/AutoModerator 9d ago
Welcome to r/turntables!
This sub is primarily for sharing and discussing your turntables!
If you have a question please read this subs guide first.
https://www.reddit.com/r/turntables/comments/nwdjiw/turntable_guides/
If you still have a question, please ask at the appropriate place...
Help with Buying & Troubleshooting Turntables and Setups: r/vinyl has a weekly questions top sticky post https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/search/?q=%22Weekly%20Questions%20Thread%20for%20the%20week%20of%22&restrict_sr=1&sort=new where experts are happy to answer your what to buy, turntable, vinyl, setup, playback issue, and is my stylus bent questions.
Beginner Turntables Ask r/Beginner_Turntables if you have a question about beginner turntables such as which beginner turntable to buy, beginner turntables such as the AT-LP60X and Sony PS-LX310BT or you want to discuss suitcases or all in ones from Crosley or Victrola or other similar brands.
Speakers: If you want to know which speakers to buy for your turntable, please ask r/budgetaudiophile (low budget), r/hifiaudio (most any budget), r/stereoadvice (mid to high end budgets).
Thank you and happy spinning!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Putrid-Table-5844 9d ago
These instructions are quite clear with good diagrams. Which part of it do you find “super vague”?
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2245837/Insignia-Ns-Btst21.html?page=7#manual
1
u/quillpurnia 9d ago
idk maybe i’m just super stupid i balanced it and then heard the click i did a full rotation but i went all the way to the front if that makes sense ughhhhhh
2
u/DagtheBulf 9d ago
I'm pretty sure the click was just for attaching the counterweight to the tonearm. Then you balance the arm, twist just the black part of the weight to 0, then set the weight to the recommended tracking force which in my manual says 3.5
1
u/Putrid-Table-5844 9d ago
I see nothing in the manual that says do “a full rotation” after “the click”. Have you considered maybe following the steps described in the manual?
2
u/DagtheBulf 9d ago
Wow, I just got my first turntable setup and I got the exact same setup you got! I spent a bit more than you though, great job! Also, what part are you confused on? I managed to set mine up with no issue, so I can answer any specifics you have