Hi!

I've got the following problem with my record player: It sounds like the stylus is inside two or three grooves at the same time (which is technically impossible...) The sound is very low volume and extremely distorted. After a fe spins the tonearm will move to the center of the disk.

I played around with the weight and anti-skating adjustments, no avail! I also replaced the system, still no change!

It is a Technics SL-M1 player with a ATN 120-e system.

You replaced the system or stylus? There seems to be great force toward the center so sound will be really bad. Is the table level? It may not be apparent without a bubble level check. Could also be wrong weight adjustment but normally that would be scratching sound as it just picks up the top and skates to the center. The tone arm moving to center means there is mechanical problem so either the stylus is off-center, weight is low, turntable not level, anti skate way out; or you are having really bad luck.

I would try putting a CD (no groves) on the turntable and see if you can get the arm to stay in one position with the anti skate/turntable leveling.

The sound is very low volume and extremely distorted. After a fe spins the tonearm will move to the center of the disk.

I played around with the weight and anti-skating adjustments, no avail!

Interesting problem. Sorry for the pun but from your description if sounds like it is skating; the tone arm going to the center of the disk.

Did you try tracking with a heavier weight? Or different discs, is the problem the same for 45 as LPs ? (A few 50 Satangs with a little glue to stop them slipping off.)

I also replaced the system, still no change!

New deck ?

It's been a while since I had any vinyl so hopefully my memory is not faulty.

Try this:-

As stated get a bubble level, the platter needs to be dead level.

Set anti-skate to '0'

Adjust the tracking weight so that the arm hangs level, then turn the weight dial so the '0' is at the top (that calibrates for zero tracking force), then you can turn the weight itself so that you see 1.25-1.5 grams tracking force (recommended for the ATN 120-e).

Try to play a disk, if you still experience tracking problems adjust the anti-skate.

If you've replaced the cartridge you should first adjust the stylus overhang (the amount by which the stylus overhangs the centre of the turntable) you'll have to Google for the correct value.

Useful information here :- http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/819.html

If you have replaced the stylus I have no suggestion (cannot remember!), if you haven't it is possible that the actual tip of the stylus (used to be called 'diamond' or 'saphire') has literally fallen off the stylus arm and whats left is incapable of sitting in the groove but is capable of some vibration which is the output you hear, but the whole thing just drifts across the disc.

If you have lost the stylus tip tracking at a heavier weight will damage the disks so perhaps you should establish the condition of the stylus before doing that.

So replace the stylus if you haven't already done so (easier said than done I believe).

Edited February 14, 200818 yr by fisherd3

If you have the fork-shaped stylus that fits into a single screw, ensure that it is not bent. Easy to do, and it gives you the exact problem you mention if so. Check that first, and then follow the other excellent advice given. Let us know what fixes it........ Don't want us old farts dying of curiousity do you?

The ATN 120-e cartridge has a simple pull off stylus. Easy to change and provided you've not moved the cart. in the headshell all alignments will remain correct

I still use vinyl and use a "blank" one to balance the stylus.

Use the Stanton 500 and still very happy with it.

Good for scratching.