The first long-playing record was created in 1931. RCA engineers achieved a playback speed of 33.33 rpm. The system was equipped with a chromed steel needle. In the USSR, pickups were made of two types: electromagnetic and piezoelectric. Indisputable quality distinguished the former, but mass production settled the latter as cheaper. The following pickup needles were produced:
- GZK-661 (in modern industry - GPZ-311);
- GZKU-631 (now - GPZ-301S).
Theoretical introduction
The pickup head is designed so that the mechanics of the vibrations are transformed into electricity. Sound quality is determined by how good the pickup needle is. When completing the system, the head is mounted on a tonearm, whose characteristics and features are combined with the properties of the gas supply station.
Having the budget technology, it makes no sense to upgrade the device yourself, installing a high-precision head. If the needle of the pickup head and the tonearm are balanced, the plate sounds rich, preserving the nuances, shades of sound.
The pickup works as follows: the needle oscillates as it passes through the plate, the device transforms the movements into electrical vibrations transmitted to the amplifier and acoustic system. In addition to the types listed above, they invented:
Each design has positive properties and weaknesses. These days, electromagnetic sound transducers are leading the way. Their design includes:
Parameters
The pickup needle is characterized by the following parameters:
- pressure force;
- frequency range;
- weight.
It depends on the detail how far the channels can be played separately, without penetration.
Noise and signal
Magnetic heads are divided into:
- movable magnet (MM);
- moving coil (MC).
Budget models and the average level of technology are equipped with a movable magnet when the holder in contact with the transmission of vibrations. As the magnet moves, but a stable inductor is present, an alternating magnetic field is created that initiates an electromotive force. Design Advantages:
- ease of production;
- output voltage reaches 0.8 mV.
The larger the pickup needle, the larger the head as a whole, the higher the inertia of the system, that is, the dynamics of reproduction is reduced. High-frequency reproduction suffers, channel separation quality deteriorates. The mechanism accepts loads, which requires the installation of capacitive phono stage.
MS - the head of a vinyl player in which a magnet initiates a constant field. Electromotive force is provoked by the movement of the coil. Since the magnet does not move, installing a larger component does not degrade the playback settings. The magnetic field maintains uniformity, which minimizes sound distortion. Miniature vinyl pickup needles provide better signal transmission.
The disadvantage of the system is a low output voltage. It is impossible to connect the pickup to the phono stage, first you have to add a transformer to the circuit. The player works well if it is shielded from spurious interference.
Another difference between MS and MM heads is the technology for replacing components. MM system allows change together with a magnet. It will be possible to do this at home, not having much experience. The MS-head will have to be taken to a repair shop or even sent to the manufacturer.
But the sharpening of the pickup needle is usually elliptical in both types of heads. This design detail helps to halve the sound distortion. The spectrum of frequencies available to the player is expanding.
Needle in detail
Physical wear is calculated by examining the part under a microscope. To understand that the time has come to change the radial needle, you can see the sawn stripes in places where the part is in contact with the plate. If the product has worn out, it becomes triangular. A worn needle can easily ruin expensive vinyls.
The records accumulate dirt in the grooves, which increases the abrasiveness of the product. The higher the initial abrasive properties and the longer the plate is used, the faster the system wears out. When choosing a product, make sure that the manufacturer indicates the life of the part. Mostly produce equipment per 500-1000 hours of playing tunes.
The degree of wear does not always correspond to the passport data. After the claimed thousand working hours have passed, the system does not lose the ability to reproduce sound, but its quality deteriorates. Visually assess the degree of wear using microscopes:
When replacing, make a reference recording by setting the resolution to 96kHz / 24bit. This will help after a period of operation to compare the sound quality.
Models
One of the modern representatives of the budget class is the MF 100 pickup needle. Cost - about one and a half thousand rubles. Manufacturing company - Japanese Stylus Co. The item is compatible with Soviet players.
Unitra pickup needle is made in Poland. The maximum popularity of the part is the 80s of the XX century. Suitable for installation on Polish, Soviet players. The price varies from one and a half to two thousand per unit. Copied from the Dutch Tonorel.
Modern needles
The increased sensitivity is characteristic of the Denon DL 110 model. At the input, the resistance is 30 kOhm. Weight with a head - 6.2 g, downforce at a maximum - 2.4 g. Reinforced screw mount on the lever. Piezoelectric damper. Advantages of the model:
- can be put in the radio;
- careful operation of the plate.
The price is about 33,000 rubles.
Denon DL 115 needle is in demand. Product parameters:
- height - 15 mm;
- resistance - 38 kOhm;
- downforce - 2.3 g;
- 2.3 dB imbalance.
The needle is metal, the body of the pickup is plastic. The average cost is 24,000 rubles.
Joint development of Japanese and New Zealand manufacturers - Te Kaitora. The price of the product is 25,000 rubles. Features:
- titanium head;
- downforce - 1.8-2.2 g;
- head radius - 7 x 30 microns.
A replacement needle of Audio-Technica AT92ECD costs about 1,500 rubles. It weighs only 0.3 ounces, has a size of 8 * 1 * 6 inches. The product is made in the USA. Suitable for elliptical cartridges.
Reviews about gas
GZM-105 - products valued by professionals. The objects are conical, which eliminates the wear of the plates. Powerful magnetic damper, screw mount, piezoelectric element. According to user reviews, such products are reliable and durable.
The reliability of the needles installed in the heads of the GZM-133 is noted. The pickups are equipped with a capacitive damper and a compact piezoelectric element. Even with frequent use of the plate, if such an element is installed in the player, they wear out slowly.
To summarize
When choosing a needle, pay attention to how much it spoils the plate, whether it is acceptable to replace it at home, with what pickups and players the product is combined. Goods are not cheap, the price of some items is tens of thousands of rubles. If the average level, the price varies about 2-4 thousand per copy. There are very cheap ones - for 500-800 rubles. Saving or taking a used needle is not recommended. Remember that a bad part irreparably spoils the record.
The best pickups are currently manufactured in Japan. Many are suitable for Soviet players. Do not forget to check product compatibility upon purchase.