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The pickup needle: overview, views, specifications and reviews

For the first time the LP was created in 1931. RCA engineers achieved a playback speed of 33.33 rpm. The system was equipped with a chrome-plated steel needle. In the USSR pickups were made of two types: electromagnetic and piezoelectric. Undisputed quality was allocated the first, but mass production was adjusted by the second, as cheaper ones. The following pickup needles were produced:

  • GZK-661 (in modern industry - GPP-311);
  • GZKU-631 (now - GPP-301S).

Theoretical introduction

The pickup head is designed so that the oscillation mechanics is transformed into electricity. The 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 GZS properties.

Having budgetary equipment, it's pointless 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 motion into electrical vibrations transmitted to the amplifier and the acoustics system. In addition to the above types, invented:

  • Photoelectric;
  • Capacitive.

Each design has positive properties and weaknesses. Today, electromagnetic sound transducers are in the lead. Their design includes:

  • magnet;
  • Voice coil.

Options

The pickup needle is characterized by the following parameters:

  • Clamping force;
  • frequency range;
  • the weight.

The details depend on how much 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 intermediate state of technology are equipped with a movable magnet when the holder contacts vibration during the transfer of vibrations. As the magnet moves, but a stable inductor is present, an alternating magnetic field is created that initiates the electromotive force. Advantages of construction:

  • Simplicity of production;
  • The output voltage reaches 0.8 mV.

The larger the needle of the pickup, the larger the head as a whole, the higher the inertness of the system, that is, the dynamics of reproduction decrease. The high-frequency reproduction suffers, the quality of channel separation deteriorates. The mechanism takes loads, which obliges you to install capacitive phono correctors.

MS is the head of a vinyl turntable, in which the 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 distortion of sound. Miniature vinyl pickup needles provide better signal transmission.

The disadvantage of the system is a lowered output voltage. It is impossible to connect the pickup to the phono stage, first you need to add a transformer to the circuit. The player works qualitatively, if it is shielded from parasitic pickups.

Another difference between MS and MM heads is the replacement technology of components. MM-system allows a change along with a magnet. Do it at home without having much experience. The MS-head will have to be delivered 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 structural detail helps to reduce sound distortion in half. Expands the range of frequencies available to the player.

Needle in Detail

Physical wear is calculated by examining the part under the microscope. To understand that it is time to change the radial needle, you can see the spilled strips in the places where the part is in contact with the plate. If the product is worn, it becomes triangular. A worn-out needle can easily spoil expensive vinyls.

Gramplastinki accumulate in the grooves dirt, increasing 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 has specified the life of the part. Mainly produce a technique in the calculation for 500-1000 hours of playing melodies.

The degree of wear does not always correspond to the passport data. After the claimed thousands of working hours, the system does not lose the ability to reproduce the sound, but its quality deteriorates. Visually, the degree of wear can be assessed using microscopes:

  • Interference;
  • Electronic.

When making a replacement, make a master record, setting a bit capacity of 96kHz / 24bit. This will help to compare the sound quality after the period of operation.

Models

One of the modern representatives of the budget class is the needle of the pickup MF 100. The cost is about one and a half thousand rubles. The company-manufacturer - Japanese Stylus Co. The part is compatible with Soviet players.

The needle of the Unitra pickup is manufactured in Poland. The maximum popularity of the detail is the 80s of the 20th 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 peculiar to the model Denon DL 110. At the input resistance 30 kOhm. Weight with a head - 6.2 g, clamping force at a maximum - 2.4 g. The screw fastening on the lever is strengthened. The damper is piezoelectric. The advantages of the model:

  • Can be put in the radio;
  • Careful exploitation of the plate.

The price is about 33,000 rubles.

The Denon DL 115 needle is in demand. Product parameters:

  • Height - 15 mm;
  • Resistance - 38 kOhm;
  • Clamping force - 2.3 g;
  • An imbalance of 2.3 dB.

The needle is metal, the pickup body is plastic. The average cost is 24000 rubles.

Joint development of Japanese and New Zealand manufacturers - Te Kaitora. The price of the product is 25000 rubles. Features:

  • A titanium head;
  • Clamping force - 1,8-2,2 g;
  • The radius of the head is 7 x 30 microns.

About 1500 rubles is a replacement needle Audio-Technica AT92ECD. It weighs only 0.3 ounces, has a size of 8 * 1 * 6 inches. The product is manufactured in the USA. Suitable for elliptical cartridges.

Reviews of GZM

GZM-105 - products valued by professionals. The items are conical, which eliminates the wear of the plates. Powerful magnetic damper, screw fastening, piezoelectric element. According to user feedback, such products are reliable and durable.

They note the reliability of the needles installed in the heads of the GZM-133. The pickups are equipped with a capacitive damper and a compact piezoelectric element. Even with frequent use of the plate, if the player is installed such an element, wear out slowly.

Summing up

When choosing a needle, pay attention to how much it spoils the plate, whether replacement at home is acceptable, with what pickups and players the product is combined. Goods are not cheap, the price of some copies is tens of thousands of rubles. If the average level, the price varies about 2-4 thousand per copy. There are very cheap - for 500-800 rubles. To save or to take a needle, used in the use, it is not recommended. Remember that a bad part irreparably corrupts the plate.

The best pickups are currently manufactured in Japan. Many fit Soviet players. Do not forget to clarify the compatibility of the product when buying.

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