Bay Area source for phonograph needles?

September 22, 2007 10:08 PM

Can anyone recommend a store in the Silicon Valley/Bay Area that not only sells phonograph needles but can provide expert advice on which one to get? We want to replace the needle before digitizing the collection. We can figure out what would be compatible but need help figuring out the right price/quality trade-off. Also, if you have a specific brand to recommend that might be useful too.
posted by metahawk to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (6 answers total)

It depends on which turntable you have.
posted by rhizome at 12:53 AM on September 23, 2007

I'd recommend Leo's Pro Audio for this -- the folks working there can be a little -- let's say condescending -- but they do have the experience to back it up, unlike Guitar Center, where it's going to be a crapshoot who you get. (that said, I had a very knowledgeable friend who worked at Guitar Center for many many years).

Realistically, though? Your best bet might be asking Mefi what needle to get, and then ordering it online or through a shop.

I'm not super sure whether or not places sell needles that fit non-cartridge-type record players (i mean, I know Leo's pro audio sells *just* needles without the cartridge, but I don't know if they'll fit anything but the cartridge based players). Additionally, I'm not an audiophile, so I'm not sure how much extra fidelity you stand to gain with this -- good needles *definitely* make a difference, and tend to track the record better, but if the rest of the signal chain is crap it might not really matter if you have the best needle in the world.
posted by fishfucker at 8:45 AM on September 23, 2007

er, the reason I mention the non-cartridge-type players is because the answer may be different depending on what knd of turntable you have, as rhizome has mentioned.
posted by fishfucker at 9:40 AM on September 23, 2007

This guy sure knows a lot about vinyl, and he's in the Bay Area. Might be worth giving him a call.
posted by Daddio at 9:50 AM on September 23, 2007

Response by poster: The turntable is a Technics SL-1400 (circa 1978). It currently has an empire 2000 E/111 cartridge. So one option would be to replace just the needle with an Empire needle (using the existing cartridge) or get a new cartridge of any brand. (Sorry I wasn't clear - this is really my husband's project.)
posted by metahawk at 6:45 PM on September 23, 2007

Yeah, I'd call Leo's on the phone and see if they would make a recommendation for you -- at this point I'm pretty much just making guesses about what your situation. It's not of any use trudging out there if they're unwilling to take some time to help you figure out what product you need. If you can find a replacement for it, I'd expect on spending between $30 and $100.
posted by fishfucker at 11:21 AM on September 24, 2007