Newbie question on TT.

Ok, now that we have settled on the Technics are we ready to tweek our hearts out? First order of business is to make sure (pun intended) that the table is perfectly level as, unlike the Dual, this is a static balance arm. Also be sure that the cartridge is properly aligned and the tracking force and anti-skate are correct. Once done we can move on to the more....esoteric stuff. In order of cost, free being first. Try the drinking glasses, really. Next, you will notice a little rubber washer on the collet of the headshell. Try removing it and listening to the sound. You can always put it back if you don't like it. Also, take a couple of trashed records, one thin like a Columbia and one thicker, and then cut a piece of cardboard the size of a record. Now you have three thicknesses. Try each one between the mat and the platter and listen to a familiar record. This changes the VTA, or the angle at which the stylus meets the groove. At under $20.00 there are some nice replacement headshell wires available from Audioquest and Sumiko. I's surprising how much of a difference this can make. A set of tiptoes or vibrapods replacing the stock feet will make a difference but, better or worse, who knows? But at around $25.00 may be worth playing with. Ditto for a better mat. Audioquest makes one that can be purchased used on this site as well as the Ringmat. A new cartridge may also be in the offing. Grado makes some really lush ones starting at $40.00 or so list. If you like a leaner sound Radio Shack has the Audio Technica AT-120E for around $65.00. Most important though, buy vinyl, buy vinyl, buy vinyl.
Marty

Thanks Marty. I will start at the top and work my way down the list and will listen for improvements. I was wondering if you were serious about the 3 glasses, LOL, but will give them a try. As far as buying vinyl, I already have around 5,000 LP's and 10,000 45's, but am always keeping my eye open for more, just don't tell the wife I said that. hehehe
In the meantime, I will follow your suggestions and let you know how it goes. If you think of anything else, please continue. I am very green at all of this and am willing to learn. Actually, I am not really sure what collet on a headshell is. I do see a small rubber deal by the back of the tonearm, about an inch from the edge of the platter, is that it?

Thanks again!
Steve

No Steve. If you remove the headshell there is a little rubber gasket or washer on the end of the headshell itself. When you slide the headshell into the hole at the end of the tonearm this little gasket is supposed to create a compliance between the two. Sorry for the confusion.