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Welcome Licorice Pizza (LP) lovers! Setup guides and Vinyl FAQ.

Depends how seriously you want to go....

understand that 78s generally need heavier tracking forces and more rugged stylus assemblies than vinyl, and don't forget that you will need a mono switch (or mono cartridge) and differing EQ or tone controls. Obviously a larger stylus is needed as well. Search the archives here for more info.

Simplest option is to get one arm with detachable headshells / or wands and and have a dedicated LP cart in one and a 78 in the other. You can set up the alignment of the 78 cartridge differently as 78s tend to go further in towards the spindle than vinyl and you may get inner groove distortion.

However there can be an element of compromise with only one arm.

If you go down the vintage arm route for your 78s make sure that it has detachable headshells, or mounts, if your 78 collection has a wide age range, or you want to play vertical cut discs. It's easier and less risky to keep a cartridge and headshell for each type of record than constantly swapping styli in one body.

Using vintage arms and cartridges as opposed to modern stereo ones is a matter of choice, and only listening yourself over a period of time will give you an answer. I'd start modern and basic and see how you go. Look for the KAB website or archives here for ideas.

There are no hard and fast standards for 78s, particularly with EQ settings and stylus sizes (within a given range). Treat any charts and tables as guides only and use your ears.

If it sounds right to you it is right. Welcome to the world of shellac!


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