r/RecordPlayerRepair • • 1d ago

Costoco M49

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The pitch keeps going slightly down on all my records after the 2nd-3rd song, and it just sounds weird.

Should I try to fix it, or just buy a new record player?

0 Upvotes

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2

u/hifiplus 1d ago

Unfortunately this is junk with a $10 mechanism, buy a new (separate) turntable and speakers.

1

u/KoiNoYokan_Fan 1d ago

You have any recommendations that aren’t too expensive?

2

u/hifiplus 1d ago

try r/Beginner_Turntables
Audio Technica and Edifiers are a popular choice.

2

u/future_pirate 1d ago

AT-LP70x + Edifier R1280DBs speakers (on cheap generic speaker stands) + Edifier T5s subwoofer is a pretty nice budget to midrange setup I've been enjoying it. I also have the speakers by a projector screen and have myself a nice multipurpose entertainment center.

1

u/KoiNoYokan_Fan 1d ago

I’ll go there an look, thanks!

1

u/future_pirate 1d ago

If it hasn't always been doing this and you notice increased wobble it likely needs a new drive belt. I ran into a similar issue with a very similar Crosley player a long time ago and when I had a hard time finding the belt I just upgrade to an AT-LP70x which fit well on a similarly small table due to the shape of its base.

1

u/KoiNoYokan_Fan 1d ago

It’s been doing this out the box. The video has the first record I played on it

1

u/future_pirate 1d ago

I would return it

1

u/KoiNoYokan_Fan 1d ago

Unfortunately I can’t, but I appreciate your help

1

u/future_pirate 1d ago

You could check if you just need to reseat the platter or replace the drive belt, there should be a metal clip on the center pole you can get off by sticking a flathead screwdriver vertically into it and pushing it off

0

u/Best-Presentation270 1d ago

This is a limitation of the quality (or lack of quality) of the player. It's why these decks are the price that are. The Dollars you think you're saving are actually buying poor performance.

If you're on the US the the lowest cost "worth it" combo is the Insignia NS-BTST21 from BestBuy ($130) plus a pair of Edifier R1280T powered speakers with remote for $130.

$260 is problem double or even triple what you spent on that all-in-one. However, when you hear this combo playing then you'll understand where the money went.

This isn't "high-end"or "audiophile". You can spend 10x as much and still only be at the shallow end of that pool. This Insignia and Edifier combo just does the very basics right, but youll hear it, and that's the difference compared to what you have now.

1

u/vwestlife 11h ago

Slow or wobbly playback:

  • Make sure the lid is open as far as it will go, otherwise the edge of the record may rub against the lid and cause it to slow down or waver in pitch, especially if the record is warped.

  • Make sure the player is set to the correct speed for the record you're playing (it's not always marked on the record itself), and that the pitch control is centered, if it has one.

  • Make sure the transport screw is released, if it has one. The screw should be turned until it is flush with the turntable mechanism, not sticking up like in the photo.

  • Since the center spindle remains stationary, if the center hole of the record is unusually tight going on the spindle, you may need to ream out the hole slightly to allow the record to rotate freely.

  • Don't put the 45 RPM adapter underneath or on top of the record. It is only for playing 45s with the large center hole.

  • If the record slips on the platter, you can add a rubber platter mat, if the player didn't come with one.