Need opinions on Turn Tables....

[Big_Bill]

Hello guys!

I've got three turn tables and I need opinions on what to do with them.
They are as follows:

1) B&O Beogram 1700 (working)

2) B&O Beogram 1800 (working)

3) Pioneer PL-630 (not working)

Now, I know many of are fighting the urge to tell me to throw them in the dumpster, (as I've seen on other treads) but I do hope your self-control gets the better of you!

Firstly, are the B&O's worth the effort to clean and lube or are they just low quality TT's to start with?

Secondly, as for the Pioneer PL-630, it's so goofed up I wonder if its worth having repaired (I cant find a decent TT tech in Charlotte, so I'd have to ship it off!) or would my money be better spent on just finding another used TT altogether?

Bill.

[Glowbug]

I'd probably use the Beograms until you have to change the stylii. They don't take universal cartridges, so you'll probably end up paying more than you might otherwise...

Long term, I'd probably look into other tables.

[planet10]

Lightweight turntable project

dave

[flavio81]

The Pioneer seems to be a more serious table. The B&O pickup is something special, though. Don't know about the arms.

Specs on the B&O:

BeoGram 1800 Record Deck Product Specifications

Types: 5811, 5813, 5814, 5815
Bearing: Knife vertical, ball horizontal
Tracking force range: 0-20 mN/2g
Tracking error: 0.11 degrees/cm
Antiskating: Integrated in tone arm system
Arm friction vertical: 0.019 mN
Arm friction horizontal: 0.19mN
Arm length: 229mm
Wow & flutter DIN: <+/- 0.09&#37;
Wow & flutter WRMS: <+/- 0.045%
Speeds: 33 - 45 rpm Rumble weighted: >62 dB
Rumble unweighted: >42 dB
Speed deviation: <+/- 0.1%
Drive system: electronic servo drive & belt
Motor: DC Tacho
Power supply: 180 - 265 (110) V
Pickup: MMC5
Power frequency: 60-60Hz
Power consumption: 8 watts
Dimensions WxHxD: 44 x 8,5 (37cm with lid raised) x 33cm
Weight: 6kg
Finish: Aluminium

Specs on the Pioneer:
http://www.thevintageknob.org/PIONEER/PL630/PL630.html

Noise floor: 75dB (DIN B)
wow&flutter: &#177; 0,035% (DIN B)

What is wrong with your Pioneer?

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by Big_Bill

Secondly, as for the Pioneer PL-630, it's so goofed up I wonder if its worth having repaired (I cant find a decent TT tech in Charlotte, so I'd have to ship it off!) or would my money be better spent on just finding another used TT altogether?

Does it at least spin? If so, then just disable all the tone-arm"s auto features and use it manually. It's got to be better than those B&O's?

Jeff

[Nanook]

look at www.thevintageknob.org/PIONEER/PL630/PL630.html for a little information.

It certainly can't be any worse than an SL1200

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by Nanook

It certainly can't be any worse than an SL1200

That's an interesting point. The PL-630 may actually sound better than an SL-1200, but the odds of finding a decent working unit may not be so good. It would appear Pioneer spent big R&D money back in the '70's, chasing the high end DD market.

Jeff

[Big_Bill]

Thanks guys!

Nice link Dave! Well Flavio81 and Jeff, It is something in the tone arms auto circuit. When full auto is used the tone arm goes back and forth and up and down all on its own and the platter wont spin. When used in manual mode the platter wont spin either. I goofed around inside a while back and bypassed the beam and electronic eye on the tone arm mechanisim, the only thing that happend was the motor shaft began to rotate (oscillate) back and forth very quickly? Oh, and thanks for the link Nanook!

Bill.

[vinylkid58]

I hope you have a copy of the service manual. There's a lot of stuff crammed into that table. There appears to be a belt that drives the tonearm auto functions. That would be the first place to look if you haven't already.

Jeff

[Big_Bill]

Originally Posted by vinylkid58

I hope you have a copy of the service manual. There's a lot of stuff crammed into that table. There appears to be a belt that drives the tonearm auto functions. That would be the first place to look if you haven't already.

Jeff

No I dont have a service manual. I'm not realy "bright" enough to be messing with it the first place! I did manage to replace the tone arm belt though, but it didnt correct anything.

If I could figure out how to bypass the auto function AND get the platter to turn I'd be in business!

What are the flaws with the B&O's I've listed? (Short form would be fine)