Kofi Annan in: "Turntable Troubles"

[Kofi Annan]

OK, last question for real this time. It does actually run a a teeny bit fast. Is there an adjustment for this?

I'm going to play with the motor mounting a bit to see if that addresses the speed issue, but I thought I'd ask in case anyone knows.

Kofi

[audio-kraut]

Hi kofi - you owe us bigtime for the wild goose chase - or we send the security council after you

Since the motor is a synchronous ac motor - as far as i recall -, there ain't much to adjust.
But if it just runs a teensie bit fast - why worrie? My old transcriptor hydraulik whom i had a new pully machined for does the same. Except for people with perfect pitch or for studio purposes IMHO it doesn't matter.
You could use the already recommended power supply at a couple of hundred bucks - but that would defeat the purpose of a reasonably price TT, wouldn't it?

[anatech]

Hi Kofi,
Use a light solvent to remove the dark line on the pulley. That will reduce the diameter of the pulley ever so slightly.
I have owned and enjoyed the Thorens TD-160, 125 MkII (current), TD-115 and others. My cartridge of choice so far is a Ortofon VMS-30E, I'm told an OM-30 is the same beast. The original Thorens arm is fine, nothing wrong with them.
Anyone know where to get original Thorens belts? Most have an incorrect width.

There are many fine turntables, I don't believe the Thorens tt or arm deserves to be knocked. Esp. in their price range.

-Chris

[Kofi Annan]

or we send the security council after you

The Security Council? I am the motherfather Security Council, motherfather!!!

Just watched The Last Detail and I couldn't resist.

But if it just runs a teensie bit fast - why worrie

Yeah... but its driving me nuts. Well, more so.

I really want to slow it down a bit. I think I'll try and shim the motor down a bit an see if that will help. Sorry, but once you hear something, you just gotta fix it. Like when I point out to Mrs. Annan that the faucet is dripping and she didn't notice it before. Then she hears it. Then she can't stop hearing it. Then she hits me in the face.

Use a light solvent to remove the dark line on the pulley

Will Formula 409 work? I could go as high as Formula 412 if necessary, but that's experimental. Hey, I wonder where the schmuck is who thought up Formula 408?

Anyone know where to get original Thorens belts?

I got mine from Trian Electronics. It says "Thorens" on the belt and they're the official Thorens dealer in the US, so I'm assuming its authentic.

Any other ideas on how to slow this down a bit?

Kofi

[anatech]

Thanks Kofi,
Use Methyl Hydrate or lacquer thinner to remove all the rubber off the pulley. Fold up a paper towel so you don't dissolve a Q-tip.
If you want to slowly make the pulley smaller, run the motor and gently hold some 600 grit wet / dry sandpaper against the pulley. Maintain the original contour.
The better Thorens tables used a multiphase frequency generator. Basically an AC synchronous motor driven from an internal oscillator. The was an adjustment available as well. You may be able to use a cassette motor to drive the table, but I can't see this being as stable as the Thorens units. Look up the TD 125 MKII for the motor design.
-Chris

[Kofi Annan]

Use Methyl Hydrate or lacquer thinner to remove all the rubber off the pulley

Will do.

If you want to slowly make the pulley smaller, run the motor and gently hold some 600 grit wet / dry sandpaper against the pulley. Maintain the original contour.

Maintainin' the original contour is what I'm all about, mah man!

Hey-- if I get the Rega RB250, will I have to build an armboard or can I mount it in place of the original Thorens arm?

Kofi

[planet10]

Thorens belts can be had from Sound Hounds... 250 595 HiFi

i just use isopropanol to clean the pullies.

dave

[Kofi Annan]

Last last question (probably):

Just bought a Rega RB-250 off Audiogon and I need to know if there's something special I need to do to mount it to the Thorens TD-160. Will I need to build a tonearm board? If so, what materials are best?

Will I ever stop asking questions? Will I? What's that rash on my leg? OK, I can ask a doctor about that one. Just help me with the tonearm mounting then.

Kofi

[Gaucho]

Will I need to build a tonearm board? If so, what materials are best?

Aluminum tends to sound bright, where as wood is to reasonant and will lead to some colouration. Acrylic is very good IMHO. I suspect delrin would be very good as well.

Regards

[anatech]

Hi Kofi,
Thorens actually made blank mounting boards for that purpose. They were made of MDF and should not be that hard to replicate. The top surface was painted semi-gloss black.
MDF is not a very resonant material, if you are worried about this, you can stick putty an the bottom. I don't recommend this, as it throws the weight off. Just copy the board that is on the unit.
-Chris