busted JVC turntable. help?

[beffie]

this is just a basic JVC AL-F350 i got when i was like 15 or something but it worked for my needs. i just moved it cross country and now it doesn't work. here's what it's doing:

powers up fine.
record size sensor light on the upper righthand side of the platter doesn't come on.
if you pick up the tone arm and move it over the platter, it won't spin up.
when you hit the auto start/stop button, it responds but it can't do anything because the platter won't spin and the mechanism is driven off the same motor.

so, it's kind of working. the platter just won't spin up but i don't know why. could anyone direct me to a site that has some basic troubleshooting steps or help out otherwise? i'm pretty good at fixing things. i just don't know where to look first on this particular piece of equipment.

i pulled the bottom off and had a look at that sensor light. it looks like it's blown. i'll get a meter on it once i dig that out of my boxes. would that cause the whole thing to stop working?

thanks in advance.

[analog_sa]

If i were you i'd take the easy way out and just replace it for five bucks at a yard sale. Unless it has a HUGE sentimental value

[beffie]

no huge sentimental value. i just like listening to my vinyl from time to time.

i guess this leads into another question: what's a good midrange used techniques turntable? i see tons on Ebay but i have no clue as to value, which models are good, etc.

i'll do some searching on the forum as well.

[Sir Trefor]

I have had a direct-drive Technics SL-1400 turntable since I was 16, and I have never once been unsatisfied with it. The SL-1400 is much more adapted for the home stereo system than say, the SL-1200; which is the top of the line turntable by Technics, but is really only useful for the gigging DJ. Last time I checked I don't think they were going for too much on ebay, if I am not mistaken.

One thing you may want to consider-, audiophiles argue about which is better; direct drive or belt drive. I know, I used to argue with another audiophile on the same subject.

The thing about belt drive is that the turntable itself is isolated from the motor, so the platter is not picking up any vibrations from the motor; which is what happens with direct drive.

Still, some argue that with belt drive the belt will strech and your pitch will be compromised, but with direct drive pitch is only affected by the minute DC voltage variations for the motor.

I personally am more of a belt-drive guy. I succumbed to direct drive because the turntable was free. Free stuff makes a believer out of us all.

-Trevor

[Sir Trefor]

I hate to post twice, but I would just like to say that i have never been a big fan of JVC turtables. Their other home stereo equipment is actaull pretty decent, but I just don't like the turntables.

[beffie]

I have had a direct-drive Technics SL-1400 turntable since I was 16, and I have never once been unsatisfied with it.

thanks for the input. i was considering the SL-1700 as well. we'll see what i dig up when i go on my turntable buying adventure. as for now, i just dumped a bunch of cash into tuning the front suspension on my motorcycle so stereo equipment's out for a few months. ah, the pleasures of multiple money consuming obsessions/hobbies/etc.

I hate to post twice, but I would just like to say that i have never been a big fan of JVC turtables. Their other home stereo equipment is actaull pretty decent, but I just don't like the turntables.

my JVC wasn't the best but it worked. one of my college roommates found a Technics turntable at a thrift store for 30 bucks. i'm pretty sure it was an SL model but i'm not sure which one. regardless, it had amazing sound as compared to my JVC. ever since then, i've wanted one.

-Beth