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Technics 1210 MK2 Expertise wanted - Click HERE for Original Thread
sikniks
Hello,

I recently purchased a technics 1210 MK2 used from a friend and was unable to test it so I trusted him on its functionality, wrong move.

It seems that the table is not pushing enough sound to mixer/receiver. I have tried it on multiple channels but the sound coming from it is very low. What could be the cause of this? Thanks
Netlist
Welcome sikniks,
Did you use the Phono input?

/Hugo :)
sikniks
Yes, I am not sure if the RCA's have gone bad or something on the inside dealing with the power distribution.
richie00boy
Turntables do not feature any power for the signals, they are just wires from the cartridge. Sounds like you are trying to plug it into a line in not a phono in.

If the wires were faulty you would just get intermittent sound not quiet sound.
Netlist
If the table spins, all is fine with the power distribution.
A few other things happen with the 1210's that can lead to your problem.
0) Bad cartridge or needle.
1) RCA plugs.
2) Signal cable.
3) The connections between the arm and the head shell. I frequently encountered problems with concorde-like head shells.
4) It happens that the contacts of the arm are oxidized.
Try cleaning them gently with a cotton stick and alcohol.
5) Worst case is the wiring inside the arm. A new arm is the only solution.

A lot can be measured with a simple ohmmeter.

/Hugo :)
sikniks
0) Have tested this one
1) The actual plug part or the whole cable? And just replace them to test it?
2) Not sure what this is nor how to test it.
3) Indeed they are concorde-like head shells, Ortofon DJ cartridges.
4) Will try this tonight.
5) Let's hope it's one of the others. ;)

Thanks a lot, I will look into what I can and post an update later.
sikniks
What size ohmmeter would I need?
richie00boy
any one you can get should do
Sonusthree
I successfully replaced the tonearm wiring inside a 1210 a few years ago when I was even more of an amature. :bigeyes: than I am now. I did it as a favour for a friend who was known for his sometimes aggressive nature and physical strength.
Those 1210's are just like those Russian dolls. Layer after layer of stuff till you get to the centre!! He came round half way through the job to see his beloved Technics in a lot of pieces. He seemed a little unconvinced.
Still runs perfectly today 6 years later and I'm still alive. :D
dangus
Like Netlist said, Concordes don't always make good electrical connections with the Technics tone arm contacts. Licking the contacts can be a temporary fix, or treating them with Cramolin or Stabilant 22 should provide a more lasting solution.
Can you try another headshell/cartridge combo?
ppfred
quote:
Originally posted by sikniks
Hello,

It seems that the table is not pushing enough sound to mixer/receiver. I have tried it on multiple channels but the sound coming from it is very low. What could be the cause of this? Thanks


Check the type & output level of the cartridge you have installed and ensure it is compatible with the PHONO input of your system.
What do you mean by "multiple channels"? You do have a PHONO input???
Modern receivers no longer come with phono capabilities.

Good luck,
fred p.
Netlist
Ok, I wrote a whole (boring) :) epistle before the forum went down and I lost it.
I could add that I assume that sikniks uses a DJ mixer with different phono inputs.
Try another cartridge and/or another mixer first.

/Hugo
sikniks
Got it,

I cleaned the contacts of the arm quite a bit because it was nasty in there. One of the contacts looks like it is projecting farther out than the other. Will this be a problem later?

Thanks a lot.
Netlist
In a commercial environment we replace the arm. These things have to be reliable.
I never opened up the arm to see if the problem with the contacts can be cured but as you say, if you can't fix them, you have a problem. I believe you will break the wires if you take off the head shell retainer without unsoldering them on the inside of the turntable.

/Hugo :)
spacemen12
Hi,
What type of cartidge do you have MC (moving coil) or MM (mouving magnet)? What is the name of the cartidge?

What type of phono preamp are you using MM only or MC?

This will help
sikniks
It is an ortofon dj cartridge. Not sure about the MM and MC things, but the sound from it now is much better after cleaning.
Netlist
I'm pretty sure that all DJ cartridges are MM. Unless someone proves me wrong of course.

Now, would you consider the sound as 'normal' on both channels?

/Hugo :)
sikniks
Seems to be so, but I cannot tell for sure since my new one that I just purchased was faulty so it is hard to compare them.

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