Hi,
I was just trying to install (for a friend) a Benz Micro cartridge on a Thorens TD550. This has a aluminium platter which seems to be chromed instead of polished. Especially at the circumference the Benz is pulled down until the housing touches the record. Since the platter is a bit smaller than a 12" avoiding the circumference is no option.
Does anyone know this problem?
Is there a solution for it?
Thanks,
William
I was just trying to install (for a friend) a Benz Micro cartridge on a Thorens TD550. This has a aluminium platter which seems to be chromed instead of polished. Especially at the circumference the Benz is pulled down until the housing touches the record. Since the platter is a bit smaller than a 12" avoiding the circumference is no option.
Does anyone know this problem?
Is there a solution for it?
Thanks,
William
Try using a thick mat, like cork. A 1/4" thick mat may do the trick, if the spindle is long enough.
Amazon.com: (1) New Turntable Toys TC-1 Cork Audiophile Turntable Mat 1/4-inch thick: Home Audio & Theater
Amazon.com: (1) New Turntable Toys TC-1 Cork Audiophile Turntable Mat 1/4-inch thick: Home Audio & Theater
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It is not very long so probably no option (at least not ¼“ thick)
At the moment the standard thin felt mat is used. I‘m wondering why nobody else has this problem....
William
At the moment the standard thin felt mat is used. I‘m wondering why nobody else has this problem....
William
Perhaps this cartridge is unusually sensitive to magnetic material.
The outer platter could be deplated.
The outer platter could be deplated.
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Clearly its not chromed aluminium as neither chromium nor aluminium are ferromagnetic. Presumably its a chromed steel platter, or has a steel layer.
It might be that there is a thick layer of nickel under the chrome I suppose (chrome is plated on nickel), but normally nickel plating is thin. Nickel is ferromagnetic.
Another possibility is the platter is a sandwich construction with steel inserts for extra MoI.
It might be that there is a thick layer of nickel under the chrome I suppose (chrome is plated on nickel), but normally nickel plating is thin. Nickel is ferromagnetic.
Another possibility is the platter is a sandwich construction with steel inserts for extra MoI.
Looks like you'll have to change either the cartridge, or the turntable.
The platter is aluminum per the mfr. Chromium dioxide is magnetic.
Chromium(IV) oxide - Wikipedia
The platter is aluminum per the mfr. Chromium dioxide is magnetic.
Chromium(IV) oxide - Wikipedia
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According to the manual it´s a chromed aluminium platter. Probably the in between layers are magnetical, a quite strong little Nd magnet will attach to the side of the platter but not as strong as it would to a steel part, on top of the platter the layer seems to be thinner.
Probably the cartridge has a very strong magnet.
I saw Thorens offer the TD550 in black with an anodized platter which probably isn't magnetic.
I'm still wondering nobody at Thorens thinks of this when offering an almost 10k€ turntable which usually will be paired with an MC cartridge.
William
Probably the cartridge has a very strong magnet.
I saw Thorens offer the TD550 in black with an anodized platter which probably isn't magnetic.
I'm still wondering nobody at Thorens thinks of this when offering an almost 10k€ turntable which usually will be paired with an MC cartridge.
William
It sounds like the time to call thorens.com directly. I expect the service to be excellent in the country of manufacturing. Let us know how Thorens responds to you.
If Thorens used any ferromagnetic material on the plater of their top range turntable, that's the worst kind of design mistake.
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Yes, if you bought the turntable new, they may be willing to exchange the outer platter
for one that will work. If it was used, maybe they will sell you one.
for one that will work. If it was used, maybe they will sell you one.
Hi,
we called them. They never heard of this problem.
There used to be a black anodized platter for this turntable and they are looking if they can find one. Then the problem should be solved.
Will let you hear what happens.
William
we called them. They never heard of this problem.
There used to be a black anodized platter for this turntable and they are looking if they can find one. Then the problem should be solved.
Will let you hear what happens.
William
If that doesn't work, someone may trade you theirs, since not all cartridges will have this problem.
If Thorens used any ferromagnetic material on the plater of their top range turntable, that's the worst kind of design mistake. They have an obligation to correct the problem. It is a $10K+ turntable.
Hi,
now they seem to know the problem…....
The first series TD550 had a magnetic platter because of the chrome plating. They will exchange the platter for a small fee, problem solved. 🙂
william
now they seem to know the problem…....
The first series TD550 had a magnetic platter because of the chrome plating. They will exchange the platter for a small fee, problem solved. 🙂
william
It is wonderful to hear that Thorens continues to support the customer.
They should have provided the exchange for free with an apology. 😉I am a Thorens user for more than 40 years, TD160 and TD125-II.
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