Old Turntable question

[dieselpower]

Old Tuntable question

I have an old Technics SL-220 turntable.

Can anyone tell me if this uses a MM or an MC.

Can you recommend a good/cheap cartridge?

Does anyone have a service manual?

thanks
Brett

 

[Netlist]

Hi Brett and welcome.

If the head shell is not a fixed one, that is made to only accept Technics cartridges you can stuff anything you want in there.
Which doesn't mean anything will sound good.
Have a look at Stanton ( stantonmagnetics.com).
Something like the 680HP is affordable, or the 681EEE which is a bit higher priced.
Both are MM.
These are rugged cartridges and needles won't be a problem for many years.
Sorry, no manual.

/Hugo 🙂

 

[dieselpower]

Thanks for the reply Hugo

The headshell is removable and the cartridge is removable, as it now holds a Shure 680??? from my DJing days w/ a MKII 1200, but it's a bit wore out.

As money is a factor for me right now, I want to try to get this old table up and running. wow & flutter is all over the board, but the belt seems a bit too loose so I'll start with that first.

I would like to also disable the "semi-auto" features and make it a manual table, and probably install new RCAs & cables.

thanks
Brett

 

[Netlist]

Shure 680?
That might be a Stanton 680. I never heard of Shure 680. 😉
Those cartridges are designed to last forever (well, almost, you know the Dj's 🙂 ), you probably only need to replace the stylus.
To disable the semi auto feature, use common sense. There's probably not more needed then detaching some mechanical part or take out a wheel.
Keep us posted.

/Hugo 🙂

 

[dieselpower]

Hugo
ya, your right it is a Stanton, what was I thinking...

Brett

 

[Netlist]

what was I thinking...

Dreaming of a Shure V15?

/Hugo 🙂

 

[dieselpower]

That V15 is sweet eh?

anyways, I just ordered a new belt & a service manual off eBay, she'll be running like new in no time... 😀

 

[Netlist]

Within a week or so I'll be able to compare a Stanton 881 and a Shure V15 on an old Thorens TD124 with SME3012 😎
Bought rather cheap at an auction.

/Hugo 🙂

 

[planet10]

Stanton 881 and a Shure V15 on an SME3012

shudder... can't remember the TT i had those on... long gone thou.

dave

 

[dieselpower]

Sounds nice Hugo😎

I was looking at a review of the Grado Green for $60.00, looks like a nice cart...

http://www.gradolabs.com/reviews/cart_blk_2.htm

 

[planet10]

Grado

I really like Grados. I have a source where i buy good used Grados for a song. Makes putting together a Frugal-phile(tm) TT a lot easier. I prefer even a budget Grado to the Shures or Stantons.

dave

 

[dieselpower]

Dave
Are you willing to share your source? 🙄

Brett

 

[planet10]

Are you willing to share your source? 🙄

I am willing to source cartridges & sell them at a small profit -- the source goes back many years & has to do with a special relationship with the supplier, so even me making money would be more likely to get them in your hands cheaper than if you could get them direct.

Cost would be on the order of $15-25 CAD depending on what models i can get (+ postage $5.50 USD Air/$4 Surface). I currently have one at each end of the spectrum on top of my DVD player -- i'll only ship them if i've installed them and they pass a 2nd level of QC.

dave

 

[markp]

Grado's are by far the best value in cartridges in the under $100 area.

 

[dieselpower]

Grado source

Dave
That sounds like a pretty sweet deal. I am interested, but as the old ZZ Top song goes ".... just got paid today, got me a pocket full of change..."

A new cart is on a long list of Hi-Fi mods that I'm looking at. The GainClone comes next, but I will keep you in mind...

BTW, you're selling carts on eBay aren't you? I recognize the "frugal-phile"😉

thanks for the info
Brett

 

[planet10]

Re: Grado source

BTW, you're selling carts on eBay aren't you? I recognize the "frugal-phile"😉

Not carts, but lots of other things... one of these typically goes into a TT when i sell those on eBay.

dave