I'm a total noob in the vinyl world. I've dug this old player out of my parents loft where it's been for over 30 years. It has no anti-skate or hardshell and cartridge.
So a few questions.
Do I need a hardshell or are some integrated into the cartridge?
What budget cartridge to start me off?
I assume I'll need to replace the belt, what else do I need to do, grease the motor or anything?
Can I do without the missing anti-skate with the right choice of cartridge?
Thanks
So a few questions.
Do I need a hardshell or are some integrated into the cartridge?
What budget cartridge to start me off?
I assume I'll need to replace the belt, what else do I need to do, grease the motor or anything?
Can I do without the missing anti-skate with the right choice of cartridge?
Thanks
Hi! We will need make and model and photographs which illustrate the areas of concern.
P.S. I think you mean 'headshell'?
Don't grease the motor! Do oil the bearing under the platter, thin oil is best, and not to much, three or four drops.
Go to vinyl engine and look for the chart that lists all the tonearms/turntables and find out the "type" of tonearm you have. Match the high/medium/low compliance tonearm to the correct cartridge. Older turntables usually use a very light tonearm compared to today's tonearms. Matching the compliance makes all the difference in a quality sound.
Go to vinyl engine and look for the chart that lists all the tonearms/turntables and find out the "type" of tonearm you have. Match the high/medium/low compliance tonearm to the correct cartridge. Older turntables usually use a very light tonearm compared to today's tonearms. Matching the compliance makes all the difference in a quality sound.
You need an SME type replacement cartridge and headshell. Here are links to a budget version which will get you started and a higher quality version if you want to spend a bit more cash.
Replacement Cartridge and Headshell for SME Tonearms Diamond Stylus OFC Leads 5055145717691 | eBay
NEW Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge + Lightweight Silver Headshell Hi-Fi | eBay
Wash your drive belt in hot soapy water followed by a plunge in cold water - this will rejuvenate it, although replacements are readily available.
Clean the path that the belt follows round the motor pulley and turntable platter with some alcohol (isopropyl or even vodka!).
Replacement Cartridge and Headshell for SME Tonearms Diamond Stylus OFC Leads 5055145717691 | eBay
NEW Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge + Lightweight Silver Headshell Hi-Fi | eBay
Wash your drive belt in hot soapy water followed by a plunge in cold water - this will rejuvenate it, although replacements are readily available.
Clean the path that the belt follows round the motor pulley and turntable platter with some alcohol (isopropyl or even vodka!).
Attachments
If the anti-skating mechanism is missing then best stick to the budget cartridge which has a simple spherical (conical) stylus rather than the more expensive one with an elliptical stylus. This combo or similar AT-91 combo is as expensive as I would go under the circumstances: Audio Technica AT-91 Moving Magnet Cartridge + Black Headshell and Fixings 5021196148777 | eBay
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I'll register for vinyl engine thank you.
I think the belt has gone past soap and water. I took a look and it's nothing left of it! Well, it was something left it was like glue and it's stuck everywhere.
Thank you. It's more a curiosity at the moment so don't want to spend a lot.
Just having a peek at the manual for it and that is a good table. I've got a pile of old headshells and cartridges and sure I can find something in my 'free' pile to get you going.
I have a KD550 from the late 70s and I'll bet the antiskate weight is the same or very close. Let me do some checking and then work out what else could be used for that.
I have a KD550 from the late 70s and I'll bet the antiskate weight is the same or very close. Let me do some checking and then work out what else could be used for that.
There should be a hanging weight anti-skate mechanism at the right-hand rear of the tonearm. Some users say the arm works better without it! 🙂
EDIT: billshurv to the rescue!
EDIT: billshurv to the rescue!
That's really kind of you thank you!
It does look like a nice table. It's an entry level model but knowing my dad he would have done a lot of homework before buying.
I should have checked first but i've bought the cheap cartridge above and the track force is 3g my tonearm only goes up to 2g!
According to the Kenwood 1033 manual, the tracking force is adjustable up to 3g.
You should be able to accommodate the Sanyo cartidge you have bought, which tracks between 2.5 and 3.5g.
Are you carrying out the correct arm balancing and tracking force setting procedure?
How to Adjust the Tracking Force on a Turntable - Gear Patrol
You should be able to accommodate the Sanyo cartidge you have bought, which tracks between 2.5 and 3.5g.
Are you carrying out the correct arm balancing and tracking force setting procedure?
How to Adjust the Tracking Force on a Turntable - Gear Patrol
The kids came in while setting it up and didn't want to wait any longer so I balanced the arm and added a 5p which is close to 3g as a temporary measure. They were mildly interested for about a minute then said " I wish we still had Alexa" haha.
I think I see their point.
If you decide to continue exploring the vinyl frontier, then take a stylus balance along! 🙂
Neoteck Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge: Amazon.co.uk: Amazon.co.uk:
Neoteck Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge: Amazon.co.uk: Amazon.co.uk:
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