I've been working on getting my "new" Marantz 6100 TT up and running. So far, it seems like a great piece. The motor is super quiet. It runs at the correct speed(s).

The only issue is that the auto return isn't working. When the stylus reaches the end of the record the tonearm lifts the stylus. Then it sets it down again. Then it lifts it again. Sets it down, etc.

I've been all over Vinyl Engine looking for a 6100 service manual in English -- there is none. Just an owner's manual which I have which doesn't offer any information on this subject.

Can anyone tell me where the auto return adjustment is located?

I've removed the bottom from the base of the TT and can only see the adjustment screws for the tonearm lift and the setting for powering the unit on, eg, lift the tonearm toward the LP, the motor kicks on. There doesn't appear to be an adjustment for auto return under the unit.

There is a screw located on the back of the tonearm base/pivot area. Is that the adjustment screw for auto return?

Any insights are appreciated. :yes:

bump

Any adjustment screw will only set the position on the record where the arm lifts. But it already does lift, so that's not the problem. More than likely something in the mechanics is either stuck or gunked up keeping it from returning. This is one where you have to open it up and observe the action.

I did a little searching and found this -- maybe these fellow 6100 owners know?

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=190851

Also the service manual can be bought here
http://www.vintage-electronics.cc/vsmpdf.html

I have no experience with this vendor but $7.50 seems pretty fair.

something mechanical is stuck or out of wack, or maybe frozen. I know that Mich'ael at Audio Studio in Brookline (http://theaudiostudio.com/) can repair this sort of problem with turntables if you get really stuck.

best of luck, stephanie

Hi, this might help you also. You can always try to contact the member to see if they can advise you further:

http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=vinyl&n=333250&highlight=marantz+6100+return&r=

though the thread is 4 yrs old.

Best, Stephanie

I'm working on a 6100 now with the same problem.... there is some linkage under the mechanism gear... check that out first.

I'm working on a 6100 now with the same problem.... there is some linkage under the mechanism gear... check that out first.


Yeah -- I thinking I need to dig deeper into the tonearm pivot above/under (?) the visible mechanisms to find the source of the problem. Maybe it's just gunked up. :dunno:

Let me know what you find out in your explorations and I'll share mine, too. :yes:

Hi, remove the cover and look under the table. There is an arm connected to a spring that triggers the switch for the return . Under that arm there is a little metal cylinder look like thing. Often that gets dirty and prevents the arm to move freely, spray some wd40 and move it around a bit. That should work.
Sorry for the poor English but I am still learning
Good luck

Hi, remove the cover and look under the table. There is an arm connected to a spring that triggers the switch for the return . Under that arm there is a little metal cylinder look like thing. Often that gets dirty and prevents the arm to move freely, spray some wd40 and move it around a bit. That should work.
Sorry for the poor English but I am still learning
Good luck

I've checked everything "mechanical" that is visible with no improvement. :no:

Is the metal cylinder made of brass?

I'll take this project up again tomorrow and report the results. :yes:

I can't figure out whats going on with mine, it almost seems like there is a part missing. I hope you have better luck than myself!

I can't figure out whats going on with mine, it almost seems like there is a part missing. I hope you have better luck than myself!

I'm getting really frustrated with this! :gigglemad

Is the auto return "driven" or dependent on some sort of balance with the tonearm, headshell, cartridge? :dunno:

I cannot find any mechanism that would be responsible for auto return, I've tried adjusting the mechanisms I can see under the TT and nothing, absolutely nothing, seems to be associated with the auto return function! :dammit:

Could someone please remove the bottom from their 6100 and photograph the undercarriage so I can determine if mine is missing pieces?! Also, include a photo of what's under the platter. Or, post an exploded view diagram of the TT so I can figure out what needs to be adjusted, fixed, lubed, etc!?!?! :scratch2:

Update: Is the clutchplate under the platter supposed to be spring loaded?

Thanks in advance to whomever can help. :thmbsp:

I can't figure out whats going on with mine, it almost seems like there is a part missing. I hope you have better luck than myself!

Is the clutchplate under the platter supposed to be spring loaded? Mine is not.

hi, there is a spring that holds back the arm that triggers the switch I mentioned before. Check if the arm moves freely and the sprig pulls it back. If it does not the brass cylinder under the arm is dirty, that will prevent the arm to come back, just spray some wd40 and move it back and forth until the spring will pull it back. There is also a long metal "pin" connected the reject lever, check if that is attached. I am working on TT right now and I'll take some pictures for you tomorrow.

Where are you in New England, I am located near Boston

hi, there is a spring that holds back the arm that triggers the switch I mentioned before. Check if the arm moves freely and the sprig pulls it back. If it does not the brass cylinder under the arm is dirty, that will prevent the arm to come back, just spray some wd40 and move it back and forth until the spring will pull it back. There is also a long metal "pin" connected the reject lever, check if that is attached. I am working on TT right now and I'll take some pictures for you tomorrow.

Yes -- I've checked all of those mechanical systems. All work OK.

Could you snap a photo of what's under the platter? I suspect I might be missing a spring on the clutchplate.

Thanks in advance for the photos -- on top and underneath. :thmbsp:

Where are you in New England, I am located near Boston

Newton. You?

Mansfield

Mansfield

You're the gentleman in Mansfield who repairs/restores Marantz TTs. I just noticed the similarity between your AK avatar and your email.

You're "Claudio" right? :D

I'm a little slow sometimes! :yes:

As you can tell probably tell from my posting, the 6100 I have is in very good physical and mechanical condition except for the auto return. Any suggestions are appreciated. :yes:

We should meet sometime. :thmbsp: