Hey guys,

I must say, I feel like a bit of a dork. I was a the thift store yesterday and they had a Kenwood KD-2055 for $44.99 CDN. It has the huge faux marble base and felt pretty solid. I plugged it in but it didn't work. Still, for the price, and my general lack of knowledge about turntables, I figured I'd pick it up and try and fix it.

http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/3060/audio026sm5fr.th.jpg (http://img275.imageshack.us/my.php?image=audio026sm5fr.jpg)http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/4228/audio027sm7gg.th.jpg (http://img275.imageshack.us/my.php?image=audio027sm7gg.jpg)

I should preface. I'm 22 years old. Needless to say, the age where all music was released on LPs is a bit before me. Hence, my general lack of knowledge when it comes to turntables! Actually, I picked this up more for my dad, thinking I could fix it up and hopefully give it to him as a Christmas present. He has a gigantic album collection, but no decent turntable to play them with!

http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/2626/audio028sm5le.th.jpg (http://img275.imageshack.us/my.php?image=audio028sm5le.jpg)http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/7288/audio035sm9eb.th.jpg (http://img275.imageshack.us/my.php?image=audio035sm9eb.jpg)

Anyway, there's a bunch of pictures attached. It seems to be in good shape, but obviously the belt is completely off (not sure if the motor works - I hope so!) and it's missing the cartridge and the thing that the cartridge attaches too (see, I don't know the terminology!)

I'm hoping someone can help me out with re-attaching that belt. I have no problems taking stuff apart (isn't that all part of this hobby?) so no worries there. I also hope someone can point me in the right direction as to where to get that cartridge/attachment thing. They would have to ship to Canada, of course!

Any help you guys can give me is great. This forum is awesome!

Here's a recently ended eBay auction that gives some better pictures (it's pretty dark out today so I have a lack of natural light, unfortunately!): http://cgi.ebay.ca/Kenwood-KD-2055-Turntable-w-Shure-Encore-Me70B-Manual_W0QQitemZ5830688158QQcategoryZ3283QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

... and (one of) the parts I'm missing:
http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/2936/ken2055modelno4508pt.th.jpg (http://img275.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ken2055modelno4508pt.jpg)

1. The missing part is a headshell. Order a headshell from www.kabusa.com for about US$15, including shipping, or get one of the many offered on ebay.

2. Plug the Kenwood into the AC outlet and then move the tonearm toward the platter to switch on the motor. Touch your finger to the motor pulley to determine if it turns. If it turns go to step 3. If it does not, repair may be in order.

3. Remove the platter and turn it upside down. Stretch the belt over the sub-platter and see how tight it is. It should stay on if you turn the platter right side up. If it falls off, get a new belt. If it stays on, go to step 4.

4. With the belt on the subplatter (straight and clean), from the topside place your finger through one of the slots on the platter and stretch the belt over your fingertip. Place the platter back on the platter spindle and rotate it so that, using your finger, you can stretch the belt over the motor pulley, making sure it passes through and not over or under the tines of the speed change lever. Once the belt is in place, gently let the platter go.

If the motor now turns the platter, mount your headshell with cartridge correctly installed and adjust tracking weight and antiskate and you are ready to play vinyl. If it does not turn, go back to step 2 and try it again.

:)

Hi
1. The missing part is a headshell. Order a headshell from www.kabusa.com for about US$15, including shipping, or get one of the many offered on ebay.

you should look for an SME Headshell in this case and a cartridge for a middleweight arm.

for example the shure m97xE if your ambitions are a bit higher
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I5SB/103-3037216-3220663?v=glance&n=172282&v=glance
what is really cheap for this cartridge

or for a beginners player maybe such as the Audio Technica AT95e
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7555201605&sspagename=ADME:B:AAQ:DE:1
what you should find vor less than 30$

a headshell would be this:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SME-style-Headshell_W0QQitemZ5833216687QQcategoryZ3283QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ALUMINIUM-HEADSHELL-TYPE-SME-1-2-headshell_W0QQitemZ5833533638QQcategoryZ3283QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

did you really pay 45$ for this?

for adjusting the cartridge at the headshell and arm you will have know a bit more and need some help like this (attachment)



Helge

Thanks guys! I was able to get the belt attached, and it spins! So that's a good start :)

Thanks for the info regarding the headshell/cartridge. I'll have to try and pick one up. So, if I understand this correctly, assuming I'm looking at the right types, the different headshells will fit, along with different cartridges? As in, it doesn't have to be a Kenwood part or whatever, but I can use other brands? That's definately good news!

Does anyone have any information about this turntable? I doubt it's anything amazing, but it's probably a good start!

Hi

there are different types of arms from ultraligt to heavy, you can't combine no Heavy headshell to a ultralite arm, you couldn't adjust it with the weight at the end.

you have a mid-weight arm and should use a headshell/cartridge-combination fitting in weight to it. if there will be problems of minimal differences there are weights to apply to the cartridge to make it a bit heavier.

i applied some links for you and a pdf with the protractor to printout to use for a rough adjustment.

when cartridge is in the right position and angle, you have to zero the arm, then give it the right weight for the chsen system and adjust ~same as weight to the antiscating wheel.

i would have prefered else for the price but its not bad at all.



Helge

Here are a couple links that may help in setting up your TT.

http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm

http://www.vandenhul.nl/artpap/turntabl.htm

Thanks guys, this is great information. I'll probably check around locally and see if I can find anything, but I'm thinking that online is the best way to go.

At $45, I probably paid too much. But that's Canadian dollars, so it's what, like $4.73 US? :) Still though, after getting the belt on, it works fine! It auto-returns, the cut works, etc. I'm sure my dad will be thrilled, and that's the important part! Plus, it'll go nicely with the Kenwood KA-3500 and KT-5300 amp/tuner combo I got him for $30 :thmbsp:

If you spring for the Shure M97xE from Amazon ($58 includes free shipping - a great deal and your father will be proud), it comes with a decent protractor below the foam in the aluminum case, which includes the screws, nuts and small screwdriver you will need to mount the cartridge in the headshell. And you'll never touch $58 locally.

And, don't forget to get him something like this: http://www.needledoctor.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.-109/it.A/id.765/.f. Dirty records sound like crap and this is the bare minimum needed to clean them.

The links provided above are an excellent place to start once you have the cartridge in hand. And $45 is not a bad price for that TT if it works well. Again, your daddy will be proud. :D

Missing knobs, headshells, switch covers, etc. seem to be the norm at most of the thrifts I visit.....not good! :thumbsdn:

Disinfect,
There is a poster on Audio Asylum who raves about the sound

I think you are too pessimistic about that table. Its not state of the art, but it is well made, and while there are nits to pick about mass loading as a means of isolation, and removeable headshell japanese arms, there are a lot of not anywhere near as good tables for a lot more money. The Kenwoods (like many tables) are sometimes criticised for not having heavy enough platters, but you can find heavy platter mats, which will help, and since the thing is so heavy to begin with, the extra mass won't affect the feet. Which is not so with the lighter tables.
Also -- the kind of headshell you are looking for is often called an SME headshell, but don't get the actual SME headshell -- not only are they very expensive, but they don't have slots to allow you to align the cartridge. SMEs move the arm to align the cartridge, so the headshell just has one pair of screw holes.
I think you will be quite pleased with the Kenwood.

I think it's a pretty neat little turntable. It definately has a different look, with the faux marble base, and it has some nice heft (which is mainly why I picked it up in the first place!) And it all works, which is good enough for me!

Thanks for all the help everyone, I feel at least somewhat educated about this stuff now! Enough so that I don't look quite the fool :)

Nice find. Those Kenwood Turntables are really cool. I love the bases on them! Since I am 55 I have seen and owned many turntables. Last year I decided to go back to my roots and run Dual turntables exclusively. Not that I would turn away one of those Kenwoods. I have some parts left over from those days. One is a headshell from a Technics turntable and have a cartridge that are laying around here. One of the nice things about Japanesse tables is the headshell fits Kenwood,Pioneer, and Technics tables. They are universal. My headshell will fit that Kenwood. You can have both! Free. Email me and give me your address! Enjoy Eric :music:

Nice offer, Stereofisher. That's why I like this place. Seems like there's never a shortage of folks willing to help someone. You get my vote today. :yes: :thmbsp:
I tip my krepla to the others who offered their advice also.

I hate to be a man-whore, but, if Disenfect doesn't need the headshells, I have what I think is a Dual headshell, 4 pins inline that I would gladly trade you for a the 1/2" mounts. PM me if you're interested.

I hate to be a man-whore, but, if Disenfect doesn't need the headshells, I have what I think is a Dual headshell, 4 pins inline that I would gladly trade you for a the 1/2" mounts. PM me if you're interested.

You are welcome to it if the Kenwood guy does not want it...Its off a Technics turntable. The carts new, a bottom line AudioTechnica. What Dual turntable is the headshell from? Got the early 1009s, a 1009F and a 1229. Whose the girl in you avatar? Later Eric :music:

Eric,
I can't answer either question. I just liked the pic, and know nothing about Duals. I have a new card reader on the way, I'll get you a pic.
Steve

Sounds like a great find, I have to respectfully disagree with Sixt8mopar. I love finding bargain finds at thrift stores, sometimes it is just a matter of patience. Over a period of a year I have picked up two BIC turntables. Both are belt drive, and one I believe is the top of the line belt drive. That one works, but I am changing out the base with another BIC that I picked up for 7.00 bucks! Beautiful real dark wood, not laminated. When it is all put together with a new cartridge, it will be a cool vintage 70's turntable. Total cost probably about 70.00!

Which two BIC models do you have Harbinger1? I've got several and think they're great :thmbsp: Especially the original 900 series and the 1000, of course!

I never seem to have inner groove distortion, mis-tracking, or other problems that seem to plague owners of several other turntable brands.

Doug

I picked this up more for my dad, thinking I could fix it up and hopefully give it to him as a Christmas present.

Your a good son, Disinfect. If you ever fall out with your dad, I'll adopt you. :deal: That is, so long as you keep bringing home goodies! :banana:

And BTW, you know EXACTLY what you're doing, just like the rest of us! :rockon: Welcome aboard!

Guys, it's totally opposite situation for me: lady sells Marantz TT-162 TD and I can't find any information on it!!! Really I don't want to do anything if I don't really know what I'm doing. But good decision is an educated one. To buy or not to buy? I mean: buy (!!!) but for how much? Help!!!

Forget Marantz from my previous post - junk. But today bumped into this: Collaro changer with Shure cartridge. Very good condition. Does anybody know what it is and how much it may worth? Can't find any info on a web.
BTW if anybody wants it ddrop me PM - this thing is not my style but it will be available for a while.

what a coincidence, I got the same turntable yesterday and I too am 22 years old ! I have yet to try it , listen to these guys they know their stuff, and I second Yamaha B2's suggestion about that shure m97xe its a highly regarded cartridge, hope you enjoy! im having mine tuned up aswell got it for $50canadian, its a beyond great turntable for the price! Enjoy :thmbsp:

;^)

what may be known here as a sme headshell should probably be called a UNIVERSAL headshell. the ones recommended here are fine but the one i find to be superior is the sumiko HS-12 from, among other sources, music direct:

http://www.musicdirect.com/products/search.asp?cat_id=ALL&man_id=ALL&advSearch=stdSearch&search_desc=no&keyword=sumiko+headshell

not only is the construction robust, there are TWO retaining pins, one up, one down, for twice the stability of the shell mount.

also, they include litz wires of high quality which wlll on their own for $20. yeah, $40 is high for a shell but you get what you pay for.

http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm



http://www.mazdaworld.net/forums/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif

Just a quick note for tonearm/cartridge matching. The Kenwood in question looks like it has a mid to heavy-weight arm. I would AVOID the M97xE and go with the AT 440MLa. I tried 'em both on my Sony table(similar arm) and HATED the sound of the shure on it. Haven't tried it yet on another table though. The Audio Technica has a MUCH more 'forward' sound to it than the Shure. The Shure is much more 'laid-back' in its presentation(IMHO).

i havent got an m97xe yet but i DO like my v15Vxmr. if anything, the shures dont stand out in any sonic way except they are VERY linear and smooth.

the original 440 can be viewed as a bit bright but certainly good. the MLa is one i havent heard yet but would like very much to.

any of the grados from the red down should make you happy including the $40 black.

so there you have it. life can be good AND cheeeeep.

great score. :thmbsp: plus you saved anywhere from $30 to $50 on shipping by picking it up yourself.:music:

Just a quick note for tonearm/cartridge matching. The Kenwood in question looks like it has a mid to heavy-weight arm. I would AVOID the M97xE and go with the AT 440MLa. I tried 'em both on my Sony table(similar arm) and HATED the sound of the shure on it. Haven't tried it yet on another table though. The Audio Technica has a MUCH more 'forward' sound to it than the Shure. The Shure is much more 'laid-back' in its presentation(IMHO).
Boy, I wish I'd found your post earlier. I have a Kenwood KD 3050 and I just bought a new cartridge (M97) for it. It sounds terrible. I've spent all morning trying different settings and just can't make it sound rich like the old cheaper 91 did. I had a couple of people tell me the 97 should sound fine and was better, but I think I agree with you. I don't like the new M97e at all.

Hi, I had the same turntable you now have and sometimes wish I had kept it .even though I now own a 1,200 doller music hall mmf 7.That table with a ring mat is dead silent,I used a Grado red cartage on a audio tecnica head shell .The base is actualy corion Fo marble.one big help is take off the base and solder on some kimber ppj interconects.he kenwood KD 2055 has a very stable plinth a great arm in it's day and gives up very little to more expencive tables in it's day.I chose this table over a used Thorns as it was better sounding.Heavy little basterd isent it.take it to a good repair shop and have them disconect all the automatic crap and you will be very happy with it.

Hi, I had the same turntable you now have and sometimes wish I had kept it .even though I now own a 1,200 doller music hall mmf 7.That table with a ring mat is dead silent,I used a Grado red cartage on a audio tecnica head shell .The base is actualy corion Fo marble.one big help is take off the base and solder on some kimber ppj interconects.he kenwood KD 2055 has a very stable plinth a great arm in it's day and gives up very little to more expencive tables in it's day.I chose this table over a used Thorns as it was better sounding.Heavy little basterd isent it.take it to a good repair shop and have them disconect all the automatic crap and you will be very happy with it.
Actually a lot of us here have found that the heavy, high end automatics sound as good as the manuals because the automation was kept separate from the platter and was disengaged from the arm when playing. I personally like at least auto-return as I tend to fall asleep.

good advice if it dosent affect the sound leter rip! I had mine gone through by a audio freak who loved simple.But some times things get moded that don't even mater.

While there seems to be alot of attention here could I ask.... What's the story with turntables I've seen with two seperate tone arms? In all the pictures that I've seen it appears that a tone arm is mounted near the 10 to 11 o:clock position and another is near the 1 to 2. They also seem to be of different manufacture and/or design. I just don't understand. Thanks

Two tone arms allows the use of two cartridges on the same drive platter. Depends on what you are listening too and whether you are willing to expose your $1000 cartridge to a piece of unknown vinyl. Some set their carts for rock/folk on arm 1 and classical one arm 2. Some set arm 1 for 33 LP's and arm 2 for 78's. Depends on where you are in the hobby.

Regarding the Kenwoods - have you checked the prices on eBay lately? They are very collectible :) I remember when the were new and the most desirable models came with the "Black Widow" arms. They were big bucks for street kids back in the day. I imagine that they were nothing special for the hi-end guys, even back then. But they were never meant to compete with $500 tables with $700 cartridges (1969 $$ - that would be multiple 1000's today). They were one of the most desirable Japanese big name tables out there - at least in the San Jose/SF area. I remember slobbering over one for weeks at a stereo shop "downtown" (we were hill/country kids). Never got one and am still looking if I catch one at a yard sale - it'll get a prize place in my collection. Your dad will be very happy :)

:thmbsp: YES IWAS READING ! CONGRATULATIONS . PEOPLE LIKE YOU MAKES THE BIG DIFERENCE IN THE WORLD . PWILSON

Newbie here...

I picked up a Kenwood KD-2055 last week and I am throughly happy with it! It replaced my Rega P1 with the Bias II cartridge. The Kenwood now has a NOS Audio Technics AT15Sa and It too is great. My first Shibata stylus (though I had a fine-line not long ago). The soundstage and imaging are most excellent.

I'd say you/I got a great deal!!! :thmbsp:

Newbie here...

I picked up a Kenwood KD-2055 last week and I am throughly happy with it! It replaced my Rega P1 with the Bias II cartridge. The Kenwood now has a NOS Audio Technics AT15Sa and It too is great. My first Shibata stylus (though I had a fine-line not long ago). The soundstage and imaging are most excellent.

I'd say you/I got a great deal!!! :thmbsp:

Good table and a way cool cart!

Eric:music:

Thanks for the compliment, Eric! I'm loving it even more since I added a bit more tracking weight! :thmbsp:

I have this model Kenwood tt too (I dig it but what do I know?) and the only reason I would replace is I dig the colors of those Pro-ject Debuts!!! Who cares how they sound!

george

Subject: Vinyl Re-Newbie

Transpired: Just experienced that 'analog magic' for the first time since 1981 :yippy:

Prognosis: Incurable. Hooked on Vinyl.

Case History:

6 months ago for 50 bones I pick up up a NAD 7250PE and cartridgeless Dual CS-5000. Played with the NAD for a while, handed it over to another music fan.

Meanwhile dust collects on the TT.

2 months later see the ad Box of old Carts $20.

So now I've got some useless stylusless carts, some from old consoles but 3 that maybe look ok. Tried the Grado, no, the stylus too worn. Turned it over to someone who's got the replacement piece for it, made another vinyl guy happy. Other carts probably too heavy, this Dual likes Ortophon-like? It sits again.

Well 6 months later I see an ad for 300 LPs for 75 bucks with TT.

Okay this is enough, Vinyl is following me! It must be the Fates...

So I set up again, this time I've got some better gear. Seems nice, but the pop-scratch is unlivable.

Finally, now I've got even better gear...some synergy has to be just exactly right? It finally all fell into place at once...

Dual CS-5000 (belt + quartz controlled) AudioTechnica something.
Yamaha C-4 pre (switchable imp & resistance)
out to Concept 16.5
- Bozak Symphonies
- Dahlquist DQ-10
- Infinity E-Stat hybrids 2000A
Cardas-approved room dimensions (golden ratio)

The Bozaks roll off the top end, so the scratches are less wrenching. The pre is out of sight amazing,

Carly Simon: That's the Way I Always Heard it Should Be
The Drifters On Broadway, Under the Boardwalk
Percy Sledge: When A Man Loves A Woman

Not sure if the scratches on Carly's track are intentional--like Pink Floyd's 1st cut on Wish You Were Here?

i just bought a turntable for my boyfriend for his birthday... and apparently i need a (pre)amp?? where is a good place i can find one for cheap? how much do they usually run for? id hate to give him a gift he cant even use...

You need a phono amp AKA as a phono pre amp. It would probably be better to start a separate thread on a phono preamp. Give info on the cartridge you plan on using on the TT and a budget. Cheap is very different to different folks.

How should I go about getting that dust off that old pile records? Wood glue sounds good but a bit extreme.

thanks,

How should I go about getting that dust off that old pile records? Wood glue sounds good but a bit extreme.

thanks,

Warsh 'em in the sink like dishes 'cept don't dunk the labels. :D

If you search you will find many threads on this subject.

Doug