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Cart reccomendations for a Technics SL-1700?

Hey guys, I still need some help before I get so frustrated that I smash this thing to pieces. It seems like the simplest thing ever which pisses me off even more. I have a SL1700, stock, as previously mentioned. I cannot install my new AT440MLa cartridge, because the overhang adjustment screw will NOT screw into the nut enough to secure the cartridge and spacer to the headshell. I have tried all combinations of the original screw and nut and the new ones that came with the cartridge. Everytime, the screw only goes halfway into the nut, instead of all going all the way and fastening tightly (probably because both the nut and screw turn, no matter how tight I hold one to prevent it). Therefore even when I screw in the other two screws, the whole thing is loose and the cartridge/spacer move around instead of holding tight. I have been trying for like a month now to get it to work, and the manual isn't even helpful for this problem. I don't want to take it somewhere and pay someone who knows how much for something so small. Has anyone had this problem? Can anyone tell me what to do, or what I'm doing wrong? It just makes no sense.
 
I think you should post pics of the headshell your trying to mount the ATM440MLa on.

From the looks of it in your post #16 it is not an OEM Technics headshell...if it is then it just might be one made for the mounting to that P-mount adapter. I have several on the OEM Technics headshells they need an adapter plate(if that is the correct term) that the cartridge is mounted to then it is mounted to the headshell. HTH, Preston
 
Single screw for overhang adjustment? I have an old SL-1800 headshell. I'll look it over and try to help.
 
I already removed the p-mount adapter as someone advised earlier. Here are pictures of the headshell and spacer. Another question, should I stick with the original 4 wires to connect to the cartridge, or is it better to use the new ones that came with the cartridge?

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All I see is are the boxes with the red X, no photos:no:.

Looking more closely at your previous photos, I see that your headshell is OEM Technics, sorry.

The overhang adjustment screw and nut are just for that plate...the nut should just fit in the slot and not turn. If you can not get it to be tight find another screw/nut combination...most important will be the nut and its fit in the slot. When I can(gets light) I'll get a photo of mine I'll post it and you can compare.

The cart attaches to the plate with the screws that came with the cart and should be tight.

I used the wires/screws that came with my AT M440MLa...the headshell is the newer style that came with my SL-1210M5G. I've since switched cartridges...I did have the AT cart mounted on it.

Hang in there!!! We'll get this thing sorted out and you will really like the sound coming from that cart. Preston
 
New headshell with the slotted screw pattern AND the right length screws will do it. That way you can adjust your overhang properly.

I had a similar experience with my 1700 Mk2 and mla 440 as Gimmeshelter did. I found the cart warms with age/use. Handling warped albums?? Nothing better! I have the tracking force set at about 1.6 or 1.7 and it rides the waves exceptionally well on those lps.
 
So should I just buy a bigger nut that fits into the shell without turning? And try different screws with it if necessary? Seems quicker/easier to go to a hardware store and buy a bigger nut that fits snugly instead of ordering a new headshell, or am I better off just getting a new headshell? Also the manual says something about using the overhang gauge to help line up the cartridge, but I don't have anything like that, so I'm assuming the end of the cartridge/stylus should pretty much line up with the end of the headshell right? I don't wanna get it wrong and ruin my records or the stylus. Is it alright to just eye it up without a gauge?
 
You do have options...choose what suits you best.

KABUSA.com sells headshells and overhang gauges.

The measurement for a Technics is 52mm. This measured from the point of the stylus to where the little black washer is on the end of the headshell. Good luck. Preston
 

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If you plan on keeping this Technics TT or getting any others in the future DO get yourself that Techncis OH Gauge from KABUSA (link a few posts back)
 
So it's really not a good idea try to measure it with a tape measurer on my own then? Just asking cause it would save me time/money. But at the same time I'm a little worried about it messing anything up if it's the slightest bit off. So if you guys strongly recommend measuring precisely with that gauge, then I'll order one to make sure I get it exact. Another question, before I realized my parents had an old receiver to give me (Yamaha RX-395) with a phono input, I had already bought a preamp: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-PP4...BC4E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299649507&sr=8-1 Should I go ahead and use both? Or should I return the preamp and just use the receiver? Will I have better results one way or another? I've heard different opinions so wanted to get an idea from you guys.
 
So it's really not a good idea try to measure it with a tape measurer on my own then? Just asking cause it would save me time/money. But at the same time I'm a little worried about it messing anything up if it's the slightest bit off. So if you guys strongly recommend measuring precisely with that gauge, then I'll order one to make sure I get it exact. Another question, before I realized my parents had an old receiver to give me (Yamaha RX-395) with a phono input, I had already bought a preamp: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-PP4...BC4E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299649507&sr=8-1 Should I go ahead and use both? Or should I return the preamp and just use the receiver? Will I have better results one way or another? I've heard different opinions so wanted to get an idea from you guys.

Use a small ruler or even a tape measure.

Improvise, improvise !!!:music: :D

Try the receiver first, see if it works to your satisfaction.:scratch2:
 
I know the initial lay out for a headshell (like the Stanton pictured), the non-magnetic screws, and the overhang gauge is a bit pricey but once you have the overhang gauge and the right hardware your life will be so much easier. Hate to mention it but what about the headshell lead wires? Usable or need new? Same thing. A one-time hurt but then you're done.
 
I have the setup pjsjr posted on the previous page. If I buy this Stanton headshell you guys recommend: http://redirectingat.com/?id=1010X4...5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=50784 then will I be unable to use the spacer and have to attach the cartridge directly to the headshell? Also, the newer Technics headshells don't have the hole in the top middle for the overhang adjustment screw. I got my original headhsell/spacer and new cartridge to finally fasten together securely without being loose (using different screws/nut) last night, only to notice that the cartridge was still at a slight angle and not straight. This is a real headache.
 
By the way, I have a overhang gauge coming in the mail. It was only $2.75 on Kabusa, might as well do it right. Thanks for the links guys.
 
day67, I have new wires that came with my new cartridge, so I'm all set with that. There's actually a guitar center not far from me, so if all else fails I can pick up that Stanton headshell that works with Technics. Just concerned about not being able to use my spacer, as I posted above.
 
Just wanted to bump this post from yesterday...any feedback is appreciated, thanks.

I have the setup pjsjr posted on the previous page for my stock SL1700. If I buy this Stanton headshell you guys recommend: http://redirectingat.com/?id=1010X49...f_rd_i=50784 then will I be unable to use my current spacer (as seen in that picture) and have to attach the cartridge directly to the headshell? Or will the Stanton headshell come with a different spacer that will work with the cartridge? Also, the newer Technics headshells don't have the hole in the top middle for the overhang adjustment screw so I'd probably avoid that option. I got my original headshell/spacer and new cartridge to finally fasten together securely without being loose (using different screws/nut) last night, only to notice that the cartridge was still at a slight angle and not straight. This is a real headache.
 
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