goatlocker
Member
Hello, I am trying to relearn the little I used to know about HiFi turntables and their use. I caught wind that one of my daughters has recently developed an interest in playing vinyl. She wants to listen to some of those oldies, like Sinatra, LOL. Anyway, she was going to order one of those china made suitcase record players. I put a halt to that, and started something I can't easily get out of now. Knowing that the sound of one of those units would not likely encourage her, I offered to dig out something I likely had stored away. To support kicking off a way for her to play some records, I took out an old 70's vintage 60 W/CHL Akai integrated amp and had it recapped. I have a pair of JBL floor speakers to also donate to the cause, but no spare TT. So instead of sending her to shop for a new model table, I suggested we pool our pennies, and she could use the money she would have spent on a suitcase player, to go towards a good conditioned vintage table. I would cover the rest. Well I don't have a lot of confidence in good results from having a TT shipped by private parties, so I limited our search to driving distance. I came across a real nice conditioned Technics SL-D5, in single play configuration. It was said to have had a recent tuneup by a reputable shop, and came with original paperwork/manual. I went to check it out in person, and bought it on the spot. I have always been endeared with Technics tables.
So, before we can get everything set up at her place, I still need to finish building her a cabinet to set it all up on. In the mean time, I have been listening to this D5 table, running it through it's paces. In this process, I have discovered and noticed a few things both terrific, and not so great that I want to make better. I’m now trying to figure out the best way forward. I would prefer to resolve as much as I can, before turning all over to my daughter. Here are a few things I would like to address and correct if I can. I could use a little advise on these:
The power cord is about a foot shorter than the RCA audio cable, and appears to have been cut shorter with a dime-store replacement plug installed. How much trouble is it, to get inside there to replace the power cord? While I’m in there, does it make sense to replace the RCA cable too? This is probably the lowest priority item.
The attached phono cartridge is an old Ortofon FF15XE MKII. The seller claimed that the stylus was recently replaced by the servicer, but it says it's Ortofon, and those aren't currently available. When this table is played, I have noticed that the volume level is about 30% lower, than the volume I get with the same amp from my Technics SL-QL1 that is running a SURE M104E cartridge. Also, the sonics are not impressive. Even when playing a known good “Mastered” record, the tonal separation is not distinct, with the bass/treble being mottled. The Akai amp does not have a phono stage loading selector, so I am wondering if that Ortofon is presenting such a noticeable decrease in output and sound quality due to the phono stage loading, something related to the tonearm set up, or just a worn out cartridge/stylus somehow. I am waiting on a few items to come in, and will go through the entire cartridge/tonearm alignment when I can.
Here’s what I think I understand how to do relating to the tonearm:
1. Balance the tonearm.
2. Align the stylus protrusion in the head-shell, and center.
3. Verify all related electrical connections are clean and properly made.
4. Set the stylus tracking force and anti skating.
Here’s what I don’t fully understand how to do:
1. How to insure the cartridge is parallel to the record.
2. How to best determine a suitable replacement cartridge if I give up on the Ortofon.
Stylus selection for this cartridge seems to be limited to a Bliss (not so good now?).
I believe the tonearm on the D5 is considered a moderate mas tone arm, so I assume any medium compliance cartridge design would work ok, and likely an elliptical or upgraded stylus above that, would be sufficient? Are there any suggestions on something under $300 for a cartridge/stylus combo that would bring out more of the best this table is capable of giving? As it stands now, she sounds about like a 70's Montgomery Ward's or Western Auto stereo console record player. Maybe a notch or two better than that suitcase player my daughter was going to order.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
So, before we can get everything set up at her place, I still need to finish building her a cabinet to set it all up on. In the mean time, I have been listening to this D5 table, running it through it's paces. In this process, I have discovered and noticed a few things both terrific, and not so great that I want to make better. I’m now trying to figure out the best way forward. I would prefer to resolve as much as I can, before turning all over to my daughter. Here are a few things I would like to address and correct if I can. I could use a little advise on these:
The power cord is about a foot shorter than the RCA audio cable, and appears to have been cut shorter with a dime-store replacement plug installed. How much trouble is it, to get inside there to replace the power cord? While I’m in there, does it make sense to replace the RCA cable too? This is probably the lowest priority item.
The attached phono cartridge is an old Ortofon FF15XE MKII. The seller claimed that the stylus was recently replaced by the servicer, but it says it's Ortofon, and those aren't currently available. When this table is played, I have noticed that the volume level is about 30% lower, than the volume I get with the same amp from my Technics SL-QL1 that is running a SURE M104E cartridge. Also, the sonics are not impressive. Even when playing a known good “Mastered” record, the tonal separation is not distinct, with the bass/treble being mottled. The Akai amp does not have a phono stage loading selector, so I am wondering if that Ortofon is presenting such a noticeable decrease in output and sound quality due to the phono stage loading, something related to the tonearm set up, or just a worn out cartridge/stylus somehow. I am waiting on a few items to come in, and will go through the entire cartridge/tonearm alignment when I can.
Here’s what I think I understand how to do relating to the tonearm:
1. Balance the tonearm.
2. Align the stylus protrusion in the head-shell, and center.
3. Verify all related electrical connections are clean and properly made.
4. Set the stylus tracking force and anti skating.
Here’s what I don’t fully understand how to do:
1. How to insure the cartridge is parallel to the record.
2. How to best determine a suitable replacement cartridge if I give up on the Ortofon.
Stylus selection for this cartridge seems to be limited to a Bliss (not so good now?).
I believe the tonearm on the D5 is considered a moderate mas tone arm, so I assume any medium compliance cartridge design would work ok, and likely an elliptical or upgraded stylus above that, would be sufficient? Are there any suggestions on something under $300 for a cartridge/stylus combo that would bring out more of the best this table is capable of giving? As it stands now, she sounds about like a 70's Montgomery Ward's or Western Auto stereo console record player. Maybe a notch or two better than that suitcase player my daughter was going to order.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
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