THIS OR THAT???

Jonstigator

Jonstigator

Super Member
Hello everyone! I have a restored 2245 coming my way and would like to hook up a turntable. I have a choice of turntables here. Neither is anything special, but they are what I have.

I have a Kenwood KD-2055 and a Pioneer PL-S30. Both appear to be complete. Both will need a new belt and needle. I am sure they will need some maintenance such as lube and cleaning.

Which one is better?
 
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Kenwood by far in this case. It can be a touch finicky in that the auto-return "trigger" spring can fail but it's much (much!) more solid and uses conventional headshells.
 
kermit z said:
I had a Kenwood KD-3055 which I really enjoyed alot. That plinth is so nice. No experience with the Pioneer, but I would go Kenny
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Montycat said:
Kenwood by far in this case. It can be a touch finicky in that the auto-return "trigger" spring can fail but it's much (much!) more solid and uses conventional headshells.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input. I was leaning on the Kenwood.

The Kenwood was given to me and it looks pretty complete. I am sure it sat in the box for a couple of decades. The shell (looks original) looks like it is good to go but the needle and belt both need to be replaced. Not sure where to find a good source for that. Any ideas?

I did a little research and if I need to replace the shell finding an "overhang gauge" won't be easy.

Since it sat so long is there any routine maintenance that should be done?
 
What cartridge does the Kenny have? I would start there, and maybe get a new stylus. I have used Vintage-Electronics.Net for my belts, with very few issues.
 
You don't need a Kenwood overhang gauge.

You can get inexpensive mirror style gauges on numerous sites or print out a paper one from Vinylengine. The existing cartridge with a new stylus could be fine and not need any adjustment but it can also be verified with the gauges or protractors mentioned.

Other than cleaning, the spindle and motor could use a couple of drops of oil.
 
Jonstigator said:
Thanks for your input. I was leaning on the Kenwood.

The Kenwood was given to me and it looks pretty complete. I am sure it sat in the box for a couple of decades. The shell (looks original) looks like it is good to go but the needle and belt both need to be replaced. Not sure where to find a good source for that. Any ideas?

I did a little research and if I need to replace the shell finding an "overhang gauge" won't be easy.

Since it sat so long is there any routine maintenance that should be done?
Click to expand...

No need for a gauge. You can accomplish precisely the same thing by assuring that the distance from the stylus tip to the back of the headshell gasket/washer is 50.5mm. If not, slightly loosen mounting screws, slide forward or backward as needed, and then re-tighten mounting screws (being sure that cartridge stays square to headshell).

BTW, if you have the kenwood gauge, it will work regardless of headshell (assuming headshell slots are long enough to allow for proper positioning of the stylus).
 
kermit z said:
What cartridge does the Kenny have? I would start there, and maybe get a new stylus. I have used Vintage-Electronics.Net for my belts, with very few issues.
Click to expand...

Montycat said:
You don't need a Kenwood overhang gauge.

You can get inexpensive mirror style gauges on numerous sites or print out a paper one from Vinylengine. The existing cartridge with a new stylus could be fine and not need any adjustment but it can also be verified with the gauges or protractors mentioned.

Other than cleaning, the spindle and motor could use a couple of drops of oil.
Click to expand...

spark1 said:
No need for a gauge. You can accomplish precisely the same thing by assuring that the distance from the stylus tip to the back of the headshell gasket/washer is 50.5mm. If not, slightly loosen mounting screws, slide forward or backward as needed, and then re-tighten mounting screws (being sure that cartridge stays square to headshell).

BTW, if you have the kenwood gauge, it will work regardless of headshell (assuming headshell slots are long enough to allow for proper positioning of the stylus).
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone!

I guess any fine sewing machine oil? I took some pics so you could get me going in the right direction. It looks almost new. Opening the box was like a time capsule but only back to the eighties though.

boxed.jpg
needle2.jpg
needle1.jpg
 
It looks like the shell might still be good if even used. Would I benefit from a more expensive shell or should I go with just a needle? The belt should be pretty elementary.

Thanks again!
 
That looks to be an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge. Nice entry level cart that can be upgraded. From the 95E, you can go to 95SE, 95VL, and the top at 95SA. Sewing machine oil will work for the lubrication.
 
kermit z said:
That looks to be an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge. Nice entry level cart that can be upgraded. From the 95E, you can go to 95SE, 95VL, and the top at 95SA. Sewing machine oil will work for the lubrication.
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Here are a couple more pics. I would like to make sure I order the right stylus/needle. Do you think it is original or did the previous owner upgrade it?

needle3.jpg
needle4.jpg
 
kermit z said:
That looks to be an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge. Nice entry level cart that can be upgraded. From the 95E, you can go to 95SE, 95VL, and the top at 95SA. Sewing machine oil will work for the lubrication.
Click to expand...

Aa regards stylus upgrades; are you referring to using stylii from the VM95 series? Or are you referring to aftermarket stylii? Who sells the 95SE/VL/SA?

To the OP:

You can use any stylus from the VM95 series. They fit on the 95e body.. The one in your pic appears to be a stock/original 95e stylus, if that is an AT95 body. AT replaced the 95e cartridge with the VM95 series several years ago.

On a related note; your earlier question about the headshell suggests you are under the impression they wear out. They do not.
 
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OP, if you've not yet ordered a belt, be aware that many aftermarket belts are thicker than the original. This can make the table run slightly fast. Try to find a vendor who understands this problem and addresses it in their product description.

Width is also important; if too wide, it can rub on the speed change mechanism and/or ride partially on the wrong part of the capstan/pulley.
 
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