Denon DL-303 Cartridge and Yamaha YP-D10

Yamaha B-2

Yamaha B-2

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Picked up the YP-D10 I won on eBay a couple of weeks ago. Sucker was covered in nicotine. Must have been at least a 2-packs-a-day smoker. Put on my latex gloves to clean. Took a couple of hours. Yuck!! Anyway, it works as it is supposed to and that's the bottom line. Will be putting in a new power cord and silver wire IC before throwing it into the mix. Will be using with the Kontrapunkt b.

A couple of questions: What is the best oil to use on the Madagascar Ebony wood veneer that it is finished in? All the cleaning required dried out the wood and I don't want it to split or crack.

Also, it came with a Denon DL-303 cartridge on which the cantilever has been broken off. Am wondering if this cartridge is worth getting retipped? Anyone know anything about where it falls in the Denon line? Above or below the DL-103R?

EDIT: Found the DL-303. It is definitely above the the DL-103. The newer DL-304 lists for $699.

Here are a couple of pic's.

YP-D10-1.jpg

DenonDL-303.jpg
 
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:drool: Very nice, Yamaha B-2! Looks like there's a change in the control layout from the D8, any other specific differences? Heavier platter? Bigger motor?

That should be a sweet ride for your vinyl :music: . Nowhere to go from there except the GT series... :scratch2:
 
Not sure exactly what the physical differences might be in the motor. The YP-D10 weighs about 3 pounds more. This may a result of the platter having a set of PLL markings in the lip around same that is missing on the YP-D8, which has a smooth edge on the platter. As I sold the YP-D8, which actually was in better physical condition, before getting the YP-D10, was unable to compare directly with the bottom plates removed. The YP-D10 moves the arm lift control down to the right side of the four controls above the speed selection buttoms. And adds a PLL On/Off selector switch to the left side of same. Like the Sony PS-8750 of the same era, can turn on or off the PLL feature. Can't imagine why one would want to, but it is available.

The PLL bulb on mine is not working. Now need to run down the OM and SM for the YP-D10. Anyone out there have either that they would be willing to share? Copy/,pdf is fine.
 
Glenn, are those switch levers broken off or are they adjustment dials?

Also, when you use linseed oil, make sure to get a huge vat, fill it with oil, put it on the stove, bring it up to a nice rolling boil, and then submerge the entire turntable in it. You'll be sure to get a nice even coating all around. Nice and crispy on the outside, but moist and tender inside! :D
 
Dials for the speed adjustment for 33 & 45.

May I borrow your pot? I don't have one that is large enough. :no:

Howard - do you know anything about the DL-303 other than what is written about the DL-304 (its newer iteration) in the various websites? Giving some serious thought of sending it up to the SoundSmith for a retip ($150). Did finally get my V15VMR back from my brother.
 
Well, I'm sure you've checked the cartridge database, so you know the specs. Only thing that puzzles me with these Denons is that the dimensions of the tip are give in mm, and when converted to inches you get sizes that are large for what you would consider to be top of the line carts. The DL-303, for example, .05 x .1mm works out to about 2 x 4 mils. I checked the Denon site and their stated sizes of similar carts are consistent with that range. A spherical Shure or AT cart is only .6 or .7 mils and the ellipticals have even smaller diameters. :scratch2:
 
Yamaha TT/DL303

For $150 the DL303 cartridge is well worth doing a retipp by Soundsmith. Re the wood finish on the Yamaha turntable I'd use the same ingredients that I use on my JBL walnut speakers, three parts linseed oil and one part turpentine, restores the finish to original condition.
 
Nice TT. I always liked that "solid block of wood" look of Yamahas.

You can use almost any oil finish. Resin modified tung oil or danish oil will give a bit more shine and dry faster. Three coats is a full finish. Boiled linseed and turps is more work and longer to dry but gives a really nice soft finish. Lots of coats is better. Wax after either type is fully dry. Don't use raw tung or raw linseed unless you're after a slow drying sticky mess.
 
Lowe's and HD used to carry a nice, large display of about every Tung Oil product made. Now they both carry three items. All of which have some sort of varnish or other crap in them. I wanted just the straight oil. So, I bought the Watco 'Rejuvenating" oil, which has no varnish or other crap in it and is formulated to treat oil finished wood. Will use on the TT and also on the new Ribbon Mahogany end panels I will be putting on the Sony TAE-8450/TAN-8550 pair. Are 'book-end' matched cuts of wood, so should be beautiful once everything is oiled. I'll post some addition shots once everything is finished and settled out. Probably be another week.

The YP-D10 weighs in like a solid block of wood. 34 pounds.

After some heavy thinking, I think I'll go for the Sound Smith $250 retip. That includes a ruby cantilever rather than the aluminum one in the $150 retip. But, it will be a while before I get there. Probably next fall. More later on same.
 
Got the Watco Rejuvenating Oil onto the ebony finish. Soaked right in. Which means it was needed. The sides in the photo now have enough luster to catch the reflection of the flash on the cardboard box the TT was sitting on. Will do another coat in a couple of weeks.

YP-D10Oiled.jpg


Also did the NS-1000 speakers, which have the same ebony finish. Same result. Soaked in almost immediately and did a great job on both the TT and speakers in bringin up the color and luster in the wood.
 
That's pretty! Nice job restoring it. I only wish that the YP-D8 I had could have looked that good. Too much veener peeled off though.
 
What a transformation from the filthy condition it was in! :thmbsp: It's fortunate that the veneer is still so nice. When you've had a chance to listen to it I'd like to know how you think it compares to the YP-D8.
 
I have a mint condition YP-D10 with the problem that it turns off during playback. Can you give me an idea what these are worth or if its economically feasible to repair it and where? Mine has a Grado G1+ cartridge and stylus. Thanks in advance for your help. J Lavenia, Milton Delaware
 
It was one of Yamaha's best turntables, so it's worth repairing. For value look on ebay to see what they're selling for or just google it. The only place I know of who could repair it would be BC Electronics in Bucks County, PA. Google the name and you should find the website.
 
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