pcorbin
Active Member
I recently acquired a MKII from that auction site, just because I always wanted one. I'm having an issue that I can't seem to figure out.
I took an AT95e that was already installed on a technics headshell and used on another table and working fine, verified setup/overhang using the little plastic technics tool and put it on the "new" table. Using a old, but known playable record, testing produces repeated skipping at all points on the record side. It skips on the lead-in, as well as any point through the side to the lead-out grooves. There are no visible issues with the record, and I also tried with another similar record with the same results.
- the table is level, rack is stable, platter is level
- set the arm height at @ 2.2, as cartridge height is 17.2mm (following technics' chart)
- set tonearm to null, zeroed out floating perfectly level
- tracking force and anti-skate set as per AT (range is 1.5 to 2.5)
- have tried all across that range, even a tad over 2.5, no effect
- the tonearm lift is not contacting the tonearm at all when not engaged, is adjusted properly
- the tonearm itself has no perceptible play or give at all (checking bearings)
- the tonearm moves freely all across the range of motion it is intended to have
The two things I have reservations about:
- azimuth IS a tad off visually, headshell/cartridge lean very slightly outward, and I have not attempted the unofficial tweak with the collar mount screws as yet
- the anti-skate knob moves "too" freely based on observations with another technics I have
So, before I tear this thing apart, any thoughts or suggestions? If the anti-skate spring is missing/broken/unhooked, could that cause this issue? Is the "feel test" good enough to determine tonearm bearing condition?
I just have that feeling that I am missing something obvious, so any help would be appreciated
I took an AT95e that was already installed on a technics headshell and used on another table and working fine, verified setup/overhang using the little plastic technics tool and put it on the "new" table. Using a old, but known playable record, testing produces repeated skipping at all points on the record side. It skips on the lead-in, as well as any point through the side to the lead-out grooves. There are no visible issues with the record, and I also tried with another similar record with the same results.
- the table is level, rack is stable, platter is level
- set the arm height at @ 2.2, as cartridge height is 17.2mm (following technics' chart)
- set tonearm to null, zeroed out floating perfectly level
- tracking force and anti-skate set as per AT (range is 1.5 to 2.5)
- have tried all across that range, even a tad over 2.5, no effect
- the tonearm lift is not contacting the tonearm at all when not engaged, is adjusted properly
- the tonearm itself has no perceptible play or give at all (checking bearings)
- the tonearm moves freely all across the range of motion it is intended to have
The two things I have reservations about:
- azimuth IS a tad off visually, headshell/cartridge lean very slightly outward, and I have not attempted the unofficial tweak with the collar mount screws as yet
- the anti-skate knob moves "too" freely based on observations with another technics I have
So, before I tear this thing apart, any thoughts or suggestions? If the anti-skate spring is missing/broken/unhooked, could that cause this issue? Is the "feel test" good enough to determine tonearm bearing condition?
I just have that feeling that I am missing something obvious, so any help would be appreciated