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Jvc ql-a7

Van_Isle

Van_Isle

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Ah, the old 'I need another turntable like a ....' story. But I've always liked the big direct-drive JVC and Denon style. So I picked this one up today as part of a package (JVC JR-S301 receiver, JVC KD-S201 cassette and junky 5-cd player). The turntable works like a charm. It does have a bit of the counterweight droop common to these, but the rubber components (feet included) are still intact. Cartridge is a Shure M97 Era IV with the HE stylus. Hadn't been turned on in a couple years but it powered up fine and holds steady speed, both 33 and 45. Autolift works fine. Hardly a scratch on it (or on the receiver or cassette for that matter .... both of which also work as well). Very nice sound! I shall give myself one :banana:. Hmm ... this would make 2 main tables + 2 spares? .... does that sound like a good plan? [Sony PS-X60, Technics SL-1210, Harman Kardon T60 and the JVC QL-A7] ... my wife is going to kill me!
 

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Love my QL-A7. The black looks nice! Mine has the walnut on it, hmm I think I like yours better.:thmbsp:

-Rocko
 
Van that is a very nice TT, looks great in black and if I had to pick sound wise
would be right up at the top of your TT collection.
 
Excellent turntable! I picked one up for five bucks at a yard sale a few years ago. Aside from rotted feet and a trashed stylus, my QL-A7 is in perfect working condition. One of my favorite vintage turntables.
 
If you can't fix the tonearm droop maybe change out for another tonearm? Also the motor unit looks like it could be set into a heavy plinth along with another arm for a top performer. The big JVCs are excellent and I'm sure your going to like it.
 
You know, looking at the service manual and the owner's manual it seems that some amount of droop was intended from new.
 
Yes it's pretty nice! I'd give it a banana too.

If the WAF becomes too much, of course you could unload it easily. I think you know some of the right people! :smoke:
 
Van_Isle said:
You know, looking at the service manual and the owner's manual it seems that some amount of droop was intended from new.
Click to expand...

I've noticed the same thing.

The 'drooping' tonearm weight is a bit disconcerting but in reality has no negative effect that I can hear.

BTW, I don't know if anyone else knows or even cares, but it is possible to play a 16" transcription disc on the QL-A7. The clearance is a no more than a few millimeters, just enough to get the job done.
 
Van_Isle said:
Yeah Andrew ... I could see that one coming a mile away!
Click to expand...

Haha, heck if Andrew doesn't want it :tongue: I'll gladly take the X60 off your hands!

Good catch! Always like the look of those JVC tables, even more more basic ones like the A2/F4. JVC always made some nice looking tables.
 
Looks great. I saw that ad last week and thought briefly about seeing if the guy would sell the TT by itself. His asking price seemed a bit rich - so I didn't bother. When I first glanced at the ad - I was really hoping it was a JR-S501 receiver - I'm still hoping to find a nice one at a decent price...
 
That didn't last too long! The HE stylus on the Shure M97 Era IV that came with the table has dropped weak on the left channel. It isn't the cartridge ... I have a Me97HE as well and have swapped the stylus over and the left channel has come up again. Both are of unknown age, so I've been selective in what I've been playing on it. Must say it sounded darn good though! (still does with the other stylus).
 
I have had my QL-A7 only a few weeks. Love mine. The huge dust cover and base are prone to rumble. I did not know of Woodgrain QL-A7's But I did see the wood grain on the Victors. I have not resurched the differences but there must be something for the Vikkies to pull in so much more coin on auctions
 
I know that the JVC QL series of TT's are usually underrated. Now it seems that they are being recognized for the great TT's that they are.

Sonically as well as visually, they're way above par.

I am fortunate to have a QL-F4 and a QL-Y66F, both looking and performing just fine. Also have a spare non-working Y66F in need of cosmetic and technical improvement.

I'm sure you will enjoy yours for many years to come.:thmbsp:

Cheers
 
Now I seem to have lost a channel completely on the table. This is not good. I was trying out another cartridge. Sound for about 2 seconds from both channels and then the left dropped out completely. Put back on the Shure V15III I was using and its still gone. So perhaps the experience with the M97 Era IV was not just stylus. It's not my receiver either .... I've swapped in an entirely different turntable and it is fine.

Where do I start looking guys?
 
I should be playing 'Ghost in the Machine'. I swapped the turntable over to another receiver after checking the continuity from tonearm bayonet to RCA plugs - they were fine. The channel is back. I done some 'wiggle / tug' tests on the interconnects with no adverse efffects. I'll keep playing it and see if anything happens. They are the original interconnects - I'll plan on replacing them in any case.
 
Hello,
I just started messin' with a QL-5, and the wires in the tonearm are microscopic.
Your arm looks similar except for the automatic stuff. I'll bet something is intermittent there.
The counter weight droop concerns me too.
Anyhow, Happy New Year!
 
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