Mitsubishi LT-30 question
- Thread starter Laughter
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bigwally
Large Member
I PM'ed Laughter that I took my own headshell and cart to check it out, but the tonearm was non-functional and to me, not worth the gamble for the asking price. Maybe an optical sensor issue, but I couldn't tell.
Since it's a great looking turntable by design and still cosmetically decent, I made a standing offer that I felt OK paying for a rehab project and left him my phone number. Then maybe only a week later a pristine Pioneer PL-L1000, a Technics SL-10, and a Beogram 8002 fell into my lap and my thirst for linear trackers was satisfied. Nevertheless, if he calls me sometime down the road I'll probably take it on just for the enjoyment of reviving it from the dead.
Pio1980
AK Member
The design and build quality of the LT-30 is uniquely first-rate, the only integrated LT known to me with a cast alloy baseplate/framework at plinth level like a broadcast 'table with a VERY solid sled and rail arrangement. Oddly no LEDs anywhere, all incandescent lamps. Basically a simple servo-LT built right and very non-resonant overall, would that the PL-L1000 was this well-built, I own and use both. Grab it if it comes up reasonable, you won't regret it. See this thread for detailed info on dealing with it; http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=298682
Of the small close-and-play LTs the SL-10 is indisputably tops, built like a Nikon 'F' 35MM camera, somewhat closely followed by the classy sweet SL-7. The Beogram LTs are THE integrated LT class act, elegant good looks with performance to match when in good working order with a good MMC cart.
Of the small close-and-play LTs the SL-10 is indisputably tops, built like a Nikon 'F' 35MM camera, somewhat closely followed by the classy sweet SL-7. The Beogram LTs are THE integrated LT class act, elegant good looks with performance to match when in good working order with a good MMC cart.
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bigwally
Large Member
Thanks Pio1980, nice rundown and I appreciate what you've said. It may have actually been you who put the SL-10 on my radar in the first place. It's the sleeper of the bunch.
I actually saved that LT-30 link while I was stewing about what I'd pay in case it didn't work. There has been some fantastic rehab threads here, the one for the PL-630 was great too and gave me confidence that I can keep mine running forever, especially since I have a parts donor PL-630 if I should need gears or whatnot. It's probably my favorite non-linear deck.
AK also enabled me to fix my squeaky PL-L1000 tonearm lift quickly, and with ease, by properly remounting the tonearm lift motor. Instead of shimming it, I just wrapped the tired foam surround with electrical tape and now it's tight in the mount and has perfect pulley alignment. Didn't even have to use the new belt I'd ordered.
If I ever end up doing anything groundbreaking, restoration-wise, I'll be sure to take pics and post them as a way to repay some of the knowledge I've gained here.
I actually saved that LT-30 link while I was stewing about what I'd pay in case it didn't work. There has been some fantastic rehab threads here, the one for the PL-630 was great too and gave me confidence that I can keep mine running forever, especially since I have a parts donor PL-630 if I should need gears or whatnot. It's probably my favorite non-linear deck.
AK also enabled me to fix my squeaky PL-L1000 tonearm lift quickly, and with ease, by properly remounting the tonearm lift motor. Instead of shimming it, I just wrapped the tired foam surround with electrical tape and now it's tight in the mount and has perfect pulley alignment. Didn't even have to use the new belt I'd ordered.
If I ever end up doing anything groundbreaking, restoration-wise, I'll be sure to take pics and post them as a way to repay some of the knowledge I've gained here.
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bigwally
Large Member
The guy with the Mitsubishi LT-30 has it listed for $120. It needs a solid hour or more on the dustcover with Comet, Novus #3, and then Novus #2 to be presentable, it's missing the headshell, and the tonearm doesn't work.
Once gutted, the tonearm could be a fairly simple fix, or the whole thing could be a lost cause if any irreplaceable parts are broken.
I called the seller today and upped my standing offer to $90, but he's firm on $120. Does anyone think it's worth taking on for $120 or does it look like a fool's errand to you? I'm not looking to flip it, I'd keep it forever.
Once gutted, the tonearm could be a fairly simple fix, or the whole thing could be a lost cause if any irreplaceable parts are broken.
I called the seller today and upped my standing offer to $90, but he's firm on $120. Does anyone think it's worth taking on for $120 or does it look like a fool's errand to you? I'm not looking to flip it, I'd keep it forever.
If it's in decent physical shape then yes. The tonearm is most likely belts and maybe some bulbs. These things are pretty durable and with a refurb you could have a $500 table.
Edit -- Here's a pic of mine when I brought it home with a non-working tonearm. I paid $275 with original headshell, extra counterweight, 45 adapter, and Grace F9E body.
Edit -- Here's a pic of mine when I brought it home with a non-working tonearm. I paid $275 with original headshell, extra counterweight, 45 adapter, and Grace F9E body.
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bigwally
Large Member
I agree! I was kind of surprised how relatively spartan the PL-L1000 is on the inside. Brilliant design, IMO. It's just the materials that let them down in a few cases, like the suspension spring boots, the tonearm motor foam surround, and the little white plastic tonearm lift peg under the arm near the pivot seems like a wreck waiting to happen. All easily fixable, fortunately, but not cool if you're not handy, or like me, don't live anywhere near a repair facility.
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The plastic belly pan is another area for improvement, and I've wondered about making something out of a better material and transplanting the components over. If you think about it, it's just a few screws for the tonearm assembly and motor. I think Prof. Bizzt had come up with something like this.
bigwally
Large Member
The plastic belly pan is sturdy and seems incapable of producing ringing resonance. I'm a fan and find it blameless, but I'm open minded. What is the reported shortcoming?
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Pio1980
AK Member
It is somewhat "lively"/microphonic, I'd deal with it by lining it's skirt only with something like Dynamat damping material and then loosely remount the comp weight plate on thin felt sheeting when I get around to it.
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bigwally
Large Member
I went ahead and grabbed this needy LT-30.
The dustcover is really bad, so it may be the one that forces me into buying a power polisher, because after the last dustcover I restored, I couldn't feel my right arm for a week. That said, there are no cracks and the hinges are perfect, so I'm fortunate. More importantly, the vinyl wood wrap on the plinth is excellent.
The dustcover is really bad, so it may be the one that forces me into buying a power polisher, because after the last dustcover I restored, I couldn't feel my right arm for a week. That said, there are no cracks and the hinges are perfect, so I'm fortunate. More importantly, the vinyl wood wrap on the plinth is excellent.
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