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First Time TT Modder - Technics SL-D2

btol

btol

Well-Known Member
Hi Everyone,

I picked up a functioning Technics SL-D2 turntable at a local e-waste recycling center for $27. I've been looking to pick up a D2 or Q2 for a while so I was pretty happy with the score.

Given past threads about this TT, I also saw it as a good opportunity for me, as a novice to DIY, to do some modding that I felt comfortable with. Of course, it had the requisite crud build up so cleaning up the TT was the first step. Here's a list of the other things I did based off past AK conversations regarding the D2 and similar tables:

Replaced the RCA's with video component cables.

Packed 5.5lbs of modeling clay into the TT.

Cut a new mat out of a 12"x12" sheet of cork (3/16" thick).

Aligned and set up tonearm w/ AT95e.

Oiled the spindle bearing.

Dampenened tonearm with rubber o-rings.

Added sorbothane feet.

Polished dustcover with Meguiar's PlastX (no audible difference with this one :p:)

Compared to the BIC 960 that I've been using (also w/ the AT95e), the highs and lows are more extended, the sound is more solid, and bass is punchier. Pretty happy with the results. Just wanted to share my experience and my appreciation for this great site!

B
 

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Kids today...just can't keep well enough alone!

But seriously, nicely done. It's a decent table and often overlooked for those 4 digit models.
 
Thanks Monty. I'm becoming more and more of a tweaker. Up until a couple of years ago I had never touched a soldering iron but thanks to AKers, I've been able to install a socket into an Onkyo DX 1800 CDP for opamp rolling and build a CMOY headphone amp. I've also learned how to setup and align a TT and I've received great advice on installing ALK XO's into my Forte I's. Since setup of the D2 is easier than my old TT, I feel like the pandora's box of getting into swapping out cartridges might get me into trouble!
 
Very nicely done! I almost bought an SL-D2 new back in the day. As has been said, it is a very decent turntable that is often overlooked. Personally, I think it would look good in black, but that's just me.
 
Nice work! It seems to me like you took just the right approach and did all of the things that would be reasonably worth doing on an SL-D2 that would bring some sonic benefit. Well planned!
 
Thanks everyone.

stanton - The dustcover wasn't too bad. It had a layer of dirt that I washed off then the Meguiar's polished it up real nicely. The Meguiar's removed the remaining cloudiness but there are are still some fine scratches here and there if you look closely. Thankfully, cutting the cork mat out wasn't all that difficult either. I just slapped a crappy LP onto the cork mat, traced the outline, then went to town with an exacto knife. After cutting out the mat, I just ran the exacto along the outside edge to get rid of any excess or hanging cork.

mr. jones - I highly recommend it! The mods can be done all in one weekend and I really feel like the time spent was worthwhile.

treker - I like the look of the black D-2's as well. Of course, I'm just as happy with the silver. The black D-2's don't seem to pop up very often.

fiddle - Thanks. After looking through all the past threads, these mods did seem to offer the best return on investment (time and expense-wise).
 
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All,

If anyone is interested in trying to dampen their D-2 or similar tonearm with o-rings, I'd be happy to send you some for free. The package I bought came with 100 and I've only used 6. All you have to do is remove the headshell, slip each o-ring over the collett, and push them down the tonearm to the desired location(s). Just let me know!

B
 
Aside from trial and error/listening tests, what are the desired locations for said o-rings?

Chip,
"Proud" original owner of SL-D2...
 
Chip - check out this previous AK thread that I got the idea from:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=449295

I just kind of winged it and placed them according to where I thought they would make a difference (one close to the headshell, two after the first turn of the "s", and three by the base of the tonearm). At least to my ears, the sound changed for the better.
 
Exccellent work.

I was given a SL-D2's for free. It has a lower end AT cartridge on it.

I cleaned it up, aligned the cartridge and gave it s whirl. .

It sounded pretty decent. The speed was rock solid oin it.

Mine needs to have the damped cueing system recharged with silicon if possible. I'll bet your mods take it up a notch. :thmbsp:

Where did you get the feet? That and the added chassis mass should help a lot.

cheers, Bob
 
Thanks bobins. I am pretty happy with the TT at this point.

I got the feet from Amazon. Here's the product description:

1.5" Dia Sorbothane Hemisphere Rubber Bumper Non-skid Feet 70 Duro with Adhesive - 4 Pack.

I just stuck them right to the bottoms of the TT feet and eyeballed it to make sure they were centered. You may want to try the 50 duro as the 70 duro supports 14-30lbs per pad. This may be too firm. The 50 duro supports 7-14lbs per pad which is better matched for the 21lbs that my TT now weighs after adding the clay. I'm thinking about making the swap myself.
 
Yea - Frank. Knowing that I managed to successfully tweak the TT makes the experience that much sweeter.
 
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