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Akai AP-B20 vs. Technics SL-D2

M

mval2000

New Member
I need some opinions here. I just recently picked up a beat up Dual 1228 with a Shure V15 III cart. I have no interest to refurbish the Dual at this time so I pulled the cart. My question today is which turntable would better benefit from the V15 cart. I have a Akai AP-B20 and a Technics SL-D2. The V15 is in excellent condition as well as the stylus.
 
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I recently picked up a AP-B20C from Salvation Army. Needs belt and stylus but cleaned up nicely. Looking forwards to the informed responses you receive here.

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I can't speak for the Akai but I can say that the D2 works quite well and sounds quite good when properly set up. I fully expect I will continue to use mine into the future with just incremental upgrades to the phono stage and stylus.

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RamblinE - I went ahead and set up the V15 on the SL-D2. It sounds amazing after spending a couple of hours adjusting it. I'm very happy with it!

MacNoob - did the Akai come with the cover and if so, do the hinges work?
 
The Akai DID come with the cover and in good cosmetic condition, but the hinges are broken. The springs are broken out from the plastic. They do look easy to fix though, with some glue and black plastic.
 
mval2000 said:
RamblinE - I went ahead and set up the V15 on the SL-D2. It sounds amazing after spending a couple of hours adjusting it. I'm very happy with it!
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You may want to look further into using the Shure V15 III cartridge on the Technics SL-D2 long term. :scratch2:

It was designed for a light weight tone arm.

Its tracking range is 0.75 - 1.25 gram.
 
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MacNoob said:
The Akai DID come with the cover and in good cosmetic condition, but the hinges are broken. The springs are broken out from the plastic. They do look easy to fix though, with some glue and black plastic.
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I had the same problem with my Akai hinges. The metal end of the spring broke through the plastic. I fixed it by cutting a small section from a wire coat hanger and drilling a small hole on each end of the hinge. I then placed the cut coat hanger through the holes and behind the spring which allowed the spring to work while not touching the plastic anymore. Works like a charm.
 
mval2000 said:
I had the same problem with my Akai hinges. The metal end of the spring broke through the plastic. I fixed it by cutting a small section from a wire coat hanger and drilling a small hole on each end of the hinge. I then placed the cut coat hanger through the holes and behind the spring which allowed the spring to work while not touching the plastic anymore. Works like a charm.
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I have done that also. I think it's the best fix.

Jon
 
mval2000 said:
I had the same problem with my Akai hinges. The metal end of the spring broke through the plastic. I fixed it by cutting a small section from a wire coat hanger and drilling a small hole on each end of the hinge. I then placed the cut coat hanger through the holes and behind the spring which allowed the spring to work while not touching the plastic anymore. Works like a charm.
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Nice tip! I was thinking of just gluing another piece of plastic over the back of the hinge. I'll take a look at your solution though.

How does the Akai work for you?
 
To be honest, I am not too sure gluing the plastic would hold up in the long run. The fix I mentioned took only a few minutes to complete. Good luck!!
 
My fix for those plastic hinge holders (assuming they're not too far gone) is to cut a thin piece of sheet metal the size of the hinge piece and slide it between the spring and the plastic, essentially reinforcing the plastic housing with the metal. I usually stick some epoxy to hold it in place.
 
MacNoob said:
Nice tip! I was thinking of just gluing another piece of plastic over the back of the hinge. I'll take a look at your solution though.

How does the Akai work for you?
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I used a thin piece of brass rod 1/16" diameter.

Jon
 
I have both the akai and the technics. In all honesty theres not much between them. I havent experience with your cartridge but have tried my ortofon and pickerings on both. Apart from a slightly higher output (more volume) from the akai, personally i can't hear any difference.
 
Today I installed the Shure V15 III on my Akai AP-B20. I was amazed how different it sounded on this TT compared to how it sounded on the Technics SL-D2. I hear more detail now which I can't believe! The lighter tonearm apparently made a difference. Thaks to all who shared your thoughts on this matter.
 
I had an Akai AP B-110 eons ago and thought it had a great sound.....I have CDRs that I made from vinyl using that table and they sound very good, even today.
 
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