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Audio-Technica LP-120USB platter scraping

LoudCut65

LoudCut65

New Member
Hi, new member here. My AT LP-120USB is seven years old, and about a month ago I noticed some small sound wobbles that seemed to indicate inconsistent speed. After examining the turntable I noticed a very small scraping noise coming from the platter - it happens every other rotation. It's hard to detect exactly where it's scraping against the housing. I looked into what might be causing it and figured the platter might have warped (not that it's been under any force, it hasn't been moved from the turntable, but warping can happen anyway). I ordered a replacement platter which arrived today... and I'm getting the exact same scraping from a brand new platter. I can't see what's caused the platter to start scraping when it's previously been fine. Any ideas?
 
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Thanks for the reply. I can't see anything that's shifted inside - the turntable hasn't been moved in ages. I've just taken a close look at (and listen to) the platter and I *think* it's the inner circle on the underside of the platter that's scraping on the surface of the housing (not sure what you call that part, image attached - this is an LP-60 platter but they look pretty much identical underneath). If I put a finger through each of those squarish holes, it does feel like it's sitting a little closer to the housing on one side than it does on the other.
 

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I know my old Pioneer PL-115D has platter / tone arm assembly suspension adjustments on the bottom side , it allows to float on adjustable springs & rubber tubes , I suspect yours has a similar suspension system that either needs adjusting or a piece has worn out allowing the platter to rub at say the 9:00 area , thats where I would look for an issue.
 
SG19 said:
I know my old Pioneer PL-115D has platter / tone arm assembly suspension adjustments on the bottom side , it allows to float on adjustable springs & rubber tubes , I suspect yours has a similar suspension system that either needs adjusting or a piece has worn out allowing the platter to rub at say the 9:00 area , thats where I would look for an issue.
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Thanks - yeah I think the 9:00 area is where it's scraping, that's where it feels lower. When you say the bottom side, do you mean the holes on the underside of the turntable (I have ones marked DD Speed, 33, 45 and Pitch Adjust), or will this involve unscrewing the plate in the centre of the turntable (pictured)?
 

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LoudCut65 said:
Thanks - yeah I think the 9:00 area is where it's scraping, that's where it feels lower. When you say the bottom side, do you mean the holes on the underside of the turntable (I have ones marked DD Speed, 33, 45 and Pitch Adjust), or will this involve unscrewing the plate in the centre of the turntable (pictured)?
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I'm not sure on your's , it's direct drive vs my belt drive , I would think it would be on the underside of the whole unit , a service manual would be a great help.
 
SG19 said:
I'm not sure on your's , it's direct drive vs my belt drive , I would think it would be on the underside of the whole unit , a service manual would be a great help.
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Yeah, frustratingly the user manual doesn't give any information about the adjustment holes on the underside, it doesn't even have a diagram of them. I've tried to find a service manual, not come up with anything yet, though I have learned it's basically identical to a Pioneer PLX-500.
 
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needforspeed said:
I’ve had this happen with a Technics 1200 MK II after oiling the spindle. Remove and re-seat the platter. Turns out the magnet has to be lined up a certain way
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Afraid I've removed and re-seated the platter dozens of times (and swapped the platter for a different one), not sure if I'm doing something wrong but the problem remains.
 
LoudCut65 said:
The issue is that the platter is scraping, so removing the platter stops that happening. But if the platter's not on, the spindle doesn't turn smoothly at all, it twitches around. It doesn't like the platter not being there.
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That spindle shouldn’t move with out the platter on. I’m going by the Technics version so maybe not an exact comparison
But AT copied it. Nothing should be moving in the motor area.
 
Here’s an old thread dealing with something similar
M

Thread 'audio technica at-lp120 scraping sound, metal on metal?'

Hi: 1st post, but I've found tons of great advice here. I just bought my ATLP120 new from Amazon. Sometimes when the turntable is spinning, I can hear a rubbing noise, like metal on metal, sort of like a scraping sound. If I stop the turntable and restart, it usually goes away, but soon returns. Has anyone had experience with this type of issue? I'm wondering if this is something that can be repaired by myself, or should I return and exchange the turntable for a new one. Any thoughts / suggestions?
 
needforspeed said:
That spindle shouldn’t move with out the platter on. I’m going by the Technics version so maybe not an exact comparison
But AT copied it. Nothing should be moving in the motor area.
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Ah, interesting - that could be a clue, cheers. I'd never tried turning it on without the platter because there's never been a problem before, so I didn't know what was normal.
 
LoudCut65 said:
Ah, interesting - that could be a clue, cheers. I'd never tried turning it on without the platter because there's never been a problem before, so I didn't know what was normal.
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If never experienced it but apparently there are shipping screws that need to be removed. The spindle can apparently slide down
And a couple other things that will affect the platter seating properly :dunno:
 
needforspeed said:
If never experienced it but apparently there are shipping screws that need to be removed. The spindle can apparently slide down
And a couple other things that will affect the platter seating properly :dunno:
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It's so long since I set it up, I can't remember if I removed any shipping screws. Odd if they're suddenly affecting it after I've had it seven years, but worth checking out. The spindle sliding down is a possible cause of the problem.
 
LoudCut65 said:
Cheers, very helpful - so are the magnets in the centre?
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Yes, The magnet is in the center of the platter and must seat on that motor that has another magnet. The round thing
Use care setting it on. You should be able to spin it freely by hand a couple times
 
LoudCut65 said:
It's so long since I set it up, I can't remember if I removed any shipping screws. Odd if they're suddenly affecting it after I've had it seven years, but worth checking out. The spindle sliding down is a possible cause of the problem.
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Then they’ve been removed. Double check. And make sure the motor is tight to the chassis
 
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