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Help! TT signal not making it out!

R

RJCJR

New Member
Hello - I have a Technics SL-5200 w/Stanton 881E > CA Duo set to MM > Rotel RSP-1066 and not getting the phono signal…
- Input the CA Duo via Audioquest Big Sur 3m interconnect to “Tape” input and barely heard a thing.
- Input the CA Duo via Audioquest Big Sur 3m interconnect to “Video 2” input and heard nothing.
Any trouble shooting suggestions welcome, but cannot figure out the prob..
Thanks!
 
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I would first check continuity from the cartridge to the far ends of the interconnect cables that connect to your phono amp, and then check continuity of the internet cables connecting the phono amp to the Rotel preamp.

Did this work previously, and then just stop working? Or is the turntable and/or cartridge new to you? If new to you, also check the resistance of the cartridge to assure it is in working order.
 
spark1 said:
I would first check continuity from the cartridge to the far ends of the interconnect cables that connect to your phono amp, and then check continuity of the internet cables connecting the phono amp to the Rotel preamp.

Did this work previously, and then just stop working? Or is the turntable and/or cartridge new to you? If new to you, also check the resistance of the cartridge to assure it is in working order.
Click to expand...
I swapped out w another cart and it works fine, so it’s the 881E. It’s at least 45 years old. Now, a couple of questions…
- the tip is in excellent shape and the stylus moves properly.
- I will test w a meter for continuity.
- should I refresh the leads? There seems to be some options for upgrade there.
- is it a plus to replace/upgrade the out and ground wires of a Technics SL-5200?
 
Test the cartridge body. It sounds as if you know how, but if not, see here:


If bad, the only practical option is to get another one. Or sell the stylus and put proceeds towards a new cart/stylus.

New cartridge wires and new interconnects are not going to make much of difference, assuming yours are in good working order.

But if you do replace the interconnects, use low capacitance cables.
 
Does the Cambridge Audio Duo have separate inputs for mm and MC and or a switch, make sure they're set correctly.
 
RJCJR said:
...and barely heard a thing.
Click to expand...
You have now stated numerous times that you HAVE a signal, albeit a week one!...in contradiction to the title of this thread. So, the cartridge basically works.

RJCJR said:
...the tip is in excellent shape and the stylus moves properly.
Click to expand...
How can you tell? A 45 year old suspension is a 45 year old suspension, among others.

Can you hear sound coming from the cartridge, listening by ear or microphone/phone?

You actually didn't answer the question(s): "Did this work previously, and then just stop working?..." Well, some info is in your other threads, but you should include it when asking for help, instead of letting helpers dig for it.

Leave the cables be (you confirmed they're fine), make sure the cartridge pins and stylus are clean, the stylus/grip is fully inserted into the cartridge and VTF set accordingly.
 
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I forget whether the 881E is a moving magnet or moving iron, but if the body is a moving magnet body and the stylus is meant for a moving iron, there will be little to generate a current. I like the 681ee a lot, and I loved the LZ series (which needed an head amp), but don't have experience with the 881.
 
Nat said:
I forget whether the 881E is a moving magnet or moving iron, but if the body is a moving magnet body and the stylus is meant for a moving iron, there will be little to generate a current. I like the 681ee a lot, and I loved the LZ series (which needed an head amp), but don't have experience with the 881.
Click to expand...

My thought as well. Perhaps the 680/681 family needles also fit on the 881 body, so it could be an MI needle on an MM body. Hence I'd suggest RJCJR to post a pic or two for possible identification...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
881 is MM, 680 is MI, but they do physically interchange which is (IMO) not a great idea. They are not compatible other than they will plug together.
 
borchee said:
You have now stated numerous times that you HAVE a signal, albeit a week one!...in contradiction to the title of this thread. So, the cartridge basically works.


How can you tell? A 45 year old suspension is a 45 year old suspension, among others.

Can you hear sound coming from the cartridge, listening by ear or microphone/phone?

You actually didn't answer the question(s): "Did this work previously, and then just stop working?..." Well, some info is in your other threads, but you should include it when asking for help, instead of letting helpers dig for it.

Leave the cables be (you confirmed they're fine), make sure the cartridge pins and stylus are clean, the stylus/grip is fully inserted into the cartridge and VTF set accordingly.
Click to expand...
Hello and thank you…

- It did work previously and was maintained properly - just in various storage over the years.
- it just tested fine with the ohmmeter.
- cleaned pins, replaced leads and cleaned all else along the way including phono RCAs.
- could here music coming from cartridge headshell very clearly upon needle drop.
- also upon needle drop, scratchy, then buzz/hum w very, very faint music out of speakers.

**Problem seems to be isolated to the head shell, cart and/or stylus, as I swapped out with an Audiotechnica on another head and all works w clean, no hum music…?
Something is obviously not right with the Stanton 881S…. Hope it’s not trashed…
Thanks,
 
Continuity from headshell contacts to cartridge pins?

Try the known working cartridge on the problematic headshell? Or the 881S on the known good headshell?

Stylus clean and fully seated?
 
Here are some pics for those curious - including me! Moving Iron is a new one to me, but assure this was original set up Stanton 881S with what I believe is a D81s stylus…
 

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RJCJR said:
Here are some pics for those curious - including me! Moving Iron is a new one to me, but assure this was original set up Stanton 881S with what I believe is a D81s stylus…
Click to expand...
I think you have a 680 stylus on an 881 body. It's not sitting correctly.

That sure looks like a D5110... edit: no that ain't right...

All my 680 styli have black grips. All my 881 are white grips.
 
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loudnoises said:
I think you have a 680 stylus on an 881 body. It's not sitting correctly.

That sure looks like a D5110...

All my 680 styli have black grips. All my 881 are white grips.
Click to expand...
Hmmmm… how it was sold to me from a very reputable store at the time. I’m pretty sure it’s not a d series. I’ve been told it was a pretty special stylus and its tip is in fine condition.
spark1 said:
Continuity from headshell contacts to cartridge pins?

Try the known working cartridge on the problematic headshell? Or the 881S on the known good headshell?

Stylus clean and fully seated?
Click to expand...
I will give all that a check - thanks!

-
 
spark1 said:
Continuity from headshell contacts to cartridge pins?

Try the known working cartridge on the problematic headshell? Or the 881S on the known good headshell?

Stylus clean and fully seated?
Click to expand...
Continuity fine on head shell tip to pin, and cart lead wires. so…
- 881S came up w almost identical, passing numbers on the ohmmeter confirming cart continuity is fine.
So, it must be the stylus, which is a shame considering excellent tip condition…
 
RJCJR said:
...considering excellent tip condition...
Click to expand...
Once again: How can you tell?
You're witholding information and making erroneous statements and conclusions...

You said the cartridge is original. Now you're saying you bought it used. Do you have good pics of the stylus/tip, or are you just going with what the seller told you?

RJCJR said:
It did work previously
Click to expand...
To make this absolutely clear: You were using/playing the cartridge without problems before?

If this is true (despite the "possible" cartridge-stylus mismatch) and the tip is indeed in excellent shape, it points to the suspension. There were/are reports of bringing a hardened suspension back to life with WD40, brake fluid and whatnot. One should not expect original condition/compliance, though.

What tracking force did you use/set when trying the Stanton?....with or without the brush being used/lowered?
 
I'm no expert, but I do have an 881S cartridge and two orginal stylus assemblies....one nearly new. Both are white, and the lettering/font on yours is different.

I also have a couple of 681 carts...and mine too all have black stylus assemblies.

I too am not clear as to the situation. You seem to have said earlier that this cartridge/stylus combo worked fine at some point in the past. True or false?

If true, I'm at a loss for other ideas (assuming correct tracking force). If false, I would say that you have a D6800 stylus of some sort (made for the 681, not the 881). Or an aftermarket 825-DSH variant. If D6800, it is not appropriate for the 881 cartridge. But even so, I would not expect the severity of the of the output problem you are having.

I'm sure that one of the experts will be along soon to enlighten us!
 
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A moving iron stylus wiggles a bit of iron (or steel) back and forth, which changes the coupling between a magnet and a coil that live inside the cartridge body of a 680/681 to generate the signal. In an 881, there is no magnet inside the cartridge. Wiggle a bit of non-magnetized metal in front of a coil and you get a lot of nothing out of the coil. The 881 needs a magnet wiggled in front of it's coils.
 
Hmm. I seem to remember putting a 681 stylus into one of my 881 cartridges and it working, though not well. But that was a while ago, and my memory is not as good as it once was. Maybe I'll try it again in the next few days and see if it duplicates the OP''s experience.

In any case, if the OP definitively confirms that indeed this cart and stylus used to work properly, the MM/MI issue would not seem to be the problem?
 
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