JVC QL-Y66F should I or shouldn't I?

[tubeboob]

I have the opportunity to get a cosmetically mint JVC QL-Y66F turntable, but there are three issues with it.

1. The lift button does not work.:thumbsdn:
2. The left/right buttons do not work.:thumbsdn:
3. The automatic play button does not work.:thumbsdn:

Otherwise, the turntable functions perfectly.:thmbsp:

Has anyone had experience with these issues with the JVC QL series turntables?

And if so, how difficult/easy is it to repair?

Could this be a simple Deoxit repair?

I happen to have another QL-Y66F that is cosmetically challenged, but functionally perfect.

How difficult is it to switch non-working for working parts?

I really want to take a chance on this TT, but the fear factor is somewhat overwhelming . . .

I have to make the decision soon, so all input is appreciated.

Cheers . . .

 

[dlaloum]

OOOH tough decision...

The 66F has one of the best DD motors ever made - it is a magnetic levitation drive - so no bearing contact! - with bidirectional quartz servo control...
In terms of direct drives it doesn't get much better than this!

The arm is another legendary piece of electronic tech - VTF and anti-skating are applied via electro magnets, and to add cream to the cake, the arm has electro magnetic servo damping for Low frequency resonances.
The arm tube is exchangeable and 3 types were available originally, S-Arm (mid mass), Straight arm (low mass), straight arm - carbon fibre (ultra-low mass / damped)

I have the model down and earlier (QL-Y5F) - and would LOVE to have a 66!

It could be as simple as the entire switch panel has been disconnected from the motherboard....

If the price is right it may be worth the risk.

The downside of these - there are several irreplaceable integrated circuits... if they are shot the unit may be a boat anchor :sigh:

bye for now

David

 

[naconst]

Sounds like it would become a manual TT if not repairable ?Still may be worth buying (-120.00),could always sell the parts if unfixable .

 

[tubeboob]

I took the plunge and bought the TT as it really was in mint condition cosmetically.

Went all the way to Montreal from NYC for it.

What was the problem? Well . . .

The button to move the arm "left" didn't work, and the automatic play button did not work . . .

The non-functioning buttons had absolutely no play, while the functioning buttons had a distinct "click" when depressed.

So I fiddled and played around with the buttons, and eventually all of the buttons worked themselves free, and started functioning properly. Damn, I was delighted, to say the least.

Well worth the trip to Montreal, as that city is amazing in and of itself.:thmbsp:

Cheers

 

[BrocLuno]

Montreal - Yeah

JVC TT - Yeah

All good. Now you need another reason to go back

 

[ETI_5000]

So I fiddled and played around with the buttons, and eventually all of the buttons worked themselves free, and started functioning properly. Damn, I was delighted, to say the least.

It obviously just needed a bit of use to free the buttons up.:thmbsp: Great turntable.

 

[marengo]

Been there, done that...

there are a few things for maintaining a 66.

first off, the buttons have hollow little spacers that will crumble over time and need to be replaced. Denon spacers work perfectly. I get my work done at a great repair place that normally turns up their nose at JVC, but do do the right thing ultimately. different story started there.

second, the capacitors (main ones) will fail and need to be replaced. AC will leak into the DC motor and cause jerky motion on startup, and will cause motor damage if not corrected.

I'm thrilled to own my latest 66. I started with a 55, upgraded to a damaged 66, fixing it up. and finally, getting my also mint 66 with universal power input. mint also meant that it needed maintainance. I was also lucky to purchase my second cartridge from shure. it arrived with the included mc cartridge that I don't use as much until I get a different preamp.

enjoy, have fun