Linear Turntables
- Thread starter Harvey/ Ga
- Start date
jasong
Music enthusiast
stuwee said:jasong, you are so right to my eyes, but, he has this thing about this table, i guess i understand the way I feel about mine, but, ?
Peace Craig
It has to be a hangup! I mean, I'm considering pouring too much money into my Marantz 2285 amp, but still, for the amount your buddy spent on maintaning his turntable, he could have bought several new turntables. I wouldn't ever spend more than a couple hundred bucks on my Marantz.
restorer-john
Addicted Member
I think the issue is the 'technician' that is ripping this poor guy off here, not the turntable. So called 'techs' these days see vintage enthusiasts as a cash cow as many of their traditional prey no longer bring in simple repairs anymore- they throw away and replace. VCR's DVD players and TV's are all disposable now and hi-fi, true hifi is no longer bought new much these days, so warranty service contracts are drying up along with repeat business.
The complicated japanese gear of old is easy and cost effective to keep going virtually indefinitely. The mechanical parts are the problem, the nylon and plastic breaks down or becomes brittle. The electronics are superb and way better than modern surface mount rubbish.
The complicated japanese gear of old is easy and cost effective to keep going virtually indefinitely. The mechanical parts are the problem, the nylon and plastic breaks down or becomes brittle. The electronics are superb and way better than modern surface mount rubbish.
PhasedOut
PhasedOut
I have had my Pl-1000 gone through by a professional and it has been trouble free. Also i find it to be an amazing sounding table. I absolutely love it, however I am aware that there are few audio technicians that truly have the skill to service these units properly. My tech was sent to Japan specifically for this table training when it was new to the marketplace and he always cautions against letting just anyone work on one. :thmbsp:
PhasedOut said:
Nice rack!:yes: Yes he was in the Navy and bought it in England and it is a very nice sounding unit, and, as I said he keeps coming into my room when the Thorens plays and likes the sound, but, has this tie to the Pioneer, I agree I'd spend the money on something else, to me the thing is like a feeken' copy machine inside, I say get your fat ass up and change the LP and listen to the music:yes: just my 2 cents!
danj
modern primitive
I had a Technics SL5 for a while. I thought it totally and completely underwhelming (redundancy intentional).
I sold the SL5 at a local consignment shop. It went very quickly for a good price and the buyer still has it! He says it's great.:scratch2: I'm happy he's happy and that I no longer have to listen to it.
I sold the SL5 at a local consignment shop. It went very quickly for a good price and the buyer still has it! He says it's great.:scratch2: I'm happy he's happy and that I no longer have to listen to it.
restorer-john
Addicted Member
hey jasong, I agree too much money. As I said the tech is at fault, but then again you couldn't dream of buying a turntable anywhere near that unit now for under 3k even it were made so it is STILL cheap. I notice you have an sl1200mkII in your pic, a great manual table. The arm of the pioneer is the real winner- better than anything I have seen..period.
penkosey
Well-Known Member
It sucks about the cost of having repair work done on vintage equipment. Around here, there is only one reputable place to go to. They have a serious attitude, and a LONG waiting period. Very opinionated, elitist, and have made some questionable statements.
They've acted sort of like doctors...not really listened to what I've said, interrupted me, and seem set on their own opinion before even really listening to what I had to say...then sent me on my way...
Plus, they totally raped me when I brought my TT in.
They've acted sort of like doctors...not really listened to what I've said, interrupted me, and seem set on their own opinion before even really listening to what I had to say...then sent me on my way...
Plus, they totally raped me when I brought my TT in.
restorer-john
Addicted Member
Penkosey,
I guess they know they are the only ones around who can fix your gear and charge accordingly, but at the end of the day, you are the customer and their business depends on you. A good technician finds his niche and builds a reputation where people bring gear to you because they know you will listen and do a good job. Not a job that someone else will have to repair later. I got out of the business years ago because of the public wanting things fixed immediately and as cheap as possible. Now I only fix my own gear and restore gear for friends. If I cannot return an item to original condition, I won't do it. Substitute components should always be documented and a report should be provided. I won't use anything but japanese components- full stop. No chinese, korean etc in japanese gear. There are people who seem to think a onsemi(motorola) mexican made 250w T03 can replace an 'old' japanese high speed ring emitter transistor where the entire original amp was designed around the component and get the same performance. You can't. You can always find the original parts if you try hard enough. I have bought a donor unit from the US just for a set of output transistors.
I guess they know they are the only ones around who can fix your gear and charge accordingly, but at the end of the day, you are the customer and their business depends on you. A good technician finds his niche and builds a reputation where people bring gear to you because they know you will listen and do a good job. Not a job that someone else will have to repair later. I got out of the business years ago because of the public wanting things fixed immediately and as cheap as possible. Now I only fix my own gear and restore gear for friends. If I cannot return an item to original condition, I won't do it. Substitute components should always be documented and a report should be provided. I won't use anything but japanese components- full stop. No chinese, korean etc in japanese gear. There are people who seem to think a onsemi(motorola) mexican made 250w T03 can replace an 'old' japanese high speed ring emitter transistor where the entire original amp was designed around the component and get the same performance. You can't. You can always find the original parts if you try hard enough. I have bought a donor unit from the US just for a set of output transistors.
jasong
Music enthusiast
penkosey said:
Ecchhh...I'm not going to even ask how much. I got slightly hosed at a local electronics shop recently too. Somehow I need to hook up with a tech who actually gives a sh*t about what I'm doing. Hopefully I don't hook up with a jerk as you describe. :scratch2:
CucamongaDan
Active Member
My SL-5 that doesn't play the whole record
Hi, I have a Technics SL-5 my parents bought me when it was new. I haven't used it much in the last 20 years or so. I had only had it a few years when it developed the habit of picking up the cartridge before the LP side was quite through playing. It usually does this with about 1 to 3 minutes of music left to go. Does anybody know if this is something easily fixed?
Hi, I have a Technics SL-5 my parents bought me when it was new. I haven't used it much in the last 20 years or so. I had only had it a few years when it developed the habit of picking up the cartridge before the LP side was quite through playing. It usually does this with about 1 to 3 minutes of music left to go. Does anybody know if this is something easily fixed?
restorer-john
Addicted Member
sounds like the end of side adjusment is slightly out- practically all linear trackers have some form of adjustment, usually hidden down a grommetted hole or some place near the arm end guides- sometime it is even a threaded screw and microswitch, but I'd say in the technics it'd be optical.
Rabco ST-8 linear tracker
I have a H/K Rabco ST8 table I have owned since new in the mid 70s. Other than cleaning, minor cue adjustment, and replacing a bulb it has never had another issue in over 30 years of use. It is built like a tank, no plastic and looks as good today as it did when new!
While it is a great sounding table, my Thorens TD125 MK II is the better table hands down. Proving that linear tracking alone does not a great table make. I would love to hear a TD125 or TD125 MK II with the Rabco SL 8 arm on it.
I have a H/K Rabco ST8 table I have owned since new in the mid 70s. Other than cleaning, minor cue adjustment, and replacing a bulb it has never had another issue in over 30 years of use. It is built like a tank, no plastic and looks as good today as it did when new!
While it is a great sounding table, my Thorens TD125 MK II is the better table hands down. Proving that linear tracking alone does not a great table make. I would love to hear a TD125 or TD125 MK II with the Rabco SL 8 arm on it.
I guess it kind'a depends on design. The Souther arm, now Clearaudio, doesn't use a motor or gears. It doesn't break.
I have been using one for 10+ years, I bought it used. And it really can't break.
But it isn't a table, just an aftermarket arm.
I have been using one for 10+ years, I bought it used. And it really can't break.
But it isn't a table, just an aftermarket arm.
Harvey/ Ga
Super Member
Well, the PD-59 finally got here!! UPS delivered it for FedEx!!! Jury rigged it into the primary system and it sounds very good...gotta dig out some good CD's soon
The PL-L 1000 should be on the way tomorrow. Dbl boxed and platter removed...gotta say my prayers that it gets here OK.
The PL-L 1000 should be on the way tomorrow. Dbl boxed and platter removed...gotta say my prayers that it gets here OK.
Well the roomies PL1000a came back 2 days ago and I I have to say It (kicks a$&) I've heard this table on (he's using my DCM's) they are pretty revealing the sound is major transformed this is through a Marantz 2270 those (damn) arms and carts must be dialed in just so!! I booked my Thorens/SME/Grado in to this tech as he obviously knows what he's doing and mine must be a little out of wack if (sorry guy's) Pioneer makes my Thorens sound a little off!:scratch2:
Peace Craig
Peace Craig
Harvey/ Ga
Super Member
Hi Jasong..
>>Buy a lottery ticket and get the Rockport top o the line for $75,000.00 and you'll get your linear nirvana,<<
Costs a dollar for a ticket...probably could buy a nice vintage system for what wifemate spent on tickets over the years..never won<sigh>
>>Buy a lottery ticket and get the Rockport top o the line for $75,000.00 and you'll get your linear nirvana,<<
Costs a dollar for a ticket...probably could buy a nice vintage system for what wifemate spent on tickets over the years..never won<sigh>