Mitsubishi LT-20/22 and LT-30 Setups

[eThink]

I currently own two Mitsubishi LT-22 turntables. One is my my primary TT and the other is a "spare".

Since these these TTs are from the early 1980s, I am curious about what other owners done to maintain and improve the performance of these TTs.

Here is what I have done with my primary LT-22:

• 
  [*]Replaced the (2) rubber belts for the tone arm
  [*]Replaced the headshell with an Ortofon SH-4
  [*]Installed a Audio Technica Precept PC550ML cartridge

I am interested in what carridges seem to work best with these TTs.

I use a harman/kardon stabilizer weight (~1 LB) when playing LPs. Can anyone comment on their experiences using a stabilizer weight and/or clamp with these TTs?

The LT-22 turntable is the foundation for my primary vintage system that is composed of the following components:

• 
  [*] h/k TU915 tuner
  [*] h/k 825 Preamp
  [*] Denon DCD-1290G CD Player
  [*] h/k CD401 Cassette Deck
  [*] h/k 750 Integrated Amp (dedicated to the subwoofer)
  [*] (2) h/k 775 power amps
  [*] (2) ads L400 Speakers (walnut) on ads stands
  [*] Canton Plus C subwoofer (walnut)

Currently, I am quite pleased with both the sound and the operation of this TT.

Please share your experiences with the LT-20/22 and the LT-30 in this thread.

 

[Balifly]

1. Bought the rubber tone arm belts, but have not replace them yet (not required).

2. Using random, mostly Radio Shack, Pioneer, etc headshells.

3. Trying several MM and MC cartridges all sounded great.

AT 95HE
Mission 773MM
Nagaoka MP110
Denon DL-160 HOMC
AT30E LOMC with and without AT630 Tranformer

4. Running it through Yamaha CR-2020 receiver MM/MC phono input and KEF 104ab speakers.

5. Ran it through Luxman L-430 integrated amplifier MM/MC phono input and Yamaha NS 690 speakers.

6. The dust cover seems to be too low for my record weight to be used with the cover down.

7. A dash of Siberian Husky dog hair for extra flavouring.

Questions:
Why did you choose the Ortofon HS-4 headshell, (not familiar with it) ?

Have you come across the Mitsubishi graphite headshell yet?

 

[JohnVF]

I've tried a couple of cartridges on my LT-20. The best sounding, by far, was the Audio Technica AT-150mlx. It's like it was made for that turntable. I've run it into receivers, a vintage Sony TA-2000a preamp, and a fisher 400x tube preamp. Sounded great with all of them.

 

[eThink]

Upgraded Headshell for LT-20/22

1
Questions:
Why did you choose the Ortofon HS-4 headshell, (not familiar with it) ?

Have you come across the Mitsubishi graphite headshell yet?

The original Mitsubishi headshell appears to be made from plastic (the manual describes it as "GFRP", which is an acronym for "Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic") I thought that this might be a "weak link" in my LT-22, so I chose to upgrade the headshell and wires.

I found the Ortofon SH-4 via web search on headshells. Based on the design and the description of the SH-4, it looked like a good match. http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/76/765556.html

So far it works well with the LT-22 arm and AT Precept PC550ML cartridge.

However, the Sumiko HS-12 http://www.musicdirect.com/product/52354
may be an even better choice because:

• 
  [*]It is even more rigid
  [*]It allows for adjustable azimuth
  [*]It come complete with Litz wire leads
  [*]The finger lift can be completely removed

I have not come across the Mitsubishi graphite headshell. What TT was this originally used with?

 

[JohnVF]

By the way, I use the same Ortofon headshell on mine, in silver. I have the original Mitsubishi one on another cart that I occasionally switch in, but the Ortofon works great (as did the Mitsubishi).

 

[Balifly]

The original Mitsubishi headshell appears to be made from plastic (the manual describes it as "GFRP", which is an acronym for "Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic") I thought that this might be a "weak link" in my LT-22, so I chose to upgrade the headshell and wires.

I have not come across the Mitsubishi graphite headshell. What TT was this originally used with?

I thought GFRP was a acronym for graphite.

Thanks for posting this thread and the links, I have a lot of reading to catch up on!:thmbsp:

 

[eThink]

AT 150ML and PC550ML

I've tried a couple of cartridges on my LT-20. The best sounding, by far, was the Audio Technica AT-150mlx. It's like it was made for that turntable. I've run it into receivers, a vintage Sony TA-2000a preamp, and a fisher 400x tube preamp. Sounded great with all of them.

My understanding is that these two cartridges are both very similar. The common points are:

• 
  [*]Same manufacturer: Audio-technica
  [*]Same stylus design: Micro-Linear
  [*]Same vintage: early 1990s

I also have an AT 140LC on my Luxman PD-277.

 

[JohnVF]

My understanding is that these two cartridges are both very similar. The common points are:

• 
  [*]Same manufacturer: Audio-technica
  [*]Same stylus design: Micro-Linear
  [*]Same vintage: early 1990s

I also have an AT 140LC on my Luxman PD-277.

The high compliance of the 150mlx might help it deal with that light stubby arm, too. I don't think it (the 150) dates as far back as the early 90's, though, does it? I know my 150mlx is only a little over a year old.

 

[Balifly]

I also have an AT 140LC on my Luxman PD-277.

Side tracking a bit.
AT 30E at rest!

 

[eThink]

Philips, Luxman and Mitsubishi

Side tracking a bit.
AT 30E at rest!

I see that we have a third TT in common: You have a Philips GA212 and I have a Philips GA312. :thmbsp:

I also have a GA212 TT in storage. It was my first really good TT, purchased in 1972 at Tech HiFi in Syracuse. It is a sentimental favorite and I plan to keep it.:yes:

 

[JohnVF]

I see that we have a third TT in common: You have a Philips GA212 and I have a Philips GA312. :thmbsp:

I also have a GA212 TT in storage. It was my first really good TT, purchased in 1972 at Tech HiFi in Syracuse. It is a sentimental favorite and I plan to keep it.:yes:

I have one of those, too (GA 212), though I gave it to my father at Christmas. Seems we all have similar TT taste!

 

[Balifly]

I have one of those, too (GA 212), though I gave it to my father at Christmas. Seems we all have similar TT taste!

:yes:

 

[Nat]

Actually, I don't think that stubby arm is so light -- its shorter than a pivoted arm, but its stout and with the adjustable mass tracking force adjustment, its not all that low mass -- witness the heavy counterweight.
So I have heard good things about the LT 20/22 with moving coils and even the Decca(!) Anyone have personal experience?

 

[JohnVF]

Actually, I don't think that stubby arm is so light -- its shorter than a pivoted arm, but its stout and with the adjustable mass tracking force adjustment, its not all that low mass -- witness the heavy counterweight.
So I have heard good things about the LT 20/22 with moving coils and even the Decca(!) Anyone have personal experience?

I've been meaning to try mine with a MC but never have. I always thought the counterweight was heavy because it was so close to the pivot point (using what last memories of physics I have, it would have to be heavier the closer to the rotation point it is, I guess). But I was only guessing at weight by the look of it, so I could be way off. The 150mlx does work well though.

 

[Nat]

I think that the heavy short linear arms act differently than similar mass pivoted arms, and I'm wondering if this isn't a situation where the advantage really is with linears. Obviously the short arm doesn't deal as well with warp wow, but because the arm is short, even with a fairly high mass, the low moment of intertia means that tracking warps and controlling the resonance peak is less of a problem. Meanwhile the benefits of high mass are mostly kept. This is just a guess...

 

[Balifly]

How about the Ortofon X1-MC in a Stanton H-4S headshell ?

 

[eThink]

Looking for a Mitsubishi LT-22 TT?

A very nice one has just been listed on the Chicago Craigslist http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/ele/1564356824.html

According to the seller the unit comes complete with an Ortofon OM-10 and has been tested and is fully operational.
Asking price is $90.

I have NO connection with this seller or transaction; I am just sharing information.

Hopefully this TT will go to a good home!

 

[JohnVF]

A very nice one has just been listed on the Chicago Craigslist http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/ele/1564356824.html

According to the seller the unit comes complete with an Ortofon OM-10 and has been tested and is fully operational.
Asking price is $90.

I have NO connection with this seller or transaction; I am just sharing information.

Hopefully this TT will go to a good home!

That was listed once before and expired, I even posted a link in dollars and sense but it's back again today. I think if people knew how good this TT sounded there'd be a lot more of a rush to get this one. The listing even mentions that the owner has a Linn and was still impressed. You could do so much worse with $95. It's not mine, but I have an LT-20, almost identical.

 

[koseltri]

It's got an OM body on it, for another $20 you could upgrade with a Digitrac 200NE...and have a combination worth twice (or more) your total sound-wise..

 

[eThink]

I also posted a link to this LT-22 on Craigslist on VinylEngine. Maybe someone will take advantage of this great deal.

In the past 60 days, I have purchased two LT-22:

From VinylAsylum for $115. It came with ALL of the original accessories, including the alignment jig, pristine dustcover and the original box (with all packing materials). Fully operational and very good cosmetics (some corrosion on front buttons)

From ebay for $109. It is in excellent operational and cosmetic condition. I shipped the original box and packing materials to seller in a second box for shipping.:

Last year, I finally got my first Mitsubishi LT from a local Craigslist seller for $70. This unit introduced me to the performance of the LT-2x as a TT. I also learned how to restore and setup this TT. It functions perfectly, but the front trim panel is damaged. I also do NOT care for the vinyl-veneer plinth. This 3rd TT will be my "parts" machine and backup my two LT-22s.

Much as I appreciate these TTs, I cannot justify buying a 4th one.

I hope someone that appreciate TTs buys this Chicago LT-22.