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Need a tech in Seattle area - set up Beogram turntable

mnilan

mnilan

Active Member
Folks:
Got a sweet Beogram turntable but I need to get it properly set up, balanced, etc. Anyone know a capable tech I can take it to? Note: Hawthorne Stereo (where I have gone for decades) does not work on Beograms any more but they were kind enough to help me out with a belt issue. So, I need another place to go. Please advise.
Thanks,
Mike
 
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There generally isn't a whole lot of setup to be done with a Beogram. The proprietary plug-in cartridges were an early form of what would later become known as P-mount, so all you need to do is set the tracking weight (and anti-skate, if applicable) for the cartridge you're using, and you should be all set. As long as the cartridge has an intact suspension and a good stylus, you should be good to go.
-Adam
 
Adam:
Thanks for your response.

I had the turntable working perfectly and then moved it 3,000 miles across country via a moving van. I had the platter and the platter assembly locked down. Now, it skips due to the slightest impediment, e.g., a mustache hair 1/16th of an inch long or a tiny bit of dust. Yes, I do use a brush and the records are clean... Seems like it could be a leveling issue. Can't figure out how to get it to play through a whole side.

This turntable is intended to allow my wife to play records without danger to the record or the cartridge. However, if it is skipping, she won't use it. I'm sure the issue is minor but I’m new to Beogram and don't want to be ham fisted with it...

Advice is welcome.
Thanks,
Mike
 
mnilan said:
Adam:
Thanks for your response.

I had the turntable working perfectly and then moved it 3,000 miles across country via a moving van. I had the platter and the platter assembly locked down. Now, it skips due to the slightest impediment, e.g., a mustache hair 1/16th of an inch long or a tiny bit of dust. Yes, I do use a brush and the records are clean... Seems like it could be a leveling issue. Can't figure out how to get it to play through a whole side.

This turntable is intended to allow my wife to play records without danger to the record or the cartridge. However, if it is skipping, she won't use it. I'm sure the issue is minor but I’m new to Beogram and don't want to be ham fisted with it...

Advice is welcome.
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...
Interesting. Are you sure you've fully unlocked all of the transport screws? Is the suspension as springy as it was before the move? Finally, is the tracking weight and anti-skate set properly for the cartridge? Try using a VTF scale to check.

I will say that at least some of my Beograms (particularly the linear trackers) are sensitive to debris lodged in the groove, but that also goes for some non-B&O cartridges I have which are equipped with fancy cantilevers. I generally use a carbon-fiber brush to remove dust before playback, but that sometimes misses little bits of crud which get stuck to the surface. Of course, if this is happening all over the record, it might be something I mentioned above.
-Adam
 
It's a balance issue, go to vinylengine.com and sign up, free, then download your models instruction manual, read it thru once, then follow the instructions to rebalance the arm. You don't need a tech, just follow the directions.
The arm could be binding, but that would be a very rare occurrence.

Which model is this TT?
 
FWIW, I think John at Northwest Audio was the BO service center in the day.
When we cleaned out his shop when he moved, I got all the BO service manuals.
 
Gents:
Thanks for the insight. I have some things to look at and try. Appreciate your input.
Mike
 
Mike
I have a RX2 in my shop, sold the other one.
Follow the instructions to balance the arm, it's been knocked out of whack. It tells you how to balance with power unplugged because if not careful, the spinning platter will yank the stylus out. The price of the aftermarket ones will make you cry, so it is important to 1 do it right and 2 determine the condition of the one you have.
I like B&O stuff, but no longer use one in my systems. If you want to keep the table, I would lean toward a Soundsmith because it's trial and error buying a used MMC cartridge .
 
Hey, this is probably your problem. The tracking force is probably set too light. My 1700 table at least has odd markings on the counterweight, they do not correlate to other ones I've used. The scale is different - I forget by how much. Do a quick search on that for your model and see if you can find the info. Once I set the right tracking force for my stylus (20EN), my table does not skip at all. Good luck! I love my table but once my two good styli are shot, I will probably retire it. The cartridge cost with SoundSmith is just too rich for my blood.
 
Gents:
All is good now. I re-checked all settings (including tracking force which is necessarily low for my MMC1 cartridge) and everything was set correctly. Then I put a level on it and saw that the left rear corner was low - the shelf was not square! So I cut up a 3” X 5” card and experimented with different plys until the table was completely level. Voila! Thanks for your suggestions and encouragement.
Mike
 
mnilan said:
Gents:
All is good now. I re-checked all settings (including tracking force which is necessarily low for my MMC1 cartridge) and everything was set correctly. Then I put a level on it and saw that the left rear corner was low - the shelf was not square! So I cut up a 3” X 5” card and experimented with different plys until the table was completely level. Voila! Thanks for your suggestions and encouragement.
Mike
Click to expand...

I don't think I've ever had a turntable that didn't wind up with at least a couple of coins under a foot or two after I placed a level across it -- it really is required equipment . . . ;)
 
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