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New TT, need help/advice on what to do!

J

JonSkywalker

New Member
Hi

I was recently given 2 turntables. They were in the family and no one was using them

- Technics SL-QD2
- Technics SL-D2

The SL-QD2 is in good shape, only the dust cover hinges are broken. The SL-D2 is also in great shape but its missing a shell, cartridge and the TT mat.

I prefer the look and built of the SL-D2 so I was thinking of putting the SL-QD2 mat on it, would it be a good fit?

For the shell, I was looking into getting the original Technics but I don't want to put too much money into it right now. What would you recommend for shell and cartridge for someone who's on a budget!?

thank you in advance.
 
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JonSkywalker said:
Hi

For the shell, I was looking into getting the original Technics but I don't want to put too much money into it right now. What would you recommend for shell and cartridge for someone who's on a budget!?

thank you in advance.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the AK turntable forum.

What is the approximate budget for each of those items? :scratch2:
 
Oh that should be very attainable. I don't think I would worry about a Technics branded head shell since you are on a budget. Just get a good quality one, and they can be had for under $20 bucks. Some around $10 it seems. If the mat fits the table size wise, it is no problem moving it over.

Now you need a cartridge and have around $80 to spend. The Audio Technica AT 95E is a well regarded cartridge that is affordable, they can be had for $40 on line. that gives you a few bucks for getting some DIY materials to clean your records, and you should also consider buying a carbon fiber record brush to dust your records. You can pick this up at the same time as ordering the cartridge and head shell.

One of the bet things you can do when starting out with a turntable is make sure your records are squeaky clean. One of the best options for someone who is on a budget is to mix up a DIY cleaning solution. Reciepies are often a gallon of reverse osmosis water or distilled...and a pint of 99%+ isopropyl alcohol, a light cleaner such as a cupful of Lysol direct, and a wetting agent such as photo flo. Mix that up and use a gentle brush such as the ones used to clean under your fingernails to massage it into the grooves. Then do a rinse and dry with a micro fiber towel. Or better yet, use a shop vac to vacuum the solution off the record. You modify the crevice tool and add a bit of felt on the bar to protect the record. Now you have a vacuum record cleaning system on the cheap! I know this is a bit much, but clean records really enhance the vinyl experience, and you get better sound quality.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
Amazon.ca will happily sell you a brand new Audio Technica AT95E and a Technics-logoed headshell for right around $100
 
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