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Panasonic MCS 683-2000 cartridge issues

2

2dbit

Active Member
I have a Panasonic MCS 683-2000 turntable that I'm looking at for a friend, and since I'm new to turntable repair scene, I was hoping for some guidance as to what this unit is going to require to bring up to snuff, or if it's going to end up being cost prohibitive in the end.

I took a couple of pictures of how the cartridge rests on a 45. Seeing that the stylus doesn't even contact the vinyl is enough of a concern, but I'm looking at how the cartridge doesn't appear to rest properly between the edge of the record and the middle.

My concern is, is this turntable going to require just a new cartridge, or is it possible that the whole tone arm is screwed up?

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2dbit said:
I took a couple of pictures of how the cartridge rests on a 45. Seeing that the stylus doesn't even contact the vinyl is enough of a concern, but I'm looking at how the cartridge doesn't appear to rest properly between the edge of the record and the middle.

My concern is, is this turntable going to require just a new cartridge, or is it possible that the whole tone arm is screwed up?
Click to expand...

There does not appear to be any stylus/needle in the pictures.

No cantilever either.

The cartridge it self seems to be OK.

Probably just need a replacement stylus/needle. :music:
 
I'm solidly behind Balifly on this one. There is no stylus. It's like something from The Matrix.

The cartridge (or rather the headshell) seems to be rotated just slightly too far in a clockwise direction, but that's usually an easy fix, because there's some play in the connector.

The cartridge itself is an entry-level Audio-Technica. I'm sure you can find an affordable replacement stylus for it, but you might want to invest the money in a better (read: upgradeable) cartridge instead.
 
I was hesitant to remove the cartridge since, but, it appeared that this was just something that had to happen. I pulled it and this is what I found.

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Now, of course...this is where the world is this guy's oyster.

We're talking about an MCS 683-2000. So, obviously not going to be installing any $2000 needle. I will inquire with the owner how much he's interested in investing.

I see ebay has a replacement AT71 for $12. What would be the best investment for the $100 and below range? I'll ask him exactly how much he wants to invest, but I'm going to start with that...
 
Yup, it's an old AT-71. There's one elliptical (green) stylus available for it, and that's about it. Have one of those myself, though I'll never use it. It's essentially an orphan, a dead end.

In this case, where easiest, simplest and cheapest intersect (while still including upgrade possibilities) is arguably the Audio-Technica AT95E. Tracks at a bit less than 2 grams; sounds good; rugged enough to survive a user not practiced in the art; many affordable styli available for it beyond the mere basic elliptical; owned by many here on AK; considered a reliable go-to cartridge that surprises, considering the price paid.

It's a good cartridge on which to learn how to be an audiophile... or not. It can be had for around $41 shipped. And that's just one possibility.
 
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