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Russco Studio Pro Model B - no tone arm

R

Robdel

New Member
Hello,
Eons ago I picked up a very clean Russco Model B simply because it was essentially free and I fell in live with the looks and build. It sat for years but I am considering putting back into action.

I have read here that there seems to be two primary recommendations for tonearms, at least if one want to mount on the unit itself : 1. Micro-Trak 303 if one wants to stay vintage or 2.Piezo PU- 402 Syntec S-220 which one can buy new.
Is this still the current thinking out there?

With regards to the unit itself, what should I be looking for in order to assess if the project is even worth the time/effort/money? The unit powers up, spins, and the power and speed indicator lights work.
What about this idler wheel?
How does one ensure proper speed?
What is the recommended lube for platter bearing?
Replacement ideas for this felt?

Any insight greatly appreciated.
-Rob

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Current , AS IS speed tests:
I am not sure what most consider acceptable, but both seem pretty rough to me!
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As far as tonearms go I use the Syntec S-220, purchased off the guy on ebay. He must have found a warehouse full of them. Nice arm and well worth the money, a bargain.
That said, I do have a thing for tonearms and would like to find other arms that would fit in the stock location, meaning not cutting into the plinth. A good friend did offer to make me a wood armboard that could take a 12" arm, not sure how that would look hanging off the side/ back.
Most good arms seem to be in the 10 to 12 inch range.
I mostly use Denon DL-103 carts or variants of that cart. That Syntec seems to work with it.

BillWojo
 
Robdel said:
Yes, I ordered a Syntec S-220 from the same person (I suspect) via Ebay. Still debating cartridge.
Click to expand...

Rob, I’m partial to some cartridges which were popular about when your table was made - the moving iron Pickering XV-15 and equivalents from Stanton.. The Stanton 600’s were no slouch either, if you can get hold of a good stylus for ‘em. They were popular with studio DJ’s as well - a nice sounding yet rugged cartridge.. I presently have one of those 600’s on my Russco, with the Micro-Trak 303 arm.
Others to consider are from Nagaoka, like the (not super cheap) MP-200 or better, and the nicer MM cartridges from Audio-Technica.. I would also be thinking about the cheaper “woody” offerings from Grado but I haven’t actually heard any - yet.

If you’re set up with phono amplification for MC cartridges, Bill @BillWojo may recommend the Denon 103 - I had one a few years back and it did sound good.. I replaced it with an Audio-Technica AT-OC9MLII - loved that one!

Lots of good cartridges to pick from, depending upon budget and taste.. :)

EDIT - BTW, I’d be keeping the radio station stickers on that one… :)
 
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electronjohn said:
Think we used plain ol' 10W motor oil for the center bearing back in the day.
Click to expand...

Possibly why mine has slightly high wow - my oil may be too viscous… I have the bearing full of 5W/50 !
I’ll replace that with lighter weight next time I’m under the hood..
 
BillWojo said:
As far as tonearms go I use the Syntec S-220, purchased off the guy on ebay. He must have found a warehouse full of them. Nice arm and well worth the money, a bargain.
That said, I do have a thing for tonearms and would like to find other arms that would fit in the stock location, meaning not cutting into the plinth. A good friend did offer to make me a wood armboard that could take a 12" arm, not sure how that would look hanging off the side/ back.
Most good arms seem to be in the 10 to 12 inch range.
I mostly use Denon DL-103 carts or variants of that cart. That Syntec seems to work with it.

BillWojo
Click to expand...
Regarding the Syntec S-220 tonearm do you have a fix for the lack of a cueing mechanism? Or do you just live without it?
 
At one station we had a machine shop do up some replacement motor spindles. Juuuuuust enough difference so 45s spun at about 46 and LPs at about 34 or so. Made the music a little "peppier" as a competitive advantage.
 
electronjohn said:
At one station we had a machine shop do up some replacement motor spindles. Juuuuuust enough difference so 45s spun at about 46 and LPs at about 34 or so. Made the music a little "peppier" as a competitive advantage.
Click to expand...
Maybe I have your TT! ..as thats where mine sits right now! lol
 
BillWojo said:
As far as tonearms go I use the Syntec S-220, purchased off the guy on ebay. He must have found a warehouse full of them. Nice arm and well worth the money, a bargain.
That said, I do have a thing for tonearms and would like to find other arms that would fit in the stock location, meaning not cutting into the plinth. A good friend did offer to make me a wood armboard that could take a 12" arm, not sure how that would look hanging off the side/ back.
Most good arms seem to be in the 10 to 12 inch range.
I mostly use Denon DL-103 carts or variants of that cart. That Syntec seems to work with it.

BillWojo
Click to expand...
Hi Bill, I'm looking to get a Studio Pro Model B, and wondering if you've looked into the AT 1503 and ATP-12 arms.

Steve T
 
Have the Syntec 220 myself and believe the information about it is a mistranslation, it’s certainly not like a Grace 707 and it works well with a Denon DL 103


Andy
 
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