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Technics SL-1800MK2 Auto-lift/return?

scluer

scluer

Howard Fan Club
Thinking about buying an SL-1800MK2, and since it's a full manual turntable I'm wondering what exactly happens when the stylus reaches the end of the record. Also, any general comments, as this will be my new main tt.

Thanks for all of the awesome info on turntables, I've learned so much!
 
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It just keeps riding that leadout groove around and around. No damage to the stylus, but wear continues as though it's playing the record.
 
Thanks Howard, I realize it was a novice question, but I gotta dot the i's and so forth...I don't want to purchase the wrong product! I'm switching my focus to Thorens with auto lift/return.

Hey, is it okay to tape pennies to the end of the cartridge to add weight? Just kidding :)

Thanks again for the reply.
 
or bottle caps, from a craigs list ad;

The needle end is a little light so I've taken the liberty of taping a few bottle caps and a pin to the end of it so that it won't have any problems playing records. This could probably be remedied in other manners, but this is what I had in front of me at the time

http://richmond.craigslist.org/ele/491764287.html
 
Lastplace, that is friggin hilarious!

I'm really glad you guys have a sense of humor, thought I might get banished for the penny comment as blasmephy! My stepfather used to actually do that, so it's good to be in more knowledgable company.

Seriously though, you guys/this forum has provided a wealth of information to help me make a reasonably informed turntable purchase. There's always more to read and learn here though, so Thanks!
 
scluer said:
Thanks Howard, I realize it was a novice question, but I gotta dot the i's and so forth...I don't want to purchase the wrong product! I'm switching my focus to Thorens with auto lift/return.

Hey, is it okay to tape pennies to the end of the cartridge to add weight? Just kidding :)

Thanks again for the reply.
Click to expand...
Well, there's always the SL-1700MK2 with auto-return.
 
scluer,
At one time Hakaplan had a very nice JVC table for sale. You may want to ask what he has in inventory now.

BTW, I purchased my Sony from him, excellent seller, awesome table!
 
I would love to purchase a properly cared for vintage tt that does not require constant tuning by someone possessing years of tt knowledge. Simply put, I need something that sounds good, looks good, and is low maintenance. It will be gently used.

I am currently watching for TT's of this class:

Technics SL-1700MK2 (1800mk2 is out)
Thorens TD 125 or 160
Marantz 6300
Denon (need to research the models more)
Yammie (need to research the models more)
Pioneer 530

My concern over the Pioneer from Turntableteen on ePay (this pretty much describes overcomplexity I would like to avoid in a vintage turntable):

PL-530 problems: In order for one of these units to work correct. It has to be serviced. I have 5 in the garage and none function correct. There's two main problems:

1. The brass bushings which secure the tone arm come loose over time which causes wobble.

2. The automatic features work like a Dual or Marantz 6200. Friction based. But with an extra motor which drives the tone arm only... horizontally. This extra motor reduces tracking friction , and is very sensitive. The arm requires cleaning and tuning + at least 5 adjustment points. To enable the tonearm to go back to it's original resting position. The arm may need to be removed from the unit.

3. The controls operate on actual cables. Like bicycle brake cables. Where standard turntables - Marantz 6300 - Technics etc... use wire. The cables are adjustable. (I read somewhere that this may be frequent adjustment).

Again, thanks everyone for helping me on my mission. I should add that I'm doing this for my son also who actually possesses a vinyl collection (Zeppelin genre)... So my next post may be, What is your favorite album on a particular TT? because I really like all varieties of music, but I love discovering the esoteric.

Sorry for wall of text. :)
 
scluer said:
I would love to purchase a properly cared for vintage tt that does not require constant tuning by someone possessing years of tt knowledge. Simply put, I need something that sounds good, looks good, and is low maintenance. It will be gently used.

I am currently watching for TT's of this class:

Technics SL-1700MK2 (1800mk2 is out)
Thorens TD 125 or 160
Marantz 6300
Denon (need to research the models more)
Yammie (need to research the models more)
Pioneer 530

My concern over the Pioneer from Turntableteen on ePay (this pretty much describes overcomplexity I would like to avoid in a vintage turntable):

PL-530 problems: In order for one of these units to work correct. It has to be serviced. I have 5 in the garage and none function correct. There's two main problems:

1. The brass bushings which secure the tone arm come loose over time which causes wobble.

2. The automatic features work like a Dual or Marantz 6200. Friction based. But with an extra motor which drives the tone arm only... horizontally. This extra motor reduces tracking friction , and is very sensitive. The arm requires cleaning and tuning + at least 5 adjustment points. To enable the tonearm to go back to it's original resting position. The arm may need to be removed from the unit.

3. The controls operate on actual cables. Like bicycle brake cables. Where standard turntables - Marantz 6300 - Technics etc... use wire. The cables are adjustable. (I read somewhere that this may be frequent adjustment).

Again, thanks everyone for helping me on my mission. I should add that I'm doing this for my son also who actually possesses a vinyl collection (Zeppelin genre)... So my next post may be, What is your favorite album on a particular TT? because I really like all varieties of music, but I love discovering the esoteric.

Sorry for wall of text. :)
Click to expand...

I actually bought a turntable from him (turntableteen) earlier this year. His name is John and He knows how to pack a turntable and also does a fantastic job on the dust cover. I've also discussed jazz with him, he's a very nice guy and I wouldn't hesitate on buying anything from him. You can definitely buy with confidence from him.
 
scluer said:
Thinking about buying an SL-1800MK2, and since it's a full manual turntable I'm wondering what exactly happens when the stylus reaches the end of the record. Also, any general comments, as this will be my new main tt.

Thanks for all of the awesome info on turntables, I've learned so much!
Click to expand...

Hi there good tables as I have one. Some things to check on these are as follows/
1 Make sure the arm barrings are Ok
2 Check to make sure LED indicator is working properly in that when the dial is turned the LED's go in motion and not jumping to one side I know your thinking what the heck is he saying trust me you'll see as you find these.
3 Make sure the bottom isn't cracked or been repaired.
4 If your seeing one in person then you can test a lot of this, if buying from ebay ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND THEN ASK MORE.
I found out the hard way as I was new to these myself and seller told me what I wanted to know BUT he sure didn't disclose the problems with it. That's why I stress ASK and ask again.

Good Luck
 
Lastplace said:
scluer,
At one time Hakaplan had a very nice JVC table for sale. You may want to ask what he has in inventory now.

BTW, I purchased my Sony from him, excellent seller, awesome table!
Click to expand...

Ya at last count Hakaplan had 37 tables ha ha ha :D
So I'm sure he may just sell you one.
 
scluer said:
Thanks Stanton, I'm thinking I need semi-Auto now.

I just bid sniped $350 on this JVC QL Y55F, I figured, hey Howard has one, so it's gotta be good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110197388198&ssPageName=STRK:MEDW:IT&ih=001

It looks AWESOME, orig owners, in it's in orig box with manuals, extra tone arm, hasn't been used in 25 years...and I lost... :(

Patience grasshopper...
Click to expand...
Actually I don't have one, but it is a good turntable and in that condition, worth $350.
 
Okay, as far as I know, the only Thorens with autolift or auto return is the TD-145 and 146. And for that TD-160 I'd say the BIN is overpriced.

The reason I have never been excited about the Dual DDs may seem silly to some, but I like to have a bunch of headshells to swap out carts quickly and easily. Dual headshells are very expensive and hard to find, while those for s-arms are plentiful and inexpensive.

The Denons ending in "L" are the autolift models and pretty much all of them are decent and highly respected. Originally most came with both straight and S-arms--the s-arm has they removeable headshell, the straight arm does not. Often the seller does not have both arms because one was lost along the way. (Denon arms, not his :))

I'd avoid the Marantz unless it comes free or very cheap.

The best DD Yamahas were the YP-D71, D8, and D10, all s-arm and all autolift.

I would also look at the Sony PS-X50 - it's DDQ, s-arm, auto return.
 
Howard, I have started your fan club (see Avatar).

That wealth of information you just provided prevented collosal buyers remorse, not sure how to thank you. So, Thank You!

I bought the PS-X50 for my son.
 
Thank you, I'm flattered (or at least Lawrence is :D)

I didn't realize there was actually one on ebay. Make sure the seller knows to remove the platter and store it under the table, to use plenty of cushioning (thick bubble wrap is best), and if possible to double box. The platter removal is critical.

And congratulations!
 
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