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Technics SL-D3 slight wobble and static

A

Alerav

New Member
Hello!

I very recently acquired a Technics SL-D3 and I have a couple of questions/problems.

The plate has a slight wobble, being inexperienced I didn't think of looking for it when I tried it out at the seller... Can I do anything about it? Does it affect the sound quality, could it damage the tonearm or the vinyls?

One other thing that is bodering me is the static "pops" that come up occasionally, what could be the cause of this? I've tried a few records and all had this "pops", some more than other.

Here's a (poor quality) video I uploaded to youtube so you guys can check what I'm referring to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AINVTNaJac&feature=youtu.be

Please let me know what you think. Thanks.
 
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Welcome to Ak :) Looking at your video, the wobble seems to be the record itself, which looks to be warped. You'll find that happens. Some records can be very warped. Yours is no biggie. As to the pops, I would think the record is dirty. Do a search on record cleaning to find many threads on what to do. This will include a DIY method to record cleaning machines in the 1000.00's of dollars range. Also, I would suggest picking up a carbon fiber brush for the records when you first place the record on the table. Static does build up and the carbon fiber brush will help.
 
The SL-D3 is a pretty good budget Technics table that has stood the test of time. With even the most costly turntables if the records are in poor condition, scratches/warped/dirty etc, the results are going to sound bad with clicks/pops etc. You need to clean the records, as advised do research on AK for assorted methods/equipment. My advice for a budget entry level record cleaning system is the KAB EV1.
 
kermit z said:
Welcome to Ak :) Looking at your video, the wobble seems to be the record itself, which looks to be warped. You'll find that happens. Some records can be very warped. Yours is no biggie. As to the pops, I would think the record is dirty. Do a search on record cleaning to find many threads on what to do. This will include a DIY method to record cleaning machines in the 1000.00's of dollars range. Also, I would suggest picking up a carbon fiber brush for the records when you first place the record on the table. Static does build up and the carbon fiber brush will help.
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Thanks for the reply!

I believe that the plate is also a little warped. I remember trying to spin it without a record and noticing the wobble. I'll try to update a video of it without a record on.

majick47 said:
The SL-D3 is a pretty good budget Technics table that has stood the test of time. With even the most costly turntables if the records are in poor condition, scratches/warped/dirty etc, the results are going to sound bad with clicks/pops etc. You need to clean the records, as advised do research on AK for assorted methods/equipment. My advice for a budget entry level record cleaning system is the KAB EV1.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think you guys are right, because not all the records I tried had the same amount of "pops".

Would a velvet brush be enough to mitigate this? I think I'll look into acquiring a cleaning kit anyways.
 
Alerav said:
I believe that the plate is also a little warped. I remember trying to spin it without a record and noticing the wobble. I'll try to update a video of it without a record on.
Click to expand...

It was a little hard to tell because the camera wasn't totally steady but I couldn't see any wobble in the platter. What you might be seeing is a bit of warpage in the mat. Try looking at the platter spinning with and without the mat on it.

John
 
I just looked at your video again. There is no warp or wobble in the platter. Watch the platter spinning and use the top of the strobe prism as a reference point.

John
 
Thanks for the feedback boreas!

I'll test it again this evening and i'll try to update a new video with better quality.
 
From what I see I'd say there is no fault in the table, just the records. In terms of tracking warps perhaps a bit more arm set-up work would help? My SL-D2 I believe has the same arm and tracks warps pretty well if not an all-time champ. The snap-crackle-pop is just a case of records needing a good cleaning, though often a specific cart or set-up can accentuate or minimize this.
 
As I always recommend has the OP downloaded the SL-D3 owners manual from Vinyl Engine? The manual will give the OP clear instructions with illustrations on how to properly set up the turntable. The OP will also need some basic turntable tools, stylus brush, overhang gauge, carbon fiber brush. If the records are preowned average condition that need cleaning at least try washing them in the sink, better methods are available.
 
If you change to a good record and the slight wobble still appears, the table may need a little lubrication. Just a thought.
 
banyanleaf said:
If you change to a good record and the slight wobble still appears, the table may need a little lubrication. Just a thought.
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Really, there's no wobble. Just look at the video and ignore the record totally. Look only at the strobe marks as they pass the strobe light prism. If the platter were wobbling, you'd see the strobe marks rise and fall as they pass the prism. They don't.

Also, a spindle in need of lubrication wouldn't cause the platter to wobble unless it had been running dry for so long that the spindle was now loose in the bushing because of wear. By that time it would be too late for lube.

John
 
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