The Bryston was going for $800. I didn't get it.
This is my first Hi-Fi turntable, and I am still trying to figure it all out. I have no idea what the the piece next to the tonearm on the armboard is for. The longer piece rotates and the base says Audio Monitor on it.
And unfortunately, I can't test out the MC cartridge that came with it because I only have a MM phono preamp. So I am using my AT 120e on it for the time being.
Also, I downloaded the SME manual since I am totally confused on how to setup up the tonearm. Completely different than my AT LP-120 setup.
I tested the speed with my RPM iPhone app, and it fluctuates between 33.3 and 33.4. Not staple like the Audio Technica. This is with fine tuning, I should mention. Perhaps I need a new belt? Despite this, I can't hear any sound fluctuations myself. Sounds nice to me!
So many of you got your turntables for a steal, so I hesitantly confess I paid $450.
Don't fret, the table is easily worth the $450 you paid for it. The SME arm is super nice and the MC20 cartridge is a keeper if its in good condition. You just need to get a moving coil pre-preamp or transformer.
As for the little gizmo next to the tonearm gimbal, that a Styl-lift, made by a couple of companies. A simple device, when the tonearm swings in towards the inner grooves, it trips the device which swings its arm to a horizontal position, which lifts the arm off the record at the end of the record. A handy device with a manual table.
I wouldn't worry about the speed fluctuation you might be seeing - If your power is good, the motor will be keeping time just fine. More than likely, you need to do a little overhaul on the platter/inner platter, platter bearing, and motor bearings. A nice new belt wouldn't be a bad idea but likely the bearing lubricant at very least needs to be changed out for new.
Search for Thorens bearing repair or refurbishment for the basics all the way to micropolishing the bearing surfaces. Also, there will be plenty of articles about setup on the tonearm and turntable suspension.
Did you notice there also was a Dual or United Audio turntable there too? Might be worth checking again, and / or checking if the other pieces didn't sell, whether they might be able to deal a bit with you, call them and see if anything left, seemed to be a lot of nice tools, compressor, etc.
You never know till you ask.
And again, Congrats, that's a helluva table to get, nice! :thmbsp:
