Category Archives: Service

Equipment, Service

Class-A Amplifiers and the Krell KSA-150

8 Comments
Many readers will be aware of how much I love Krell audio gear and their class-A designs. The Krell KSA-150 Class A Power Amplifier is a great example of one of these hot, power-hungry designs. In this article, I discuss the very basics of class-A amplifiers, with service details and images of the gorgeous KSA-150!

You may have already watched my restoration video, where I completely refurbish one of these beasts.… Read more

Service

Kenwood KD-500 / SME 3009 Turntable Service

1 Comment

As a follow-up to my article on servicing the Kenwood KD-500/550 motor, I bring you an article detailing the comprehensive service of this gorgeous Kenwood KD-500 / SME 3009 combination. 

The KD-500 is a heavy hitter from the late 70’s, still punching above its weight 40 years on. The Kenwood KD-500 and KD-550 direct-drive turntables are well-made, great-sounding decks, and highly sought after today.… Read more

Equipment, Service

Kenwood KD-500 / KD-550 Turntable Motor Service

3 Comments
I’m sure every regular visitor to my site knows just how much I love the old Kenwood KD synthetic composite turntables, especially the KD-600/650 series. But the classic Kenwood KD-500/550 is far more common and so I’ve written an article about servicing their direct-drive motors, for anyone who can’t get their deck into me for service, or who just wants to do it themselves.
… Read more
Equipment, Repairs, Service

JVC JL-F45 Direct-Drive Turntable Service and Repair

8 Comments
I’ve just finished servicing yet another direct drive deck I’d never seen before – a JVC JL-F45 – what a cool machine!

I was quite surprised by the weight and overall build quality of this lovely JVC direct-drive turntable. The JL-F45 is a fully automatic direct-drive deck. For those who don’t know, fully automatic means that the tonearm is controlled by the turntable, not by you.… Read more

Service

Sonab 85S Belt-Drive Turntable Service

9 Comments
I’ve just serviced a rare Sonab 85S belt-drive turntable. The Sonab 85S is an unusual design, quite nice for a belt-drive deck and very solidly built. The deck should give years more good service, after the work we’ve done here.

The Sonab 85S is a 2-speed, belt-drive turntable with integral tonearm and comes fitted with a moving-magnet cartridge. … Read more

Repairs, Service

Pioneer PL-A35 Belt-Drive Turntable Repair

The Pioneer PL-A35 is one of those rare belt-driven Japanese decks that you don’t see very often. I’ve repaired a number of such unusual decks in the last 12 months or so, but this is definitely one of the nicest and in some ways, the most unusual.

According to Pioneer: “The PL-A35 combines studio-quality performance with the operational ease of a fully automatic!… Read more

Repairs, Service

Harman/Kardon T-20 Direct-Drive Turntable Service

I recently serviced this gorgeous little Harman/Kardon T-20 direct-drive turntable. Harman/Kardon, or H/K as they were known, made some lovely gear, all of it uniquely styled and much of it uniquely engineered as well. There are some quite desirable pieces out there and for a simple direct-drive vinyl spinner, this tasty little T-20 is well worth a look.
… Read more