I recently worked on a very cool and lovely old JVC QL-F4 direct-drive, fully automatic turntable. Let’s take a look inside. The JVC QL-F4 is a mid-range deck from the once-great JVC. Even in the late ’70s and early ’80s, JVC was not known for its hi-fi separates. This is a shame because this series […]
Here a few images of my Kenwood KD-600 direct-drive turntable, spinning records from my collection. The Kenwood KD-600 direct-drive turntable is an absolute classic, highly sought after and well worth keeping an eye out for. Much has been written about the fabulous KD-600, like this and this for example. I got my KD-600 from her original
Kenwood’s legendary KD-500/KD-550 direct-drive turntables are classics from an era when things were built to last. Indeed, if decks like the KD-500/KD-550 with this level of custom engineering were manufactured now, they would cost many, many thousands of dollars. The Technics SL-1200 is a classic example – it’s recently been reissued and costs thousands. This
Hi vinyl lovers, I recently serviced and repaired another Denon DP-1200 direct drive turntable with speed control issues. Speed Issues This particular Denon DP-1200 was cosmetically good, but would not hold the correct speed. The fine speed adjustment control was also very ‘touchy’ and the platter speed would vary wildly when it was used. These
I have just completed the set-up and service of a gorgeous Luxman PD-555 belt-drive turntable, one of the best high-end turntables money can buy – a true statement piece. The Luxman PD-555 was at the top of the Luxman range of belt drive decks in the late 70s and early 80s. This turntable was a
I recently serviced a Technics SL-Q5 linear-tracking turntable, a mid-range linear-tracking deck that’s well worth keeping an eye out for. The deck is typical Technics in being well designed, well made and easy to service. The issue with this deck, and many others like it, is that it has not been serviced and has eventually
The Technics SL-1300 is a great example of what I refer to as classic direct-drive decks from the golden era of excellence in the engineering and manufacture of turntables. Technics made a range of decks and this was one of the best of the consumer models. With a nicely balanced 2.5kg platter, aluminium chassis, Technics’
