Indeed, if decks like the KD-500 / KD-550 with this level of custom engineering were built now, they would cost many thousands of dollars. The Technics SL-1200 is a classic example – it’s been reissued and costs literally thousands!… Read more
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 70’s and early 80’s. This turntable was a statement product in the true sense in that it had a massive platter, huge main bearing, proper heavy-duty drive motor, phase-locked loop speed stability and massive drive torque, even though the motor does not control the platter directly.… Read more
Hi everyone
I haven’t posted for a while now because I have literally been flat-out with the latest turntable repairs and servicing! Seriously – I haven’t had a chance to even scratch my @#se.
Recently I have serviced a kooky Sharp RP-105 linear tracking, drawer-loading both sides player – crazy repair – the owner had dropped the damn thing and there were bits falling out of it.… Read more
Clients will often ask “Mike, does my deck really need a service?” My answer is always the same and based purely on my experience – there are very few situations where a service won’t make a really noticeable improvement in operational and sonic performance.
I usually reply with “Have you ever had it serviced?”, “Has the bearing oil ever been changed?” and “Has your cartridge ever been properly aligned?” You can probably imagine that in most cases the answers to these questions are no.
Turntables are complex mechanical systems that DO need regular maintenance.… Read more
