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’ […]
Common turntable question #1: Mike – should I spend a little on my old deck or just get rid of it and buy a new one? I get asked this all the time. Is there a simple answer? Well yes, usually there is. There is nothing new in turntable design and much of the best
Common Turntable Question: Service my Old Turntable or Buy a New Deck? Read More »
The Technics SL-1200 direct drive turntable, in its various iterations, will be well known to most vinyl lovers these days. They have become almost legendary for different reasons – DJs love them for their fast startup and solid build; home users love them for their engineering and audio bang for the buck. Make no mistake
Servicing the Technics SL-1200 Direct Drive Turntable 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
Servicing Your Turntable Will Improve Its Performance Read More »
I’ve just finished restoring two lovely decks – a Systemdek with Rega RB250 arm, and a Connoisseur BD1. Regular viewers will know just how much I love working on interesting turntables and these are two good examples. Systemdek The Systemdek had some strange symptoms: the platter would start turning in the wrong direction, there was
I have just finished a service on a nice Linn Sondek LP12. This involved a thorough clean, fresh bearing oil, fitting a new cartridge, careful arm set-up and some suspension adjustments. Setting up a Linn Sondek requires a little patience. One issue I find is that owners have often made modifications or had someone else
I recently serviced a lovely old Pioneer PL-514 belt-drive turntable for a customer from the wheat belt. My customer has asked me to restore the deck so that he can present it to his father for his birthday. This was naturally a priority for me! As I was working on the deck, it occurred to me that
