AT-LP5 Tonearm Repair / Replacement

[ashor]

Hi All
I have been gifted an Audio Technica AT-LP5 in "as new" condition, with the exception of the J-shaped Tonearm that has a distinct downward bend in it (see photo).

Has anyone had a similar issue with a Tonearm and managed to correct (i.e. straighten ) it? If so, I'd be grateful for any pointers / tips.

Failing that, does anyone know where I can get spares and / or alternative compatible parts from, as I've drawn a blank with AT themselves?

Thanks, in advance.

 

[daytona600]

All these chinese TTs have no spares if they break they are Landfill
Project/Rega £200/300 and will last decades & you can get spares

 

[ashor]

All these chinese TTs have no spares if they break they are Landfill
Project/Rega £200/300 and will last decades & you can get spares

Hi. Yes...so it seems. I've half a mind to sell it for spares/repairs and put the money toward a Project.

 

[ashor]

All these chinese TTs have no spares if they break they are Landfill
Project/Rega £200/300 and will last decades & you can get spares

What would be the equivalent Project / Rega soundwise?

 

[Al ears]

What would be the equivalent Project / Rega soundwise?

It's a £280 turntable package, you aren't going to get Rega at that price level.

 

[good_enough]

What would be the equivalent Project / Rega soundwise?

You have a built-in phono stage with the AT so it depends if you need that or have a phono input on your amp.

The nearest if you do need that feature is https://www.richersounds.com/pro-ject-t1-phono-sb-black/

 

[ashor]

You have a built-in phono stage with the AT so it depends if you need that or have a phono input on your amp.

The nearest if you do need that feature is https://www.richersounds.com/pro-ject-t1-phono-sb-black/

I use a Rega A2D pre-amp with the LP3

 

[good_enough]

I use a Rega A2D pre-amp with the LP3

Ah OK so the world's your oyster. Richers appear to have a wide choice under 500 wouldn't it be best to listen to a few? Only drawback is they don't do Rega.

 

[Al ears]

Ah OK so the world's your oyster. Richers appear to have a wide choice under 500 wouldn't it be best to listen to a few? Only drawback is they don't do Rega.

You are assuming he is in the UK.
If he is a basic Pro-ject turntable might be more price comparable.

 

[good_enough]

You are assuming he is in the UK.
If he is a basic Pro-ject turntable might be more price comparable.

Ah indeed. T'interweb and all that.

 

[ashor]

Ah OK so the world's your oyster. Richers appear to have a wide choice under 500 wouldn't it be best to listen to a few? Only drawback is they don't do Reg

 

[ashor]

I'm in the UK. 😀
Will a basic Pro-ject be noticeably better in sound quality than my AT-LP3?

 

[daytona600]

Whats your Budget
Project make TTs from £199 to £15,000

 

[good_enough]

I'm in the UK. 😀
Will a basic Pro-ject be noticeably better in sound quality than my AT-LP3?

In that case I recommend the course I suggested. Get your favourite records and a pair of cans that you're familiar with and listen. The LP5 (is it 5 or 3 by the way you use both?) got a decent review in WHF so who knows you might end up preferring a (non bent) copy to other choices.

From what I see of the very bottom of the range Pro-ject it has a conical stylus and the elliptical on the LP5 should outperform it. Also worth checking if that LP5 cart takes the range of ATVM95 styli (the Pro-ject can be upgraded with different Ortofon styli) as future headroom is also a consideration.

At any level, the bundled cartridge has a big impact on the sonic character of a turntable, independent of the quality of the turntable itself.

But yeah, listen. ...