Help needed on ebay puchase of a Pro-Ject P1.2

[northernsoul]

Hi

I have just bought a pro-ject p 1.2 turntable off ebay with the seller listing it as having a built in phone stage, this being what I wanted and running into a CA 640av2. However having now got the turntable and having plugged it into the amp it would appear that there is no phone stage built in as I am barely able to hear any sound from it. My question is am I doing something wrong, is there a switch I need to flick or something more apparant, any help greatly appreciated.

 

[mitch65]

Must admit I thought the project debut and essential had the built-in phono stages, I think the seller was mis-informed

 

[margetti]

According to the manual for the 1.2 (see vinyl engine if it didn't come with one) it does indeed need a phono stage, sorry to say.

You should be able to get your money back pretty easily (if that's what you want to do) as that's a pretty fundamental error in the product description...

 

[northernsoul]

Thanks margetti

The unit also seems to have a sub standard cartridge fitted, that being a Stranton 500-II, can you recommend a decent budget cartridge to buy?

 

[margetti]

Not familiar with the Stanton, but as a starting suggestion (others here may have more ideas) maybe the Ortofon OM 5e, which go for about £45-50... but if you are very sure you will in time upgrade the deck (just see Bretty's posts to see how addictive this lark can get

) then go for an Ortofon 2M Red (overkill for the 1.2, but like I say, if you're going to upgrade the deck in due course then the 2M will keep you happy for years to come).

 

[northernsoul]

Ok I now have a phone amp, albeit a cheap one but it will do for now but I have a new problem/dilemma in that I get a lot of distortion through the unit so I decided to take off the tonearm counter weight and low and behold the distortion is gone, its like night and day in terms of sound quality. Now obviously the counter weight should be on so my question is what am I doing wrong and will having the counter weight off damage the stylus and vinyl?

 

[mitch65]

northernsoul:
Ok I now have a phone amp, albeit a cheap one but it will do for now but I have a new problem/dilemma in that I get a lot of distortion through the unit so I decided to take off the tonearm counter weight and low and behold the distortion is gone, its like night and day in terms of sound quality. Now obviously the counter weight should be on so my question is what am I doing wrong and will having the counter weight off damage the stylus and vinyl?

Have you set the correct tracking force for your cartridge?

 

[northernsoul]

mitch65:northernsoul:

Ok I now have a phone amp, albeit a cheap one but it will do for now but I have a new problem/dilemma in that I get a lot of distortion through the unit so I decided to take off the tonearm counter weight and low and behold the distortion is gone, its like night and day in terms of sound quality. Now obviously the counter weight should be on so my question is what am I doing wrong and will having the counter weight off damage the stylus and vinyl?

Have you set the correct tracking force for your cartridge?

I have no idea what the tracking force for the cartridge is, its a Stranton 500-II and cant find any info on the net for it either!

 

[mitch65]

northernsoul:
mitch65:northernsoul:

Ok I now have a phone amp, albeit a cheap one but it will do for now but I have a new problem/dilemma in that I get a lot of distortion through the unit so I decided to take off the tonearm counter weight and low and behold the distortion is gone, its like night and day in terms of sound quality. Now obviously the counter weight should be on so my question is what am I doing wrong and will having the counter weight off damage the stylus and vinyl?

Have you set the correct tracking force for your cartridge?

I have no idea what the tracking force for the cartridge is, its a Stranton 500-II and cant find any info on the net for it either!

A quick check brings what can only be described as a vague range of 2-4 grams, this cartridge is probably aimed at the dj market and would explain the large range. Since this not the application I would set it at 2 grams. I take it you have a set of tracking scales?

 

[northernsoul]

I have no tracking scales and indeed have no idea what they are ?

 

[Henley]

The Stanton 500 is a DJ cartridge that is normally tracked at around 6g. This is far too heavy for a hifi turntable and I would suggest changing cartridge immediately. I can't recommend anything as we're the distributor :-(

I would also clarify that the 1.2 was never made with a built in phono stage and, considering their choice of cartridge, think the seller had no idea what he had or how to use it.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice with your turntable.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

I'll help out here. An Ortofon OM5E or Goldring Elan is what you want on the Project. Stop using the Stanton immediately unless you want to really ruin your records. They are fine for DJs who need the needle to stay in the groove above all else, but then they won't be expecting their records to last a lifetime.

To give you an idea, the Ortofon and Elan track between 1.5g and 2g (or 1/4 to 1/3 of the pressure the Stanton's stylus should be putting onto the record).

I would suggest finding a local dealer who sells either the OM5E or a Goldring Elan, and ask for a price for it fitted. You can fit it yourself, but it takes experience to get it perfect, and getting it perfect makes all the difference with vinyl replay.