New turntable for a complete noob

[Al ears]

Does anyone have any experience with the Shure M97xE cartridge? It's Shure's best audiophile cartridge (my current M44G is a DJ one) and at £80 the price of the M97xE seems reasonable. It also looks like the aesthetics would suit the spare silver headshell that I have. My only concern is that I have no experience of mounting a cartridge and the M97 looks fiddly as hell.

I'm only half looking at the moment. The M44G seems fine for now so it won't be until late in the year or next year before I get a new one. The Denon DL-110 looks good but I can't really justify spending £150, certainly not without getting a better shelf to put the record player on first.

Yes. It's a good, smooth sounding all-rounder. Good tracker too. I fitted one to my brother's deck a while back. Very good value for money.

Do you know anyone who can help you with fitting the cartridge?

I'm not sure. I used to work with a DJ who might be able to help out. If not it might be worth finding someone with some experience who can show me how it's done. I'd prefer not to try it unsupervised the first time as there's only so much you can learn from watching YouTube.

Got any local hifi dealers?

 

[steve_1979]

Got any local hifi dealers?

Unfortunately not. I think the nearest HiFi shop is about an hour away.

It would probably make more sense to get an Ortofon M2 Red because it's easier to fit. Especially considering that I've never done it before

 

[Deleted member 108165]

I'm in Essex, if that's any help to you, and would have no problem nipping round to assist. All I require is copious amounts of tea *biggrin*.

 

[steve_1979]

I'm in Essex, if that's any help to you, and would have no problem nipping round to assist. All I require is copious amounts of tea *biggrin*.

Thanks for the offer.

But I live miles away from you (I rather not post my address on a public forum). The more I think about it the more the Ortofon 2M Red makes more sense. I think I could just about cope with fitting that one on my own.

 

[davedotco]

Come on steve, this really is something anyone using a record player should know how to do.

You have probably the the simplest setup ever to practice on, it really does not get simpler. Detachable headshell with replaceable leads, a cartridge with a removeable stylus, childs play. With the stylus removed a cartridge body is just a block of plastic, virtually unbreakable, practice fitting and removing it a few times, you really can't do ant damage.

Get yourself online and buy some cartridge fixing bolts, get steel ones with hex headed screws, not the flimsy aluminium type and while you are at it, get a couple of sets of replacement headshell leads too.

You will need a small spanner to hold the nuts and a reasonable pair of long nosed pliers. Strip out the old headshell leads and fit new ones, adjust the opening on the tags to get a snug fit, use something pointy with a taper to open the tags if required or squeeze them a little tighter with the pliers.

In the same way fit the leads to the loose cartridge body, again ensuring a decent fit, then using the steel bolts, with the nuts on top of the headshell, fit the cartridge medium tight ensuring that it is correctly alligned 'fore and aft', ie parallel in the headshell and about in the middle of the headshell slot.

Refit the stylus and fit the headshell, use an alignment protractor and position the assembly so that the cartridge body is parallel to the lines on the protractor, the stylus tip will be close, but probably not on the 'X' that marks correct position.

Measure the distance (by eye will do) that the stylus is off the 'X', making sure that you know whether to move the cartridge forward or back and by what amount. Remove the headshell, then the stylus. Loosen the fixing bolts and move the cartridge by the 'measured' amount forward or backwards. Re-tighten the nuts, making absolutely sure that the cartridge remaind parallel to the headshell, getting it twisted at this point ruins every thing.

Refit stylus, then headshell and check alignment, unless you have moved it the wrong way you should be pretty close, close enough anyway. Set stylus tracking weight and anti skate and off you go.

That really is easier to do than to describe, get the right tools and parts and it really is simple.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

I agree with ddc, it is a learning curve but we've all been there. I knew nothing about turntables 3 years ago but now feel reasonably confident to swap out carts without my nerves, or ignorance, getting the best of me.

If you're still a little unsure then there is also another option for the 2M Red:

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=ortofon+2m+red+pnp+w/headshell&tbm=shop&spd=14035123884443469140

Already mounted in a headshell, just screw it on, adjust VTA and VTF and away you go.

Post further questions in the TT forum.

 

[steve_1979]

Actually when you guys put it like that... Of course I'll have it a go.

Some of the reviews make it sound more difficult and fiddly than brain surgery.

 

[tonky]

I'm in Essex, if that's any help to you, and would have no problem nipping round to assist. All I require is copious amounts of tea *biggrin*.

Thanks for the offer.

But I live miles away from you (I rather not post my address on a public forum). The more I think about it the more the Ortofon 2M Red makes more sense. I think I could just about cope with fitting that one on my own.

Hi steve - we don't want the post code - the county will do. I'm a leicestershire guy.

cheers tonky

 

[steve_1979]

Ok so I'm in the process of refurbishing my Techie. There wasn't much to do really as it was in good nick to start with. So far I've swapped the silver head shell that had faded writing for a brand new black one, I've bought a 45rpm 7" singles adapter as this was missing and I've bought a new dust cover as the old one has a few surface scratches on it.

The only thing left to do before it looks perfect is the trim on the pitch adjuster. It has a couple of slight rub marks on it. They're barely noticeable and I'm tempted to leave it as it is because replacing the trim means dismantling the record player to get at the trim from below. Even though a brand new trim plate only costs £6 dismantling the record player isn't something that I fancy doing.

As it's such a small and barely noticeable rub mark I'm tempted to just colour the silver bit in with a touch up pen to match the black anodizing. Even though a touch up pen costs more than a new trim piece it could be worth a shot eh?

Which pen do you think will match the Technics pitch adjuster best?

Gloss Black - Clicky

Flat Black - Clicky

 

[BigH]

All looks cosmetic to me, I would looking to modify the plinth and dampen down the arm. Platter?

 

[steve_1979]

All looks cosmetic to me, I would looking to modify the plinth and dampen down the arm. Platter?

I want to keep it standard rather than modify it. I just want it in as close to mint condition as possible.

Surprisingly it already sounds pretty good even with the M44G cartridge and £20 Behringer phono stage that I'm using. The only upgrades that I have planned for the future is a Ortofon 2M Red or Blue cartridge and possibly a better phono stage at some point too. However that would be totally pointless at this stage until I sort the most important part of the setup - a proper shelf rather than the table it's on now which shares the same floorboard as a subwoofer.

p.s. I think I'll try the matt black touch up pen.

 

[luckylion100]

All looks cosmetic to me, I would looking to modify the plinth and dampen down the arm. Platter?

I want to keep it standard rather than modify it. I just want it in as close to mint condition as possible.

Surprisingly it already sounds pretty good even with the M44G cartridge and £20 Behringer phono stage that I'm using. The only upgrades that I have planned for the future is a Ortofon 2M Red or Blue cartridge and possibly a better phono stage at some point too.

I agree I've just got myself a brand new/ex display version and have decided against any further upgrades or alterations. I've added a clear acrylic mat and use an Iconic cover/lid instead of the original and boy is it a big cosmetic improvement. I have looked at some costly improvements, tonearms, power supplies and such like like but will purchase a better turntable instead of butchering the Technics. As for the sound it provides at the moment I'm very happy with it's 'limited' performance. I want to keep it in original mint condition and eventually let my daughter have it... until then it's my pride and joy surpassing my PMC's.

 

[luckylion100]

I would have purchased from him too with twenty odd years previously working for Technics. A safe bet indeed. I got the cover originally from Iconic about a year ago after purchasing a 1210 elsewhere, sadly that business went under or was fraudulent and the deck never arrived. I've been waiting that long for a decent 1210 that was I entirely happy with, finally I found it... I've followed this thread with interest.

 

[steve_1979]

I agree I've just got myself a brand new/ex display version and have decided against any further upgrades or alterations.

Enjoy!

I've added a clear acrylic mat and use an Iconic cover/lid instead of the original and boy is it a big cosmetic improvement. I have looked at some costly improvements, tonearms, power supplies and such like like but will purchase a better turntable instead of butchering the Technics. As for the sound it provides at the moment I'm very happy with it's 'limited' performance. I want to keep it in original mint condition and eventually let my daughter have it... until then it's my pride and joy surpassing my PMC's.

I bought my 1200 from Iconic and was tempted to get one of his covers to go with it as they look smart. In the end I opted for a brand new standard Technics lid as I wanted one with hinges.

It looks much better now. The original didn't look too bad but the new one looks clearer. The old one had thousands of tiny scratches which seemed barely noticable but I now realised that they made it look a bit cloudy and gave a halo effect around the strobeascope light when viewed in a dark room.

 

[steve_1979]

Yes he seems like a good seller. My 1210 has obviously been used in the past but it's still in very good condition. With the new headshell, dust cover and touched up slider trim it's in practically mint condition now apart from a tiny dent which is so small that it's virtually impossible to see unless you're really close up and the light is at just the right angle.

I wonder if it would be worth polishing up the chrome bits on the platter and buttons to see how well they can shine? I'm actually tempted to get a new mint condition cardboard box and manual (£31) for it too while they're still available but as I have no intension of ever selling it that seems like it would be a bit pointless.

Bummer about the lost 1200 that never turned up! That must have been really annoying. At least you've finally got a perfect one now though. You were very lucky to get one new/ex-dem. How much was it if you don't mind me asking?

 

[steve_1979]

 

[steve_1979]

I hardly ever use my turntable and I don't think your missing out on anything. Don't just buy one because it seems every one and their dog is (because they are really not).

Fashion is totally irrelevant to me but I've fancied one all my life.

TBH I'm still not even sure if I'll buy anything at all and even if I do there's a good chance the novelty will wear off after a few months and it'll be up for sale. Then again I might love it and keep if for the rest of my life. You never know until you try...

 

[luckylion100]

.Bummer about the lost 1200 that never turned up! That must have been really annoying. At least you've finally got a perfect one now though. You were very lucky to get one new/ex-dem. How much was it if you don't mind me asking?

It was a blessing in disguise. It was a reconditioned model, in hindsight, a garish metalic blue (I was influenced by my daughter to do something other than black), internally grounded, new RCA's, polished chrome plater etc ... bling to the emtreme! There were several of us kept waiting, myself for about 6 weeks, broken promises, continous delivery estimates missed then total silence. Luckily Paypal sorted it quickly and the search went on...

I was lucky (I think) I paid £625 inclusive for my 1210. As I say brand new, all original packaging, dust cover, a Ortofon Concorde Pro S cartridge included and free next day (Saturday) delivery which set the seller back £53. I was very happy and it looks amazing. Soundwise for my taste I prefer it to my Pro-Ject. Metal, heavy rock sounds much clearer, instrument separation is there whereas before it was often muddy and confused. I may need to readjust my speakers positioning slightly as the soundstage isn't quite what it was previously. The 1 xpression is going up for sale, think that says it all really...

 

[steve_1979]

It was a blessing in disguise. It was a reconditioned model, in hindsight, a garish metalic blue (I was influenced by my daughter to do something other than black), internally grounded, new RCA's, polished chrome plater etc ... bling to the emtreme!

That sounds horrible!

I was lucky (I think) I paid £625 inclusive for my 1210. As I say brand new, all original packaging, dust cover, a Ortofon Concorde Pro S cartridge included and free next day (Saturday) delivery which set the seller back £53. I was very happy and it looks amazing.

That seems like fair deal for a brand new one. I paid £500 for a used one in good condition which I'm very happy with but TBH I still wish that I'd have waited for a bit longer and spent a bit more to get one in perfect 'totally new' condition like yours. Even better I wish I'd taken up the offer couple of years ago when I had a chance to get a new condition mint one like yours for just £300 when prices were much lower.

 

[luckylion100]

when I saw it come up for sale. Until I unboxed it I feared I'd be duped in some way. I wasn't. I was very lucky but like I said I'd been on the look out a long time...

Regardless of what Technics do in regard to making an affordable, more mainstream version of the new model I'm keeping this one. I would be tempted with the new version if prices became reasonable...