Setting up my replacement for my Pioneer turntable/

[helijohn]

I have just put together my Audio Technica LP 60X and now I want to buy something to weigh-in the cartridge tone arm weight. What I had for my Pioneer is well antique. Digital ones seems very popular but this caught my eye and I would like an opinion on how good it is.

Ortofon Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Gauge Balance Scales mk2. Freepost DECO | eBay

Ortofon Stylus Force Gauge mk2.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[nopiano]

What do the AT instructions suggest, because it looks to me that there might not be any adjustment possible? I believe it’s designed as a plug ‘n’ play, with a rugged cartridge tracking at quite a high pressure (in Hifi terms, at least) hence finessing with the downforce might not be worthwhile.

 

[helijohn]

What do the AT instructions suggest, because it looks to me that there might not be any adjustment possible? I believe it’s designed as a plug ‘n’ play, with a rugged cartridge tracking at quite a high pressure (in Hifi terms, at least) hence finessing with the downforce might not be worthwhile.

OMG, it looks like you are correct. I am used to having adjustability. Might have to go back to the other turntable in that case. It depends on the weight - which I need to measure - as it might be in an acceptable range. What would you consider to be a decent weight?

 

[Gray]

Might have to go back to the other turntable in that case.

Too late, there's no going back 😛

It depends on the weight - which I need to measure - as it might be in an acceptable range.

It probably will be.
If it's the VM-95E, the acceptable range is 1.8 to 2.2 grams, with 2 grams the 'standard'.

And that Ortofon balance will be fine, I used the Bib version:

 

[Integralista]

I have just put together my Audio Technica LP 60X and now I want to buy something to weigh-in the cartridge tone arm weight. What I had for my Pioneer is well antique. Digital ones seems very popular but this caught my eye and I would like an opinion on how good it is.

Ortofon Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Gauge Balance Scales mk2. Freepost DECO | eBay

Ortofon Stylus Force Gauge mk2.

www.ebay.co.uk

Hi, exactly this Ortfon gauge I am using for some 7-8 years. It is easy to use, no battery neded and easy to read values on scale. Recommended.🫠

 

[helijohn]

Thanks folks. I decided to retrieve my Pioneer from the loft. It has so much going for it . I am tempted to use it and forget the audio technica. However, the Pioneer has been in the loft for nigh on 10 years but it is in its original box so may need some attention. It looks like I bought it in 1977! I have the manual downloaded from the net as I can't find the manual just now.
So what should I do first?

 

[Gray]

So what should I do first?

I'm not sure you're one for taking advice John.

 

[helijohn]

I'm not sure you're one for taking advice John.

Honestly, I am one for taking advice. Sometimes I don't act on it though. lol
Q1. Should I change the belt?
Q2. I think I have a rev checker I used for my RC helicopters but how do you check the speed is 33⅓?

 

[DCarmi]

Looks like you are missing the mat and mat ring, so unless you have those then you need to source replacements. Otherwise:

1. Give it a clean
2. Check it spins at the right speed and sounds fairly quiet in operation
3. Find your least preferred LP and see if sound comes out
4. Replace the cartridge/stylus before you play anything else

I would be concerned that the state of the TT is too bad to be worthwhile, but the images may lie.
If you are serious at getting into vinyl then, I'd look at a new Rega P1 or one of the budget Pro-Ject TTs.

You can get the Roksan Attessa on sale from Richer Sounds for £399 which is a bit of a bargain. Sign up to VIP for that price.

 

[helijohn]

Looks like you are missing the mat and mat ring, so unless you have those then you need to source replacements. Otherwise:

1. Give it a clean
2. Check it spins at the right speed and sounds fairly quiet in operation
3. Find your least preferred LP and see if sound comes out
4. Replace the cartridge/stylus before you play anything else

I would be concerned that the state of the TT is too bad to be worthwhile,

Too bad in what way?
I have the mat, I just took a pic there and then. It is a bit dusty and needs a wipe down even though it was in the box. My real concern is the motor. I have ordered a new belt as a matter of course. I don't really have a sacrificial LP. I have spun the platter by hand and it seems nice and free. I need to find my rev counter.

 

[helijohn]

Looks like you are missing the mat and mat ring, so unless you have those then you need to source replacements. Otherwise:

1. Give it a clean
2. Check it spins at the right speed and sounds fairly quiet in operation
3. Find your least preferred LP and see if sound comes out
4. Replace the cartridge/stylus before you play anything else

I would be concerned that the state of the TT is too bad to be worthwhile, but the images may lie.
If you are serious at getting into vinyl then, I'd look at a new Rega P1 or one of the budget Pro-Ject TTs.

You can get the Roksan Attessa on sale from Richer Sounds for £399 which is a bit of a bargain. Sign up to VIP for that price.

Did 33 turns in a minute and is really quiet running. I would have liked an on/off switch for the mains lead!! Next is an LP!!!

 

[Al ears]

Honestly, I am one for taking advice. Sometimes I don't act on it though. lol
Q1. Should I change the belt?
Q2. I think I have a rev checker I used for my RC helicopters but how do you check the speed is 33⅓?

Try listening to a few LPs, you'll soon know if the speed is wrong.
Yes to changing the belt and probably bearing oil as well.
Apologies, just read your previous post.

 

[daytona600]

AT brand new - made in china will be landfill in months , sound terrible & ruin your records

Pioneer - made in japan - will work for 50-100years
replace the belt , new stylus , replace the bearing oil