[WireNut]

 
After 10 years I plan on hooking back up my Turn Table that has been in the closet.
What is the goal I am trying to accomplish as far as setting the weight on the needle?
I am a machinist and have access to dial indicators that I can put on the arm to set the weight very accurately if needed.
Do I want the needle to be almost weightless on the record?

Steve

[MaxCast]

Hey great for you. First of All you will want to register at vinyl engine. Great resource for following through on suggestions you will receive here.
You will want to align your cart first.
Then if you can adjust arm height to a slight downward angle do that.
Next is to zero your arm so it balances.
Look up your cart tracking force and dial that in on your arm.
That's a good start.

[Douger]

It is also best to keep toward the maximum end of the tracking force range, too light and it could bounce and damage the vinyl. It will not hurt your vinyl at the max, probably no more than 2.5 grams.

[WireNut]

You will want to align your cart first.
Then if you can adjust arm height to a slight downward angle do that.
Next is to zero your arm so it balances.
Look up your cart tracking force and dial that in on your arm.

Ugh,
 I need a simpler version to get me started. I need to learn one step at a time.
It sounds like I need to try and get the needle and arm to be almost weightless.
Is that correct?

Steve

[vortrex]

Get the cheap Shure scale and don't worry about zero'ing it out first.  The scale will be much more accurate than whatever built in measurement your table has.

Use a lined index card to adjust the arm angle.

[WireNut]

 My preamp, Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 does not have a phono stage.
 What is a descent phono stage for approx $300.00 to get me started

 W_Nut

[vortrex]

If you can raise that a little ($400?), the new iphono preamp seems to be getting great reviews.

www.ifi-audio.com/en/iPhono.html

[WireNut]

If you can raise that a little ($400?), the new iphono preamp seems to be getting great reviews.

Hmm, That's a good option, but I only need rca in/out's for my preamp. No computer interface is needed.
Any other options for approx $300.00?

Steve

[WireNut]

If you can raise that a little ($400?), the new iphono preamp seems to be getting great reviews.

The name of the Iphono is deceiving. I'll look into it. Thanks.
I'd still like to hear more thought's on "USED" phono preamp's with RCA in/out's only for approx $300.00 to get me
starting after 10 years of digital.

Thanks,
Steve
 

[stevenkelby]

Congrats Steve, it's a lot of fiddling to set up but well worth it, be patient

I had this phono stage ($230 new) and it was great for the money:

http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Phono-Preamplifier-Black/dp/B0079OA0UU/ref=pd_cp_e_0

I wouldn't play a record without measuring the tracking weight. I wouldn't try and guess at it.

The Shure is only $25:

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SFG-2-Stylus-Tracking-Force/dp/B00006I5SD

Between 1.5 and 2.5g is probably pretty safe but ideally you should google the recommended weight for your cartridge, do you know what model number it is? Looks like a Grado?

Great advice from Maxcast to join the Vinyl Engine.

http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=7d042d7e6b3951df471bc6c990a4f466

Google your TT model number for a set up guide.

Good luck and have fun!

[neobop]

That's a P-mount, no alignment necessary. Tracking weight should be between 1.25 and 1.5g, it might be preset, P-mounts were all standardized in weight and dimension. You can probably download a manual at VE.

Your table would probably benefit from stuffing the inside with modeling clay. You'll also need stylus cleaner and record cleaner. Welcome back.
neo

[Letitroll98]

That's a P-mount, no alignment necessary. Tracking weight should be between 1.25 and 1.5g, it might be preset, P-mounts were all standardized in weight and dimension. You can probably download a manual at VE.

Your table would probably benefit from stuffing the inside with modeling clay. You'll also need stylus cleaner and record cleaner. Welcome back.
neo

Yeah, what he said.  I can't believe the advise given on this thread, didn't anyone before neo notice it was a p-mount arm and needs no alignment and that most likely the tracking force is preset?  This is a plug and play unit Steve, very, very easy to set up.  The cartridge you have there is a Grado, nice one if the stylus is still good.  If not they should have replacements at Grado, just Google them up, their customer service is great.  You don't need to align anything, not height or overhang or anything, it's all done for you on this type of arm, as noted by neobop.  The only other good advice on this thread is the Cambridge phono stage linked by stevenkelby, a nice unit that can stay with you through a few upgrades.

[MaxCast]

Yeah, what he said.  I can't believe the advise given on this thread, didn't anyone before neo notice it was a p-mount arm and needs no alignment and that most likely the tracking force is preset?  This is a plug and play unit Steve, very, very easy to set up.  The cartridge you have there is a Grado, nice one if the stylus is still good.  If not they should have replacements at Grado, just Google them up, their customer service is great.  You don't need to align anything, not height or overhang or anything, it's all done for you on this type of arm, as noted by neobop.  The only other good advice on this thread is the Cambridge phono stage linked by stevenkelby, a nice unit that can stay with you through a few upgrades.

LOL, I looked at it three times and while it looked different the p mount did not register.  That's why you're here, neo 

Steve.  Do you have records?  If you're looking to get back in gradually and cheap here is what I recommend as a newbie myself.
As you said you need a preamp.  I use an AudioVista $300 and a sponsor of AC.  Don't know how good or bad it is as I've never tried anything else.  At my stage it is quite nice.  You can look for older used pres for less than $100.
After that play a record.  You will need to decide if your needle is in good shape.  Listen for tracking irregularities, distortion and overall tone.  This is the hardest part and it may be better to get a new cart for not much money and piece of mind.
Next get a record cleaner unless you stick to new records.  I use a spin clean $70 and small shop vac and old table $30.
Add a few cheap isolation tweeks in there and if you don't like what you have, stop and sell it all.

Have fun with it and don't be afraid to ask questions.  The members here have been most helpful to me.

Rich

[sunnydaze]

I am fairly experienced in vinyl, have heard more than a few phono sections, you will not do better than the Vista Audio for that budget.  For $300 you can definitely get one used, maybe even new.  I owned mine for several years, and I'm picky about SQ.

Research it here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=123http://

www.positive-feedback.com/Issue57/vista_phono.htm


I also hear the Soundsmith is quite good.  I have two buddies that have owned both: one preferred the Vista, the other preferred SS.  FWIW.

[simoon]

My preamp, Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 does not have a phono stage.
 What is a descent phono stage for approx $300.00 to get me started

 W_Nut

There are plenty of very good phono stages in that price range on eBay all the time, new and used.

There are some tube and SS units right now by Bellari, Pro-Ject, Yaqin, and others. Worth a look.


I agree with adding Plasti-Clay to the inside surfaces of your TT. Big improvement in sound quality in a TT like yours.

[WireNut]

 Thanks so much everyone. You guys are awesome. 

 Steve

[vinyl_guy]

Next get a record cleaner unless you stick to new records.  I use a spin clean $70 and small shop vac and old table $30.

Rich

I believe a record cleaner is just as important with new records as it is with used records. The mold release compound left on new vinyl records should be removed before playing. I have done a comparison and cleaning a new record is well worth the time and effort.

Laura

[poseidonsvoice]

Wirenut,

Given that you are a diy'er:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=112962.msg1174243;topicseen#new

or the Bugle, or Cornet 2 (if you can afford the final cost of the build, given your $300 ceiling)

Best,
Anand.

[WireNut]

  I lost the power cord, ground cable, and 1 of the feet.
  Where can I get replacement parts?
  I just had them 10 years ago 

[SteveFord]

http://www.djparts.net/technics-parts.html

I've never used them so I can't comment on their service.
Where's Wayner?  He'd be the guy to ask.