Turntable Cleanup Project

[hearingimpared]

So, I spent the entire day cleaning up my turntable/tonearm/cartridge combo. She has been in storage for aprox 17 years and had lots of oxidation and mold and fungi and whatever else grows on things that remain motionless for a period of time.

I had decided to break the table down and start from scratch but once I realized I was no longer in my 30s and that my hands shake now, I decided to keep the tonearm in place as well as the cartridge and just really clean the heck out of it as well as Deoxit whatever would stand up to the stuff.

I took a bunch of pictures.

First thing to do is to place the turntable across two chairs so I can get underneath it also.

Secondly this type of job is not for the faint of heart nor is it good for a guy who is almost 20 years out of practice setting up turntables as you will see from the pictures below.

First off was scrubbing and polishing every delrin or acrylic piece. Second Deoxit part of the turntable like the motor spindle and a slew of other parts on top of the deck and underneath. Lubed up the bearing and shaft with 40W motor oil. Then I broke out the wooden q-tips and cleaned every nook and cranny of the tonearm.

I then decided to get bold. I removed the audio leads one at a time between the cartrige and tonearm. . .AGAIN NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. I tried Deoxit but couldn't control the spray and it was getting all over the tonearm and I had an emergency on my hands because the chemical was eeeking its way towards the cantilever and I needed to stop it before it ate away the suspension. At that point I decided to replace the leads with the friggin cartridge mounted . . . AGAIN NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, nor the shaky of hand . . . but I did it anyway very sucessfully I might add.

Next came full attention to the tonearm. I replaced the old damping fluid with new and made sure of the alignment. I was coming down the home stretch and could smell the vinyl spinning when . . . . HEARTBROKE just a little. I somehow managed to loose the VTA adjustment tool. Without this tool I cannot adjust the height of the tonearm and I must have decided years ago to raise the tonearm higher, probably because the stylus had no protector or plastic guard. So I could continue my cleanup but I was not going to be able to adjust the tonearm or the cartridge. . . NO MUSIC FROM THE TURNTABLE TODAY. . . I called and emailed my SME dealer and ordered the part.

Anyhow I won't allow that to get me down, I continued with the plan. I got under the table and cleaned the motor and electronics with Deoxit, alcohol and Windex. I then Deoxit the cable harness (looks like a din connector) and plug in the audio lead and leave a nice loop so as to dampen any vibrations running up the wires.

Next I used the Zerodust to clean the stylys. . . about 8 dips in the goo.

Cleaned up the dustcover and place sorbo gels that I acquired from a podiatrist and made four new stops for the dustcover to rest on. I have more if anyone is interested in doing the same.

Well that is it for now. I'm going to have to wait for the VTA adjustment tool before I can start the leveling process, tonearm and cartridge adjustments.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to play records today I HAD A BLAST.

_____________________TO BE CONTINUED______________________:)

[danger boy]

looking very good there Joe. I bet she sounds sweet too.

Enjoy!

[hearingimpared]

looking very good there Joe. I bet she sounds sweet too.

Enjoy!


The last time I heard her she was a smooth as velvet. Waiting on VPI, they have a new "affordable and easy to install" upgrade for the HW 19s. It is supposed to make the HW 19s sound infinetely better.

[schwarcw]

WOW! That's a beauty! Does your clamp fit on that tall spindle?

Tell me more about the sorbo's!

[hearingimpared]

WOW! That's a beauty! Does your clamp fit on that tall spindle?!

Of course. . .as I said in my write up on it, I also made the collet so that some, "lunatic er ah, audiophile who likes record changers can use it."

Tell me more about the sorbo's!

The sorbo gels are what Podiatrists use to pad toes and feet. It's squshier than sorbothane and its clear. I used to use sorbothane sheets melded together as dust cover pads so that the "bathroom" effect on your tonearm and cartridge would be minimized or eliminated. I think these things will work better because of the height, (lets air escape) and they really seem to dampen the vibrations.

I'll mail you some if you want. You just need to cut them to the size you want with a razor blade or box cutter.

BTW the spindle on the VPI is so high because VPI used to give a poor excuse of a clamp with the HW 19s, this was one of the reasons I set out on my mission to make a better clamp. I still think it should be illegal for a turntable manufacturer to design and manufacture a turntable without a good clamping system.

[schwarcw]

Are the sorbo's the same as Dr. Scholl's? Someone told me his gel pads are very good. I want to try a couple underneath my Quad player.

[SCompRacer]

In my best Belushi, The arm, how much for the arm?


Very nice Joe.

[billbillw]

I'm glad you posted this because I have an HW-19 Mk2 on the way here now (Yes, I'm moving on from the Oracle). Its nice to see partially disassembled shots. Keep 'um coming!

I think VPI's easy to install upgrade is the MkIV platter and inverted bearing assembly. Its supposed to make the table essentially a MkIV. Of course, you need the taller armboard too. Not a cheap thing to do. By affordable, I guess they mean $700+armboard+sorbo pucks (if you don't have them), or maybe they are talking about the SAMA, for $400. Maybe I'm wrong and they do have something new up their sleeves for the HW-19 series.

[hearingimpared]

I'm glad you posted this because I have an HW-19 Mk2 on the way here now (Yes, I'm moving on from the Oracle). Its nice to see partially disassembled shots. Keep 'um coming!

I think VPI's easy to install upgrade is the MkIV platter and inverted bearing assembly. Its supposed to make the table essentially a MkIV. Of course, you need the taller armboard too. Not a cheap thing to do. By affordable, I guess they mean $700+armboard+sorbo pucks (if you don't have them), or maybe they are talking about the SAMA, for $400. Maybe I'm wrong and they do have something new up their sleeves for the HW-19 series.

What initiated the contact with VPI was I wanted the sorbo pucks and cones as well as the motor upgrade. Elusive disc hadn't had them in over a year so I went right to the horses mouth and asked. You saw their reply. The sorbo puck and cones upgrade was $80, I call that affordable. . .if that is what they ment but I don't see VPI letting anything go for less than an arm and a leg.

[hearingimpared]

I'm glad you posted this because I have an HW-19 Mk2 on the way here now (Yes, I'm moving on from the Oracle). Its nice to see partially disassembled shots. Keep 'um coming!

I think VPI's easy to install upgrade is the MkIV platter and inverted bearing assembly. Its supposed to make the table essentially a MkIV. Of course, you need the taller armboard too. Not a cheap thing to do. By affordable, I guess they mean $700+armboard+sorbo pucks (if you don't have them), or maybe they are talking about the SAMA, for $400. Maybe I'm wrong and they do have something new up their sleeves for the HW-19 series.

Ya gotta love VPI almost as much as Polk. They still support a great product 20+years later.

[hearingimpared]

In my best Belushi, The arm, how much for the arm?


Very nice Joe.

That friggin arm new goes for $4500. I paid $1080 back in I think 1985. That cartridge back in the day was a keeper and considered quite the high end back in the day. They don't make them anymore or retip them. I'm praying the cantilever suspension has held up.

[Fireman32]

Looking good Joe. Lookin good.

[hearingimpared]

Are the sorbo's the same as Dr. Scholl's? Someone told me his gel pads are very good. I want to try a couple underneath my Quad player.

I think they are a little more firm than the Dr. Scholl's. Well at least that is what my cousin says, he's the Podiatrist. He says Dr. Scholl's stuff is crap.

I have sorbothane pods you can try out on the Quad if you like.

I'm not having much luck with them anymore. I have a concrete slab. Everything needs to be decoupled with cones and points. When I use the sorbothane pods it muddies everthing up. The only thing I am using them for are outboard power supplies and power center.

[hearingimpared]

I ordered the part that I need to adjust the height of my tonearm and it was shipped today. You should see this silly thing. It is no bigger than a three or four inch screwdriver. It has a small squared oval black handle and the blade is threaded. . . $33 + $5 shipping. . . .aaarrgggghhhhh.

[Fireman32]

It's the last part that you need to get it up and running right? It will be worth it once you start getiing to listen to it im sure.

[hearingimpared]

It's the last part that you need to get it up and running right? It will be worth it once you start getiing to listen to it im sure.

You hit that nail right on the head!!! I hope:eek:

I need couple a prayers shot up to the Big Guy that the cartridge is still good. . . if its is I'll will definetely be in vinyl heaven. Do you believe I don't have a clamp ready for myself??? How typical is that?

[Fireman32]

I'm praying for ya man. I'm sure the cartridge is in good shape.

[pblanc]

I'm telling you, sacrifice a live goat ot two.

[billbillw]

I'd really put something in the budget as far as getting a new cartridge.
The Talisman may play, but I doubt that its quite as fresh as it was before. It doesn't sound like the cartridge was stored in a tightly sealed, dry environment. I would expect the cantilever suspension has probably been deteriorated, maybe not completely, but to some point.

[hearingimpared]

I'd really put something in the budget as far as getting a new cartridge.
The Talisman may play, but I doubt that its quite as fresh as it was before. It doesn't sound like the cartridge was stored in a tightly sealed, dry environment. I would expect the cantilever suspension has probably been deteriorated, maybe not completely, but to some point.

That's been my fear. . . however the good folks at turntable needles .com bolstered my confidence by telling me they have cartridges that are 20 to 40 years old and are just fine. I've put my hopes in the Talisman because it is a very very good cartridge but if it fails I already have my sights set on a Dynavector 10 X 5.

[billbillw]

I hope the Tali does work well for ya. My brother has told me the same thing about people getting 1000s of hours out of a good moving coil. I'm hoping the same for that Accuphase AC-3 that is coming my way (for free).

[hearingimpared]

I hope the Tali does work well for ya. My brother has told me the same thing about people getting 1000s of hours out of a good moving coil. I'm hoping the same for that Accuphase AC-3 that is coming my way (for free).


Free is ALWAYS good! Good for you.;)

[billbillw]

Free is ALWAYS good! Good for you.;)

Well, not totally free, more like it was a bonus thrown in with the VPI table that I paid a fair price for.

I was expecting it to come with no cart. After the seller shipped it, he told me he threw in the AC-3 and thought maybe I could get some use out of it. If its no good, I got my trusty AT15Sa to fall back on.

Now I just need to sell my Oracle Alex. Dang, almost a week on A-gon and not even 1 offer. I've lowered the price 2 times and threw in my almost brand new M97xE. Don't know if its just a slow time of the season or what.

[hearingimpared]

Well, not totally free, more like it was a bonus thrown in with the VPI table that I paid a fair price for.

I was expecting it to come with no cart. After the seller shipped it, he told me he threw in the AC-3 and thought maybe I could get some use out of it. If its no good, I got my trusty AT15Sa to fall back on.

Now I just need to sell my Oracle Alex. Dang, almost a week on A-gon and not even 1 offer. I've lowered the price 2 times and threw in my almost brand new M97xE. Don't know if its just a slow time of the season or what.

Wow Bill I just checked your gon ad that is one beautiful turntable. . . You have a PM.

[hearingimpared]

I received my VTA screw which I believe can be the last hurddle in getting my analog rig going. . . this farcking thing cost me $38. My wife can't believe it but I told her you buy a Chevy you pay for Chevy parts. . . a Lamborghini you pay through the nose for the same parts.

Tonight I hope to get the rest of the job completed and start listening to records again.

See pics below.

[pblanc]

God, this is great, I can't wait to see how this turns out. I mean I'm on the edge of my seat here! But this thread really needs a more appropro title, like "As The Table Turns", or perhaps "Lust for Vinyl".

[hearingimpared]

God, this is great, I can't wait to see how this turns out. I mean I'm on the edge of my seat here! But this thread really needs a more appropro title, like "As The Table Turns", or perhaps "Lust for Vinyl".

"As The Table Turns" LOL

[hearingimpared]

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D













:cool: :cool: :cool: :D

[hearingimpared]

'nuff said!!!

[hearingimpared]

BTW I need to get a humidifier in this house. . .I just dusted my whole rig about an hour before taking those pic and the static is awful. Ticks & pops in abundance, all static related.

[Midnite Mick]

That's awesome. I am happy and jealous at the same time. I have been craving a vinyl setup lately. So many obstacles nowadays. We'll see what the future brings I guess.

Mike

[hearingimpared]

That's awesome. I am happy and jealous at the same time. I have been craving a vinyl setup lately. So many obstacles nowadays. We'll see what the future brings I guess.

Mike


Mike it's better than I remember. The only problem that I am having is I need to really tweak my TT further. The surface noise it way to high for my liking. I'm probably going to have to get into my preamp guts and mess with the cartridge loading and then try to quiet and isolate the motor .

The tonearm is timeless, the cartridge is new and I'm not familiar with it yet therefore my TT is suspect. The motor is behaving like an 89 year old man riddled with arthritis but it is dead on as far as maintaining the proper speed. As I said earlier the static in this house is awful. . . if I touch even my rack the static noise is heard through the speakers. . .come to think of it that is probably VTI's revenge for me trashing their customer service!!! LOL

Still I'm loving it. . . so far, Maroon 5, DSOTM, Holst's "The Planets" (thank you Troy), and Dire Straits, "Brothers In Arms." Next up; Kei Akagi, "Mirror Puzzle" (thanks again Troy.) I went to play my brand new 180gm recording of Jazz at the Pawnshop but there is a manufacturing defect on LP 2 and I have to return it for a new one. Mr. Murphy shows up at my house atleast once a week.:D

[Fireman32]

Glad to hear that it is up and running Joe. The pics look great. Cant wait to hear it someday.

[hearingimpared]

Glad to hear that it is up and running Joe. The pics look great. Cant wait to hear it someday.

Dave, after I ship your clamp, I'm gonna pick Antny up around 10:00AM tomorrow and drive up to Exit 8A on the New Jersey Turnpike to pick up a couple of CRS+ & stands from a newb here. You live further up than that don't you?

[Fireman32]

Joe, i'm off of exit 15 if you take the pike all the way up. From 8a it's about another hour.

[hearingimpared]

Joe, i'm off of exit 15 if you take the pike all the way up. From 8a it's about another hour.

Oh boy. . .that is way too close to NY. I installed some computer systems in Elisabeth NJ and Perth Amboy NJ way back in the stone age. That was pretty darn far up there. Shoot the guy was gonna meet me at exit 9 but thankfully agreed to 8A. AFter a certain point the NJ turnpike becomes a real pain in the behind . . .anyhow Dave you are always welcome to my humble abode. Perhaps you and Lou could make a day trip on a weekend and get an early start on a Saturday morning and we could spin vinyl, load SACDs, crunch CDs etc. all day into the wee small hours of the morning. I would like that!!!

[SCompRacer]

This is great news Joe! Glad to see the cartridge finally showed up.

[Fireman32]

Would love to take you up on the offer. I will talk to Lou and give you a call to see what saturday would be good. And I agree the Tpk is a pain in the ass once you go past exit 8. You are also welcome up by me anytime you want. I will give you a call later in the week to set somthing up.

[billbillw]

Whacha got there? That's no Talisman. A Dynavector 10x5? If the motor is arthritic, I might have a replacement for you that's only 1 year old. Kinda depends what happens with USPS and their insurance payout for my damaged VPI.

[pblanc]

Mick, Just out of curiosity what are the "many obstacles" you refer to? I ask this because it seems that a lot of people are currious about trying vinyl, but are scared off because they 1. don't have a phone stage, 2. They don't have any LPs and don't think they will be able to find any easily, 3. They don't think they will be able to locate cartridges or styli, 4. They see the enormous prices some audiophiles pay for a vinyl system and think that they will have to invest a fortune to have something that "sounds decent", 5. They have never owned a turntable before and don't think they will possibly be able to set one up or maintain one without an inordinate investment in time, 6. They have heard horror stories about turntables destroyed in transport and therefore don't want to risk buying a used one, 7. They are put off by what seems like turntable voodoo (rumble, cartridge/tonearm matching, vertical tracking angle, azimuth, lateral tracking angle, overhang, tracking force, antiskating, vibration damping, record cleaning, stylus cleaning, you name it).

The fact of the matter is that you can have a very decent vinyl playback system for no more than a few hundred dollars. Most of the other common objections are either untrue (except for the one about turntables destroyed in transit by sellers who don't have a clue about prepping and packing them), or overblown. Anyone can set up a turntable with a little guidance which can be provided via web links, and a modest investment in time reading and playing around a little. If you don't want to invest a few hundred dollars, you may luck out on finding a rummage sale special, but be aware, that if you go that route, you had better plan on doing some repair and maintenance (new belt, new cartridge or stylus, cleaning and lubrication) and you usually are not going to be able to test it before buying. Often the seller will have not used it for a great while, and will have no idea if it works.