need some turntable maintenance help

nadams

Hey guys,
I'm trying to get this Marantz turntable up and running just to hear what it actually sounds like. Last I knew, it just didn't seem to turn on... well, I had some more time to look at it tonight, so I took the mat off the platter, and found that the belt had come off. I'm not interested in buying a new belt right now, and this one is still in one piece, so I want to try to put it back on. I can't get the platter off, so how do I do it?

nadams

dcarlson

The only thing I can tell you is my platter comes right off without any screws or anything. If yours doesn't, you may need to take it apart to get in there.

nadams

You are correct. Not being used to turntables, I didn't want to just go yanking on stuff, but my dad came up and gave it a pull and it popped off. Got the belt on, gave it a test listen, and it sounds much better than could be expected if you were to go by George Grand's glowing review.

Next on the list is if I can remove the needle from the cartridge and just replace that, or if I should just replace the whole cartridge. In it right now is an Audio-Technica LS480/LT. Again, I know close to zip about turntables at the moment, other than how to operate them. That's what this turntable is for.... a learning experience.

So far, I've learned-

Yank on the platter.... it'll most likely come off
Ground wires are there for a BIG reason...

nadams

dcarlson

If you don't know the age of the TT or the cart, I'd say bring the TT into a local shop that sells carts and have them install it. That's what I did and the guy change the cart right in front of my eyes and set everything up. It was good to see someone else do it before I got my fumbly hands in there.

Nice to see someone else getting into this vinyl thing. It's great.

Derick.

nadams

Cartridge was easy enough to remove, as was the needle from the cartridge. Unfortunately, there aren't any real stereo shops around me these days... I think I'll probably have to go to Elex Atelier ( www.elexatelier.com ) on this one...

nadams

dcarlson

Good luck, let us know how you make out.

nadams

Wow... I emailed Elex Atelier last night, and got a reply already. Here's what it had to say:

"We are a factory direct Audio-Technica distributor and
take advantage of volume discounts so you won't have
to pay full price.

The LS480/LT is quite a good cartridge. If it is
functional then the smart thing to do is to replace
the stylus.

We have the Audio-Technica ATN122EP stylus (needle)
for
the LS480/LT cartridge @ $44.95 + $6.90 S&H. This
special elliptical stylus will bring your cartridge
back to its original performance."

AND

"An inexpensive and good replacement cartridge is the
Audio Technica AT300P now on sale @ $34.95 + $6.90 S&H
(US Addressee). It uses an aluminum cantilever with a
conical diamond to deliver a crystal clean and rich
sound.


$42.95 + $6.90 S&H. It too has an elliptical stylus
and sounds musically refined. The Audio-Technica
AT331LP/8008A on sale now at $64.95 + $6.90 S&H
(retail $149.00) offers extended dynamic range and
wonderful detail via its superlative Line Contact
stylus. Of the three choices, the Audio-Technica
AT331LP/8008A offers the best musical value. Your
choice."


Do you guys suggest just replacing the needle and keeping the cartridge that Elex says is a good one, or should I update it to something more modern?

I need to figure out how to get the anti-skating tweaked out, as well. I had a good listen to it last night, and was happy with it (keeping in mind it cost me $6), but now I have to decide if it's worth the money...

nadams

dcarlson

I'm just getting into this vinyl thing myself.

I would probably go with the AT331LP/8008A. Half price ain't bad. Then, you know you have a brand new cartridge and stylus. One thing you may want to ask them is if that cart fit most turntables. If you're planning on starting a vinyl collection, and that Marantz isn't doing it for you, you could always get a new table and put your new cart on it.

Just a thought.

nadams

Good thought.... I also have a Garrard Syncro-Lab turntable in the basement that needs a good deal of work. The motor is still good on it, but it needs to be greased up and worked over. Also, the cartridge is totally shot. It's an A-body and the wires are all broken...

nadams