Turntable question

Bob in WI
Bob in WI Posts: 155
edited February 2013 in 2 Channel Audio
I have some vintage vinyl that I can't replace. Some of it is pretty beat up but its what I have. I have a Technics SL-B200 turntable that can't hold pitch & hasn't seen use in 15 years. I'm going to take it for a repair, maintenance and cartridge estimate. I don't know if it is worth fixing. I see turntables like MARATHON TT-101USB Belt Drive Turntable selling new for $100. Are these things any good or should I fix what I have? Appreciate all comments. I don't need to go high end on a turntable but I don't want to damage my discs by going to cheap either. TIA.
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Comments

  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited January 2013
    The speed issues are either a worn belt, or dirty speed controls. Sometimes there are pots found on a circuit board that are dirty. A little cleaner, and turning the pot back and forth could fix it. Maybe check for a manual at vinyl engine and give it a go. I wouldn't invest a lot of money in that table.

    You have to be a member and log in to download at vinyl engine.

    http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-b200.shtml
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • wolfsongaudio
    wolfsongaudio Posts: 11
    edited January 2013
    Second to the above. A belt for the SL-B200 will run you $7.00 on e-bay. Pull the mat and platter off. Remove the belt and see it stretch, discard and get a new one. Almost all of the belts on the SL-B200s out there need to be replaced by now.
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  • Bob in WI
    Bob in WI Posts: 155
    edited January 2013
    Thanks. I also have a Dual 1237. Reviews of new turntables show quite a bit of dissatisfaction with units under $300. I haven't run the Dual in so long, I forgot why I stopped using it. I'll take them both in & let the repair shop estimate on both. I fear they need more attention than just the belts.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited January 2013
    Bob, IIRC the 1237 had two versions. Does your have strobe markings on the platter?
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • Bob in WI
    Bob in WI Posts: 155
    edited January 2013
    I was doing a little research last night & saw 2 versions. Mine is the one without the strobe. As I recall, the Dual had feedback issues I figured was prolly ground related. I saw some info on tracing ground issues. I think I'm going to order some belts & play with these puppies myself. They're already not working correctly so I can't make them worse.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited January 2013
    That's the spirit! IIRC you have the better version. Fairly sure I read that at Audiokarma.

    If you need a place for quality parts fairly priced, I have no affiliation other than being a satisfied customer with Bob at Vintage Electronics.

    http://www.vintage-electronics.cc/
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • wkjeffers
    wkjeffers Posts: 139
    edited January 2013
    definitely worth belt and cleaning for the dual. New turntables worth getting start about $300, but a used good turntable can be had for $200 but shipping is always an issue if not bought locally. I would look at Project models and the RP1 from Rega. New would be more trouble free and might start you down a whole vinyl revival....
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  • Bob in WI
    Bob in WI Posts: 155
    edited January 2013
    Thanks for the replies. Ordered belts for both turntables, an Ortofon 5E cart for the Technics & a new stylus for the Dual. I can listen to both for a while & sell whichever I don't like. Scary thing is I'm thinking of upgrading my 1990's Yamaha 80WPC receiver (RX V850). This music thing is starting cost money. You guys are dangerous company!
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited February 2013
    Keiko wrote: »
    Spending other peoples money on audio is our specialty. :wink:

    Welcome aboard

    Word...

    But - I will say that the advice here is top shelf and based on well deserved reputation and ears on experience - can't put a price on that!

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Bob in WI
    Bob in WI Posts: 155
    edited February 2013
    The advise is free. The cost of following it is somewhat more. Do agree that there is more opinion formed by experience here than in most other boards.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited February 2013
    Keiko wrote: »
    Spending other peoples money on audio is our specialty. :wink:

    How about it! We spent ours already!:cheesygrin:
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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