Vintage HiFi. Sounds great, looks cool, costs peanuts
All types of turntable from cheap portable to high end HiFi
It has been nearly two years now since I installed the stylus on my main turntable, so it’s time to chose a replacement cartridge.
There are also compelling reasons to consider replacing the arm too, as we shall see. Continue reading “Rega Tonearm on Thorens TD160”
This one was acquired by a relative for a very good price. Cosmetically and mechanically it looks to be in excellent condition.
These turntables have a reputation for fantastic performance. It is a 3 point spring suspended design. Those columns house the springs. The arm is made from exotic alloys and is very well engineered.
Unfortunately it does not turn. The motor control is via high voltage circuits and some of the wiring looks propper dodgy. One to take care and precautions with. Continue reading “Alphason Sonata Turntable won’t turn”
My turntable is a three point suspension type, so is quite well isolated anyway.
Every little helps though. No harm in trying to improve things, especially if it isn’t costing you anything. Continue reading “Turntable Isolation Plinth from Silestone”
My Thorens TD160 turntable came fitted with an Audio Dynamics Corporation ALT-1 Tonearm and a cartridge from the same manufacturer. The latter was toast, so I installed an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge.
Under the close scrutiny which comes with installing a new cartridge it became clear that all was not well. Continue reading “ADC ALT-1 Tonearm on Thorens TD160”
This charity shop find has been restored to great working condition. Sadly, it ain’t pretty.
A hinge is broken, the lid is scratched, and the plinth has a couple of knocks. Continue reading “Thorens TD160 Turntable. Refurbishment”
This charity shop find is of unknown provenence. The TD160 mkII was current in the late 1970’s. This one looks like it’s been in storage for a while .
I’m assuming the worst and giving it a full service. There is a long list of things which need attention. Continue reading “Thorens TD160 Turntable. Service”
This was a charity shop find. Not cheap at £250. Could be a bargain? Or could be a money pit?
Let’s give it a good looking over. Continue reading “Thorens TD160 Turntable. Initial Impressions”
Calling to me from the shelves of my local Cash Converters was this solid state phono pre amplifier.
Bubbling paint work and a missing power supply explain the reasonable £25 paid. Continue reading “Pro-ject Phono box II. A look inside.”
I’m not particularly attracted to this auto changer. However, it does use several components which were shared with other more desireable units.
For just £30 in a charity shop it was worth getting as a parts donor. So what did I save from it? Continue reading “Garrard Synchrolab 65B stripped for spares”
My obsession for monitoring the life of my turntable stylus was satisfied when I built my “Play Mate” monitor. It did the job but boy it was ugly.
Only now have I got around to making an aesthetically pleasing version. Continue reading “Digital record play counter gets a facelift”