Technics SL-1210 Query

[studiord]

Hi Guys,

I recently purchased a pre-owned Technics SL-1210 MK2. I installed my Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge and set-up the VTA and VTF. When I was checking the anti-skate, the tonearm was not moving towards the spindle even when it was off. So I searched on internet for the problem and someone had advised to slightly loosen the screw on top of the tonearm to make the anti-skate work properly. Which I did and the tonearm did start moving at zero. But then I read that the screw is factory calibrated and should not be touched at any cost. Is this true ? Because I think the top screw just holds the two side screws of the pivot together. Will this have any effect on the TT ? I don't see any problems in sound (which is great) so should I stop worrying ? Here is the screw I am talking about :

 

[omishra]

It is not advisable to fiddle around that screw because that sets friction on bearing which is done by precision tools. Central screw is pointed pivot placed in between tiny metal balls and outer one is locking nut. That pivot should not loose or too tight. Neither play nor stiffness in tonearm's horizontal movement is expected.

Make plinth and platter horizontal using spirit level. Set antiskate to zero. protect the stylus and balance tonearm horizontally, 0 weight. If your tonearm is moving freely and balancing itself steady at central point of total tonearm horizontal movement (approx 1/3 of record groove area from outer edge) then its alright.

Also while playing if you don't get throughout channel imbalance, distortion, IGD (may be other issues also) then leave it alone. Enjoy music.

 

[studiord]

Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes, I regret fiddling with the screw. But since I have no audible sound issues or skipping problems, I guess it should be alright. Also, can you tell me what the ideal height should be between the needle and the record surface ? The Technics manual says it is factory adjusted at 8-13mm but mine looks a bit more than that. Will it affect the VTA if I reduce it ?

regards

RD

 

[omishra]

Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes, I regret fiddling with the screw. But since I have no audible sound issues or skipping problems, I guess it should be alright. Also, can you tell me what the ideal height should be between the needle and the record surface ? The Technics manual says it is factory adjusted at 8-13mm but mine looks a bit more than that. Will it affect the VTA if I reduce it ?

regards

RD

There are two things - one while record playing and other while cueing lever is up and tonearm is lifted up.

1. Adjustment of arm lift height - (page 5 of manual) Whatever you referring from manual is distance between record surface and stylus tip with cueing lever up. For whatever tonearm height you select, that could be set at any time using that screw inside black horse shoe shaped arm lift support below tonearm.
2. Adjustment of tonearm Height - (page4 of manual) When record on platter and stylus is touching to groove tonearm should be parallel and this is set using that bigger periphery ring around tonearm base. This alters VTA. This is directly related to height of cartridge.

 

[studiord]

There are two things - one while record playing and other while cueing lever is up and tonearm is lifted up.

1. Adjustment of arm lift height - (page 5 of manual) Whatever you referring from manual is distance between record surface and stylus tip with cueing lever up. For whatever tonearm height you select, that could be set at any time using that screw inside black horse shoe shaped arm lift support below tonearm.
2. Adjustment of tonearm Height - (page4 of manual) When record on platter and stylus is touching to groove tonearm should be parallel and this is set using that bigger periphery ring around tonearm base. This alters VTA. This is directly related to height of cartridge.

Thanks again ! I know both the adjustments but I am still confused about two things:
1) To make the tonearm parallel to the platter, I have to raise it by 1mm. But the manual says that for a cartridge of 18mm (which I have), the VTA should be 3. So, whom should i follow ?
2) Will the anti-skate not working damage the LP's ? Till now, none of the records have skipped while playing.

 

[jls001]

1) To make the tonearm parallel to the platter, I have to raise it by 1mm. But the manual says that for a cartridge of 18mm (which I have), the VTA should be

The correct VTA adjustment method is to adjust stylus rake angle (SRA). But this needs a powerful magnifying glass (in the least) or an USB microscope that can show the stylus rake angle. Since that is complicated, make visual and aural adjustments. Om has already suggested how to adjust tonearm height so that arm tube is parallel to record surface. Please do that. But do it after you have adjusted the tracking weight first.

2) Will the anti-skate not working damage the LP's ? Till now, none of the records have skipped while playing.

There is more chance of damaging the stylus when antiskate is improper.

 

[greenhorn]

Got hold of one !!!

It's got a rather shoddy feeling felt slipmat (was being used by an amateur DJ)
Should i switch to a rubber mat?

There seems to be no auto return. I don't find mention of it in the manual, but google is inconclusive. I have a 1210 Mk2 - Should it have auto return?

 

[sachu888]

Its fully manual tt , no auto return.

Regards
Sachin

 

[Record Player]

Got hold of one !!!

It's got a rather shoddy feeling felt slipmat (was being used by an amateur DJ)
Should i switch to a rubber mat?

There seems to be no auto return. I don't find mention of it in the manual, but google is inconclusive. I have a 1210 Mk2 - Should it have auto return?

Congratulations mate. A top player yeah. This is a complete manual turntable. Try getting the original 1210 rubber mat. Should be able to get easily in the UK. And yes, photos please with other specs as well.

 

[greenhorn]

Everything seems to be in order, No play in the tonearm or bearings, pitch is accurate, lights and buttons work, minor scratches on the dust cover. Only thing I couldn't test was if both channels worked.

Appears to be from this millennium, though still not very sure of decoding the serial no. Came with a Shure M44-7 Cart. Cost around 250 Pounds, which I think is decent

Funny thing is that I still don't have any speakers or amp or any records for that matter here

 

[reubensm]

Everything seems to be in order, No play in the tonearm or bearings, pitch is accurate, lights and buttons work, minor scratches on the dust cover. Only thing I couldn't test was if both channels worked.

Appears to be from this millennium, though still not very sure of decoding the serial no. Came with a Shure M44-7 Cart. Cost around 250 Pounds, which I think is decent

Funny thing is that I still don't have any speakers or amp or any records for that matter here

Congrats, what a beauty, looks in pristine condition. I am truly in love with these Technics direct drives. What magnificent classics!!

 

[Saket]

Everything seems to be in order, No play in the tonearm or bearings, pitch is accurate, lights and buttons work, minor scratches on the dust cover. Only thing I couldn't test was if both channels worked.

Appears to be from this millennium, though still not very sure of decoding the serial no. Came with a Shure M44-7 Cart. Cost around 250 Pounds, which I think is decent

Funny thing is that I still don't have any speakers or amp or any records for that matter here

Fantastic player there Greenhorn. Absolute beauty. Time to consider changing your signature?