UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Powered By Google Custom Search Vintage Radio and TV Service Data

Go Back   UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum > Specific Vintage Equipment > Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc)

Notices

Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Amplifiers, speakers, gramophones and other audio equipment.

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 18th Sep 2020, 3:54 pm   #21
hergest74
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 52
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Quote:
Originally Posted by stevehertz View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by hergest74 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevehertz View Post
I bought a really strong 'jeweller's' magnifier to enable me to see the stylus in all its glory. Looking at it with the naked eye and a strong magnifier is shockingly different, the amount of detritus that you think doesn't exist, does, not to mention nodules. By that means I'd eliminate the stylus for sure.
It really is covered, you can't see the stylus and the muck won't come off. I have looked online what a stylus should look like clean and this doesn't resemble it. I have looked into Onzow ZeroDust Stylus Tip Cleaner which seems to work a treat but it's not cheap. It is supposed to last for life though.
Well there's your problem then; a caked stylus. But in the first post you seem to reject it being the problem as you say you haven't used it long enough to have worn out? Well maybe not worn out, but caked in detritus. It will sound awful. I use Audio Technica cleaning fluid to clean mine. It takes time, but particles do come off eventually, you have to stick at it.
To be fair, I was convinced it was a clean stylus as the naked eye didn't show what I can now see. I might just invest in the gel cleaner as it's a good thing to have for life. No end of cleaning with the supplied brush is bringing it off.

Incidentally, if I had to get another replacement stylus, what would you recommend to get the best out of this turntable ? I must say though, the Audio Technica is superb when working properly. It transformed all my vinyl into a lovely, rich sound (as well as investing in a vacuum record cleaner)
hergest74 is offline  
Old 18th Sep 2020, 4:11 pm   #22
PaulR
Dekatron
 
PaulR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southport Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 3,221
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

By all means use the gel cleaner. Most stylus and record cleaners are based on IPA maybe mixed with distilled water. The advantage is that the water and IPA solution evaporate completely. I always have IPA about as I find it useful which is why I would use it.
__________________
Paul
PaulR is offline  
Old 18th Sep 2020, 4:21 pm   #23
PaulR
Dekatron
 
PaulR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southport Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 3,221
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Quote:
Originally Posted by hergest74 View Post
Incidentally, if I had to get another replacement stylus, what would you recommend to get the best out of this turntable ? I must say though, the Audio Technica is superb when working properly. It transformed all my vinyl into a lovely, rich sound (as well as investing in a vacuum record cleaner)
That suggests you are thinking of a whole new cartridge. If you like the existing setup can't you just get a new stylus for the existing cart?
__________________
Paul
PaulR is offline  
Old 18th Sep 2020, 4:55 pm   #24
hergest74
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 52
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulR View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by hergest74 View Post
Incidentally, if I had to get another replacement stylus, what would you recommend to get the best out of this turntable ? I must say though, the Audio Technica is superb when working properly. It transformed all my vinyl into a lovely, rich sound (as well as investing in a vacuum record cleaner)
That suggests you are thinking of a whole new cartridge. If you like the existing setup can't you just get a new stylus for the existing cart?
I forgot about that, yes I only have to buy the stylus again but I can't se this model for sale now.

Last edited by hergest74; 18th Sep 2020 at 5:05 pm.
hergest74 is offline  
Old 18th Sep 2020, 5:46 pm   #25
Sideband
Dekatron
 
Sideband's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Croydon, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 7,548
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Try Audio Technica themselves or at least a reliable specialist. Just Google the number and you'll probably find information. Beware buying 'replacement' types from unknown sources. If by chance your stylus is unavailable, at least AT are still manufacturing cartridges so you should be able to find something suitable.

The stylus for your cartridge is ATN440MLB. Audio Technica appear to be out of stock but others list it.

Try these people http://www.decoaudio.com/ based in Buckinghamshire. They might be able to supply a stylus. I used them recently to buy a new genuine stylus for my AT85.
__________________
There are lots of brilliant keyboard players and then there is Rick Wakeman.....

Last edited by Sideband; 18th Sep 2020 at 6:05 pm.
Sideband is offline  
Old 18th Sep 2020, 7:01 pm   #26
hergest74
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 52
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sideband View Post
Try Audio Technica themselves or at least a reliable specialist. Just Google the number and you'll probably find information. Beware buying 'replacement' types from unknown sources. If by chance your stylus is unavailable, at least AT are still manufacturing cartridges so you should be able to find something suitable.

The stylus for your cartridge is ATN440MLB. Audio Technica appear to be out of stock but others list it.

Try these people http://www.decoaudio.com/ based in Buckinghamshire. They might be able to supply a stylus. I used them recently to buy a new genuine stylus for my AT85.
Thanks, that's very helpful. Incidentally, I have a special cleaning fluid that came with my Project vacuum record cleaner, I wonder if that will shift the dirt from my stylus ?
hergest74 is offline  
Old 18th Sep 2020, 8:05 pm   #27
Sideband
Dekatron
 
Sideband's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Croydon, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 7,548
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

I doubt it's 'special'! It's probably IPA with a different name....
__________________
There are lots of brilliant keyboard players and then there is Rick Wakeman.....
Sideband is offline  
Old 18th Sep 2020, 10:06 pm   #28
PaulR
Dekatron
 
PaulR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southport Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 3,221
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

As Sideband says it is probably mainly IPA. You have nothing to lose with the current stylus. Try leaving it to soak then give a good brushing with a stylus brush.
__________________
Paul
PaulR is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 5:13 pm   #29
hergest74
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 52
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Hi folks, well the vacuum cleaning fluid shifted it almost immediately. Now my vinyl sounds stunning again.

Thanks for the help and suggestions. Mystery solved!
hergest74 is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 6:19 pm   #30
PaulR
Dekatron
 
PaulR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southport Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 3,221
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Good news. Mending is always better than ending!
__________________
Paul
PaulR is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 6:34 pm   #31
Sideband
Dekatron
 
Sideband's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Croydon, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 7,548
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Maybe you should look to why so much crud was picked up by the stylus. My records can attract dust and nothing more that the humble dust-bug takes care of that. I've never trusted so-called vinyl cleaners after an episode with my Deep Purple 'Machine Head' album. It was the first (and last) record I tried to clean with a proprietary record cleaner fluid. Having followed the instructions and allowing ample time for any residue to dry, I then played the album. Bearing in mind that the album was no more than a year old at the time I had to keep stopping the record because of all the muck that the stylus was collecting. I imagined that any surface contamination had been sucked down into the grooves by capillary action of the cleaning fluid and the stylus was now digging this out as it played....I pictured it as a plough digging furrows in a field...... I eventually managed to get the record clean and playable again by using nothing more than warm water and very mild washing-up liquid, lots of rinsing under running water and a thorough dry. I vowed never to use record cleaning fluid again. Proper storage at room temperature, careful handling and the humble dust-bug plus a dry wipe with a proper cleaning cloth is all that's needed. All I use on the stylus is a stylus brush to remove any fluff that may have collected.
__________________
There are lots of brilliant keyboard players and then there is Rick Wakeman.....

Last edited by Sideband; 20th Sep 2020 at 6:46 pm.
Sideband is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 6:46 pm   #32
PaulR
Dekatron
 
PaulR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southport Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 3,221
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

I have also made records worse by using cleaning fluids, although I haven't fared better with tap water, maybe because the water is hard here.

I agree that the humble dust bug is about the best method of keeping records clean. Unfortunately I find that the modern ones with just a brush tend to pull to the centre of the record too quickly. The old metal Bib ones with a velvet "roller" and a brush are much better.

In Post 3 the OP does mention dust and a slightly damp old house. I think that has caused mould growth on the stylus in a similar way the tiny spots can appear on records which have not been played for a long time.
__________________
Paul
PaulR is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 7:00 pm   #33
stevehertz
Dekatron
 
stevehertz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Tried and tested by the BBC and thousands of others who know their stuff, the Keith Monks record cleaning machine is proven to clean records better than anything. I had my complete vinyl collection cleaned by a KM machine a couple of years and can only say that the difference was amazing. It's like anything though; tuning a car, setting up a guitar, realigning a radio etc, if the operator/technician isn't the best then the results will inevitably be less than perfect.
__________________
A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..
stevehertz is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 7:10 pm   #34
hergest74
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 52
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

My Project vacuum record cleaning machine (cost £200) with fluid provided is the best thing I purchased. The fluid isn't alcohol, just a bit like washing up liquid with a mild lemony smell. After cleaning all my vinyl it didn't leave any residue in the grooves.

I think dust + ambient humidity (controlled sometimes by a dehumidifier) + No Perspex cover on turntable (which I need to get but its old so probably won't be able to) and not having been played for a while compounded the problem.
hergest74 is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 7:10 pm   #35
PaulR
Dekatron
 
PaulR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southport Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 3,221
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Our local Hi-Fi shop had one of those Keith Monks machines in the 1970s. It gave excellent results. The original owner died and the shop was sold off as a going concern. Unfortunately the new owners didn't understand it and the last time I saw it was on the floor at the back of the shop semi dismantled.

A cover is important. It stops dust from falling on the turntable when not being used and on the record when being played. I have bought new Audio Technica ones for my Lenco GL75 and Rotel 1500 decks and they fit perfectly.
__________________
Paul

Last edited by PaulR; 20th Sep 2020 at 7:16 pm.
PaulR is offline  
Old 20th Sep 2020, 7:14 pm   #36
hergest74
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 52
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

I will add that I have a carbon fibre brush I bought from Virgin or HMV that probably does the same as a dust bug.
hergest74 is offline  
Old 22nd Sep 2020, 7:32 pm   #37
hergest74
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 52
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Incidentally, I picked up one of those red velvet cleaning blocks from a charity shop a few years ago which seemed old then. Are they any good ?

I am also looking at a record cleaning arm by Project on Amazon but at £55 it's not going to happen.
hergest74 is offline  
Old 23rd Sep 2020, 10:05 am   #38
PaulR
Dekatron
 
PaulR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southport Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 3,221
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

The wide brush on the Project cleaner may stop the main problem on these which is the tendency to pull straight to the centre of the record. Putting that aside I have found that cleaners of that type are quite good at removing dust, but I have used the type that have the little velvet "roller" as well as a brush,
__________________
Paul
PaulR is offline  
Old 23rd Sep 2020, 10:27 am   #39
stevehertz
Dekatron
 
stevehertz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
Default Re: Technics SLD 202 - Can't get it to sound right

Try to imagine how a brush interacts with the grooves of the record at a magnified level. The bristles bend under in the backwards direction and mostly just push detritus further into the grooves. A wet process combined with suction is what is required for effective cleaning.
__________________
A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..
stevehertz is offline  
Closed Thread

Thread Tools



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 1:18 pm.


All information and advice on this forum is subject to the WARNING AND DISCLAIMER located at https://www.vintage-radio.net/rules.html.
Failure to heed this warning may result in death or serious injury to yourself and/or others.


Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.