I have been lurking on this forum for a while and actually decided to register to respond to this thread.
Anyway, I have a Micro Seiki DD 24. I bought it in 1979 when I was in high school and have used it continuously ever since and I absolutely love it. It is a wonderful turntable, I have thought about replacing it often and have audtioned other products (most recently Rega, Denon, VPI) but I honestly have not found anything I like better for less than about $1500.
So, Jigglybootch, if I were you I would take the turntable in to my favorite audio repair shop and have them look it over and perform any necessary service and then fit it with a new cartridge. I use a Dynavector 20-xh cartridge (with a Rotel Pre-Amp/Amp). I just upgraded to that cartridge about a year ago after having used, and very much enjoyed, a 10x4 for about 10 years. So, if you want to spend a little less I can also recommend the Dynavector 10x5 for the MS DD24.
So, Jigglybootch, if I were you I would take the turntable in to my favorite audio repair shop and have them look it over and perform any necessary service and then fit it with a new cartridge.
There really isn't a favorite (or local for that matter) shop that I could take it to for repairs, at least that I know of.
__________________
You've had the misfortune of running into me. I'm a life-wrecking idiot.
Well I certainly look forward to seeing you at the TTVJ show. I also look forward to being able to do some comparisons with your Technics (which you are very welcome to bring!) and some of the intro tables I sell.
Is there a good hi-end store anywhere near you? Many of them have their own in-house repair shops and the going rate to look at a turntable is about $35. If you bring it in you can also audition some cartridges and maybe even compare the sound of the Micro Seiki to some other turntables.
I have told you what I think, and so have others but *your* ear is the best judge for you and the most important thing.
I don't know what to tell you. I wouldn't use a turntable that was sitting in an attic for 20 some odd years without having it serviced, but at the same time if the DD 24 is still in good condition I think you would do better spending your money on a better cartridge than a new turntable. Where were you going to buy a turntable from anyway? Maybe there is some place...not so close that you could call ahead and get to or maybe you could even ship your turntable somewhere for service.
Also, I am not trying to question you, but there may be somewhere not too far away that could help you that you don't even know about. Sometimes specialty stores are under the radar so to speak. We have one near me that has a nearly invisible storefront, and is only open 2 days a week and *by appointment*. You could try going to the websites of a few of the turntable/cartridge brands you were thinking of and finding out where their nearest dealer is to you. For Dynavector you need to call their US Distributor USA
TOFFCO
4600 McPherson AV
St. Louis, MO 63108-1917
USA
TEL: 314 454 9966
There's only one thing that's really wrong with the turntable. For whatever reason, when the record is spinning, sometimes it will make physical contact with the body of the cartridge. When this happens, I have to adjust the tonearm height, but if it moves too high, the record will start skipping. I'm not sure if this problem is with the cartridge or the tonearm. When I first set up the turntable, it was fine, but after a few records, the problem started occurring.
__________________
You've had the misfortune of running into me. I'm a life-wrecking idiot.
Sure thing! I might not be able to attend (especially if I don't get my driver's license this fall) but I'll try!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jigglybootch
There's only one thing that's really wrong with the turntable. For whatever reason, when the record is spinning, sometimes it will make physical contact with the body of the cartridge. When this happens, I have to adjust the tonearm height, but if it moves too high, the record will start skipping. I'm not sure if this problem is with the cartridge or the tonearm. When I first set up the turntable, it was fine, but after a few records, the problem started occurring.
You should read up on turntable setup and get a stylus force guage (like the $20 Shure one that Todd sells) and alignment protractor (like the $20 mirrored one that you can get at www.turntablebasics.com). If the TT has been in storage without use for a while you'll probably also need to replace the stylus or cartridge (even if the cartridge was unused when it went into storage, the suspension could dry up causing mistracking, which damages records).
__________________
Chaintech AV-710 Setup Guide || Folding for Head-Fi since Aug '04!
---------------------------------------------------- Digital Rig: EMU 0404 -> Headsave Classic (HSA2 version) -> Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro/M-Audio BX8 speakers Analog Rig: Technics SL-1600 MKII (w/ Ortofon OM20) -> Harmon Kardon 730 Receiver -> DT770 Pro/M-Audio BX8 speakers Portable Rig: Rio Karma -> Koss PortaPro 2
------------------- Team IMHO || Team Full PM Inbox || Team Teen-Fi || Team Direct-Drive
I'm aware that it would be a very good idea to replace the cartridge. But honestly, I'd rather just get a whole new turntable for peace of mind. And that's what I intend to do. I just need to accumulate the money to do so, which is hard when you're an unemployed college student. But nonetheless, I'm very excited. When I was home a few weekends ago, I played my dad's copy of Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland." Despite the fact that the album is nearly 40 years old, it sounded absolutely amazing (to me, at least).
__________________
You've had the misfortune of running into me. I'm a life-wrecking idiot.
Micro Seiki DD 24
Linear Mode
