[SuperNothing]

So my parents converted the basement into a home theater and thus had a turntable lying around that I picked up. It is a Technics Direct Drive SL-1600 and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with it and whether it is any good. I was thinking of building a vinyl rig set up around it. What would I need to get in order to get it running nicely. It powers up when I plug it in hit the start lever but the tone arm won't move on over to the record. Does anyone know why the tonearm won't move. The cartridge has no name on it so I am assuming it is the same cartridge that came with the turntable. There is an adjustable weight on the back of the tone arm but I don't know what weight to set it to for it to play correctly. There are some random knobs also that I have no idea what they are for. I have no means of listening to it right now as there is no headphone out but I would like to get it running. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[SuperNothing]

Alright so I figured somethings out. I got the tonearm to move. I was supposed to move a piece that holds the tonearm still that I didn't see. I also found writing on the cartridge that indicates it is a Signet 3Ea. Is it any good? Right now my problem is when I start the turn table the cartridge moves all the way to the center, touches down on the paper label of the vinyl and then moves a bit out, touches the beginning of the actual vinyl part then pulls up and moves back to its home position.

Edit: Figured out how to move and place the tonearm manually. Not sure if I am doing it correctly and once again I can't hear anything so I don't know if the stylus works correctly. I also don't want to ruin the records I have.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Here, read this:

Technics SL-1600 | Manual Free Download, Turntable owners,service,schematics,brochure | Vinyl Engine

It sounds like the anti-skating is not set correctly if the arm pulls to the center like that.

Also, are you using a phono preamp? You need one with the RIAA curve in order to get decent playback. It'll sound terrible without one. If you're on a tight budget, pick up one of the inexpensive ones here:

Garage 'A Records: Phonograph Cartridges and Needles, Record and Vinyl Accessories, Turntable Parts and Accessories and More!

If you want to spend a little more, I used to have a NAD PP2 that sounded pretty good. Sold it because I have a tubed circuit in my preamp, but the PP2 was pretty good. Of course, if you want to spend more, there are plenty of good options.

I'd go ahead and replace the cartridge. From the photo, it looks like it takes a standard one. I'm partial to Grado carts and think that the Black is a good buy. You should be able to get one for about $35. Another good budget cart is the Shure M97XE, about $50-$60.

But get that platter turning and give vinyl a try. I hope you like it as much as I do.

 

[SuperNothing]

Thanks for the manual. I had found that and read through it just before you posted it. I set the anti-skating and weight like it said. I need to get a pre-amp. I am actually heading over to the Grado Factory on Thursday so maybe I will pick up a cartridge. Also any recommendations for those cheap phono preamps or have you not heard any of them.

 

[SuperNothing]

I ended up ordering this Microphono PP400 Phono Preamp because it was only 25 dollars and it had a built in 1/4" jack. I just wanted something ultra cheap and simple to get my rig at least running. Also, I don't know if I am crazy, but when I put the tonearm down on the record I have in the player (2000 Year Old Man-Mel Brooks) and then put my ear right next to the cartridge I can hear clearly but extremely faintly Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner doing the routine. I guess this is possible because the cartridge does have a magnet moving inside which is the same basic principle as a dynamic driver.

 

[ssportclay]

Vintagetechnics has information on all Technics products including the 1600.Your turntable may need a new mechanism belt which tends to wear in order to get your Auto function back in order again.Turntablefactory also has nice comments on Technics turntables.Scottrt at the vinyl asylum has a passion for rebuilding Technics 1600s.Do a search for his comments.Getting it running correctly and replacing the tonearm wiring and cables seem to be the best upgrades.The Technics 1600 is actually an excellent turntable.

 

[SuperNothing]

^Thanks for the advice. I have actually got it running fine at the moment. The one thing that isn't functioning properly is automatic tonearm function but all I need to do is get a screwdriver to adjust the mechanism. Basically it is me being lazy because it works fine when I do it manually.

 

[SoundGoon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperNothing /img/forum/go_quote.gif I ended up ordering this Microphono PP400 Phono Preamp because it was only 25 dollars and it had a built in 1/4" jack. I just wanted something ultra cheap and simple to get my rig at least running. Also, I don't know if I am crazy, but when I put the tonearm down on the record I have in the player (2000 Year Old Man-Mel Brooks) and then put my ear right next to the cartridge I can hear clearly but extremely faintly Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner doing the routine. I guess this is possible because the cartridge does have a magnet moving inside which is the same basic principle as a dynamic driver.

You're not crazy - I believe almost all (if not all) MM cartridges have this "phenomenon." I think it is just a result of the needle on the grooves and the moving magnet (in other words, I believe that your theory as to why it happens is right). If I'm wrong, feel free to correct. I also hear that sound on my turntables, both of which are MM (Magnet).

 

[ssportclay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperNothing /img/forum/go_quote.gif ^Thanks for the advice. I have actually got it running fine at the moment. The one thing that isn't functioning properly is automatic tonearm function but all I need to do is get a screwdriver to adjust the mechanism. Basically it is me being lazy because it works fine when I do it manually.

The automatic tonearm function relies on the above mentioned belt which is well known for wearing out but if you look at the Vintagetechnics sight,you will find where you can get a replacement if needed.

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoundGoon /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think it is just a result of the needle on the grooves and the moving magnet (in other words, I believe that your theory as to why it happens is right).

You are hearing the actual music being transformed from mechanical energy imprinted on the vinyl into electrical energy before it's amplified; that's how it works and yes a stylus is a transducer ( something which converts electrical to kinetic energy and vice versa) just like a microphone or headphone capsule. This is why companies who specialise in transducers, like Grado or Audio Technica, often make them for several applications.

 

[BobbyChicken]

My parents have a couple of these. I pulled one of them out today. I was pretty impressed and am considering buying a new cartridge. Would it make any since to buy a nicer one (A Grado Reference series for example), or will this turntable not do it justice?

 

[memepool]

Grado carts are actually quite finickity and arn't really the best match for the heavier tonearms found on the Technics SL1600, even the MK2 which is more akin to the SL1200MK2 Technics SL-1200 MkII turntable - [English]

The 1600 is the most automated of that particular range (16,17,1800) so upgrading to a more modern tonearm like a Rega, which will work better with a Grado, isn't really worthwhile either.

Your best bet would be a Denon MC cart like the DL-110 or if you have a suitable pre-amp the lower output DL-103. Any of these will make your Technics sound wonderful.