Quote:
Originally Posted by Kayito-san /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Turntables, eh..?
I have a late '70s/early '80s Kenwood KD-1400(or 4100?) with a new Grado needle (the previous one was busted all-to-hell)... Yet I have no idea if this turntable is worth anything (I don't mean 'sale-wise' I mean whether it has any usability/value). It's not tuned, and I have no idea how to do such a thing. Do Kenwoods have a good reputation (IE, should I invest in getting it tuned?)
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I don't personally have any experience with the 4100, but generally speaking some of the kenwood direct drives such as the 500, 770 and 990 and esp. L-07d models, were exceptionally well-built and are still very desirable today. Others were run-of-the-mill budget jobs, but of very serviceable quality and still useful, if not state-of-the-play.
If it has been well-kept and not mishandled, then there is very little to "tune". Apart from gentle polishing, cleaning and dusting, the only physical adjustment required should be cartridge alignment and this can easily be done by yourself (unless you are ham-fisted, in which case leave it to an expert) with the aid of a 'protractor'. See here:
Free Stuff
You could also remove the dustcover, rubber mat, platter and bottom plate and examine the internal chassis. Very GENTLE blasts of compressed air and light vacuuming (all from a distance) should remove any accumulated dust, lint, grit, etc. Look at the gearing mechanism(s) to ensure that any lubrication has not dried or caked up. If it has and you are not comfortable with cleaning gears and mechanical assemblies in situ, then consult a knowledgeable TT tech.
Since this is a fully automatic tt and if everything is working properly, then i would leave well enough alone (apart from the above) & you should continue to have many years of enjoyment from this unit.
hth,
d.