Necessary tools for a vynil rig.

[papomaster]

Hey all!

I have the opportunity to catch me a Thorens TD160 mk2 in great condition, with a shure v15/4 cartridge, for 300 CDN.

However, before I pull the trigger, I'd like to know what are the tools you ought to have in order to make your TT work. From the bits and pieces I recall, there seems to be a cartridge alignment tool, a stylus force gauge, counterweights...

Please list the ones you need to have, and the ones you can bypass by just having a repairmen do the adjustments for you (and would spare you a lot of money if you don't adjust your TT every two days).

If you know where to find these tools, that'd be even better.

 

[Uncle Erik]

That's a good deck and a good cartridge. I think they'd make a nice intro to vinyl.

First, do you have a phono stage? Those are a must - records are equalized to optimize the groove size, so you need a RIAA filter to put the low end back in. You can't use an ordinary preamp. The cheapest decent ones are around $30 at Garage-A-Records. If you want to spend a little more, I really liked the NAD PP2 I had. You can also use an older receiver as a phono stage. If it has a "phono" selection on the selector switch, it probably has a phono stage built in.

Next, you'll want to align the cartridge and do the factory setup. You can find more information here: Thorens TD160 | Manual Free Download, Turntable owners,service,schematics,brochure | Vinyl Engine

Read through and follow the service notes. This would be a good time to replace the belt if it has one and change the oil in the bearing. You can use Mobil 1 synthetic automotive oil for that. I like the 5W-30.

Vinyl Engine should have a protractor you can print out for cartridge alignment. There are fancier ones, but use the free one until you get the hang of it. It's a pain, but spending some time on alignment pays off.

You shouldn't need a counterweight - there should already be one on the back end of the tonearm. You will need a scale to adjust it. An inexpensive and good one is the Shure SFG-2 Stylus Tracking Force Gauge. They sell around $20-$25. What you do is move the counterweight back and forth on the end of the tonearm until the cartridge presses down with the correct amount of weight. That's called the tracking force. If your cartridge doesn't come with instructions, run a few searches for it. The correct tracking force shouldn't be hard to find.

Next, you'll need a level. If you don't have one in your toolbox, get one at the hardware store for a few dollars. You'll want to make sure your table is perfectly level. I haven't used a Thorens, but its feet probably adjust so you can level it.

For the records, get a carbon fiber cleaning brush. They're $15-$30 and essential for getting dust off the records. You don't have to buy a record cleaner, but run a few searches for cleaning records by hand and go with a method you like. It's cheaper than a machine and you'll appreciate clean records. Also spend a few dollars for a pack of new record sleeves - they're cheap. Put each record in a new sleeve after you clean it.

That should get you up and running with vinyl. I hope you buy the deck - once you clear the setup hurdles, you will fall in love!

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif I haven't used a Thorens, but its feet probably adjust so you can level it.

The Thorens TD-160 is a suspended subchassis design so the suspension needs to be set to bounce optimally as well as being levelled.

Where you set it up will depend on what kind of floors you have. If your room has suspended type wooden floorboards which bounce when you walk, then try to place it on something reasonably light and rigid, facing at right angles to the direction of the floorboards so it won't be disturbed by footfalls. Ikea make a cheap low table called a Lack which is ideal for these kind of turntables.
If bouncy floors are too much of a problem than you can get a Target or Apollo wallshelf.

Once the deck is on a level surface you need to set the bounce by adjusting the suspension from underneath. There are good instructions here
Soundfountain

Generally I would say you are best off replacing the stylus on a 2nd hand cart as you don't know what kind of condition it's in, unless you can examine it with a high powered magnifier (30x+) and know what the tell tale signs of wear look like.

The Shure V15 is a very nice cart, one of the best series of MM carts ever made. Replacement stylii are no longer made by Shure and can therefore get very expensive on ebay. There is a company in Japan called Jico which is widely regarded as making the best replacements, especially with the SAS tip which many esteem superior to the original Shure Micro Ridge profile. Jico Phonograph Stylus : Shure

 

[vo_obgyn]

Michael Fremer's Practical Guide to Turntable Setup DVD is also a good resource. It can be found at many stores, including the following one at:

Michael Fremer Turntable Set-Up DVD 800-229-0644 Michael Fremer Turntable Set-Up DVD

as noted in:

musicangle.com - By Michael Fremer -- Music * Reviews * Audio * Sound * Vinyl...

The information helped me to set up my Linn LP12 Sondek to sound the best. Record care is also important as others have noted.

 

[papomaster]

Anywhere to get a tracking force gauge in canada? I can probably get the brush and the phono stage easily from shops.

 

[tubes]

Some form of wet cleaning either from a record cleaning machine or wet cleaning brushes will let you hear why you are into vinyl. You'll also want something to effectively clean the stylus, the magic eraser is dirt cheap and does a great job.

Phill

 

[mikeg]

Thanks for this info, vo_obgyn. I just ordered this DVD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vo_obgyn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Michael Fremer's Practical Guide to Turntable Setup DVD is also a good resource. It can be found at many stores, including the following one at: Michael Fremer Turntable Set-Up DVD 800-229-0644 Michael Fremer Turntable Set-Up DVD as noted in: musicangle.com - By Michael Fremer -- Music * Reviews * Audio * Sound * Vinyl... The information helped me to set up my Linn LP12 Sondek to sound the best. Record care is also important as others have noted.

 

[tooch]

Just a question on the tracking force adjustment, is a gauge really necessary if you follow the instructions in the TT manual? I have a technics 1200 and it instructs to balance the tonearm so it sits level, then zero the weight and adjust to the cartridge manufacturer's specification. In this case is there any need for the gauge?

 

[vo_obgyn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for this info, vo_obgyn. I just ordered this DVD.

Hi Mikeg,

Your welcome. I looked at your profile and saw your vinyl gear inventory. Really nice. Enjoy tweaking your turntable, tonearm, and cartridge.

Some people think that vinyl rig maintenance is a pain and a headache, but I have found it to be enjoyable. I have tried different tonearm cables and cartridges and have found that tonearm set up and cartridge alignment makes a world of difference in the final sound.

 

[vo_obgyn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooch /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just a question on the tracking force adjustment, is a gauge really necessary if you follow the instructions in the TT manual? I have a technics 1200 and it instructs to balance the tonearm so it sits level, then zero the weight and adjust to the cartridge manufacturer's specification. In this case is there any need for the gauge?

That should get it close. A good gauge gives you final confirmation.

 

[tooch]

Thanks Vo, I might order one in the next few weeks anyway