new to turntables.....need help


Hello! Today I picked up a Technics SL-D2 at a garage sale for what I think was a solid deal ($5). The player seems to be solidly built and plays nicely. Are there any upgrades my fellow members would recommend to help "improve" the sonics? New cartridge? Like I said, I am a "newbie" to the record world and if any A-gon members would like to offer a helpful suggestion, I am very appreciative. I am also willing to learn the hard way but I thought I would try here first!!
bea
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Being that you bought this at a garage sale for $5.00 it would be wise to bring it somewhere to be serviced. Motor speed checked, oiled. If it has belts (which I doubt)replace them. Bring a new cartridge & have your serviceman install it. Live with it a little while and if you find you are listening to records move that CDs' get a better turntable.
If your 'table is not P-mount you might consider forking out some dough and get a Shure V15 TypeV MR. Probably the best moving magnet ever made and they won't be around much longer. It comes with it's own protractor and is a piece of cake to install.
YOu can also try different types of mats and see which you like the best. My Technics SL1300 sounds best with a cork mat. I just bought some cork 12" wall tiles from Wal-Mart and used the rubber mat as a pattern. You can also do a google search on making a cork spot mat. Cheap tweaks and some make an improvement. Enjoy the fun!

I had not heard of the tweak viridian suggested on tapping on the arm for resonance. I am going to try that one myself.
I googled the SL-D2 and it looks like it takes a standard cartridge, not a P-mount. If you fit the cartridge yourself you'll need a protractor. You can download a free one from enjoythemusic, but the turntablebasics mirrored protractor is very good for very little money. If the deck has a way to set the tracking force you'll be all set, if not get the turntable basics one ... it's cheaper than the Shure. Be careful not to track too light ... contrary to what you;d think it can damage records.
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Ditto Seantaylor about the new cartridge. That will certainly make the biggest improvment and provide you with peace of mind.
A new cartridge is critical if the condition is unknown (which it probably is). You risk damaging records permanently if you play with a bad stylus.

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your deck but Audio technica makes some cartridges for both p-mount and standard cartridge fittings that are very good value for money. I particularly like the AT-95E.

You can try www.turntablebasics.com, or www.lpgear.com ... I've had good service from both of them.
Hi, Usually a change to a better interconnect will be a great improvement as they always use mediocre ones on most turntables. I bought a Technics SL-L20 at a household sale that I use in my garage system when I work on the cars, changed to a pair of decent pair of cables and it made a huge difference.