Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable working on and off

I didn't think there was a problem, necessarily, but it was suggested on this forum that replacing it might help since the original was getting old. So I went with that and got a new one.

Yes, once I removed the belt, I could see the spindle that the belt sits on moving.

So - lift the platter, nothing's moving. Remove the belt, see the spindle moving. Put the belt back on, spindle, belt, and inner platter are all moving. Put the outer platter back on and it's playing.

I don't know if something is holding the inner platform from turning? I don't understand why removing the belt and then putting it back on makes it turn.

@jeffreylee   Why is having a Pro-Ject TT a primary issue? Are they known for not lasting long? They have universally excellent reviews, so not sure why you’re making that statement.

@yogiboy - interesting piece of gear there! thank you. Not sure how long I'll stick w/ this current turntable and what I may replace it with, but good to know that there's a solution for fully manual ones.

@lewm ​​@noromance the inner platter is not spinning freely! So - will lift it out and lubricate it - I think?

lewm you say "Take the whole thing apart. Clean and relubricate the bearing. Check that platter spins freely. Make sure belt fits snugly around pulley and platter. Etc." - I have no experience working on TT's. I surely understand now that the inner platter needs to spin freely. I do believe that's the issue and as you said, the motor intermittently overcomes it. Sometimes a push to the platter will help it along, other times not.

@jeffreylee thank you.

a quick google does indeed reveal a ton of complaints.

Silly me, I had considered that reviewers would know and comment upon a company's track record regarding longevity.

I do like the sound of my table, and I can understand why it was well reviewed, but your point is well taken.

I have a "good" system - entry-level audiophile gear, and I want a turntable that will last, to match the other gear.

recommendations? technics? rega? music hall?

@jeffrylee - thank you for putting me onto the Music Room. I did not know about them.

And for your other suggestions and comments.

@noromance Excellent! I just ordered the Pro-Ject: Lube It Silent Groove Lubricant Oil.

This is the issue, I believe. And hopefully, the solution.

Thank you.

@mswale - that's terrific. Thank you!

I've been searching online and on YouTube for good tutorials on how to care for a TT, but not coming up w/ anything too good. It's all about how to set up a TT.

For example, I don't know to properly clean the grime from the bearing, as well as knowing what type of regular maintenance should be done.

Can you point me to an article, site or video that will fill me in?

Yes, this entry level TT sounds really good to me, and has sparked my vinyl listening and collecting a lot. I will upgrade when the time is right, but as always there is a cue of things and projects to spend $ on, and a new TT is not top of the list now. But, I appreciate what you said. I upgraded the cartridge about a year ago and love it.

@mswale thank you! Great, easy, simple directions. Fantastic.

You've helped me to up my game, and I appreciate it.

I will do all of this as soon as the lube I ordered arrives. Will be here in a day or two.

You rock!

@msale - I want to thank you, again for writing out those directions for cleaning the turntable.

I finally got to it last night.

OMGosh, I went through 10 or so Q-Tips in cleaning it out. But it's good now, and after I put the fresh lubricant on and placed the inner platter, it spun and spun freely. Terrific.

Actually, I had realized that just taking it out a couple of times and re-placing it is what had freed it up enough to work for a little while. That's why it was working on and off. So - hopefully the motor hasn't been too stressed and it should run for a good while. I have plenty of other things to spend money on rather than a new TT at this point. And it sounds damn good.

I was befuddled.

You set me straight. And all is cost me was $32 to buy the proper lubricant. Probably didn't even need to spend that amount.

Much appreciated.