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Rumble question- Thorens/black widow

Hello, I've been a reader  for a while but this is my first post. Thanks in advance for any help/advice!

my turntable makes a very soft rumble sound mostly audible between the tracks or in very soft passages of music. I know the noise floor will never be like a cd but I would like to address this as I don't hear it in my previous  turntable which is a cheapie. 

I have a thorens td125mkii w an infinity black widow tonearm. I suspect the sound is actually due to the tonearm. That's because it seems to be microphonic, because if I gently rub my finger on any part of it, you can hear the gentle rubbing sound get picked up. This is the first black widow- it doesn't have damping trough.  

-do you think the rumble is from lack of damping or maybe not?
-can I diy damp the arm easily to test it?
-or what else might be the problem? It has original wiring but theres no hum or feedback at all. 

Thanks and sorry if this post was long!
-David 

mugrug12

Showing 1 response by normansizemore

normansizemore
601 posts
 
Mugrug12,

I have a Grace 747, which isn't unlike your BW arm.  The Grace is dead silent, and is my favorite.  I have it mounted to an old Dual 1229 and their is no rumble or noise anywhere.  I would suspect that the noise you are hearing is motor related, not arm related.

I'm not so familar with your Thorens, but if you're handy I would pull the motor and open it and inspect the top and bottom bearings.  If you havent serviced it recently it's probably starving for a little oil.

Also, inspect the motor shielding and power cable.  This too can cause what you are experiencing, as can poor tonearm leads.

Sorry, but their are several things to consider.  Oh, the ADC is an excellent cartridge.  I have one in my stable and do enjoy it from time to time..
N.

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