Should I update a vintage 16" broadcast transcription turntable?
I obtained a 16" Gray transcription turntable from the CBS Radio studio in Chicago some years ago. It has 2 vintage tonearms that cannot accept modern cartridges without substantial modification. It also has a massive motor, platter and spindle assembly. It spins but I'm not sure about the accuracy of the speed. I am debating whether it is worth the expense to modify this turntable to modern standards.
I would need a new tonearm - not sure if a 16" or a 12" would be best. I also am not sure whether the existing motor provides accurate speed control and likely would need to add that capability.
To do both would probably cost over $2K. I currently have a Yamaha PX2 TT with a Hana Umami Blue cartridge. I also have a Technics SP15, a Lenco L75 (needs restoration), a Transcriptors Skeleton (has a glass case), and a couple of Sony midfi tables.
I'm looking for input whether it would be worth pursuing the modification vs selling the table as is and buying a more modern TT. I am satisfied with the Yamaha - it is very convenient - and want to either get the Gray to a functional state or sell it.
All opinions are welcome and thanks in advance. I live near Atlanta and am open to a mod shop within driving distance. The table would cost a substantial amount to ship.
On Lenco Heaven there are a few Threads about overhauling the Rek O Kut Transcription TT's. The Grays Research Models seemingly share similar histories. For somebody with A GL 75 or similar, Lenco Heaven will be of great interest. Technics get a lot of coverage on DIY Audio, this might be a good pace to start Post, I'm sure something will be on LH as well in other TT's. |
@robyatt knows transcription tables...and may advise. |
For that price or not much more you can get an older Technics SP-10 with something like a SME 3012 tonearm (12") on a cheaper plinth and have much better performance. You only need a ~10" tonearm to play transcriptions, so you could even mod one of the Technics 1200 series to accept a longer arm, e.g. arm pod. Even one of those modern belt-drive Esoteric Sound Rek-O-Kut Rondine transcription tables, a bit "mid-fi", would probably be better than than dinosaur. |
@ghdprentice I'm glad I could amuse you, but I was being serious and trying to save the OP from making an expensive mistake. I owned a rumble machine once and it was very frustrating, right up there with a noisy phono stage. When you have a very quiet record playing system you get to appreciate all the rumble and noise on the record:-) |
Thanks, all, for your input. I will heed the majority opinion and sell the table. I think I'll work on the Lenco L75 and see if I can get that up and running. I'll have to build or buy a plinth for it. I have a Nottingham tonearm from an Innerspace table that was damaged during shipment that I can mount. Think that would be a good match for the Lenco and the Hana Umami Blue cartidge? |
