2. analog
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Through with Buzz.

My turntable has just started creating an obnoxious buzz. Maybe you can help me fix it.

When I lift the arm, and the motor fires up, there is a loud buzz coming through the speakers. The sound stops at different times, but usually in the amount of time it takes for me to lower the needle to the record. Sometimes less time, sometimes more. When the record is over, and the arm is automatically lifted and dropped into the arm holder, the buzz comes back between when the arm is dropped and when the motor stops. If it weren't so loud, I wouldn't care, but man is it obnoxious.

I checked all connections, and they are secure.

Any ideas? Or should I just bring it to the shop?

The player is a Pioneer PL15d-II if that matters.

Thanks.

KB
karlrborne
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I took a look at the service manual for the presumably similar PL-15D, which can be downloaded by registering at vinylengine.com.

My suspicion is that the problem is being caused by a combination of the switch that controls application of AC power to the motor, and a capacitor (described as 0.047 uf with a voltage rating of 200 VAC) that is wired directly across the switch. I believe that the purpose of the capacitor is to suppress RFI (radio frequency interference) that may be generated as the switch opens and closes.

According to another reference I have, the PL-15D II dates back to the 1970's. It would therefore stand to reason that both the switch contacts and the capacitor are somewhat degraded. Abnormal amounts of RFI could therefore be generated by arcing resulting from "contact bounce" in the switch, which may in turn not be effectively suppressed by the old capacitor.

It would probably be a good idea to mention that possibility to the person at the shop you take it to.

Regards,
-- Al
karlrborne OP
8 posts
 
I tried to watch and listen intently to the problem tonight, and at the end of the third record, it stopped spinning altogether. Maybe the motor is shot. Off to the repair man tomorrow.
2k95aero
13 posts
 
The incredible Bob Babbitt of The Funk Brothers on every Kind of People with that amazing bass line...what a musician.
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