Few problems on "new" tt
Nope. I wont cheer with that. There is obviously something wrong with -- else than "it's just not good enough". Any 5 bucks-garage-sell-turntable would sound better than that, so "throw it away" is to me either an inconsiderate or snobish answer (you choose). I was hoping that I could get a little help to get to know how it works and how to diagnose the problem. No comment. |
I don't know this turntable, but I have some comments from general principles. I would set the stylus pressure to two grams, just as a starting point. You could try varying it up and down by half a gram in quarter gram incrememts to see if a different setting improves the sound. I wouldn't want to play my records at 3 grams or higher (fearing record wear), and very few cartridges will track decently below one and a half grams. It seems the speed selector rake needs a repositioning adjustment. See if there is a screw somewhere that might allow you to reposition the rake so that it still serves to change speeds but doesn't rub during play. In the limit, if there is no screw, you might just have to bend it gently by hand. This may also eliminate the grinding. If not, you might allow the grinding if it occurs only during start up. Your description doesn't say that the grinding persists after start up. Also, I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say "float." Is this an object or a direction relative to the spring loading? If the turntable is very old, it is possible the spring has deteriorated and is too loose. If so, one remedy would be to shorten it by very carefully by cutting it shorter. The spring loading was probably intended to absorb/reduce motor vibration, so you don't want to defeat its function completely. To a certain degree, Kehut's comments are good advice. This unit may not have been very good when new, and whether you want to keep it in its current state is quite problematic. I hope you didn't pay a lot for it. I personally would rather spend some money on a better unit instead of spending time and money fixing this one and replacing its cartridge. Good luck. |
Remi: The Sanusi SR 222 is a 70's era turntable, that was considered a fairly decent budget turntable (below $200) in its day. After 25 or so years, it probably needs a good overhaul by a knowledgeable repairman ... which is where you are heading, given your inexperience with turntables. I would imagine that your Sansui requires cleaning, lubrication, belt and cartridge replacement, a whole myriad of adjustments; etc. You paid $60 for the turntable ... you are probably talking an additional $150 to $200 for a professional overhaul and a new cartridge. My guess is that you may be better off with something like a Technics SL-BD22 for $225, brand new with a new cartridge. Buying vintage equipment can be a bit of a crapshoot, because outside appearances don't always match up with the true component conditions. Regards, Rich |
