achjimmy Posted May 27, 2016 Posted May 27, 2016 I have revived my dads old technics sl1500. It sounds overall great but there's a mild hum? I have done the weights and tracking. The wires on the cartridge are shocking and the screws look Suss! So was going to get some new wires and screws (ebay) The cartridge is an original 70s shure M95ED it never got played a lot . I have a spare too. The head shell is a CEC and looks to be cast alloy. I have attached a few photos. I like to go over it and check the wiring in the arm too. But next week I will be in Japan and just wondering if it's worth picking up a new cart for it up there? One of the denons? Are they cheaper in Japan and what would be a suitable cart for the technics 1500
BATMAQN Posted May 27, 2016 Posted May 27, 2016 Don't underestimate the head shell mine gave me hell till I worked out it was creating a hum replaced it and it was fixed also I think Denon would be a good choice for this TT. 1
Guest Posted May 27, 2016 Posted May 27, 2016 (edited) The best bang for buck cartridge for a Technics SL1500 would be either a Denon DL110 (high output) or better, if you have an MC capable preamp, a Denon DL301Mk2. You might get these cheaper from Hong Kong online than in Japan, I am not sure. The hum issue is unlikely to be related to the cartridge. It could be poor headshell connections (treat with Deoxit), or a failed earthing connection somewhere in the turntable. Technics turntables are usually well sorted out when it comes to earthing and screening, unless something is wrong. Edited May 27, 2016 by Guest
HypnoToad Posted May 30, 2016 Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) Don't forget you can get a new Jico stylus for the M95-ED which from all accounts is a significant upgrade. There should be no hum at all, check with a DMM the ground wire and the chassis. I would also replace the screws in the head shell or better yet get a new head shell. Edited May 30, 2016 by HypnoToad
norman Posted May 30, 2016 Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) Hi there. I have a Technics SL-1200. I have several cartridges, and the pick of the bunch is a Denon DL-160. I know this is not made anymore, but I understand the DL-110 is also very similar sounding, so I would go there first. Both of these are high-output moving coil cartridges. My old school NAD 1155 pre-amp's phono stage is perfect with these , but so is a modern outboard NAD or Rega unit that can handle MC cartridges. I have an Ortofon MC-3 Turbo, tracks very nicely too, sounds very good, and is also a high output moving coil unit. I also have an Ortofon 2M Red. Don't bother with this one, it's not in the same league at all as either of the previous 2 cartridges. My turntable has the earth wire connected to the pre-amp's ground to prevent 50 Hz hum. If your turntable has been modified in any way, this wire may not exist or may have been cut at the arm end - it's worth checking. I bought 2 brand-new genuine Technics headshells recently for $60 posted from Gumtree. An Ortofon headshell unit that is even better will run you about $60 including new mounting bots which it looks like you are in dire need of. Edited May 30, 2016 by npeters 1
billyboyrm Posted May 30, 2016 Posted May 30, 2016 You can get various technics headshells on eBay - most models were interchangeable. Then get some new wires for the P mount. The share M95ED cartridge was one of the best around and still is when fitted with a new elliptical stylus from Jico. I still use mine today after 40 odd years. I usually operate my cartridge around the 3/4 to 1gm mark. A stylus force gauge is very useful for setting up along with the protractor.
Guest Hensa Posted May 30, 2016 Posted May 30, 2016 You can get various technics headshells on eBay - most models were interchangeable. Then get some new wires for the P mount. The share M95ED cartridge was one of the best around and still is when fitted with a new elliptical stylus from Jico. I still use mine today after 40 odd years. I usually operate my cartridge around the 3/4 to 1gm mark. A stylus force gauge is very useful for setting up along with the protractor. P mount? The OP's headshell takes standard mount cartridges rather than P-mount. Any new headshell should come with new cartridge leads in any event. The Jelco HS-25 headshell is highly recommended by a few on sna and has the advantage of azimuth adjustment as well. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
billyboyrm Posted May 30, 2016 Posted May 30, 2016 Jeez - I am a twit - I meant the standard mount - I was unaware that the Jelcos were still available. I just liked the look of the Technics headshells - gave it that proper period look. And you can get some in titanium or a gold plate - if that is the way you want. Image is almost everything - as long as the function is catered for without compromise.
achjimmy Posted May 30, 2016 Author Posted May 30, 2016 Thanks all. currently in Japan and going to pick up some wires this afternoon. The only headshell they had was the ortofon 4 which looks nice but I don't think it will be as good as my CEC as its a cast shell although if the plug is dodgy. Million needles to choose from. Might weight and go to another store in Tokyo.
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted May 30, 2016 Posted May 30, 2016 Need to know LOTS more details. Such as: * Other equipment used (particularly amplifier)? * Where the phono cables are routed (close to mains leads)? * The turntable is sited (close to a large, unshielded power transformer - such as that used in a big old power amp)? * Earth connection used/not used? * Etc. I agree with John, in that Technics turntables are usually well sorted, but they are not completely immune from problems, if subjected to extreme conditions.
pete_mac Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 I definitely rate the DL110 with Technics turntables - it sounds great on the SL1200mk2, SL1600 and SL120.
achjimmy Posted May 31, 2016 Author Posted May 31, 2016 Thanks again everybody. So the history my dad bought this in the mid 70's I thought new but it may have been a trade too? It's pretty much original except for the CEC headshell and somebody has put rca terminals to the rear without an earth point! I have since earthed it but it's not right through . There's definetly something interfering in the arm /connector. I have purchased the ortofon headshell cause it came with bolts and leads. I have a spare M 95 ED cart as well so will set that up with a new stylus. I am going to rewire the tonearm and put new RCA leads through the back (with earth) try and get the strobe light going (globe is faint) oil the motor then use it again. My preamp is a rotel 990 with ability to do MM or MC It's a little bit labour of love because it was dads and I used to love playing with it as a kid and being told "to be careful" might lare it up a bit with a technics skip mat lol
achjimmy Posted June 5, 2016 Author Posted June 5, 2016 (edited) You can get various technics headshells on eBay - most models were interchangeable. Then get some new wires for the P mount. The share M95ED cartridge was one of the best around and still is when fitted with a new elliptical stylus from Jico. I still use mine today after 40 odd years. I usually operate my cartridge around the 3/4 to 1gm mark. A stylus force gauge is very useful for setting up along with the protractor.Is this the needle you recommend?http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JICO-ELLIPTICAL-stylus-N95ED-Japan-made-for-SHURE-M-95ED-Official-New-F-S-/121851162823 Edited June 5, 2016 by achjimmy
billyboyrm Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 That's the one. I was rummaging around in my bits and pieces drawer yesterday and found these: They would have to be over 35 years old. Never used. Forgot I had them. So I will keep them to use in the cartridge.
Guest Muon Posted June 6, 2016 Posted June 6, 2016 35 years old? Would the rubber suspension still be OK?
Guest Posted June 10, 2016 Posted June 10, 2016 Sorry to be sarcastic, but by today's standards they weren't particularly 'OK' 35 years ago LOL.
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