Turntable – Wired Wood

12th April 2023

Alphason Sonata Turntable won’t turn

This one was acquired by a relative for a very good price. Cosmetically and mechanically it looks to be in excellent condition.

These turntables have a reputation for fantastic performance. It is a 3 point spring suspended design. Those columns house the springs. The arm is made from exotic alloys and is very well engineered.

Unfortunately it does not turn. The motor control is via high voltage circuits and some of the wiring looks propper dodgy. One to take care and precautions with. Continue reading “Alphason Sonata Turntable won’t turn”

10th April 202312th April 2023

Turntable Isolation Plinth from Silestone

My turntable is a three point suspension type, so is quite well isolated anyway.

Every little helps though. No harm in trying to improve things, especially if it isn’t costing you anything. Continue reading “Turntable Isolation Plinth from Silestone”

9th December 202210th December 2022

ADC ALT-1 Tonearm on Thorens TD160

My Thorens TD160 turntable came fitted with an Audio Dynamics Corporation ALT-1 Tonearm and a cartridge from the same manufacturer. The latter was toast, so I installed an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge.

Under the close scrutiny which comes with installing a new cartridge it became clear that all was not well. Continue reading “ADC ALT-1 Tonearm on Thorens TD160”

21st November 202221st November 2022

Thorens TD160 Turntable. Refurbishment

This charity shop find has been restored to great working condition. Sadly, it ain’t pretty.

A hinge is broken, the lid is scratched, and the plinth has a couple of knocks. Continue reading “Thorens TD160 Turntable. Refurbishment”

9th November 202221st November 2022

Thorens TD160 Turntable. Service

This charity shop find is of unknown provenence. The TD160 mkII was current in the late 1970’s. This one looks like it’s been in storage for a while .

I’m assuming the worst and giving it a full service. There is a long list of things which need attention. Continue reading “Thorens TD160 Turntable. Service”

8th November 202221st November 2022

Thorens TD160 Turntable. Initial Impressions

This was a charity shop find. Not cheap at £250. Could be a bargain? Or could be a money pit?

Let’s give it a good looking over. Continue reading “Thorens TD160 Turntable. Initial Impressions”

19th October 20228th November 2022

Pro-ject Phono box II. A look inside.

Calling to me from the shelves of my local Cash Converters was this solid state phono pre amplifier.

Bubbling paint work and a missing power supply explain the reasonable £25 paid. Continue reading “Pro-ject Phono box II. A look inside.”

23rd May 202224th May 2022

Garrard Synchrolab 65B stripped for spares

I’m not particularly attracted to this auto changer. However, it does use several components which were shared with other more desireable units.

For just £30 in a charity shop it was worth getting as a parts donor. So what did I save from it? Continue reading “Garrard Synchrolab 65B stripped for spares”

14th March 202215th March 2022

Digital record play counter gets a facelift

My obsession for monitoring the life of my turntable stylus was satisfied when I built my “Play Mate” monitor. It did the job but boy it was ugly.

Only now have I got around to making an aesthetically pleasing version. Continue reading “Digital record play counter gets a facelift”

10th March 202210th March 2022

Perils of 2nd hand Cartridges. Nagaoka mp-10. Shure M75ED.

These cartridges recently came into my posession very cheaply. A couple of old school classics for sure, so well in keeping with my vintage gear.

They both came attached to 2nd hand turntables Were they worth it? Continue reading “Perils of 2nd hand Cartridges. Nagaoka mp-10. Shure M75ED.”