Hello from across the pond!

[cube-tube]

I have always seen references to this site when doing searches online over the years, and realizing there's a lot of members here that own Technics turntables, I thought I'd finally join even though 99% of the members here are based in Europe. If it helps at all, I'd much rather be living over there with you guys than here in the states. In fact, one day my girlfriend and I just might take the plunge and move somewhere over there!

Anyway, I'm very much into vinyl and have gone through a few TT's over the years including a Technics SL-220, Sansui XP-99, Yamaha YP-D71, Music Hall mmf 5, Denon DP51-K and a Luxman PD277, but have settled on my father's Technics SL-1700MK2. This deck is in mint shape and has been in the family since new back in '79. It has stood the test of time and has proven to be the better performer of all the other decks mentioned above.

I currently have an Adcom HC-VDH II mounted to the SL-1700MK2. I've also done a few very minor mods to it which have improved the sound. These mods include disabling the suspension system by re-installing the four transport screws, replacing the stock platter mat with one made out of a very large mouse pad (totally eliminates static charge), five rubber o-rings slid onto the tonearm to help dampening, 454g solid brass record weight, Litz headshell leads and four hockey pucks under the TT.

Future plans include either rewiring the stock tonearm or getting a brand new one that's already rewired from KAB, RCA output plate from KAB, an external power supply from KAB or someone else, upgraded bearing from KAB or Mike New.

Here's a few pics to go along with this first post...

http://charlest.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v36/p689715824-4.jpg

http://charlest.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v50/p653121350-4.jpg

http://charlest.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v49/p773480858-4.jpg

http://charlest.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v37/p819303065-4.jpg

[RichB]

Hello and welcome,

what a lovely looking deck you have there! FWIW I love the states and cant wait til my next visit later this year, finally getting to Florida! I guess the grass is always greener whichever side of the pond we are on.

Now as if i needed to buy more stuff I'm on the lookout for hockey pucks and extra large mousemats...:lol:

AoS is all about these kind of tweaks and I think you'll do well here.

All the best

[Beechwoods]

That's a lovely looking deck! Great intro and great pictures. I hope you enjoy it here. Welcome to the forum!

[1000RPM]

welcome to AoS C-T, do those O rings make a difference? I've often wondered about doing something similar...

[cube-tube]

welcome to AoS C-T, do those O rings make a difference? I've often wondered about doing something similar...

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

Philip, the o-rings do make a difference. It also makes a difference as to where they're located along the tonearm as I've found out lately while moving them around some on the arm. I imagine changing the quantity of them would also have an effect on the sound.

Give it a try. It's cheap enough to do, is fully reversible and you might just like what you hear. ;)