Mounting New Tonearm on Techie Advise Please

[RobbieGong]

Hi, Would really appreciate some info and advise re: fitting a different tonearm to the my Techie 1210, which I've never done before - hence.
I have a Micro Seiki MA 202 on the way. Another member has had the same arm mounted on his 1210 by using a Rega armboard it appears to fit although I'm sure some modifications may well have had to have taken place for it to do so, not quite sure. What I need to know is is this ok or should I be looking at an armboard that would account for the mounting spec of MA 202 which is as follows:

Specifications

Type: static balance universal type

Effective length: 237mm

Overhang: 15mm

Offset angle: 21 degrees

Height range: 42-88mm

Cartridge range: 4-16g

VTF range: 0-3g

I believe the mounting distance to be 222mm which I'm sure has to be considered re: armboard choice ?
There is also a MA 202 template I can get hold of from VE which again I'm assuming would be useful.
Any advise with regard to the above and getting the arm mounting properly would be very much appreciated.
If the Rega armboard is not ideal then I'm assuming one from somewhere like here: http://www.soundsupports.com/ could be right? but which one ? :scratch:

Finally if any one can recommend someone in or around the London area who would definately fit the arm properly (I will provide all the bits - tonearm, armboard, tonearm cable, template) then that would be great. I will obviously pay for the service :)

[prestonchipfryer]

Robert,
I may be talking complete rubbish but.I think the EL (237) and OH (15) are the same for the RB300 and the Micro Seiki. You should find details on VE.

[RobbieGong]

Robert,
I may be talking complete rubbish but.I think the EL (237) and OH (15) are the same for the RB300 and the Micro Seiki. You should find details on VE.

Hi John, Looks like your right. Both Micro Seiki and RB300 show EL (237) and OH as (15). Only difference is OS being 21 for the Micro Seiki and 22 for the RB300, not sure if that means much but it would seem that the Rega armboard for the Techie, (as done by Origin Live) is good to use hence why the other members MA 202 was fitted using it I guess.

[prestonchipfryer]

Don't think that a 1 degree offset should make a lot of difference Robert. But I'm no expert. :)

[phonomac]

Hello there,
The Rega and the MA-202 have the same mounting distance, but there are three modifications needed to make it fit (I know because I did the other one:)).


You need a spacer under the MA-202 so that the VTA-on-the-fly lever on the MA-202 clears the outer bolt which fixes the two parts of the armboard together.
You need to drill a hole in the armboard to fit the arm rest, which is a separate item on the MA-202 (unless you want to fit it further forward on the plinth itself).
You need to reposition the mounting hole for the arm further to the front so that the counterweight on the MA-202 clears the cover at the back of the plinth (the counterweight stub is longer than the Rega's).

The MA-202 is well worth this effort to make it fit; the bearings are superb, the VTA-on-the-fly works well, and the finish is excellent. To me it is easily on a par with the SA750D (I've had both), with the added benefits of greater effective length and VTA adjust.

I hope this helps, but please ask if you have any more queries.

regards

Angus

Edit: the offset for the MA-202 is 21.83 degrees (21 degrees 50 minutes) like many Japanese arms it is designed for an alignment close to Stevenson.

[RobbieGong]

Hello there,
The Rega and the MA-202 have the same mounting distance, but there are three modifications needed to make it fit (I know because I did the other one:)).


You need a spacer under the MA-202 so that the VTA-on-the-fly lever on the MA-202 clears the outer bolt which fixes the two parts of the armboard together.
You need to drill a hole in the armboard to fit the arm rest, which is a separate item on the MA-202 (unless you want to fit it further forward on the plinth itself).
You need to reposition the mounting hole for the arm further to the front so that the counterweight on the MA-202 clears the cover at the back of the plinth (the counterweight stub is longer than the Rega's).

The MA-202 is well worth this effort to make it fit; the bearings are superb, the VTA-on-the-fly works well, and the finish is excellent. To me it is easily on a par with the SA750D (I've had both), with the added benefits of greater effective length and VTA adjust.

I hope this helps, but please ask if you have any more queries.

regards

Angus

Edit: the offset for the MA-202 is 21.83 degrees (21 degrees 50 minutes) like many Japanese arms it is designed for an alignment close to Stevenson.

Hi Angus, You did fit the other and from what I know you clearly know what you are doing :lol: . In fact cutting to the chase :eyebrows: when I have all the bits in my possesion I'd love you to fit mine if that's at all possible because it's clear you take all the important spec / measurements into consideration throughout the install / mounting. Obviously I'd pay for your services lol. We can discuss off line if you like ? I'll probably look to get a decent tonearm cable. What are your feeling re: the stock tonearm wire ?

[phonomac]

Hello Robbie,
The tonearm wiring in all of the Micro Seiki arms seems to be pretty good. I have (or had) an MA-202, two MA-505s, and an MA-707. The only one that wasn't impressive was the MA-707 which had been rewired by an amateur. It was all right but the wire quality was second rate.

Also remember before you launch into re-wiring if you're thinking of doing it yourself that you will have the arm-tube damping liner to contend with as well!

PM on its way regarding other aspects.

regards

Angus