View Full Version : Toshiba SR-370 project
After many months of sitting about I've finally started the Toshiba project.
I got a damaged plinth from Oliver, Bigman80, ages ago and bought an SR-355 from eBay which uses the motor, switches, electrics and hardware as the 370 but only has a chipboard plinth with a heavy metal plate glued to it for extra mass but is nowhere near as good as the 370's plinth.
The plan is to tidy up the unnecessary holes and fittings on the 370's plinth, give it a really good quality finish, either veneer or a high gloss paint job. I'm still thinking about routing out a recess where the arm mounting is to allow the use of a separate armboard, making swapping arms easier.
I will post work in progress photos as and when I get my finger out and get on with it. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180123/4ed23691ae3ce7f76cf083e67d5de2d3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180123/558aba04e6732211ea359ef67fea99ab.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180123/0d84780a6e8b7dac6aacfbbae79cffb2.jpg
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Bigman80
23-01-2018, 18:20
Good on ya Ian. Been waiting to see what you do with this. Seems like it's been ages !!
walpurgis
23-01-2018, 18:50
Good project.
I'd refinish the plinth in two-pack epoxy paint personally, try a bike customiser/painter, they do specialised small area work. They also know where to get bespoke decals, if you want markings copied.
Not so keen on the idea of routing out the arm mount. The material thickness is not great there. Just about any arm can be mounted via the existing SME cutout anyway.
It's a great turntable. Dunno why folk keep flogging them. I'd need a very careful comparison with a potential replacement before I'd be convinced to change mine.
Best of luck!
Bigman80
23-01-2018, 19:01
Good project.
I'd refinish the plinth in two-pack epoxy paint personally, try a bike customiser/painter, they do specialised small area work. They also know where to get bespoke decals, if you want markings copied.
Not so keen on the idea of routing out the arm mount. The material thickness is not great there. Just about any arm can be mounted via the existing SME cutout anyway.
It's a great turntable. Dunno why folk keep flogging them. I'd need a very careful comparison with a potential replacement before I'd be convinced to change mine.
Best of luck!Truth is Geoff, if I'd understood more about isolation when I owned mine, I'd have probably got much better result than the TT had any right to return. In fact.....if I were considering a DD TT, I'd buy the one in the classifieds.
There are a couple of factors with the Toshy that need addressing though. The platter rings like a bell so I'd probably damp that a bit and the feet aren't the best. Getting some good isolation or damping would really bring things up a level.
Once this had been done, I believe it's going to cost much much more to beat it.
All stuff I've learned after getting the SP10.
If I had the spare cash, I'd by my old one back and try the mods.
Good project.
I'd refinish the plinth in two-pack epoxy paint personally, try a bike customiser/painter, they do specialised small area work. They also know where to get bespoke decals, if you want markings copied.
Not so keen on the idea of routing out the arm mount. The material thickness is not great there. Just about any arm can be mounted via the existing SME cutout anyway.
It's a great turntable. Dunno why folk keep flogging them. I'd need a very careful comparison with a potential replacement before I'd be convinced to change mine.
Best of luck!
The armboard business was a thought but I'm not sure about getting it right anyway so probably won't do it. I rather fancy ebony veneer with gloss black trim but that's a way off yet. There's also a company that does dipping fairly local so who knows what will happen lol.
ive often thought when people say the platter rings like a bell how this affects normal operation?
unless of coarse your still flicking it with your fingers whilst listen,the truth is they do but try it with the rubber mat on and they are as dull as ditch water. discuss :)
walpurgis
23-01-2018, 19:10
I find a thick rubber mat works just fine on mine.
Wakefield Turntables
23-01-2018, 19:36
You can make your own decals for pennies.
Bigman80
23-01-2018, 19:37
ive often thought when people say the platter rings like a bell how this affects normal operation?
unless of coarse your still flicking it with your fingers whilst listen,the truth is they do but try it with the rubber mat on and they are as dull as ditch water. discuss :)I believe it's all to do with resonant frequency.
The lower the figure, the better. That's why Acrylic platters and acromat have gained popularity. They have very low resonant frequencies.
ah that explains why my rock 2's platter is paster of paris with a plastic coating over it.
The decals will be the hardest part I think but it will look so much better with them. Do you have any advice on the matter Andrew?
Bigman80
23-01-2018, 20:34
ah that explains why my rock 2's platter is paster of paris with a plastic coating over it.Yup
I've finally decided on the veneer for the plinth, Spanish white Olive wood. All ordered, let the stickiness begin:D
http://i68.tinypic.com/wld3ig.jpg
Bigman80
06-02-2018, 18:36
Ooooh nice
Quick progress report. I've veneered the front, back and sides with just the top to do. I want to take my time there as it's the surface you see the most and it has subtle dips around the control pot holes. I'm really happy with the look so far, it's a lovely timber to work with too, rather like oak.
http://i66.tinypic.com/658wzo.jpg
http://i68.tinypic.com/x4emao.jpg
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Bigman80
10-02-2018, 20:02
Haha, that looks great!
Wakefield Turntables
10-02-2018, 20:17
The decals will be the hardest part I think but it will look so much better with them. Do you have any advice on the matter Andrew?
You can buy specific printer paper off ebay .You will need to determine the name of the font and also the size. Then it's just simply a case of firing up Word and then printing your text on the paper. I used transfer paper (remember the old airfix decals) and I then spray varnished it (3 coats). Simply wet the transfer paper and then plonk your decal in the correct position. Simple really. :cool:
You can buy specific printer paper off ebay .You will need to determine the name of the font and also the size. Then it's just simply a case of firing up Word and then printing your text on the paper. I used transfer paper (remember the old airfix decals) and I then spray varnished it (3 coats). Simply wet the transfer paper and then plonk your decal in the correct position. Simple really. :cool:
Thanks Andrew, that definitely looks the most straightforward solution. I shall be sorting that out tonight plus some other odds and ends, nuts, bolts, grommets etc.
Audio Al
10-02-2018, 21:56
Good work so far Ian
Not keen on the new single foot though :scratch:
;)
Good work so far Ian
Not keen on the new single foot though :scratch:
;)
Quality mate :lol:
paulf-2007
11-02-2018, 09:15
Quality mate :lol:
Right up my street
That's the top veneered and the cut outs done. Unfortunately the control pot holes didn't take the veneer well but I've got an idea to clean them up. Next job is lots of sanding, first couple of coats of lacquer, decals and then more lacquer. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180211/cf0be8f3138e6c02a750382dabb29d31.jpg
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Bigman80
11-02-2018, 20:13
That's the top veneered and the cut outs done. Unfortunately the control pot holes didn't take the veneer well but I've got an idea to clean them up. Next job is lots of sanding, first couple of coats of lacquer, decals and then more lacquer. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180211/cf0be8f3138e6c02a750382dabb29d31.jpg
Sent from my SM-G920F using TapatalkLooking good mate. Great work
Cheers Olly, really enjoying doing it. Loads of veneer left over so I'll be looking for another project later.
Bigman80
11-02-2018, 20:35
Cheers Olly, really enjoying doing it. Loads of veneer left over so I'll be looking for another project later.[emoji6]
A little preview, 5 coats of varnish applied and just waiting for the decal printer paper to arrive. Once they are done it's more varnish and then put it all back together. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180214/d7d4679f2d1a67a88e15ba7f6e814377.jpg
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Bigman80
14-02-2018, 19:09
Looks good mate, from what I can see anyway!
I'm rather annoyed with me at the moment. I ordered some water slide printer paper to make the decals for the turntable, printed them off, trimmed them, put them in the water all ready to apply and all the sodding ink just washed off. After much swearing I discovered the paper I ordered was for a laser printer not inkjet grrrrr. Note to self, READ THE BLOODY DETAILS PROPERLY YOU IDIOT!!!.
Bigman80
16-02-2018, 21:05
I'm rather annoyed with me at the moment. I ordered some water slide printer paper to make the decals for the turntable, printed them off, trimmed them, put them in the water all ready to apply and all the sodding ink just washed off. After much swearing I discovered the paper I ordered was for a laser printer not inkjet grrrrr. Note to self, READ THE BLOODY DETAILS PROPERLY YOU IDIOT!!!.Oops
walpurgis
16-02-2018, 21:15
They'd probably work if you sprayed them with fixative.
kind of things i do... mind you as ive got a laser printer i would have ordered the inkjet :D
They'd probably work if you sprayed them with fixative.
I tried that with some lacquer as suggested on you tube but the ink just smeared when I tried to move the decal. I've ordered the correct stuff which will be here tomorrow, I'll be able to get on with finishing the tt .
kind of things i do... mind you as ive got a laser printer i would have ordered the inkjet :D
If you ever need some water slide paper Grant give me a shout lol
When you said you were putting veneer over the metal, I wasn’t too sure, but that Olive Wood is downright sexy! Personally, I think some big, chunky feet on a turntable give it a look of authority, and it’s also quite functional. I haven’t heard you say what arm you plan to mount? Or did I miss that? Looking good Ian!
Russell
paulf-2007
17-02-2018, 08:57
I'm rather annoyed with me at the moment. I ordered some water slide printer paper to make the decals for the turntable, printed them off, trimmed them, put them in the water all ready to apply and all the sodding ink just washed off. After much swearing I discovered the paper I ordered was for a laser printer not inkjet grrrrr. Note to self, READ THE BLOODY DETAILS PROPERLY YOU IDIOT!!!.
Take the paper to a print shop with a memory stick. I had a drawing of a lenco plinth printed locally and they did it for nothing, I gave them a fiver for the tea and coffee fund.
Finally got the decals on the plinth and 5 coats of varnish over them.
Assembly next and work out where the broken wires go, deep joy. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/c67df2bbed913582b686f550c1f71cb9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/d5d539277fc99dc01134953ba5d68a27.jpg
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the black letters against the grain looks class.well done son!
Bigman80
17-02-2018, 19:49
Yes, that looks Proper. Well done mate!
When you said you were putting veneer over the metal, I wasn’t too sure, but that Olive Wood is downright sexy! Personally, I think some big, chunky feet on a turntable give it a look of authority, and it’s also quite functional. I haven’t heard you say what arm you plan to mount? Or did I miss that? Looking good Ian!
Russell
The plinth is actually made from some sort of composite resin. I got the plinth from Oliver ( Bigman80 ), it had some cosmetic damage so there was nothing to loose really. I'm glad you like the Olive wood Russell, the photos don't really do it justice, it's got a real depth to it. When it's finished I'll take some decent photos. I'm going to put my Mission 774 arm on it with the Ortofon Quintet black, they work very well with the Toshiba.
RobbieGong
17-02-2018, 22:22
:thumbsup:
The plinth is actually made from some sort of composite resin. I got the plinth from Oliver ( Bigman80 ), it had some cosmetic damage so there was nothing to loose really. I'm glad you like the Olive wood Russell, the photos don't really do it justice, it's got a real depth to it. When it's finished I'll take some decent photos. I'm going to put my Mission 774 arm on it with the Ortofon Quintet black, they work very well with the Toshiba.
That Ortofon Quintet Black is a cartridge I am very interested in! I’ll be glad to here your impressions once it’s up and running.
Russell
The make over of the 370 is now finished and I'm very happy with it. I'm still having problems with the wiring, I thought I could use my other 370 as a pattern but there a few differences, maybe down to the age of the donor deck or it might have been made for a different market. Once that is sorted out I'll fit the arm and cartridge but until then it's a nice ornament lol.
http://i63.tinypic.com/5pr8kh.jpg
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Bigman80
20-02-2018, 21:27
You've done a cracking job there mate. Looks like new. Well done.
You've done a cracking job there mate. Looks like new. Well done.
Thanks Oliver, it's been very enjoyable. It's bloody frustrating about the electrics, I'm not very confident working on them, if I can't sort it then I'll take it to someone who understands these things. Better that than me buggering it up all together.
Bigman80
20-02-2018, 21:36
Thanks Oliver, it's been very enjoyable. It's bloody frustrating about the electrics, I'm not very confident working on them, if I can't sort it then I'll take it to someone who understands these things. Better that than me buggering it up all together.What wire is causing the issue mate
During stripping the old 355 down 3 of the wires came away from somewhere in loom. I can't see any obvious points where they came from and the 355 has a voltage selector and an extra fuse which has come adrift. They are quite thick wires so I would think they are from the mains side before the transformer.
Bigman80
20-02-2018, 21:42
During stripping the old 355 down 3 of the wires came away from somewhere in loom. I can't see any obvious points where they came from and the 355 has a voltage selector and an extra fuse which has come adrift. They are quite thick wires so I would think they are from the mains side before the transformer.355 & 370 are wired differently? How odd.
From memory alone I can't help. Sorry mate. Your other 370 should be the same.
That's what I thought but they are different. I'll get on with it when I'm in the mood. I did manage to save the mega rare Toshiba arm rest and as you know the 370 sadly lacked one, now much safer for the stylus lol
Looks fabulous. Interesting quite a few companies are now covering their plinths in wood effect including VPI.:)
Fantastic job Ian well done
Bigman80
20-02-2018, 22:36
That's what I thought but they are different. I'll get on with it when I'm in the mood. I did manage to save the mega rare Toshiba arm rest and as you know the 370 sadly lacked one, now much safer for the stylus lolFair play.
Even Mia seems impressed enough to shout about it https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180220/ff0631efe744aa800bf4b91a93837be5.jpg
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Bigman80
20-02-2018, 22:56
Even Mia seems impressed enough to shout about it https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180220/ff0631efe744aa800bf4b91a93837be5.jpg
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Shovel_Knight
21-02-2018, 00:21
Looks great! :cool:
Feeling very pleased with myself. I found a wiring diagram on the net for the 355 and managed to locate and reconnect the stray wires. While I had the soldering iron out I went over all the joints in case of any other weak connections.
I also made some covers for the exposed components and soldered joints etc.
It all works properly again so just have to swap the arm over from the other 370 and it will be finished.
I'll post some decent pictures when it's all set up and in place. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180225/221b9bac61650e56b0b9a3999ec39260.jpg
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Bigman80
25-02-2018, 18:59
Well done mate. Looking forward to seeing it in action!
Well it's finished and all plumbed in. Sound wise much the same as the other 370, no surprise there. Very pleased with the end result now it's fitted out. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/e2c393443f78066bd3c80b49c9c0251f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/ba6c4b48fb6b347d489785dfdbf7797e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/4e77d43e0100ab342d70cecbca449591.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/ab4307830436ae9c4ab61fbe4ae26750.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/8cdaa14499306e8bc6b31661d8321171.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/e2e31e1b92429a546a74a2067e61e28e.jpg
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Bigman80
26-02-2018, 19:38
Ian, you've done a cracking job. Breathed life into a cosmetically challenged TT and the finish looks quality.
Well done mate. Enjoy that Toshiba.
Nice tonearm btw [emoji6]
Hi Ian, great job on the Toshiba, looks superb and nice to see a Mission arm installed. I have heard this tonearm on other decks and have been very impressed.
What is the Ortofon Quintet black like? Not heard this cartridge but seen lots of favourable reviews.
Thanks James, the Mission 774 works very well with the Toshiba, there is a really nice balance between them. The Quintet Black is a very nice cartridge for the money. After having the 2M black for some time the Quintet is just as detailed but with a more airy feel to it. Robert " RobbieGong " put it well " you don't really notice it's there ". I think Ortofon held back with it so as to not be compared to closely to the Cadenza Black. Costing less than half the price of the Cadenza it's a bit of a bargain.
walpurgis
26-02-2018, 20:30
the Mission 774 works very well with the Toshiba, there is a really nice balance between them
I've been telling people that for years. I bought my 774 around 1980 and it ended up on my SR-370 about fifteen years ago. That combination remains my main deck. It just works superbly!
Thanks James, the Mission 774 works very well with the Toshiba, there is a really nice balance between them. The Quintet Black is a very nice cartridge for the money. After having the 2M black for some time the Quintet is just as detailed but with a more airy feel to it. Robert " RobbieGong " put it well " you don't really notice it's there ". I think Ortofon held back with it so as to not be compared to closely to the Cadenza Black. Costing less than half the price of the Cadenza it's a bit of a bargain.
Thanks Ian, I have the 2M Black so wondered how the Quintet compared. A review I read today suggested it had better midrange tone and handled top end info with more air as you mentioned. The Cadenza is probably in another league but the Quintet is only a little more expensive than the 2M so good value.
Having spent some time with a Kontrapunkt b I am very impressed with Ortofons MC cartridges and will be going down this route as soon as a good opportunity arises.
As a postscript to the project and as I had some veneer left over I have veneered the isolation plinth to match the Toshiba, looks nicer than the vinyl wrap.
I also made and veneered a platform to mount the tonearm rest as it is too short for the Mission arm to sit safely on. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/9ca194e77b56a68a44b7ce1a9e07481d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/5efc0f406f3d5285e2c02d633e7392ec.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/1c2f2aeee1e24abe6ecbb383bb40e43c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/bc70ddff40a2c69bb6b84ba724d89b2a.jpg
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walpurgis
01-03-2018, 19:22
Cool. :cool:
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