Custom Arm Mounting Collar for Jelco SA-750 - essential for setting correct azimuth [Archive]

Ammonite Audio

13-08-2010, 14:42

Many watchers here will be aware that I have a bit of a bugbear with the arm mounting collar for my Jelco SA-750D. Specifically, there is vertical wobble of the arm pillar that can (and does) result in quite significant azimuth errors as the arm tracks the record. The fault lies in the design of the Jelco collar, which has an undersize hemispherical cutout to one side of the pillar hole, which should ensure that the arm pillar fits snugly and vertically, when pressed against this cutout. This is very similar to the design of my Ittok LVII's collar, but in the case of the Linn it works faultlessly, every time, because the securing grub screw is more or less in the middle of the collar (heightwise); in the Jelco collar, the grub screw is tiny and located right at the top, so it pushes the pillar over at the top, rather than pushing the whole thing against the cutout. Setting the arm up with the Jelco collar is impossible without the aid of a headshell spirit level; and even then the silly small screw has to be overtightened against the soft alloy of the arm pillar. The collar is a hateful piece of design that is quite at odds with the good engineering of the rest of the arm. So, the only thing to do was to have a new collar made up along more sensible design principles. Here it is:

http://i37.tinypic.com/2w3239x.jpg

The top (visible) part of the collar is 5mm taller to allow the set screw to be located as far from the top as possible; also that screw is now M6 with a nylon stub at the end. The hole in the pillar does not have a cutout, but it is just the right size for the arm pillar to move up and down freely with virtually no movement in any other plane. The bottom part of the collar has been extended to give as much support below as possible (slightly too far, as it happens, which would be a problem with a Neglex cable rather than my Audio Origami/Cardas one). Otherwise it's a drop-in replacement for the Jelco collar.

Setting up the arm is now a breeze - there is absolutely no movement other than up and down, and azimuth is consistent across the record. The grub screw can be just 'nipped up' or cranked tight without it digging into the arm pillar. As a design exercise this has been a great success, at modest cost. The collar that you see above has been bead-blasted but not anodised, but the quality of machining and finish is exceptional. As I sit here typing, the Kenwood is sounding very good indeed. It did before, but required a great deal of faffing around to get the proper setup - now it's as fit-and-forget as I could have wished. I'm very pleased!

Spectral Morn

13-08-2010, 14:48

Nice job, very nice job.

Now all you need to do is make them and sell to Jeleco customers.

The stock Technics arm has similar issues though for different reasons. When you adjust the arm height unless you push the locking arm full across there is side to side and front to back rock in the arm. Fine when locked though but not as rigid as I would like to see.

Regards D S D L

Ammonite Audio

13-08-2010, 14:57

Actually, the few design alterations are a matter of getting the CAD drawing changed and it would be a straightforward matter to have a batch made up if there was demand.

Spectral Morn

13-08-2010, 15:00

Actually, the few design alterations are a matter of getting the CAD drawing changed and it would be a straightforward matter to have a batch made up if there was demand.

I would have a think about it and maybe look at getting a patent on the design, if you can be bothered. Wee things like these can have a big effect on how the arm would sound other than improving how VTA works, has there been an improvement in sound ?

Regards D S D L

Marco

13-08-2010, 15:09

Hi Hugo,

Great work. As far as I'm concerned, every Jelco SA-750 owner should have one, as since you mentioned this problem the last time I've investigated it myself and discovered that it is a very real issue which *must* be resolved. Setting correct azimuth is essential in order to get the best sound!

Therefore, can we have info please on how to obtain one of these collars and how much they are?

Even if there isn't sufficient interest to get a batch made (which I doubt), I definitely want one, so in the meantime whilst ascertaining the demand, please PM me with the cost of having one made like yours - cheers! :)

Marco.

P.S This thread will be (slightly) renamed and made into a sticky, so that as many people as possible know about this issue and also the product which resolves it.

Ammonite Audio

13-08-2010, 16:09

Marco

I will find out about getting a number made up; and how much they would cost. In the meantime, it would need a Technics user ;) to try my collar out to be sure of all aspects of the design, particularly with regard to the range of height adjustment required and whether the lower part needs to be shortened at all to prevent the cable plug from fouling the bottom.

Cheers

Hugo

Marco

13-08-2010, 16:27

Why not bring it up then, Hugo? Would be good to meet up again, and interesting to evaluate the collar's efficacy on my deck :)

Marco.

Ammonite Audio

13-08-2010, 20:24

I might just do that - it would provide an opportunity to find that errant OEM Stillpoint that's lurking somewhere in your towers of Mana!

Marco

13-08-2010, 20:33

Hehehe... Indeed! :eyebrows:

Marco.

Flyfisher

15-08-2010, 21:58

Ammonite Audio

16-08-2010, 05:23

I would be interested in one of your arm collars for my 12" Jelco, I agree the original supplied is not really good enough.

How is the collar fitted, with a couple of screws?

Can you PM with some idea of the cost.

Many thanks

Roger

The collar is fitted using the same three M4 bolts as the standard Jelco collar. The one that you see above has countersunk bolts, but any others made will have recessed holes for the standard hex-head M4 bolts.

selfaddict

17-08-2010, 10:53

I would also be interested in your arm collar. Only way to get arm straight is to use playing cards both sides of the arm collar, which is not ideal/user friendly really.

Any possibilities having it in black to mach my Jelco SA-750LB?

Can you send me a PM re costs involved.

Thanks,
Juha

Ammonite Audio

17-08-2010, 10:58

Thanks to Hamish, I now have a better idea of Technics users' requirements. The slight design changes will go in today and as soon as I have a price, I'll post it here. One thing, though - use of the new collar will have to assume that the Technics is fitted with one of Sound HiFi's sunken armboards, which should ensure that the arm still goes low enough to get a suitable range of VTA adjustment.

Ammonite Audio

17-08-2010, 11:07

Any possibilities having it in black to mach my Jelco SA-750LB?

Can you send me a PM re costs involved.

Thanks,
Juha

I have asked about black anodising. As soon as I know what the cost is, I'll post it here. I really don't know for sure at this stage.

The Vinyl Adventure

17-08-2010, 13:57

my arm board was an early one if that makes any odds?

Ammonite Audio

17-08-2010, 14:18

my arm board was an early one if that makes any odds?

No, it does not matter since the later Sound HiFi Jelco armboards are recessed by about the same 5mm as my collar is taller, so all square!

Flyfisher

18-08-2010, 20:51

Whilst waiting for one of Shuggie's new Jelco collars, I decided to take the Low output Benz Micro Glider off the Jelco as it just was not sounding right, some records and some parts of most records sounded OK then it sounded awfull.

I had to find out if it was the arm, the cartridge, or a miss match?

I now have the Benz Micro Glider on the Xenon and it took a while to set up, but by heck the cartridge that I bought 2nd hand, and had started to think I had bought a dud is in fact absolutely stunning in the right arm.

This just shows how important getting the right arm/cart match up is.

Now for that 103 to get the Jelco singing.

pure sound

21-08-2010, 21:36

I'd also be interested in a new collar if you'd pm me with the cost.

Ammonite Audio

22-08-2010, 09:23

I'd also be interested in a new collar if you'd pm me with the cost.

The minor design changes have gone in and I'm waiting for costings. I did not start this project to become a supplier, but it's clear that the unit cost does depend on the size of the production run, so it could actually be no more expensive to have more made.

Flyfisher

25-08-2010, 10:15

Having had a loan of Jerry's Ali bodied DL103, I can see how this cartridge is well suited to the Jelco arm.

One thing I noticed is that the 103 is quite a shallow sitting cartridge and the arm is quite low in relationship to the SP10.

I am not looking for more weight as I have an AT-LS18 headshell so I am up to 27grms already with the cartridge.

What is the best material for a spacer, and is there any recomended thickness?

jonners

25-08-2010, 11:49

Shuggie -

Just registering my interest in a Jelco collar.

Ammonite Audio

25-08-2010, 13:54

Shuggie -

Just registering my interest in a Jelco collar.

Thanks. I am going to confirm my order for a batch of collars at the end of the week, probably for 10 units. The cost per unit will rise by £5 if anodising is required - the standard of finish on the standard bead-blasted product is actually very smart, so my inclination is that anodising is only necessary if another colour, eg black, is required. The cost of anodising is getting on for £50, irrespective of the number of pieces done, so for small numbers it does get disproportionately pricey.

Price of the natural alloy finish collar will probably be in the region of £30 to £35 once mounting bolts, grub screw, allen key and postage are factored in, but I'll confirm that early next week.

Flyfisher

01-09-2010, 09:43

Any more progress?

DSJR

01-09-2010, 09:52

£30 to £35?

Blimey!

Some makers would charge a couple of hundred or more for it.......

Ammonite Audio

01-09-2010, 11:04

Any more progress?

Not as I type, but I shall call my contact later for an update.

£30 to £35?

Blimey!

Some makers would charge a couple of hundred or more for it.......

I have no interest in making profit from this, so with luck that will be the price, subject to confirmation, of course. I'm taking a minor financial risk in having a batch made up, so I need them to sell!

Marco

01-09-2010, 11:08

Nice one, Hugo. I'll certainly be taking one (with the natural alloy finish) - just let me know when you want paid :)

Marco.

Ammonite Audio

01-09-2010, 14:38

Nice one, Hugo. I'll certainly be taking one (with the natural alloy finish) - just let me know when you want paid :)

Marco.

They will all be in natural, beadblasted alloy finish. The batch costs for anodising would add greatly to the unit price, so if anyone wants one in black, blue, red etc, then they are better off taking a natural alloy collar to a local anodising company themselves.

selfaddict

01-09-2010, 17:51

Hello again Shuggie.

I was hoping to get the collar in black, but it does not make a difference really. So I will take the collar bead blasted alloy finish :).

They will all be in natural, beadblasted alloy finish. The batch costs for anodising would add greatly to the unit price, so if anyone wants one in black, blue, red etc, then they are better off taking a natural alloy collar to a local anodising company themselves.

Marco

14-09-2010, 22:34

Hi Hugo,

Any more on the collars, mate? :)

Marco.

Ammonite Audio

17-09-2010, 06:36

Hi Hugo,

Any more on the collars, mate? :)

Marco.

My apologies to everyone, waiting patiently for these collars. I am told that the chap who is machining the collars is away for a couple of weeks, so there will be a further delay. I can only apologise for this delay and ask for your continued patience. :o :trust:

DSJR

17-09-2010, 08:46

I wonder if I should reserve one, just in case....;)

mike1210

03-10-2010, 12:40

I'll put my name down for one of these as well:)

worrasf

06-10-2010, 19:46

Ditto please :)

Steve

Ammonite Audio

06-10-2010, 20:50

I do not have a production update as of today, but it should not be long now!

Ammonite Audio

29-10-2010, 22:47

GOOD NEWS!

I now have 10 Jelco collars and have made up packs containing:

One machined collar in plain bead blasted natural alloy
One fitted M6 grubscrew
One small nylon stub (optional use to cushion the grub screw against the arm pillar)
Three Stainless Steel M4/25mm Cap Head bolts with nuts and washers
One Allen key for grub screw setting.

Price including Royal Mail Special delivery Next Day is £35.

Can everyone who expressed interest please PM me to confirm their order? Where possible, I would prefer to be paid via PayPal, so please give an e-mail address so that I can send a PayPal invoice. Other forms of payment will of course be accepted!

Marco

29-10-2010, 23:28

PM sent :)

Marco.

colinB

29-10-2010, 23:58

Will it fit the Jelco 250?

Ammonite Audio

30-10-2010, 05:56

Will it fit the Jelco 250?

Yes it will.

Ammonite Audio

30-10-2010, 06:18

Marco has asked if the collar is easy to fit. It is a simple matter of unbolting the old Jelco collar and bolting in the new one.

The radius of the collar is 1mm larger than the original one, which is no problem for SL1200 users who have Sound HiFi's Jelco armboard. The top section of the custom collar is 5mm taller than the Jelco one, so please make sure that your arm, as currently set up in its original collar, has at least 5mm of bare arm pillar showing above the collar. If there is less than 5mm showing, then the arm may not go down low enough to ensure correct VTA when using my collar. Hamish did kindly send some photos of his Jelco 250ST sitting in a Technics and that had plenty of clearance, so hopefully nobody will have a problem - but do make sure!

Here is what the kit contains (also a brief instruction sheet):

http://i55.tinypic.com/2hqx82a.jpg

bobp

30-10-2010, 07:57

Shuggie, Will it fit Soundsupports armboard? If it will, I'd like to order one. The only problem, I am either too tired or too stupid to find how to send you a PM.

The Grand Wazoo

30-10-2010, 08:07

Shuggie, Will it fit Soundsupports armboard? If it will, I'd like to order one. The only problem, I am either too tired or too stupid to find how to send you a PM.

Not sure you can Bob - new members have to wait for that particular special power, I think. Before you are endowed with such fortune, you need to introduce yourself to the natives and comply with one or two other teeny-weeny formalities.

To the Welcome area with you, my man!
Here are some clues:

'Attention all new members'
Here's what you should do once you've joined up to AoS - how to introduce your fine self to the folks here.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=799

'The basics of Ethos'
The Rules of Engagement, or what's good form and what's not
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17

'Welcome one and welcome all...'
A few more pointers for new members - of special concern to folks who're 'in the trade'
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=63

And this one:
'First name terms - action required'
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8028

Welcome to AoS, by the way!!

colinB

30-10-2010, 09:41

Im at work at the moment but i will check this afternoon and if everything is ok i will send you a PM.:)

Ammonite Audio

30-10-2010, 10:01

Shuggie, Will it fit Soundsupports armboard? If it will, I'd like to order one. The only problem, I am either too tired or too stupid to find how to send you a PM.

Are you talking about the recessed Sound Supports armboard like this one?

http://www.soundsupports.com/userimages/TECHNICS-3-HOLE-JELCO-214MD.JPG

The new collar will fit any Jelco armboard, but as you can see from this picture that Hamish sent me of his 250ST on a flat armboard, you may not get the arm to go low enough unless the middle of the board is recessed by 5mm or more. Check that you have at least 5mm between the top of the Jelco collar and the bottom of the armrest plate.

http://i52.tinypic.com/x2kzkn.jpg

Ammonite Audio

30-10-2010, 10:12

I shall be taking some of these collars up to the London Bake-Off Show tomorrow.

selfaddict

30-10-2010, 10:50

Great that you got the collars :).

PM sent.

gthang

01-11-2010, 08:40

Hello,
Great idea!
I'd be interested in a new Jelco collar if you have any left?

Ammonite Audio

01-11-2010, 13:09

Collars have been sent out today, by Royal Mail Special Delivery to:

Gthang
Selfaddict
Dalek Supreme DL
Marco
Puresound

You have all received PMs with the tracking numbers.

I'm waiting for payment for 2 further collars, and if ColinB still wants one, that leaves only one collar left.

JazzBones

01-11-2010, 15:55

Actually, the few design alterations are a matter of getting the CAD drawing changed and it would be a straightforward matter to have a batch made up if there was demand.

Hi Shuggs, there is a demand, I desperately need one, seriously, how much and where do I send the cheque to... maybe you could PM me?

I also have a black Ittok II and an Ekos 1. Had the Ekos given the heavy works by J7 of Audio Origami.. topscale silver wiring, damping of arm tube, and decoupled gold plated counter weight. I was going to use the Ittok on my 1210 but it would have meant drilling a hole for the arm rest, as per Linn armboard, but could see probs on that one so bought a second hand Jelco750D which I now need your mod for! I will be using a Sumiko headshell but would like to trial a carbon fibre headshell? Any knowledge on this last one? The Ekos remains on my LP12 for now, but I intend trying it out on my Tekko as I'm sure it would work a treat especially as Linn arms and Jelco have more or less the same gene/DNA;)

A word of friendly advice,,, take out a registered pattern on your mod, you may not be able to go into numbers production now, but later you could do so. There is always someone who will grab your idea and stick their label on it:steam:

Jazz

Spectral Morn

02-11-2010, 10:36

Just got my collar in the post. Great packing, instructions, tools, fittings and the collar itself is a beautifully made item.

All I can say at this stage is well done Hugo. I will try and find an opportunity to fit it later today.

Regards D S D L

Marco

02-11-2010, 10:44

Ditto! :)

Marco.

JazzBones

02-11-2010, 14:21

Hey, anybody out there going to let know how much and how to get one or is this a closed thing amongst friends?:scratch:

Jazz

Marco

02-11-2010, 14:27

Hi Ron,

Not at all... Just PM Shuggie and order one - it's that simple! :)

Marco.

pure sound

02-11-2010, 15:22

Mine came too and looks very cool. Now I just need to summon the will to lift & dismantle some very heavily slate plinthed SP10! Nice job Hugo.

DSJR

02-11-2010, 15:35

Ron, I've had dealings in the past with Hugo and he's a good chap :)

JazzBones

02-11-2010, 16:10

Ron, I've had dealings in the past with Hugo and he's a good chap :)

Thanks Dave, I've always trusted your experience and knowledge on things audio....although, maybe, your taste in music can be a little suss at times :lol: must do a catchup over a pint someday or before I end up in a home :ner::lol:, mate?

Ron

JazzBones

02-11-2010, 16:13

Hi Ron,

Not at all... Just PM Shuggie and order one - it's that simple! :)

Marco.

Thanks Marco, will do..forgot that all will be at the Bake off.... I'm begining to get more of these senior moments:rolleyes:

Jazz
(Ron)

Ammonite Audio

02-11-2010, 17:14

Thanks Marco, will do..forgot that all will be at the Bake off.... I'm begining to get more of these senior moments:rolleyes:

Jazz
(Ron)

Ron

I did PM you details yesterday and have sent another PM today. If you're not receiving the PMs, do let me know via this thread and I'll get Marco onto it.

Regards

Ammonite Audio

02-11-2010, 18:15

All of my batch of custom Jelco collars are now sold or reserved. It was not my intention to go into business with these things, but if there is further demand I could have some more made.

Ammonite Audio

02-11-2010, 18:56

Marco has just highlighted a minor problem with the collar, which applies to Technics SL-1200/1210 users who have the Sound HiFi armboard with the recessed centre section. The M6 grub screw is set too far into the collar to get the allen key in, without the allen key fouling the surrounding armboard and the Technics' chassis. The solution is simple - I shall get a load of longer M6 grub screws, which should mean that you will be able to use the short part of the allen key without difficulty and with no risk of fouling any adjacent part of the record player. The longer grub screws will be posted out to everyone pronto (eg tomorrow)!

My apologies for this little niggle - I don't have a Technics any more so did not anticipate the problem.

pure sound

02-11-2010, 19:18

Don't send one to me Hugo, I don't have the problem.

selfaddict

02-11-2010, 19:41

Hugo you are the man :cool:.

I had the collar waiting for me when I came back home from work. Really quick delivery, cannot thank you enough :).

The finish is outstanding and once I took the old original Jelco collar off the TT I realized how flimsy it really is. No wonder Koetsu uses much heavier collar in their tonearm, which is basically same as Jelco without the heavier collar and headshell.

It was the easiest upgrade I have ever made. There is no need for adjusting both sides of the tonearm pillar separately anymore, the centered collar screw will make sure the tonearm pillar is dead accurate just by tightening it, great :wow:

Great job and many thanks again. I cannot help sending few pictures of it. It
will work just perfectly with my black Jelco.

Marco

02-11-2010, 20:16

Hi Hugo,

Marco has just highlighted a minor problem with the collar, which applies to Technics SL-1200/1210 users who have the Sound HiFi armboard with the recessed centre section. The M6 grub screw is set too far into the collar to get the allen key in, without the allen key fouling the surrounding armboard and the Technics' chassis. The solution is simple - I shall get a load of longer M6 grub screws, which should mean that you will be able to use the short part of the allen key without difficulty and with no risk of fouling any adjacent part of the record player. The longer grub screws will be posted out to everyone pronto (eg tomorrow)!

No big deal - it'll be sorted with the longer grub screw :)

The arm collar is definitely a quality piece of kit and a major upgrade on the stock Jelco item!

Marco.

Spectral Morn

02-11-2010, 20:50

Spectral Morn

02-11-2010, 20:51

Hi Hugo,

No big deal - it'll be sorted with the longer grub screw :)

The arm collar is definitely a quality piece of kit and a major upgrade on the stock Jelco item!

Marco.

Agreed its stunningly better :)

Regards D S D L

Spectral Morn

02-11-2010, 20:53

selfaddict

02-11-2010, 21:45

I have to try to keep wife happy :rolleyes:, so she always has the final say what the kit looks like, but I have all the control how it sounds like :lol:

I do not know who has the upper hand, but I am very pleased of the overall synergy between different components. The last missing piece of the puzzle will be my new phono stage. Once phono stage is with me, that is the end of box swapping for a long time: Time just to enjoy that sweet, warm and fulfilling music that only valves can bring to us :)

JazzBones

02-11-2010, 22:44

Ron

I did PM you details yesterday and have sent another PM today. If you're not receiving the PMs, do let me know via this thread and I'll get Marco onto it.

Regards

Thanks for coming back, appreciated, hope I'm not too late for one of your Jelco collars? No, did not get your PM. I sent you one today?

If you still got one going put my name on it please and I'll send you the money?
Thanks

Jazz
(Ron)

JazzBones

02-11-2010, 22:54

Thanks for coming back, appreciated, hope I'm not too late for one of your Jelco collars? No, did not get your PM. I sent you one today?

If you still got one going put my name on it please and I'll send you the money?
Thanks

Jazz
(Ron)

Shuggie and Marco, please disregard earlier post, have seen your PM and replied via email. Sorry for my mistake :doh:

Jazz
(Ron)

Ammonite Audio

03-11-2010, 13:18

I am sending out longer grub screws today to those that need them. That should deal with the problem that Marco highlighted. Also, collars (with the longer grub screw fitted) are being sent to Vinylspinner, Bubba45 and Jazzbones.

Marco

03-11-2010, 13:45

Nice one - many thanks!

I've temporarily sorted the problem by sitting the T/T on its side, so I can get the Allen key in, and adjusting VTA in small increments, going back and forth that way until I got it bang on :)

I'll look forward to getting the longer grub screw though to prevent such a headache in future...

Later I'll be listening to see what the sonic effect of the new collar is, if any, and will report my thoughts here :)

Marco.

gthang

03-11-2010, 16:46

My collar is stuck at post office, i'll collect it tomorrow. (I won't need the longer grub screw)

Marco

03-11-2010, 18:12

Well, I've had a good listen now to some favourite albums with Hugo's collar in place, and there is a significant sonic improvement, which is nice, and goes with the undoubted aesthetic one! :)

With the collar in place, there is subjectively a lower noise floor and with it audibly less coloration in the reproduction of vocals, most likely as a result of the greater rigidity and structural/mechanical integrity of the new collar, which is engineered to a much higher standard than the stock Jelco item.

'Difficult', somewhat congested, recordings are now rendered with greater separation and clarity, no doubt as a result of lower distortion through the optimisation of azimuth, and all-in-all music is now presented with a greater sense of 'ease', dynamic authority and sense of 'rightness', making for a more accurate and convincing portrayal of musical information present on recordings.

This is a no-brainer upgrade for all Jelco tonearm users and should be considered as mandatory. For £35 it's an unbelievable bargain. Well done, Hugo! :cool:

Marco.

Ammonite Audio

03-11-2010, 18:33

Thanks Marco! I do think that any sonic improvement is going to be due to the greater ease and consistency of the arm's setup, rather than the collar as such. I'm pleased that it seems to be doing what I intended!

gthang

04-11-2010, 11:59

Collected my collar this morning, I'm very impressed, great looking piece of work! certainly dwarfs the standard jelco item. I'm waiting for a 30mm hole saw to be delivered and I'll be able to get it fitted to my TT. I'll report back once it's up and running.

Thanks again Hugo. :)

colinB

05-11-2010, 18:13

Got the collar this morning, thanks Hugo. Looks fantastic , the long allen key is a much appreciated plus.
Quick dumbo question. Do i have to take the techy apart to fit or can i do it the lazy way and fit the whole thing from the top?

Marco

05-11-2010, 18:20

Hi Colin,

Just turn the deck on its side, unplug the tonearm cable, put the deck flat, and then lift the arm out of the existing collar from the top - fit the new collar in its place, put the arm back, adjust VTA with the grub screw, plug the arm cable back in again, and Bob's yer auntie! ;)

Marco.

colinB

05-11-2010, 18:30

Thanks marco. I hope i can unplug the cable without taking the rubber bottom of and all those endless screws.

Marco

05-11-2010, 18:40

No, you don't need to touch those screws... You access the arm cable through a hole directly underneath the arm board - just turn the deck on its side and you will see. It just pulls out (you will need to pull it quite tightly, though) :)

Marco.

colinB

06-11-2010, 00:01

Fitted the new collar tonight. What a brilliant piece of engineering.
I was disappointed with the previous one but this makes it is easy to set vta.
Might be a while before i can properly listen as im away this weekend.
Thanks to Hugo for taking time to provide this cracking solution for AOS Jelco owners

worrasf

06-11-2010, 17:34

Ammonite Audio

06-11-2010, 17:41

My collar arrived yesterday - thank you Hugo - it looks very well engineered - a nice piece of kit - I will await the long grub screw before installing as I suspect I will need it as I do have a recessed TS arm board.

Steve

I'm sure that I put the longer grub screw in your collar. If it's made of stainless steel, then it's the correct one.

worrasf

06-11-2010, 18:02

Yes mine is SS - 11mm in length.
Many thanks
Steve

colinB

07-11-2010, 21:06

So much easier to set my deck up now.
Sibilance is much less and the highs have more extension now VTA is set properly. I can now appreciate the Jelco arm over the standard arm much better.

worrasf

07-11-2010, 21:13

Just fitted my collar - perfect. Beautifully engineered, superb fit and arm pillar nips up lovely - so easy to adjust I have used the nylon bush as it seemed eminently sensible. The grub screw is easily accessible esp with the long allen key (nice touch).
Thank you again Hugo.
Steve

worrasf

08-11-2010, 12:31

Although probably not important having fitted the new collar I took the opportunity to open out the plinth below the arm and secure the arm cable and PSU DC power cable with 3 P-clips - obviously not being a suspended design a la Linn it wont make any sonic difference but it tidies the cables up and in particular prevents any drag on the arm cable.

Steve

mike1210

09-11-2010, 17:50

I'd be up for one if more are to be made:)

Ammonite Audio

09-11-2010, 18:16

I'd be up for one if more are to be made:)

I would need to gauge demand quite carefully, so if there is further interest, please note it here, or by PM to me directly. I'll then make a decision on whether to take a financial risk on another batch.

worrasf

09-11-2010, 19:23

Just been listening to the system with Hugo's collar installed (wanted to last night but power lines blown down and area-wide power outage :steam:)

Anyway, sound has improved immeasurably in pretty much all areas but particularly high frequencies. Presentation seems tighter with more control and focus - am also hearing fine low-level detail not heard before. I assume this is down to better mating of tonearm pillar and deck and better azimuth control.

It also looks very professional.

Very pleased :) :)

IMHO this is a must have if you own a Jelco SA 750D

Steve

Slideshaker

12-11-2010, 21:47

I would need to gauge demand quite carefully, so if there is further interest, please note it here, or by PM to me directly. I'll then make a decision on whether to take a financial risk on another batch.

Hi Hugo,

I was directed here by Graham (gthang) and would certainly like to get one of these collars. I am a member of the Lenco forum, and I imagine there would be other members there with Jelco arms who would also be interested. I'd be happy to gauge interest there and let you know.

Thanks, Chris.

Ammonite Audio

12-11-2010, 21:56

Hi Hugo,

I was directed here by Graham (gthang) and would certainly like to get one of these collars. I am a member of the Lenco forum, and I imagine there would be other members there with Jelco arms who would also be interested. I'd be happy to gauge interest there and let you know.

Thanks, Chris.

Thanks. That would be appreciated.

Slideshaker

12-11-2010, 22:40

Appreciate the quick response. Would you need definite orders or just a level of interest?
Would you mind if I copied details & photos from this thread to show what is being offered?

Ammonite Audio

13-11-2010, 07:03

Appreciate the quick response. Would you need definite orders or just a level of interest?
Would you mind if I copied details & photos from this thread to show what is being offered?

Interest is enough for the moment. Feel free to use my words and photos (just copy the Tinypic URLs).

Slideshaker

13-11-2010, 08:54

Thanks Hugo. Have done this now, so will be in touch.

gthang

14-11-2010, 21:52

I've fitted my collar, it's such a quality item. No comment on sound quality as I can't bring myself to swap the standard collar in, it looks a bit, well, naff in comparison. Perhaps one day i'll get around to it. Here's a pic.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i273/graham_wj/DSC07169w.jpg

Marco

14-11-2010, 22:00

Hi Graham,

Looks great, mate. I know how nice they are 'cos I've got one, too :)

Just a small point, btw, regarding your location details... I notice that you're from the "Central South", but the Central South of where, exactly? :scratch:

Marco.

gthang

14-11-2010, 22:07

Marco

14-11-2010, 22:12

Ah, so we're talking the UK... Cheers, mate - remember this is an international forum, so it could've been the Central South of anywhere!! ;)

If I were you, I'd put "Oxfordshire, UK" in your profile. It's a lot more straightforward :)

Marco.

bubba45

14-11-2010, 22:24

Hi Hugo
Just to add my voice to the chorus of approval I fitted my new collar today and they are fantastic pieces of engineering.
I would definitely want another one.
I have just acquired 2 brand new old stock L.A.D. Tonearms and these arm collars are ideal compared to the tiny flimsy little things that come with the arms.
It also means that I can at last mount my L.A.D. Tonearm onto my SL1210.
Could you let me know if you are going to order anymore? Like I say I'll definitely take one off you.
Jason

Ammonite Audio

15-11-2010, 06:23

Slideshaker

15-11-2010, 11:21

Ammonite Audio

15-11-2010, 12:09

Hugo,

Just a quick update: 4 'orders' so far, just from the weekend.

Also, just wondered if a 'one-off' was possible? - same basic design, but arm lift cut-out not required and different diameter hole. Thanks.

Off the top of my head and based on my original prototype cost, a one-off would cost at least twice as much, eg most probably £70-£80, not including any anodising which is very expensive indeed for single items.

Thanks for putting the word about. If I can get enough interest for a much larger production run, then I can keep costs reasonable while ensuring that I don't lose any money myself; also I can consider anodising which is cheap enough if done on a large batch. The last run was perilously close to costing me money!

tannoy man

15-11-2010, 12:12

Hugo, the plastic bit on your Counterweight comes off very easily and is just something to vibrate, just pull it with your fingers.
PS it will go back on just as easily.

Slideshaker

15-11-2010, 12:30

Off the top of my head and based on my original prototype cost, a one-off would cost at least twice as much, eg most probably £70-£80, not including any anodising which is very expensive indeed for single items.

Ok, thanks anyway, getting a little too expensive.

Slideshaker

22-11-2010, 18:30

Hi Hugo,

Another update, I have 9 expressions of interest from Lenco members.
Do you happen to have a figure you need to get another run?

Cheers,

Canetoad

25-11-2010, 16:53

Hugo, I'd love to be put on the list if you are going to manufacture another batch.:)

Ammonite Audio

25-11-2010, 17:53

Thank you all for your further interest. I have recently asked for quotes on different sizes of additional production runs and shall make a decision in the next couple of weeks.

Ammonite Audio

07-01-2011, 16:31

Thank you all for your further interest. I have recently asked for quotes on different sizes of additional production runs and shall make a decision in the next couple of weeks.

An update, of sorts, for those waiting for news on a fresh batch of Jelco collars. Sadly, there is nothing to report yet - I am still waiting for the costings (the fabricator is apparently flat out with work). I shall do another batch, though: it's just a matter of time.

bubba45

09-01-2011, 11:29

Nice one Hugo.
Any idea how big a batch and how many you already have sold? I know I said one additional arm collar but I may possibly want a 2nd too if not all sold yet?

Ammonite Audio

09-01-2011, 16:32

Nice one Hugo.
Any idea how big a batch and how many you already have sold? I know I said one additional arm collar but I may possibly want a 2nd too if not all sold yet?

I have asked for costings for a rather larger batch than the first one. The idea is that I may be able to include anodising while keeping the price to a reasonable level. It looks like expressions of interest here and on Lenco Heaven would account for at least half of what I've asked for, which is encouraging. This is not a business venture - I just have to make sure that I'm not risking my own money!

bubba45

09-01-2011, 21:43

I'm a memeber of VE do you want me to ask on there for you too?

Ammonite Audio

11-01-2011, 18:29

I'm a memeber of VE do you want me to ask on there for you too?

That's very kind, but I do want to stay clear of any 'trade' implications on VE. If necessary, I can always list the remaining stock on eBay.

bubba45

11-01-2011, 23:45

OK no worries. Just a thought.

satanfriendly

16-01-2011, 13:29

Hey Bubba, so what TT aree you using at the moment?

I can't keep up with you! First your wonderfully renovated RD40's, then TT2's, followed by PT's and I believe you have moved on again! And obvioulsy whatever else before that.

Just hope you have not gone PT absent.

sugdenfan

16-01-2011, 17:08

Hi, would also be interested in one of the collars for the SA750TE, I imagine they use the same fitting. This would go on the Sound HiFi mounting board that allows a 12" arm to be used on the Michell. If you can add my name to the orders it would be much appreciated.

Marco

16-01-2011, 17:12

Hi mate,

What's your first name and where are you from? You need to add those details to your profile, and also introduce yourself to our community in the Welcome area, if you haven't already done so - cheers! :cool:

Marco.

sugdenfan

16-01-2011, 17:53

Hi Marco, thanks for advice. Now done my profile and introduced myself. Will appear on occasion to ask mainly vinyl related question.

Marco

16-01-2011, 18:01

Cheers, John. Much appreciated, and enjoy the forum! :)

Marco.

bubba45

16-01-2011, 22:35

Hi again SF.

At the moment I'm dabbling with DD's and have a couple of Technics 1210's, a Technics SL7 and I'm waiting for an SP10 to come back from Vantage audio.

As you can see I'm trying out a different drive system altogether from the usual. As you've probably realised I can't stop myself from tweaking and fiddling with TT's although my private little journey may soon be over.

At this present time I am bereft of PT's though I think this will in all honesty be a temporary state. I do love the sound - it's the best I've heard so far out of all makes and models I've owned and they are my favourite asthetically, but I had to have a mess around with the Technics and needed to sell to fund this.

The fragility of the PT is my only reservation and the same cannot never be said of a Technics.

I think its a pretty sure bet that I will be back in PT land at some point.

Still got my Mission 774SM though.

I see you sold your Thorens & SME III. How come?

satanfriendly

17-01-2011, 17:07

Hi there Bubba,

had to pass on the Thorens as it wasn't getting the air play it truly deserved and to be honest I rather prefer the RD110 and the PT. Plus I may have a situation later this year where only those decks which can run on 110v will be of any use. Both the PT and the RD110 with it's external power source fit the bill.

The only thing I regreted was hearing the Thoren's running with a Goldring G900 IGC I had. It really did drag out the detail and so at home in the SME III. Why I never thought of it before I have no idea. However Synsei is happy and I can see why.

I'm always on the look out for one of the large Japanese DD's preferably a Luxman (esepcially the vacuum decks having had one in the past and they are Godly) or a Micro Seiki, but cost is the prohibitive factor. I will see.

Ammonite Audio

19-01-2011, 21:12

OK chaps. I have now managed to order the new batch of 25 collars, hopefully to be done in around two weeks. The cost should still be £40, but I shall confirm that once I have paid the fabricator's bill.

Slideshaker

19-01-2011, 22:51

Thanks for the news, Hugo. I shall stir the Lenco Heaven members who expressed interest.
Will these be anodised or bead blasted like the last batch?

Cheers,

Ammonite Audio

20-01-2011, 06:21

Thanks for the news, Hugo. I shall stir the Lenco Heaven members who expressed interest.
Will these be anodised or bead blasted like the last batch?

Cheers,

They will be bead blasted, and I will look at getting anodising done too, but that depends on the other costs.

To everyone who has expressed an interest here on AoS, please send me a PM to reserve a collar, stating your e-mail address and your preferred delivery address.

Thanks

fishylikeslps

23-01-2011, 14:13

I've had the 750D for a year or so. I always knew something was amiss, but couldn't put my finger on it. Soundstage, separation and sound quality varied depending on what area the stylus was on the record. Now I think I know why.

Best,
Dan

Ammonite Audio

28-01-2011, 13:01

The new batch of collars is now fully allocated. AoS reservations are:

vanwycka
fishylikelps
bubba45 (2 collars)
mike1210
sugdenfan
chrish
canetoad
Orient_Pirate

If I have missed anyone off the list, please let me know ASAP.

Vinyl-Tubes

28-01-2011, 13:07

Hello Hugo,

I am new here and I have been trying to PM you to purchase one of your collars since yesterday, but all my efforts have been in vain. May I please purchase a collar from you?
Thank you. Gerard (Vinyl-Tubes)

Canetoad

28-01-2011, 13:59

Thanks Hugo! :)

bobp

28-01-2011, 16:39

Ammonite Audio

09-02-2011, 20:50

Just to keep you all informed, I have today taken delivery of the 25 collars, which are finished to an even higher standard than the previous ones; indeed they are rather beautiful and machined to provide a really nice snug fit around the arm pillar. They now need to go off to be anodised, so all things being well I could be able to send them out next week. When I'm ready, I shall contact each of you to arrange payment (which will vary depending on the destination country).

Slideshaker

13-02-2011, 21:46

Thanks for the news Hugo. Have mentioned it on LH.

Ammonite Audio

24-02-2011, 18:57

Good News! I now have the collars back from the anodising people.

I shall e-mail everyone in the next week to confirm payment and with luck they should all be in the post by the end of next week.

Thank you for being patient!

Ammonite Audio

02-03-2011, 20:07

I have now sent out the PayPal invoices to each of the confirmed custom collar customers. The collars will be sent as soon as possible after payment is received, by Special Delivery (Next Day in the UK, and International Signed For mail elsewhere in the world.

bubba45

07-03-2011, 09:04

Hi Hugo
Just thought I'd give a public thanks for the 2 arm collars that arrived at the weekend. Absolutely lovely work - maybe even better than the originals you had done.
Really fine craftsmanship and finish.
So thankyou very much for getting these done for us.
:)

mike1210

07-03-2011, 18:51

Indeed, I'd like to add my thanks also:)

sugdenfan

07-03-2011, 19:29

Hi Hugo, arm collar arrived first thing this morning. Looks absolutely first class, just need to get it mounted on the Orbe, can't wait! Many thanks John

bobp

09-03-2011, 16:43

Hi Hugo, collar arrived yesterday. It's a piece of art, gorgeous to look at,
even if there is no sound imprrovement it does boost the pride of ownership :-)

Can't wait to install it over the weekend.

And The Royal Mail was amazing, UK to Canada in 3 business days.

Many thanks for awesome upgrade and quick shipping !!!

Ammonite Audio

09-03-2011, 17:35

Blimey! That was quick! Glad you're pleased with it.

Vinyl-Tubes

14-03-2011, 15:29

Hugo,

Thank you for the arm collar, which functions perfectly, and the professional way in which you handled the whole transaction!

MCRU

26-04-2011, 18:35

Now that Hugo is no longer making these any one got a spare by any chance please?

ludovico

30-04-2011, 07:23

I would be interested too... if there are some collars left.

Epicurus

30-04-2011, 10:46

I'd be interested too. In fact, I'd like one in the stock finish that matches the SA-750D and one in black - just in case.

ludovico

30-04-2011, 19:30

There is no collar left:(

Anyone have another idea for setting correst azimut?

JohnM

11-05-2011, 22:11

I'd also be interested in an arm collar for my 750D, though by the looks of it I've missed the party :doh:

MCRU

12-05-2011, 08:20

There are none left and Hugo is not selling or making them any more, I asked for the drawing to get one made for myself and it is not available it seems.

JohnM

12-05-2011, 21:43

Perhaps Jelco have bought the design from him :lolsign:

Seriously that's a bit of a disappointment - oh well, such is life! If anyone decides to sell theirs please PM me.

Cheers,

- John

Marco

12-05-2011, 22:07

Hi John,

You have a PM :)

Marco.

JohnM

12-05-2011, 22:10

Replied with thanks :)

- John

AlexM

06-06-2011, 18:06

I have found that azimuth can be set on the Jelco by checking headshell leveling with a bubble level on the headshell. There is enough mechanical tolerance between the headshell locating pin and arm to allow at least a couple of degrees of adjustment before nipping it up tight.

I guess that having the ball races slightly out of level isn't ideal, but hey, setting up a turntable always involves a degree of compromise!.

Regards,
Alex

Mike_New

26-07-2011, 07:51

For those people who still want a Jelco collar I am obviously in a position to machine them. If someone would like to give me the basic dimensions of their own unit I can possibly work out what is required and provide one for testing.
They are not large so posting from OZ will not be a problem.

kininigin

31-07-2011, 21:11

Mike_New

01-08-2011, 04:37

Darren,
Judging from much earlier posts on this thread the details are not available, that's why I have asked for help in detailing the dimensions.
I know the outer diameter of the collar is 56mm and the locating spigot is 29.5mm dia.
the inner diameter of the hole in the collar for the column is 18mm dia.
(I have just recieved an order for my Solid Annealed Copper Arm Board from a guy in Japan, and he has sent me a PDF of the Jelco arm collar dimensions. Unfortunately it does not include a plan view of the mounting holes)
All I need to know from you or someone is the location of the clamping holes which are used to bolt the collar to the arm board.

As a matter of engineering design, I would place two securing holes into the collar at 90deg. this would then have the effect of clamping the column squarely against the collar in all degrees of freedom.

This approach is used in many instrumentation applications.

DSJR

01-08-2011, 08:28

Ammonite Audio

01-08-2011, 10:33

I believe that Hugo looked at the simpler Linn way of having a bit scooped out of one side of the hole, leaving two vertical "edges" to act as stable mounts, the piller held in place with one bolt as near as near midway up as possible. Linn called it an "engineers' clamp." This would give a three-point mount as near as possible and at least the pillar wouldn't be able to move.

I did look at that, since the original Jelco collar has a similar arrangement that does not work because the collar otherwise does not hold the arm pillar correctly (unlike the Linn collar for my Ittok LVII which is an object lesson in how to do things properly). In the end, a precisely machined hole was so snug a fit that anything more elaborate was unnecessary.

ninja

24-09-2011, 18:32

If anyone decides to sell or build one please PM me.

Mike_New

24-09-2011, 23:54

Hi Ninja,
I machined up my version of a mounting collar for the Jelco in mid august. it was commisioned by a guy in Fort Collins CO. But now that I am reminded, I never did get a reply from him as to how it performed.
I will email him now.
If there are many people out there who still require one of these then I will set about machining some. I use a precision hole and two 4mm securing screws at 90degrees. The collar can be made in Brass or Alluminium. The screws are actually Hex socket heads which protrude from the collar and permit tightening with the fingers first to ascertain the requred height.
The hex screws can then be clamped up using a Hex Wrench.

ninja

25-09-2011, 11:25

Thanks Mike,

I am interested if the price is about the same "level" as before.

Mike_New

26-09-2011, 04:03

ninja,
I have just had a reply from the guy in the US, he says that the collar works fine and that the two screws allow for secure adjustment and clamping. He did give me a couple of thing to improve.
However I got an email from Hugo yesterday saying that he was intending to restart the making of collars. There is no future in two of us doing it, so I have left it to Hugo to do what has to be done.

Ammonite Audio

26-09-2011, 07:18

I do not wish to tread on Mike's toes here - his collar design is different to mine and I like to think that there's room in the market for both. That said, I have had a preliminary conversation with a potential retail partner for my collars. If that proves feasible, then it will be much easier for anyone wanting a collar to buy one whenever they wish, as opposed to waiting for me to produce a batch. My collar design is exactly the same as the last lot that I did, eg in CNC-machined aircraft grade aluminium, vapour blasted and brightened/anodised for a durable finish. This time, I can look at doing some of the collars in black anodised finish, since I know that some customers did want this before.

ninja

26-09-2011, 08:37

Thanks Mike and Shuggie, I'm still interested and I am not in a hurry, so, I can wait.

DSJR

26-09-2011, 15:59

Ammonite Audio

29-09-2011, 11:54

Silly question to most of you Jelco owners, but is one of the 750's a drop fit into a Rega hole (suitably modified)? I only ask as it would appear that the standard 750 as used on the Techie is similar to the Linn-length arms, although I'm not sure if the 10" version wouldn't be too long?

No, it would not just drop in - the mounting distance is totally different from either Rega or Linn arms, whether you are looking at the 9" or 10" Jelco (see the Tonearm Database over at Vinyl Engine). Also, the mounting hole is a different size compared to any Rega based arm.

Jarraa

11-10-2011, 19:13

Spectral Morn

11-10-2011, 21:02

Hugo,
I tried PM'ing you but I seem to not have sufficient privelages (just joined). Have a Jelco 750db on a TT weights Gem TT and noticed the collar issues you talk off as well. Was trying to solve to issue and started researching and came across this thread. So if you can PM me I would sincerely appreciate it!
Thanks!

-Assad

Welcome Assad to AOS.

Could you pop into the Welcome section of the forum (on your next visit) and say hello to the AOS community that you have joined. Tell us a wee bit about yourself, system and taste in music. Thank you in advance.

Your Pm system does not work, until you have a certain number of posts under your belt. We like new members to take part in the forum for awhile before such facilities are activated.

Regards D S D L

Marco

11-10-2011, 21:16

Indeed... And one of those facilities is also taking advantage of the offers in our classifieds section.

I'm getting a little weary of people who join here simply to buy or sell something, and don't read the joining instructions properly when registering, which clearly indicate the necessity for posting in the Welcome area FIRST, and introducing yourself, BEFORE doing anything else.... :rolleyes:

I wonder what we have to do to get folk to acknowledge the instructions - put them in big red flashing neon lights??

Marco.

Mike_New

12-10-2011, 06:37

Offer them a bottle of good Australian red if they do!!

Marco

12-10-2011, 08:11

Hehehe.... And there are plenty of those, for sure! My idea, though, was more of a virtual swift boot up the jacksie! ;)

Marco.

DSJR

12-10-2011, 09:03

Can you make the message part of the registration process?

MCRU

12-10-2011, 09:24

All you have to do is send an auto respond e-mail as Dave sez in BLOCK LETTERS BOLD WITH ONE OF YOUR FAMOUS SMILEYS DUDE

Marco

12-10-2011, 09:34

We already do that, guys. The problem is that people don't bother reading the instructions in the email. They simply gloss over those and click on the account activation link therein, and then afterwards post wherever they feel like on the forum! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Marco.

MartinT

12-10-2011, 09:39

Try 72pt bold text in the e-mail, and put the activation link below it. Should be pretty hard to ignore :eyebrows:

Marco

12-10-2011, 09:58

Good idea, mate. Mention it to Nick in the mod room, will ya? Just in case I forget :)

Marco.

Beechwoods

12-10-2011, 11:57

Believe it or not VB generates it's system emails in text format only. I will work on some fancy ASCII emphasis to make sure the requirement of all new members is the first thing they see, with a nice box round it if possible, so there's no ambiguity...

Marco

13-10-2011, 07:28

I'm liking the results... Hopefully, that will now keep the 'miscreants' in line! ;)

Marco.

monodude

07-12-2011, 13:15

At the risk of sounding like a newbie-vulture, I'd be interested in trying this.

Ever since first installing the 750D, it kinda baffled me that when tightening the screw within the collar, you could tell the tonearm wasn't moving in an exact horizontal line.
Not that the 750D hasn't done it's job well since, but this thread has convinced me this could be a notable improvement.

If someone would be interested in selling me one, I'd be delighted. Thanks.

monodude

07-12-2011, 15:28

Have been contacted by a forum member with a spare one. So, for now it looks like I'm set. Thanks.

Ammonite Audio

07-12-2011, 15:39

Coincidentally, the fabricator has been in touch today to tell me that the production run won't happen until February; also that the material costs (eg for the aircraft grade alloy) have risen, which means a massive price hike of some £3 per collar.

Sorry about the delay and wait - there's not much that I can do about it, but this fabricator's work is outstandingly good, so I don't wish to look elsewhere.

Artifolk

13-12-2011, 15:25

If there are any spare? Could you put me down for one.

Ammonite Audio

13-12-2011, 20:26

If there are any spare? Could you put me down for one.

I should have plenty. Can you PM me with your full name, postal address, e-mail address; and whether you would like a black or natural alloy collar.

Cheers

kor952

14-12-2011, 01:52

I am too new here so I can't PM you but I also would like to receive one. I ordered a Jelco SA-750 LB this weekend, and during my search on the WWW how to mount this tonearm on my Scheu Premier TT I did find your collar. I would like to have a black one, please.

Ronald.

Ammonite Audio

14-12-2011, 07:53

DSJR

14-12-2011, 09:19

Hugo, sincere thanks for making up another batch.

kor952

14-12-2011, 09:58

Just get involved here on AoS and do some more posting, then when you can PM, please send me your details.

I will do my best....

Ronald.

Marco

14-12-2011, 12:09

Hi Ronald,

Having made more than 5 posts now, you're qualified to send PMs :)

Enjoy the forum, and the collar, if you get one! :cool:

Marco.

Ammonite Audio

14-12-2011, 13:25

Enjoy the forum, and the collar, if you get one! :cool:

Marco.

Cheeky sod!

kor952

14-12-2011, 14:40

Hi Ronald,

Having made more than 5 posts now, you're qualified to send PMs :)

Enjoy the forum, and the collar, if you get one! :cool:

Marco.

Thank you Marco..:)

Ronald.

Artifolk

14-12-2011, 18:47

Shuggie

You should have PM...that is if, I've done it right.

alex_san78

18-12-2011, 09:06

Dear Hugo,
Can you please let me know if it is still possible to get the collar?

Alex.

Ammonite Audio

18-12-2011, 10:22

Dear Hugo,
Can you please let me know if it is still possible to get the collar?

Alex.

Should be fine, but please note that they will not be ready until Feb 2012. Can you PM me with your full name, postal address, e-mail address; and whether you would like a black or natural alloy collar?

thanks

selfaddict

18-12-2011, 11:22

Hi Hugo.

I have used your collar for a long time now and been very happy with it. Am I right that you are now selling black ones as well, when they arrive February 2012? Is this black same shade as the Jelco black color is?

Juha

Ammonite Audio

18-12-2011, 13:11

Hi Juha

I can't say whether the black will match the Jelco, mainly since I don't have a black Jelco. In any case, I shall accept whatever advice that the anodising people give me, to ensure that the black finish is as good as the clear anodised collars.

Do you want me to keep a black collar for you?

Marco

18-12-2011, 22:25

Cheeky sod!

Ha - now you know that's not what I meant! :eyebrows:

Marco.

selfaddict

22-12-2011, 22:51

Hi Hugo.

Yes I would like to have black collar please. Could you PM me when you have them with you.

Thanks,
Juha

Do you want me to keep a black collar for you?

Artifolk

30-12-2011, 20:28

Shuggie

One question, Are your mounting collars exactly the same outside diameter as the standard ones that come with the Jelco?
The reason i ask, my Armboard (Sound Support) turned up today and when the Jelco is fitted there isn't 1mm of spare space.

Thanks in advance.

Ammonite Audio

31-12-2011, 12:47

The custom collar's radius is greater by exactly 1mm than the original - this was done to accommodate sunken bolt heads. If there's not 1mm clearance at the edge and no way of carefully machining or filing some metal away, then you will have a problem.

dgdgdgdgdg

31-12-2011, 16:16

Hi Hugo

Is it still possible to get one of your collars?
Damian

Ammonite Audio

31-12-2011, 16:54

Hi Hugo

Is it still possible to get one of your collars?
Damian

yes - PM sent

Artifolk

01-01-2012, 12:21

No real problem here, have a mate who can do the work, so still on for a Black one.
Thanks for replying.

Glove

01-01-2012, 13:58

Hi Hugo

Can I get one if you have spares ?

Thanks,
Vincent

Ammonite Audio

01-01-2012, 16:01

Hi Hugo

Can I get one if you have spares ?

Thanks,
Vincent

Should be OK - please PM me with your full name, postal address, e-mail address and whether you'd like one in black or natural alloy.

I'll do a tally over the next day or so here and on Lenco Heaven to confirm orders so far.

gx502

03-01-2012, 08:28

Hi I am Jelco SA-750D user, is it too late to place an order?

If its not too late, I will send a PM with my details.

-kind thanks

Ammonite Audio

03-01-2012, 16:54

Please PM your details and I'll confirm later.

Ammonite Audio

07-01-2012, 10:57

Please could I confirm orders from AoS members for the custom Jelco arm mounting collar?

jsaliga 2 x natural alloy
Jaraa 1 x black
Artifolk 1 x black
kor952 1 x black
alex_san78 1 x natural
dgdgdgdgdg 1 x natural
Glove 1 x natural
gx502 1 x natural
Riislingen 1 x black

Expressions of interest via Visitor Message but not confirmed:

jlevro
rico
Roth_S

I should have some spare collars, so if anyone else would like one, please let me know fairly quickly, so that I can get the right numbers finished in natural or black. They should be available in February.

Many thanks!

vinylspinner

07-01-2012, 11:23

Hi Hugo,

Can I have one in black please?

cheers

Nigel

HoraceW

07-01-2012, 11:35

Apologies if I've missed this but how much are these as I would be interested in one in black? Thanks

Ammonite Audio

07-01-2012, 14:48

Hi Hugo,

Can I have one in black please?

cheers

Nigel

Hi Nigel - no problem there.

Apologies if I've missed this but how much are these as I would be interested in one in black? Thanks

Cost for the black collar will be a few pounds more than the natural alloy one, probably around £48 posted within the UK, but I'll have to confirm the price once the bills are in.

Please can you both PM me with your full name, postal address and e-mail address?

Many thanks

Artifolk

07-01-2012, 22:03

Hugo,

Confirmed 1 x black, just let me know when you need payment.

jsaliga

08-01-2012, 00:56

Confirmed 2 x natural alloy.

--Jerome

gx502

08-01-2012, 08:31

Please consider this my confirmation. Ditto: let me know when and how you require payment -many thanks

Please could I confirm orders from AoS members for the custom Jelco arm mounting collar?

gx502 1 x natural
They should be available in February.

Many thanks!

alex_san78

09-01-2012, 16:14

Hi Hugo,
I confirm!

HoraceW

09-01-2012, 17:31

Hugo thanks but now decided no need for one as have gone in a different direction (think 12 inch Swiss modified Jelco :))

Glove

09-01-2012, 19:09

hi Hugo

I confirm my order as well.

Thanks,
Vincent

Zuk

11-01-2012, 21:11

hi Hugo - please put me down for one, too.

Thanks

Simon

Zuk

11-01-2012, 21:18

sorry - scratch that addition, I'm being too hasty!:doh:

Cheers

Simon

monodude

21-01-2012, 23:17

Have to come back and give my props to Hugo for this seemingly small but very significant improvement. The right channel has improved considerably on some records in terms of tracking. Also, one more time a 'thank you' to Bernie who sold me his spare for a friendly price.

Canetoad

22-01-2012, 13:55

No Worries. Glad to help. :)

dgdgdgdgdg

23-01-2012, 23:59

Hugo
Confirmed 1 natural
Damian

Please could I confirm orders from AoS members for the custom Jelco arm mounting collar?

jsaliga 2 x natural alloy
Jaraa 1 x black
Artifolk 1 x black
kor952 1 x black
alex_san78 1 x natural
dgdgdgdgdg 1 x natural
Glove 1 x natural
gx502 1 x natural
Riislingen 1 x black

Expressions of interest via Visitor Message but not confirmed:

jlevro
rico
Roth_S

I should have some spare collars, so if anyone else would like one, please let me know fairly quickly, so that I can get the right numbers finished in natural or black. They should be available in February.

Many thanks!

Ammonite Audio

13-02-2012, 19:03

I collected the collars from the anodising people today, and am really pleased with the finish. Here is a photo that does not do either finish justice, but I couldn't wait for daylight:

http://i42.tinypic.com/4i0n4o.jpg

All I need to do now is to package them up, then I'll e-mail everyone to confirm the orders. I do have a few of each colour spare, if anyone wishes to jump in.

Artifolk

13-02-2012, 19:14

Looking good, can't wait to get my Jelco fitted, have been putting it off til now.

kor952

13-02-2012, 23:37

They realy look nice...still waiting for my Scheu MkIII armboard to mount the Jelco SA-750LB hope I will recieve it before the collar.

Ronald Koridon.

Ammonite Audio

14-02-2012, 09:12

I'm pleased to report that there is no price difference between black and natural alloy collars. Total cost per collar, including delivery is:

UK (Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery) - £44
Europe (International 'Signed For') - £47
Rest of the World (International 'Signed For') - £48

I do have 6 natural and 3 black collars left if anyone else is interested (please PM me).

Canetoad

14-02-2012, 09:42

Very tempted to get a black one. They look great Shuggie! Top job! :)

gx502

16-02-2012, 00:16

Collars look good.

For those of us who have confirmed, when and how do we make the payment for the collars ?

thanks in advance...

Ammonite Audio

16-02-2012, 05:52

I will e-mail everyone with payment details in the next day. Payment options are PayPal or direct bank transfer (for UK bank account holders).

Artifolk

17-02-2012, 19:28

Payment sent... looking forward to receiving this.

Thank you Hugo

alex_san78

17-02-2012, 21:26

Payment sent.
Thanks Hugo.

purposemaker

20-02-2012, 11:46

Spectral Morn

20-02-2012, 11:54

I am lucky & thankful to have bought a custom arm mounting collar from Hugo's previous batch. But unfortunately I have to part with it. If anyone is interested in my copy, please PM me here or if you can't at markboon at hotmail.

Reason for this is that I couldn't set VTA correctly when mounting a Denon DL-103r to my technics SL-1200 as the space between the arm base and mounting plate was smaller than the ±12mm needed (in my estimation) to fit Shuggies robust and very well made collar.

So I think I'm stuck with the smaller Jelco stock mounting base. I purchased the Denon after shuggies collar, by the way.

Hi Mark

Welcome to AOS.

Please go to the welcome section of the forum and introduce yourself there as the registration process asked you to. Say hello, tell us about your taste in music, system etc.

Making your first post a kind of 'for sale one' is frowned upon by the management as we like folks who come here to at least appear interested in AOS and the community and not just as a free means of selling unwanted items.

I am however surprised you have had a problem as I have a jelco 750 arm (shuggie collar) + Denon cart and had no problem. I suspect the issue may be with the arm board (what type/make is it?) or the height of the platter mat on the stock platter.

Regards D S D L

purposemaker

20-02-2012, 12:00

Hi Dalek, I will do so.

My post is meant in a non-commercial spirit as well as (being of somewhat little) informative. Thanks for your comment.

Mark

Mike_New

20-02-2012, 12:25

Hi Mark,
Your problem is very much a function of the SL1200 design which unfortunately does not very easily occomodate transplanted arms due to the low level orientation of the platter.
What you could do is to use a spacer between the head shell and the cartridge which will allow more room for VTA.

Ammonite Audio

20-02-2012, 12:28

I am however surprised you have had a problem as I have a jelco 750 arm (shuggie collar) + Denon cart and had no problem. I suspect the issue may be with the arm board (what type/make is it?) or the height of the platter mat on the stock platter.

Regards D S D L

Insufficient height adjustment is a risk with my collar, since it's 5mm taller than the original. I do beleive that I have made that as clear as I can in this thread, though, and the SL-1200 is possibly the only deck where this could be an issue. As you say it does depend on the armboard and whether it is sufficiently recessed. Armboards with recessed centres are better than flat ones.

Spectral Morn

20-02-2012, 12:54

Insufficient height adjustment is a risk with my collar, since it's 5mm taller than the original. I do beleive that I have made that as clear as I can in this thread, though, and the SL-1200 is possibly the only deck where this could be an issue. As you say it does depend on the armboard and whether it is sufficiently recessed. Armboards with recessed centres are better than flat ones.

Hi Shuggie

In my own case all the arm boards I have are recessed (Jelco and SME) but as I use a rubber sub mat with the Oyaide platter mat and or a MN platter + various mats I have so far had no height issues. However it is pretty clear that these issues are a strong possibility once one removes the stock arm.

Regards D S D L

purposemaker

20-02-2012, 13:07

Hi Shuggie, yes indeed you made that very clear beforehand!

I originally bought it in connection with a Grado Reference Platinum Wood cartridge, and was well impressed with the collar. Soon thereafter I changed cartridges and decided not to go for a spacer.

The one spacer I have is a heavy one (± 5 grams) and I couldn't find a budget friendly light-weight spacer on the web or at the workshop. So yes, I would very much have liked to keep on using the collar were it not for my 'faulty' spacer.

MartinT

20-02-2012, 13:14

Mark - you could always have an ebony armboard made for you by Speedy Steve. A few of us have now and height adjustment range is no longer a problem since he can make it to any thickness you desire. It also sounds better than a metal armboard :)

Marco

20-02-2012, 17:35

Indeed - highly recommended! :)

Marco.

Artifolk

20-02-2012, 18:30

Arrived today... superb craftsmanship, even down to the black Anodizing matching the arm. Good clear instructions to boot.
Unfortunately I'm unable to fit as my Techy and System are all packed away in the spare room....grrr

Thank you Hugo

We need more like you.

Ammonite Audio

20-02-2012, 20:44

alex_san78

22-02-2012, 22:10

Hope to get mine by mid March... Russian post is "the best". They could keep your things for weeks before delivery... :) Love them! :)

kor952

22-02-2012, 22:28

Ammonite Audio

23-02-2012, 05:53

Hope to get mine by mid March... Russian post is "the best". They could keep your things for weeks before delivery... :) Love them! :)

I did fix an additional address label in Cyrillic, so hopefully that will help!

Ammonite Audio

23-02-2012, 05:56

Got mine yesterday and my Scheu armboard today. Made a wooden copy of the acryl Scheu armboard and mounted the Jelco 750-LB arm for the first time on the Scheu Premier MkIII (temporarily on the wooden armboard wich is intended as a template for the acrylic one). Nice arm, nice collar with exact the same black colour. One thing did not fit, the S-Din connector of the Jelco 501 cable, neither fits the original collar, removed the 'golden' outside part of the connector, now it fits and I am able to play with the new tonearm at last.

Thank you Hugo.:cool:

Ronald.

Hi Ronald

Thanks! I did find exactly the same problem with a Jelco Neglex cable, which had to be forced into the bottom of the arm, but that was cured by replacing said cable with one from Audio Origami, fitted with a Cardas plug. I have to say that the Jelco cable is rather poor and if I were you, I'd get something better to liberate the music.

Mike_New

23-02-2012, 07:52

I have been giving some thought to my Bearing Base Plate and how it affects those people who are using transplanted Tone Arms.
Whilst I think most people would like to use one as it provides the additional 6mm of vertical space. It was the problem that a user of the new Jelco collar had in this thread, which prompted me to look at an altenative form of mounting.
So I have come up with the inovation of bonding the Base Plate to the bottom of the Chassis. This avoids the need to drill holes through the chassis which concerns some people with a limited DIY skills set.

All you have to do is to thoroughly scrape the paint from the bottom of the chassis within the marked circle of the Base Plate. Remove the three raised areas around the bearing mounting holes so that the Base Plate sits flat.

Mix a good supply of Alraldite two part epoxy resin (the Extra Strength type)
and evenly coat the bottom of the Base Plate.
Allow to set for a min of 48Hrs, this time is important.
You are now in position of being ready to insert the bearing and and coil assembly in the normal way and to tighten up the three 1/8 retaining bolts into the Base Plate.

You will find that the resultant bond will be extremely strong and permanent.
The High Strength Epoxy is the indutrial grade.

All this can be done without dismantling any part of the SL1200 except for removal
of the PCB.

Ammonite Audio

23-02-2012, 09:40

Thanks Mike. The tonearm height issue only applies to SL-1200 users who have the standard platter and mat, so this is a useful tip.

Mike_New

24-02-2012, 06:37

Giving it some thought it would also be possible for people to use it who still have the old bearing. Although I would think it would be something of a hollow exercise; fitting high quality arms and using only the stock bearing.

alex_san78

24-02-2012, 08:53

I did fix an additional address label in Cyrillic, so hopefully that will help!

Thanks Hugo. Hope so. :)

Ammonite Audio

26-02-2012, 19:14

I have just 4 black and 6 natural alloy collars left. I am going away for 6 months in a few weeks, so if anyone is interested, please let me know as soon as possible.

Many thanks

jsaliga

28-02-2012, 21:44

My collars arrived in the mail today. They appear to be very well made. After I get these installed I think I'll spin some jazz and enjoy a dram of good single malt (probably Ardbeg Uigeadail :) )

Many thanks Hugo.

--Jerome

gx502

02-03-2012, 05:27

Likewise, received collar today, my compliments and thanks, it is very well made.

Will not be fitting, until I have some downtime.

stevef

16-03-2012, 05:35

I have just 4 black and 6 natural alloy collars left. I am going away for 6 months in a few weeks, so if anyone is interested, please let me know as soon as possible.

Many thanks

Hi Hugo

I've just bought a Jelco SA-750D and, having read the many posts on AOS, I'd love to buy one to fit to the arm - seems a great improvement on the std mounting. I would prefer natural aluminium colour. Please let me know if you still have one. Kind regards, Steve

Ammonite Audio

16-03-2012, 19:27

Hi Hugo

I've just bought a Jelco SA-750D and, having read the many posts on AOS, I'd love to buy one to fit to the arm - seems a great improvement on the std mounting. I would prefer natural aluminium colour. Please let me know if you still have one. Kind regards, Steve

E-mail sent via AoS.

alex_san78

23-03-2012, 19:06

Ammonite Audio

24-03-2012, 06:53

Hi Hugo,
Just got mine. Looks really nice. Just one small issue - the screws were to close to the Collar and, thanks to Russian post I believe, one of the screws left a strong scratches on the Collar from the bottom side of the hole. I had to correct it. Not a big issue, but I would recommend you to pack it separately. :)

Sorry about that - I did try to make sure that there was one layer of bubble wrap between the collar and the bag containing bolts etc, but clearly this was not enough to cope with the Russian postal system.