2016: bought turntable. Need headshell, cartridge and anything else to spin records.

Picked up a Technics SL-23 in very good condition cheaply, but it didn't come with a headshell. Didn't think this was a problem. Was then gifted a Linn K9 cart in good condition, but that came with no fixing bolts. Didn't think that was a problem.

I'm now thinking, is this a problem?

What do I need to finish my setup? As I have never even touched the finer points of a turntable before, what type of headshell do I need? What length bolts? Will I need a stylus force gauge or even a Technics overhang gauge too? Spirit level?

Will most likely be buying these things from Amazon, the 'bay or where ever is recommended.



Your help would be most appreciated.

One of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-...EAAOxyLm9TA~-l

And a set of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TURNTABLE-...cAAOSwI-BWNmb1

That should sort you out for not much outlay.

Check the condition of the diamond stylus tip for wear before using it if you can.

If the belt on the turntable is old. A new one might be a good idea.

A better set of mounting hardware (hex head bolts and hex key to fit) can be found HERE :) Yes it's from my ebay store, but I think cap headed bolts are far superior for mounting carts and we give you tool.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1510807764...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Thank you guys, much appreciated.

Haven't thought about buying anything for the turntable yet as I was surprised to find I needed root canal surgery yesterday afternoon. :(

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Originally Posted by Folkboy

Thank you guys, much appreciated.

Haven't thought about buying anything for the turntable yet as I was surprised to find I needed root canal surgery yesterday afternoon. :(

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ive had that CANAL job done numerous times..ouch ;) once your done you can maybe take a PUNT on the tt stuff ..I'll get my coat :lol:

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Originally Posted by struth

ive had that CANAL job done numerous times..ouch ;)

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Having one of mine done tomorrow for a new crown.

Some useful facts on the SL-23 here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-23.shtml

Be thankful that the root canal treatment is a surprise and not painfully obvious to you!! It makes things a lot more comfortable if you are not already in a lot of pain!!

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Originally Posted by myles

Be thankful that the root canal treatment is a surprise and not painfully obvious to you!! It makes things a lot more comfortable if you are not already in a lot of pain!!

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When I say "surprise", I omitted the part of waking up at 1am Monday morning in almost smash-my-head-against-the-wall pain. The day at work swung from agony to no pain at all. Only when the dentist looked at the x-ray did he tell me the news. I thought I'd have to rebook an appointment to get the work done, but he started straight away. I go back next Monday for the second part. So far, no futher pain, but the antibiotics are making me queasy...

Growing old, eh?

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Originally Posted by Folkboy

When I say "surprise", I omitted the part of waking up at 1am Monday morning in almost smash-my-head-against-the-wall pain. The day at work swung from agony to no pain at all. Only when the dentist looked at the x-ray did he tell me the news. I thought I'd have to rebook an appointment to get the work done, but he started straight away. I go back next Monday for the second part. So far, no futher pain, but the antibiotics are making me queasy...

Growing old, eh?

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Mine were when I was relatively young! There is nowt like it, eh?

What are you guys opinions of using washers with cartridge bolts, and do you bolt yours with (ahem) your nuts on top or underneath?

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Originally Posted by Folkboy

What are you guys opinions of using washers with cartridge bolts, and do you bolt yours with (ahem) your nuts on top or underneath?

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Never use washers as they can allow "play" in the headshell assembly and while you are at it, remove the rubber washer between the headshell and the arm. Nuts on top or underneath is largely a matter of asthetics on a removable headshell. On fixed headshell arms that are mounted on a deck, it can be easier with some carts to have a cap headed bolt, push it through the monting lug on the cart on an allen key, then through thevwhole on the arm and screw the nut from the top.

Cap headed bolts can give firmer grip and unlike flat bladed screws, you are less likely to slip and break a stylus/cantilever. Also worth noting, stainless steel can have differnt levevls of magnetic coercivity and retentivity depending on the grade of steel, magnetic interaction between cart and headshell is not a good idea and can effect sound quality. As they say "You pays your money, you takes your choice".

Good luck with the dentist......

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Originally Posted by Folkboy

What are you guys opinions of using washers with cartridge bolts, and do you bolt yours with (ahem) your nuts on top or underneath?

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Hi Jon,

I've just experimented with that very matter at length, having just bought a new detachable headshell for my Ortofon arm and Denon DL-103 cartridge, so was made to revisit things again, and have finally concluded the following:

1) Hex bolts offer a much more 'positive' and secure fitting than screws, for the very reasons Paul has mentioned - *but* they must be made from non-magnetic stainless steel, for best results (rigidity and the fact that they're non-ferrous).

2) As a result, the latter 'sound' better than screws, for reasons given.

3) My preference (visually), with headshells, and also practically too, is to fix nuts onto the top of bolts, as it's much easier to tighten them from the top, in order to obtain a good secure fixing, than at the other end, where they're harder to get at.

4) Try and obtain a small spanner [such as that shown in the pack below], which will allow you to tighten the nuts used, thus securely affixing the cartridge to the headshell (by firmly clamping it to it), subsequently ensuring an optimal mechanical connection.

That final, gentle, 'nipping up' of the nuts at the end, with a spanner, after having screwed the bolts in fully with an Allen key, makes all the difference! :)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...903/0nr1L3.jpg

Marco.

Hi Paul,

Got your cartridge mounting kit today (many thanks), and it's great! :thumbsup:

For some bizarre reason my cartridge sounds better with your bolts fitted, rather than those supplied by SRM-Tech, including the spanner (above). Therefore, folks, I'd recommend Paul's kit, here :http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1917037838...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Paul, to make it perfect, you may wish to consider including one of those little spanners with your kits? It's a rather useful little tool! :cool:

Marco.

Hi Marco,

Glad the kit arrived and it works for you, I think the sound thing is down to the grade of stainless steel, it took me a while to find "The Right One" :lol: I'm trying to source the correct size and quality of spanner as I don't want to increase the price of the kit too much, I'll keep people posted.