My SL-QL1 @ Vantage Audio service
Right folk's i originally bought this old 1980's Technics linear tracker purely for a bit of fun and for casual use in the family system ! purchased in June 2009 for £25 off eBay , here is a piccie of an SLQL1 though not mine ' just for reference.
http://www.nrpavs.co.nz/archive_2_09...412_pixels.gif
Its 7.4 kilo's and very solidly made , a joy to use.
Now in the time i have this modest and actually half decent performer ' I've grown rather fond of it , true its not going to challenge the SL1200 or many other high quality decks , but i like it and now 25 years old give or take i quite like the idea of using it for another 25 years god willing i will last that long :rolleyes:.
So to the point of this thread and in all honesty its more about Vantage Audio and their service's than my modest QL1 ! as its now in Richard's capable hands .
I will add updates as and when i can ! but so far Richard has done a thorough test and inspection and presented to me a list of options so take a look.
[B]Special center weight to improve overall dynamics and resonance control
Replacement footers to improve isolation
Special sub-frame mount to further improve mounting and isolation
Replacement main bearing thrust assembly to lower noise floor
Replacement phono lead set to improve signal noise rej
Pre-service listening checks:
Unit and supplied accessories as received: captive power cord, captive audio output leads, platter, mat, AT3482P cart installed (no protective cap)
Cosmetic condition: good, usual age related marks, etc
Initial power up: line power set to 220-240vac, all LEDS & buttons function OK, platter spins freely, quartz lock/strobe OK, speed change OK, test record plays OK, linear arm movemnt reasonable in all directions, servo motor settings require adjustment )cartridge is "leading" servo motor when record is tracking).
Initial listening impressions: installed AT cart tends to "meld" sound of instruments together with overall dynamics masked. Comparison listening test carried out with Technics P23 cartridge fitted with a new elliptical stylus and found the soundstage to be much more presentable and less muddled. Slight pitch waver on some notes, will compare after service. Check function of muting circuit (RH channel muted level slightly high).
Recommendations: normal motor service, replacement electrolytic pack, tighten power supply +B line with improved regualtion, service linear arm track and cueing damper.
Further recommendations: upgrade phono cartridge, upgrade captive audio output leads, consider removal of power supply components to external chassis for improved EMF reading and noise floor, consider upgraded footers and support
Patience and understanding is the key....
The thing is, when dealing with small, specialist companies, you have to make allowances for the fact that they don't have the same infrastructure in place, compared with bigger organisations, to guarantee similar levels of efficiency. Therefore you must allow more time for work to be carried out than normal, and sometimes there will be delays. However, nine times out of ten, there's nothing 'dodgy' going on!
Small companies like Vantage Audio will generally be working flat out most of the time to earn a decent living, and so will often take on more work than they can realistically handle, which can lead to the delays some have experienced. If quoted, say, three weeks for completion of any work, then add another couple of weeks on top, and that'll usually be about right...
But that's the price you pay for access to such expertise, so the best thing to do is be patient, sit tight, and you'll reap the rewards when your gear comes back sounding better than ever!! :)
Marco.
