My SL-QL1 @ Vantage Audio service

[chris@panteg]

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.



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 .

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