February 2016 – Brian Maddern (Decibel Hi Fi) - Turntable Workshop.
12 QAC vinyl aficionado’s attended.
Brian Maddern (Decibel HiFi) went go through the process of setting up a turntable using Mark M’s Thorens TD280 Mk11.
Brian Maddern ran through the key features of a turntable;
– Correct belt tension,
– Arm configuration,
– Cartridge positioning,
– Oil for the platen shaft and
– The dusting procedure.
Brian removed the old cartridge and showed the group how to connect the cartridge.
Then using the Dr. Feckert protractor that the club has bought http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/dr-feickert-alignment-protractor-ng/
Brian walked us through the process of determining the position of the cartridge on the arm and then the angle of the cartridge.
Then using the KAB speed-strobe kit that the club has bought http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/kab-speedstrobe/
Brian established the turntable speed (in this case the turntable was running slow).
We played a record and then did an A – B comparison and it was agreed that you could hear the turntable was running slow.
Brian then did some comparisons of turntable mats (felt, leather, acrylic & silicone) on a Linn Sondek LP12 turntable.
Most of the members preferred the George E Merrill Dandy rubber cork compound mat.
Some members preferred the polymer Cartridge Mans Music Mat (almost twice the price and quite thick – requiring a tonearm VTA adjustment)
Didi S (new member) brought along Marigo VTS Vibration control, which was fitted to the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable for a comparison.
Many thanks to Brian Maddern for hosting this workshop.
