Appreciation for the experts

[Kurt 2,869]

 I had a wonderful experience this week I'd like to share.  The story starts out badly......  earlier this week, as I was moving gear around (which I do way more frequently than I should, probably) I accidentally knocked my turntable off a table sending it crashing to the floor.  The dust cover smashed into several pieces, the counterweight on the tone arm was broken off as was the cuing arm and several other bits.  I was as heartbroken as I was angry at my clumsiness.  I loved this turntable. It was a '80's Technics SL-D2, completely refurbished.  It looked like the day it came out of the factory.   I bought it from a guy, Carl, who refurbishes Technics turntables.  He does terrific work.

 

I didn't know if the turntable could be fixed.  So, I contacted Carl.  After I quickly described the tragedy,  Carl told me that, even if it could be fixed, I'd be better off buying a replacement turntable because it would cost less.   So, I I found another Technics in a local shop and bought it.  Got it home, added my cartridge, and it played just fine.  But, I wasn't happy.  I realized what was missing was the refurbishment... the comfort of knowing that the gear was working 100% to spec.

 

So, I contacted Carl again and asked if he would refurbish this replacement turntable, and he gave me a very fair price to do so.  I drove it down to SC yesterday and got a glimpse of Carl's workshop.  It reminded me of @Nahash5150's Nelion workshop....racks of turntables, and turntable parts, 90% Technics brand, test equipment, etc.  Carl told me about how he can't find some replacement parts but has a guy who 3D prints pieces for him.  He quickly showed me all the tests he runs.  I spent an hour just shooting the breeze with him.... he was great.   I asked him a lot of questions and he dispelled a lot of "myths" about turntables... a real down to earth guy.

 

The whole experience made me very appreciative of all the experts I know for my gear... like the folks here on the CS for Carver gear.

 

If you're ever in the need of Technics Turntable work, here's the place I recommend: https://turntablesbycth.com/

[Receiver2000 3,963]

Damn, what a tragic story - can't imagine how I would feel if I did that!!!! But with a good ending - good thing that you have Carl. What pick up are you using on the D2?

[Kurt 2,869]

 

22 hours ago, Receiver2000 said:

What pick up are you using on the D2?

I was using an ortofon blue cartridge.   That survived the crash.  But, I think I'm going to use this opportunity to change cartridges.  The Ortofon Blue is just way to revealing for me... every click pop and scratch is magnified.  I'm open to suggestions.

[Receiver2000 3,963]

That's a nice cartridge. I used to have an Audio Technica LP5 turntable and this cartridge matched up pretty good and I liked the sound. Maybe ask your turntable repair guy which cartridge has the best synergy with your table.

[Kurt 2,869]

1 hour ago, Receiver2000 said:

That's a nice cartridge. I used to have an Audio Technica LP5 turntable and this cartridge matched up pretty good and I liked the sound. Maybe ask your turntable repair guy which cartridge has the best synergy with your table.

 

Thanks, yes we've talked about it and agreed the Ortofon Blue wasn't to be liked.  Though, when asked, he said that cartridges are very much a personal preference and you gotta try them out to see what you really like.  He gave me a tip on an AT cartridge, also said he's seeing folks really liking Shure cartridges lately.

[Receiver2000 3,963]

I think that there is a mV rating where some cartridges match up better. But better ask someone else because I'm talking out of my ass.