fini Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 All done (except for a new plinth that I will build, either out of some tigerwood flooring I scored ultra cheap or some other species of hardwood)! To the left is the step-up transformer I built using Altec/Peerless 4722s. The arm is an Ortofon RS-212 (albeit with an aftermarket Empire headshell) in which a Denon DL-103 is mounted. I've gotta say, this table is very quiet, and comes up to speed within 2 or 3 revs. Work done included replacing the nylon platter bearings with new sintered bronze bushings, new thrust pad (metal) and gasket, completely rebuilding the motor, cleaning everything, new silicone motor mount grommets, new silicone "dots" between the main platter and upper platter "shell", new DIY power cord (14 ga. with DIY copper braid shielding, Techflex, and fancy plug), new DIY leads (using Blue Jeans cable and RCA plugs) soldered to the unusual (i.e. hard-to-find) 7-pin Ortofon plug (w/ more Techflex and a separate ground wire). They must have supplied this combo (TD-124 and RS-212) pretty often when sold new. There's a set-up like this for sale on eBay right now (although it's a MKII 124). The seller doesn't include leads from the tonearm. He states that the leads are readily available from SME, even though I told him they wouldn't work with the Ortofon (7-pin vs. 5-pin, I believe). Oh well, kinda like Greg's hassle with the guy and his K-22s... If anyone needs sources of supply for any of the parts, let me know. I spent a significant amount of time tracking this stuff down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 The underside, before restoration Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 Ugly, earwax-like goop had leaked out of the motor... and it looks like my dog rolled around in it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 Here the motor has been rebuilt. Notice the rivets are gone, replaced with tiny (M2.5) bolts. This will make it easier to rebuild it next time, in 50 years. Upgrades I might consider at this point are longer motor mounting bolts (to make it like those on the MKII, which allow the use of more silicone grommets, which reduce any motor noise), and a thicker platter thrust plate (again, it's supposed ot reduce noise). As I said above, it's already dang quiet, so I'm not in a big hurry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyrc Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Here is a TD 124, tucked into its natural habitat c 1968: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 All that work and you managed to drop it on the floor. Look at that kink you've got in your arm. And are those magic pebbles I espy in the background? Magic pebbles, harummph. Just another one of those nutty Left Coast things. Oh and how's it sound? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighting guy Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Nice job Fini! From the first photo it looks like you had a screw left over; happens to me too. Are those magic pebbles on your windowsill? [] Darrell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted June 17, 2008 Author Share Posted June 17, 2008 Darrell, Someone told me I had a screw loose, so I removed it. I have spare parts hidden everywhere in this house... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Turner Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Very nice and it encourages me to get on with my project. I was really looking forward to taking my time and rebuilding the motor, platter bearings, replacing the grommets (I've been researching the project for months) but I've run into a problem. The TD-124 I got off ebay is immaculate...everything appears to work perfectly. I plugged it in and it was so quiet I was amazed. My only concern is the seller unscrewed the spindle from the platter to ship it but it was very well packaged so that might have been the best approach. The NOS SME 3009 I also got off ebay (type 2 improved unfortunately...I jumped too soon) also appears to be NOS...the only problem is the headshell connectors which are old and brittle. I was planning to replace the rubber coupling and upgrade the bearings to bronze but I'm hesitating to do that either. And to make matters worse I think I've decided to get a plinth like Kudrets (although my personal preference is for the squared off corners) and a DL 103r cartridge...so I may be near the end of the journey. You may laugh but I was really looking forward to this project occupying much more of my time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted June 17, 2008 Author Share Posted June 17, 2008 No laughing here, I understand completely. It's a lot of fun! I wouldn't bother replacing that stuff right now, Charles. You can always do those upgrades later. They're pretty easy to do, and don't need super re-alignment precision (which I appreciate!). I'm not sure the DL-103R would be the best choice of cartridge for the 3009 SII Improved. They're not made anymore, but a DL-103D I think would be perfect. They show up on eBay occasionally. A used one could be sent to SoundSmith for a retip. It'd be a bit pricey, but you don't have to spend money on TT upgrades... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 That sure is nice, fini! You did a great job bringing that table back to spec, and I'm sure it sounds as good as it looks. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Very nice Gregg. Congrats!! 2 or 3 revs?? Really? That's amazing! How does it compare to prior tables you've owned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 NICE! You did a great job and it looks perfect[] What are you running under that shell an SPU? I'm so torn as I really love the 124's but my wife will kill me if I bring another fixer upper into the house[] Maybe I can just tell her what a new Scout rim drive runs and reason will set in, no chance[6] LOL As much as I like Kudret's custom plinth I do like the basic square corner also[] Sorry it took me so long to see your post[:$] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 What are you running under that shell an SPU? You know Kaiser if you would just slow down and READ, Denon 103! You would not have to ask idiotic questions[:|] Now I'm with Gary, how does it sound and compared to your last analog setup? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted June 17, 2008 Author Share Posted June 17, 2008 Geeze, what were you doing, working?? Thanks for the comps, that's a Denon 103 down there. Keep an eye out, Tim. I got mine for $200, with the arm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 I will, I'm kind of partial to Allan's arm though[] If I end up getting one I'm going to have to try Mike's 103R because it gets some fine press outside of you need a power station to drive it[:|] LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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