Beginner Budget Hi-Fi Build: Part 3

[@decadentnightmare6602]

I come for the tech but I stay for the shirts

[@X2FileWrightonite]

I know-right?

[@deathdeathrevolution3499]

Techmoan's wallet: Yes my child

[@DisplacedGamers]

This multi-part video series is just conditioning me to expect new Techmoan videos on a daily basis.

[@TMNT39]

We're so spoiled now

[@giork2828]

...so YOU ARE SAYING he will be posting daily now?!! :-S

[@nap8187]

Giork No, just this series afaik

[@andreib302]

YES

[@spiff2268]

It's like drugs man! Get them on a constant stream and it's great. But when that gets interrupted life just sucks!

[@snacklofter]

Can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this series. Please don't stop - can you do a highish end system too? Cheers snack.

[@aprofondir]

I don't think he's infinitely rich hahah

[@rebeccaschade3987]

Unless he is rich, I imagine that's unlikely.

[@TheNightquaker]

@@aprofondir Well, I reckon his main Hi-Fi system is highish end, actually. So maybe he could just do an overview of it.

[@BBC600]

snacklofter I think it’d be cool if he designed a hypothetical Hi-Fi with expensive components and then priced it out.

[@Stoney3K]

@@BBC600 I agree, and for that setup, throw a midrange 3-head cassette deck and a reel-to-reel in the mix.

[@colormetwisted]

i feel like he has a closet of shirts labeled "Shirts my wife wont let me wear in public" and just chooses a different one for every episode. i like it

[@Dorelaxen]

I know it's not for everyone, but I built my system by going to flea markets and estate sales. Found my Technics cassette player at an estate sale for like 5 bucks. Only needed a belt replaced. Got my Technics linear turntable at a flea market for 30, and it too only needed a belt and a few other small pieces. The receiver I got at a pawn shop, and while it's a modern one, it's also modern enough that it's caught up to the vinyl boom and has a built in amp. Just a little patience can net you some amazing deals. Not to mention you get to see all kinds of weird stuff while going to these sales.

[@panodlogo]

This is Audio Technica AT91 cartridge. With this cartridge, standard tracking force will be 2.0g, but it sounds better with 1.5-1.7g :)

[@hiprockdud]

My second TT I bought was Pioneer PL-200. Cost me 10 euros without lid and it was sent to me just in textile bag. Luckily it arrived all alright. Really beautiful player, slim, stylish, on/off integrated in the arm movement. Very happy to see it on this channel. Cheers

[@FatNorthernBigot]

These are always watchable... It's as interesting as it is "penultimate".

[@jafizzle95]

Four days in a row of Techmoan is really all I could ever ask for for Christmas.

[@nicolasjarpa4336]

You really don't know how many of these devices are around you. I have a collection of vintage stereos, VCRs, walkmans, tube radios etc, and most of them were donated!. Your Family, friend's family, neighbors may have something like these and you don't need to buy anything. Flea markets and thrift stores are a good option too. Nice video!

[@RCAvhstape]

That version of the Pioneer logo on the turntable is the one I remember growing up, love it, Pioneer stuff always looked hi tech to me, and that turntable is very nice to look at.

[@grahamevans9606]

Great choice for the turntable....All The Pioneer's from that era are excellant.

[@TheBrokenLife]

I'm really enjoying this series, Mat. If you should so desire, a budget surround series would be fun too. Over the many years of building my own home systems I've found surround to be much more challenging to get sorted out well on a budget.

[@reneneron2971]

Enjoying the series, and excellent choice on the turntable. Easy to adjust, quality unit that will likely work perfectly for decades. Change the cartridge; that is a wear item and a damaged or worn needle can destroy your vinyl collection. You are dragging a hard diamond across a vinyl surface.

[@numptification]

Loving this series. I always wanted a direct drive turntable when I was young. And I finally got one for £15 last month at a flea market. Old hi-fi is amazing value.

[@crbenne]

Not too long ago I was able to find a local chap through Facebook that refurbished older HiFi equipment for resale, and he sold me a Pioneer PL-255 turntable which has been a real treat to own. Would definitely recommend the range to anyone looking for a good turntable.

[@JeffBreyer]

My parents had a Hitachi SR303 receiver. Always loved that thing. While not a high level of output it had full clear sound. And it looked great. When I went and put together a system I thought about using it as my base but went with a Sony HDMI receiver instead. I may add the SR303 in in the future but anyways, this is a great series.

[@brentb5303]

I'm glad you did this series because you don't have to spend a bundle to get into the hobby. Of course some do like me and yourself but it's not necessary to find amazing components that hold up well to the big dogs. I do a channel on this topic but love your opinion because you approach the topic unbiased as possible. Thanks!

[@SirJeff]

Hello Techmoan, regarding the stylus cartridge, I think it's an Audio-Technica AT-91 :)

[@Techmoan]

Thanks. If so 2.5g is top end (but within) the recommended tracking force limits.

[@bensharp4164]

I always enjoy your videos! I imagine you may address this in the final chapter but I'd thought i'd throw in my 2 cents. I put a budget system together for my partner and picked up an AT-91, I thought it would be better than those ubiquitous red ones that come on numarks and crosley's. It was no better and sounds so brittle I cant stand to listen to it, it really let the whole system down. It might be worth discussing vintage/used carts (Ortofon VMS, Technics 270C etc...) you can pick them up for next to nothing and you can still buy styli from bog standard to high end.

[@meowtuna]

Yes it’s an AT-91 - recommended force 2g. I have one myself on an old JVC 1980s turntable

[@OtisAdonisChad]

@@Techmoan 2g would be safer as mentioned here. Maybe more optimum and safe

[@KenjiUmino]

yup - i just bought an AT-91 earlier this year. according to the spec sheet the tracking force should be 1.5 - 2.5 g with 2 g being recommended. the stylus can be swapped with an AT3600 wich is pretty common on new turntables these days (my dual DT250USB came with and AT3600L preinstalled) so if that original AT-91 stylus needs to be replaced but you can't buy an AT-91 stylus any more for some reason, a 3600 will do.

[@clutchkman]

The amount of things that I don't know seem infinite sometimes. Thanks for all the helpful information!

[@silverlebelge3679]

I have this turntable ! Bought it without a cartridge for 5€ in a thrift store last year. It's a decent machine with all the basic options. Today the market has exploded and it's almost impossible to find a bargain outside of small thrift stores and garage sales. Great vidéo as always ! And merry Christmas !

[@bradjones1977]

That test disc is actually very useful. I use my copy often!

[@Scott_From_Maine]

The PL400 has a series of magnets made into the bottom of the platter and a coil mounted below in the body of the turntable. So the platter IS the motor. It doesn't get any more direct drive than that.

[@MrDegsy69]

Scott from Maine my first semi decent turntable was a Pioneer direct drive. I then upgraded later to a Linn LP12 which was a revelation. The secret was the isolation provided to the platter with it's belt drive and sub chassis spring arrangement. I always understood direct drives to be the choice of the DJ where the audiophile credentials were not so important. 8-bit seemed to prefer the direct drive option but i always thought they sounded to bright with their metallic platters and direct motor induction noise ringing into it.

[@belverdemotorsports2410]

Yeah, it's the same principle used in the technics 1200 and 1210 tts, and it makes no noise at all! It's a wonderful idea

[@Scott_From_Maine]

The turntable and tonearm platform are mounted on a very heavy base suspended in the frame of the unit to dampen and isolate from vibration. It was excellent for costing under $200 in the early 80's.

[@KenjiUmino]

i can see why one would prefer direct drive over belt drive for hifi use: longevity no belt means one less part that degrades and needs to be replaced sooner or later. not sure how much of an issue the motor noise really is on a budget system like this

[@eugenelam4714]

Watching this series from Matt inspired me to go hunting for a budget hifi setup. Off eBay I got a Technics SA-EX700 for $50AUD, and a AKAI AP-D210 turntable with new stylus for $99AUD. I got lucky with a set of standing speakers, getting them for free off a Sharp microsystem. A chance driveby through a council cleanup area yielded both a Yamaha CDX-550 CD player and KX232 double tape deck. After some setup, my $149AUD hifi was done and seemed reasonable. When I watched this video, I thought about colours and decided to go down the silver route. I picked up a Sansui 4000 receiver for $200, an AKAI CS-M3 for $70, and managed to win a Matt-prefrence fully automatic, quartz lock, direct drive AKAI AP-Q60 for $200. Now I just need to clear the unused bits and my budget should be around the same as 250 British Pounds :) Thanks Matt for your time and dedication into these videos and giving others inspiration to tinker along!

[@esa062]

Adjusting antiskate on a grooveless disk is actually not a good methhod. The skating force is quite different in a proper groove. The good way is to use the tracking tests on that test record. A loud sine sound. With an oscilloscope you can check that both channels follow the sine wave equally well. Or if you don't have an oscilloscope, as most don't, you can record the sound on the computer with Audacity or such and study the waveform. Or just do it by ear, listen some loud and clean sound, turn antiscate both ways and listen when it starts to distort. The correct value is in the middle of those points. In the tracking force adjustment the part with the scale in it rotates freely, and the other part is the adjustment. You balance the arm, then turn the scale to 0, then turn the adjustment again until the scale reads the value you need. A good guess for tracking force on Audio-Technica cartridges is 2.0 grams.

[@Charlesb88]

esa062 while this grooveless method may not be the best, it’s still going to get your antiskate setting much closer to what it should be and then you can use the better methods at a later time to fine tune it. Sort of like setting your HD TV to cinema mode which gets you much closer the tv’s ideal picture settings (vs the bright store display mode most come out of the box set to) then going back later to do a proper calibration of the tv either yourself or by hiring expert tv calibrator to come in to calibrate it for you.

[@esa062]

Actually setting it on the same number as tracking force is often more accurate. On my turntable the tracking force is 2.0 g. If i set the antiscating so that it stays put on a CD surface, it reads 1.8. The correct setting is when it reads between 2.5 - 3.

[@mosesmathurin3474]

The absolute best in the field on this type of subject. I have watched you over the years and have contiuned to be inspired by your depth of knowledge sir. Carry on and keep up the good work!

[@willierants5880]

Don't know about everyone else, but I'm quite enjoying this series. And those shirts, dapper as ever.

[@Zadster]

Thank you for making audio videos based in the real world! Most audio based stuff on the Interwebtubenet seems to be based somewhere in the upper financial stratosphere. My late 1980s black Technics separates system is looking better by the day, carry on! No I don't mean that sarcastically, this series is highlighting that good equipment is still good, despite all the technological advances. The linear Class A/AB amp is still solid, and the speakers are just about run in, as these days I feed my PC sound out through the system. The design of good gear seems to owe more to engineering than stylists.

[@scottlawrenz6467]

I have a Technics SL-6Q, a later version of the SL-5. It is a Direct Drive unit, has quartz lock and is semi programmable. It's supposed to use an optical sensor to detect the gaps in the tracks so you can program it to play specific tracks. The programmable function doesn't really work on mine. Given that it's over 30 years old, I'm happy with it as it is. Overall, a nice little turntable with a small footprint. Uses a P-mount as opposed to a standard mount. The tone arm is built into the cover and it's fully automatic. Down side is if you have any slightly warped records, they can bang up against the lid. It was my first real daily driver until I replaced it with a more traditional turntable. I still use it with my living room stereo int he living room on occasion. The small size allows me to tuck it away when not in use. I've enjoyed these videos. They've made me realize that I'm not a beginner any more. Though I'll probably never be an audiophile.

[@beitie]

Thanks Techmoan! Actually, thanks to all your videos, you've inspired me to go with a fully automatic direct drive turntable as well. I love the look and function of your Denon, and I wanted to get something similar. So I've replaced my Bang & Olufsen RX2 with a Pioneer PL-707. Thanks for all your great videos, and wish you a Merry Christmas!

[@jame5j]

Really enjoying this series... would love to see a similar series for home cinema/ surround sound set up.

[@fredumoh.8768]

Good choice in turntable, even if it doesn't tick all your boxes! I personally use a Pioneer PL-512 that I picked up at a pawn shop for $25 that was in almost new shape, it just needed a belt. I love it as I like manual belt driven players, keeps maintaining it easy if it comes up.

[@twistedviewlabs]

Also, major kudos for putting this together. I'm putting together a beginner setup for my son using some existing existing components but leaving off the CD player since he owns no CD's and he's wanting the total analog listening experience. I bought him a secondhand turntable (the PL-990) based on my top ramen budget and I had an old Pioneer dual cassette that hasn't seen action in a while. I'm thinking about the caceiver option since all the secondhand receivers I've seen at thrift shops here are geared towards home theater...a bit excessive really. Not to mention, I don't have the time to refurbish that Pioneer cassette deck. I picked the PL-990 since I've owned it at one point in my life so I know its quirks. Anyhow, thanks again for this...perfect timing

[@pathagas]

Oh god I love the word “penultimate”!!! Really gets me in the mood for this type of video.

[@antoinep9733]

Techmoan, you rock, this series is so interesting. I suspect the chances of getting a lemon component amongst the peaches is pretty high, but at these prices not the end of the world.

[@denniswallace8298]

I just want to say thank you for your advice. I bought a PL-400 today and it a amazing device. Thanks

[@BluesBrethrenofPolishPeoplesR]

Many thanks for this tutorial on how get a hifi system today in a budget way.

[@davemckenzie4363]

I really enjoy all your videos on HiFi and especially old formats. I have enough 80's and 90's stuff to make a couple of systems. The best sources I have are my beloved Rega/Acos Planet deck that's been upgraded and mucked about with over the years. I also love to use Minidisc . I have two decks and about 10 portable players. I also use a DAB tuner and an old Marantz CD player from new. I watched the "Beginners Budget Hi-Fi Build" and I'm pleased that you managed to get a system that you are happy with, However. It was a little like a lucky dip. I personally would spend more on the source than anything else. The reason is that it is where the sound is gathered and the more detail you get at the beginning the more you will be able to hear. That is after all the reason for buying a system.I have no problem with the Casseiver, after all I used one very happily for a long time and was happy with it. It was inherited and cost me nothing. However since then I have always made sure I could hear the amp with my source before buying either of them. Most Hi-Fi shops have listening rooms and are happy to let you browse and listen to equipment so that you will be happy with your system when you get it home. Some will even lend you speakers for a few days to listen to your stuff at home to see how it fits in. My point is that it is well worth calling in and having a chat about the equipment you have. The staff are normally very knowledgeable and will give good advice abut the equipment that would best suit you. Everyone hears differently and have preferences that are very personal. Would you consider doing a video about buying from a dealer just to show what questions you should ask, and what makes a decent dealer? Just a thought. I was so impressed with your blog about the Sony HAP-S1 I went to see if I could listen to one but Sony had already stopped selling them. Apparently they weren't popular enough to warrant keeping them in stock. I was gutted. Anyway, Keep up the great work. Thanks for all the great stuff you've done.

[@Joloke08]

My Hi Fi is built mainly from old seperates though i pushed the boat out a little and bought brand new B&W speakers :) I think Speakers can be a bit of a risk used because you dont really know how they have been driven or in the case of old speakers with paper cones if they are rotted? You can even get hi end stuff if your willing to go older My system comprises of 60's/70's Quad Power Amplifier £90,Control Unit/Pre Amp £150 FM3 Tuner £40 Phillips CD104 £35 (and of 1984 Vintage all die cast one of the first) And a Linn Basik Turntable £200 Knocks socks of anything available these days! My Quad 303 Power Amp turns 50 next year! Built to last :) Really enjoying this series Matt I just need to buy a Tape Deck now but whaiting for the right period one that compliments my other gear :) Jo

[@badmeme486]

Thanks for the introduction to that band, they're great

[@sfv650fu]

10:20 OCD satisfied!

[@TomboLP]

You and me both!

[@DumahBrazorf]

My first thought: "Was he lucky or just recorderd multiple times to nail it?"

[@Huwie73]

Very satisfying -I thought it was just me!! 🤓

[@archerymark2388]

Oh yes.

[@X2FileWrightonite]

LOL!

[@Anybloke]

In 1982, I bought a Pioneer PL 220. It was basically the same as yours but in silver and with a straight arm. Bugger broke down 3 times and I replaced it with a Rega in 1986. Still got the Rega.

[@daawsomone]

Gotta say loving the series so far, I was lucky enough to find my first stereo set at a "Cash Converters" which is essentially a pawn shop. Managed to get an Onkyo set that had 2 bookshelf speakers, FM /AM receiver + amp combo, duel cassette deck and CD player. All for $199 AUD. ever since then always kept an eye out for similar stuff in other stores and you wouldn't believe some of the stuff i've seen, some great 70's - 80's gear and since most of the time these places don't know much about this stuff its at a very reasonable price. Well anyway always enjoy seeing your vids keep up the good content :).

[@petermilsom1109]

Good intro series for folks like me. I never had the budget "back in the day", but now i am older (50s), with less good hearing, I can actually afford the stuff (2nd hand, at least).

[@allthebeesaredead188]

Something special from Techmoan at Xmas has become a tradition to look forward to for me now. Great stuff. You can occasionally get some decent hifi separates on Freecycle, I got a Technics CD player for free a few years ago

[@ixionn563]

Not liking certain components in a setup is the reason I love hifi, don't like the record player? Try a different one. Don't like the sound of your amp? Try a different one. Being able to change any component of the setup to one of your liking and upgrade overtime is what makes it such a fun hobby. I don't think it's worth arguing about in the comment section of a youtube video, if you like how your system sounds then stick with it, no need to listen to anyone talking down on your setup. However it is always good to listen to advice to improve your setup. Thanks for the quality content, I'm sure there are many who will appreciate the help in setting up their own hifi.

[@Out2GetYaWorldAKAMcfly]

You givin me a reason to dust off my Technic direct drive and have some fun this Holiday weekend! Merry Christmas!

[@wspolczynnik_poissona]

The problem is that these will become much more expensive after this video due to Techmoan Effect ;)

[@1974UTuber]

Isn't it always the way

[@ianhornby]

Maybe I should list my sl5!

[@justandras.]

But he is making a guide on how to choose one for yourself. So if people start hunting for these but you don't stick for these models you won't feel the Techmoan Effect :D

[@Schwallex]

Upvote Wojciech's comment if you, too, have completely missed the whole point of this miniseries. Let's see how many people don't actually listen to what Techmoan says.

[@wspolczynnik_poissona]

@@Schwallex I get, that this series is about advices, not about exact models. It was a little joke, I'm not even planning to build a Hi-Fi any time soon.

[@lolimoka3654]

I freaking swear I had notifications turned on, this series is amazing

[@Ben2D]

Love this series, maybe add onto it a bit like compact shelving for the equipment or potential upgrades

[@kanalnamn]

I usually use a laserdisc to adjust anti-skating. Works good.

[@edwardz.rosenthal9946]

That was my 1st turntable, but in silver! Ah, memories of trying to dust off albums with the wooden-handled felt cleaner, but only managing to static-charge them even more...

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

I notice the sender did not remove the platter prior to shipping. It's generally a good idea to remove the platter, secure the subframe (if there is one, there are usually special bolts in place for that purpose) and package the platter outside the turntable. If the platter's weight is significant - and in most turntables of a certain quality level it generally is - then if it is left on the spindle during transport, there is a chance it could get dislodged and damage other parts (such as the tonearm) or damage the spindle bearing due to the force it will exert on it during sudden jolts etc. Spindle bearings in most second hand turntables are either irreplaceable or expensive and difficult to replace. It's not worth the risk of not removing the platter, in fact, I think this is the single golden rule with regards to turntable shipping that one should observe.

[@chrispybee]

Such a shame you couldn’t find that Technics record player - great series 👍🏻

[@X2FileWrightonite]

WORD!

[@X2FileWrightonite]

Once owned a Technics SL-7. Hands down - one of the Best Turntables I ever owned.

[@spuds6423]

I have the linear tracking turntable Mat shows in the vid... Still works...got it for 15 bucks at a garage sale 10 years ago...the teenage girl who sold it had to ask her dad what it was!!! He was a few years older than me but I could see the sorry look in his eyes and as he gave out a silent groan. I felt like I was taking away a once prized possession!! 😁

[@TheBigBigBlues]

Would love to see you and LGR go thrifting

[@laranaarana]

I remember the first system that I bought c.1985 when working at Radio Shack. The amplifier was the model STA-790 that had a 7 band frequency equalizer built in, matched to an SCT-23 cassette unit, a CD-200 cd player, a pair of Realistic Optimus T-120 3 way tower speakers and a Realistic LAB-430 direct drive turntable. Through the years I replaced the amplifier, cassette and CD players with the Optimus Professional Series 5.1 surround Optimus STAV-3770, the SCT-57 dual cassette unit and the CD-7300 6 cd cartridge unit. I saved a lot of money buying them when those model were replaced for a new model.

[@X2FileWrightonite]

Oh How I Miss them days !

[@simonoleary9264]

I think belt drive vs direct drive is largely a matter of personal preference. If there is any minor speed instability in the motor, then the belt can help to even that out, but the belts can stretch, degrade and snap. Direct drive doesn't have that buffer, so any speed issues are more easily detectable, this is why the quartz lock mechanism is more important for direct drive. Personally, I've still got my old Dual CS505-3, I did have to replace the belts and lubricate the track & return mechanism, but these are really good turntables when working and can be found pretty cheaply on eBay. Keep up the interesting videos, I've just subscribed 😃

[@synchro505]

This series is quite a lot of fun. Nice work!

[@kek23k]

I've owned and used record players for over 30 years but only today did I learn how to set the anti-skate :)

[@snouty2005]

OMG you reminded me I have a turntable in the loft and I checked it because the one you chose looked familiar. Turns out I have a Pioneer PL-400X. Looks like it's working too. Very chuffed.

[@MrLONCARD]

Another great and down to earth audio video. Keep on. Greetings from denmark. Br Loncar

[@JunkTardis]

I have a Sony PS-212A which I brought with me from the UK to the US when I emigrated last year, and this does not have a power switch. It's semi automatic, direct drive from around 1977ish. It's rated for 220-240v but works fine on 110v/60Hz without having to replace the transformer and has indicators for both on the strobe. When I was doing some repair work on it, I noticed the direct AC wire goes to a switch under the platter that the tonearm switches on or off, so once the stylus retracts fully the switch disengages and cuts AC power. It came with no pre-amp, but I managed to take a pre-amp from eBay, disassemble it and built it straight inside the turntable and replaced the old phono leads with some brand new high end Technics lead that provide line level output. It's been my project for a few years to fully restore it, as I picked it up from a pawn shop for £30 (Cash Generator). It did come with a perspex lid in perfect physical condition, and amazingly had the original stylus on it. I changed the clamshell and stylus to an Audio Technica and it helped a huge amount. The hardest part of the project was replacing the tonearm wire. I wanted to put some newer wire in there that was less likely to pick up any hum or background noise, it's not a job for the faint of heart.

[@christopherneufeldt4035]

Hey, I have a PL-300 I got from a garage sale about 14 years ago. Very cool to see a similar model from the same model range in a video do yours.

[@bryede]

When adjusting tracking force, you need to make sure both halves of the weight turn together (turning the back half alone should accomplish this as there is friction between the two halves). On this weight, the back portion is connected to the threads so starting at a floating zero and turning both halves to 2 should screw the weight forward enough to provide the 2 grams. The cartridge looks like an AT91 which tracks at 2g.

[@moviebod]

Very interesting and you have taught this old dog a new trick. I didn't realise (realize) that the tracking affected the volume of each channel. It seems that my tracking may be out, but fortunately, I bought the disk you used after you recommended it it in one of your other videos. Also, it looks to me from the brown hue on the cover and the residue on the white phono plug that your record deck may have belonged to a smoker. May he rest in peace.

[@stevecharlton3271]

Loving this series I stream my music now watching your series I miss cds and tapes might have to start a hi fi collection of my own

[@bland9876]

I went to play my gamecube recently and it felt strange putting the disc in more recently have been mostly playing 3ds and switch

[@JacksJamz]

Great great videos for a beginner like myself, thanks! I really like the fact that you’ve taken aesthetics into consideration as well.

[@mikeswatches2480]

When Mr Techmoan announces he is making a 4 part series you know its going to be good - and it is . . .

[@Ravedaze.]

For the DJ,s choice a penny in the stylus is king 👍😃

[@MatroxMillennium]

Nice choice of turntable! I have a similarly-featured Pioneer PL-4 that I picked up from a thrift store ages ago. It's in rough shape, but it's my favorite turntable out of the few that I own. Every once in a while it has issues with the speed control, unfortunately, and I have to go in and clean it, but obviously I like the turntable enough to put up with that, haha.

[@An9eL_C]

What can I say, I love R"a"cordplayers... Techmoan thank you so much for sharing your videos...

[@1171karl]

After all these years I now know the correct way to set the anti skate... I used to do it by lifting the tone arm and setting it down again, and checking whether it had moved towards the centre or the edge.

[@twistedviewlabs]

That Audio Technica cartridge is the AT3600L. You were right on the money with the guess as they recommend between 2.5 & 3.5. We have the same cartridge (though ours is off white...probably how it comes in the States) on our PL-990

[@benters3509]

Should have gone for the most iconic of them all. The Pioneer PL12D! This was the turntable to have in the late seventies.

[@glyph2011]

These videos are brilliant! Can't wait for part 4 !

[@finkelmana]

You can try polishing the scratches out. Also you could try retrobrighting that yellowness out.

[@ixionn563]

I've seen some use automotive polish and a buffer to clean those lids up, some are just beyond saving though unfortunately.

[@meowKittieh]

Now I'm regretting that $50 headshell I just purchased. Oh well 😎. Thanks for another great video! Its amazing what you can pick up on a bargain with a little patience and research!

[@scottsasonicinc2445]

@6:50 - that's the proper test.. some people are promoting using a CD for the anti-skate, but a CD is in the label area, not designed for normal playback will give you wild readings.

[@AutistCat]

I got the PL-512X. Love Pioneer 😍

[@bikeradycbr]

The pl220x and all the pl range use a mains switch as part of the mechanism so when it stops it is disconnected from the mains, as a service engineer i have serviced many of these there a brilliant deck.

[@Chassus]

I've been looking at that turntable and didn't know what the difference between the PL-200 and PL-200X. Now I know, thanks

[@frglee]

Aw. Getting misty eyed, good old analogue tech, rising again like a phoenix!

[@MultiMacsek]

Yaay, I have exactly the same TT setup. The cart is most likely a cheap and cheery AT-91.

[@mariuskorn3026]

I have a technics sl-5 and it is a wonderful turntable

[@mrcool5351]

great video,pioneer turntable no lemon here,as you say fully automatic is the way to go japan kit wins again in books 😃😃😃😃

[@Charlesb88]

About the “missing” power button on turntable. I or my parents have had several turntables that did not have a power switch. You simply connected them to a switched power socket on the back of your receiver/amp and it controlled the power to the turntable (when the amp was off the turntable was off).

[@carolus3459]

Best KZbin video serie this year!

[@lookoutleo]

i bought my pl-200x in 1980 and still use it every day, its been a great turntable, never had to repair it ever, cant say same for the amp i had it was the matching one , it died in the 90s , so my turntable is 40 years old and cost me £90 from burligton catelogue in 1980 :) think the amp was same price and i had 40 weeks interest free payments

[@BertGrink]

Nice choice of components so far.

[@Doomanoid1979]

An interesting and useful video. I've found a few good UK ones from this range on Ebay and I'm very tempted to buy one!

[@simonsaysrewind]

Happy Christmas Mr Techmoan 🎅 thank you for your superb videos and look forward to more next year too. 👍

[@kenalfaroponce4778]

Awesome video series! Can't wait to see the full system!

[@groenendiek]

lol Matt's trying to adjust tracking force by rotating the non-threaded ring with indicator at 5:04. And Matt, the first thing I would do before any adjusting, would be apply some cleaning. If only just the dust :)

[@colewoodard8920]

Found a PL-200 at the flea market for 15 USD the same day this was uploaded, who would've known

[@wrthrash]

Dang, that's the exact turntable I've had since maybe 1985 or so!!!!

[@markmarkofkane8167]

Another entertaining video. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to you. And looking forward to part 4 and more videos!

[@1974UTuber]

What's with the 7 dislikes? Seriously can't understand why someone would watch and dislike something they are not interested in.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

Because you can't really form an opinion about what one says until you hear them out? But what makes you think the dislikes are from people who actually watched the video? It's not necessary to watch the video in order to vote - youtube does not control that.

[@phillipsofthedriver]

The yt engagement ratings don't care if it's thumbs down or up, it all counts towards the engagement rating. So dislikes actually count as a positive. If someone actually dislikes a video or creator, the most negative they can do is **deleted the rest of the sentence so as not to give the wankers any ideas**

[@joshuarosen6242]

@@RWL2012 While I think you are probably right here, people still watch videos about topics they know they aren't interested in and then criticise the video and its subject matter. Why would anyone watch a video that is clearly about, for example, cricket or baseball and then further waste their time commenting on how boring cricket or baseball is? I don't know either but people do it all the time. There are more idiots about than is strictly necessary.

[@w7777777s]

I am reasonably sure that the discrepancy between the indicated and actual tracking force after you balanced the arm is caused by the weight being on the arm backward. In the other pictures and all tables of this general type, the black indicator dial faces the front of the arm. If you flip it around and do the same procedure adjusting static balance, then turn the black part to the zero point, then both together to the desired tracking force, which likely will be best on this cartridge at 2-2 1/4 G. , I bet it will agree closely with your scale. As to the anti skate adjustment, I have seen arguments for both methods of using a grooveless track and a high frequency loud tone and adjusting for minimum and balanced distortion on both channels between anti skate and tracking force.

[@MikeBucceroni]

No, he has it the right way round, I believe he's just using it incorrectly. The only actual adjustment is done by moving the back one, which moves both. The front ring with the numbers turns so you can zero it, then you turn the whole weight til it reads the force you want. It's hard to explain, but that's how the adjustment works on my PL-4. One thing to note is that the peg on the back of the tonearm may be broken as it was on mine. It needs to stick out so that turning the weight moves it in and out properly. If it's broken then turning it won't move it the correct amount. After fixing it it works perfectly.

[@w7777777s]

Mike Bucceroni Usually the large metal one is the actual weight and it’s in the back. The thin black one is the indicator you zero after the arm is balanced at zero weight. You then turn the weight and indicator together in the direction that moves it closer to the front, thus adding the desired tracking force. A full revolution is usually about 3 grams. The fact that he dialed up 2.5 and it still looked like almost zero meant that something wasn’t actually moving to shift the balance to the correct weight. I have set up lots of Japanese turntables and it’s almost always the same. And this one doesn’t have a super heavy or light cartridge to make the weight have to be super close or far back to balance.

[@MikeBucceroni]

@@w7777777s What he is turning is the indicator ring. if you notice when he dials it up, the black part on the inside doesn't move at all. so nothing was actually adjusted, which explains why it looked almost at zero.

[@TexasScout]

Great vid. I’m glad you didn’t demo the way it plays more than you did. I always thought it was quite ridiculous to “show you how it sounds” over you tube. There are so many problems with that, your microphone, your recording, compression etc. KZbin’s compression, replay frequency limits etc. then the fact that most people will listen on a PHONE. Well, you get the idea.