Having alot of problems lately with static build up zapping the motor controller on my Teres 340. I can get through one side fine, but flip it, and it flakes out halfway through the side. I have tried EVERYTHING, grounding the bearing, tonearm base, motor is already grounded. Tried different belts or cord drive. Also added a humidifier.
Looking at the fact that the turntable platter is non-conductive cocobolo, the pulley is anodized (non-conductive) aluminum, the static buildup has no where to go until enough kilovolts build up and it discharges. The turntable is basically a Van de Graff generator. I might as well rig up a "Jacob's Ladder" for effect.
At this point, I don't know that this will go away over time (after getting through heating season)
So, considering my options for vinyl playback, without spending a lot of money at this time (waiting to buy an end-game DAC), I see a few options to get records spinning again near term.
1. Instant gratification - Buy a new SL1200 Mk7, SL1500G, or SL1200 clone such as the Pioneer PLX-1000, Denon VL-12 Prime) to hold me until I get a better turntable. I have to deal with an arm that is marginal, but I have some tweeks I can do to the platter (a TTWeights copper mat), and can get better feet and KABUSA tonearm damping and rewireing. I am certain that this will ultimately be disappointing compared with what I have now, but who knows?
2. Vintage Direct Drive Motor Unit Project - Buy a used Denon DP75/DP80 (from Japan), Technics SP10 Mk2/Mk3, or JVC/Victor TT81/TT101. I would build a base capable mounting my 12" Jelco TK850L. The used Denon DP80 can be had for the price of a Technics SL1200 Mk7, i.e. under $1K. It may need to be recapped, bearing lubed and other minor work to restore it, but once restored should last the rest of my life problem free, and they reportedly sound very good. If I can get a JVC motor unit, these are also excellent (Goldmund used JVC motors). Technics SP10Mk3 gets expensive though.
3. Vintage Idler project - This is more than I want to spend now, since there is so much competition for units, and restoration can get expensive. The bargains are long gone.
4. Used Belt drive - Pick up a Thorens, Linn, AR, whatever, and restore and tweek it. Probably would need to buy an tonearm if it didn't come with one. I had a Thorens 35 years ago, and got a SOTA soon afterwards.
5. Do what I did with my DIY Teres, and ditch the Teres motor controller and find something more reliable. I ended up using a (no longer available) Maxon drive unit. Space is a problem, however.
6. Sit back and digitally Roon-out and hope climate improves. Really enjoying digital right now with Qobuz and my ripped collection (still a work in progress - gotta get moving on that!).
Anyway, any thoughts, observations, experience. I know Roscoe, Pete, and others have gone the vintage idler drive route. I have not heard much opinion on vintage direct drive motor units.
Sorry for the long post.
David
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