cedriclah Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 Hi, I'm new to the forums so thanks in advance for your help. I have had records for as long as I can remember but I've never probably given them the love they deserve. I'm looking to change my ways and spend some more time enjoying this hobby. I have a Rotel rp840 I've inherited from my grandparents and I'm considering my options to either upgrade or to service and continue to use the machine that I've got. I don't have an amazing stereo system, but it will most likely be upgraded over time so something much nicer. So the option I choose now will likely see me through quite a few years. I received a quote to service the unit for around $200. After taking off the platter and running the unit it looks like the motor is 'chugging' for want of a better word, so I'm not sure if it will be fixed with the service. I'm guessing from all the years of ignorance that the cartridge has been through hell. So most likely that will need to be replaced as well? Any suggestions would be great and thanks again in advance.
EV Cali Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 Hi Mike Is there an actual issue with the turntable now? With the platter on the turntable does it turn correctly at a steady speed? You can tell this by looking at the strobe. There is some external and internal adjustment. If this is ok try connecting to an amp and speakers to check the needle / cart. This is a link to the owners and service manual on the Vinyl Engine site. It explains how to set the Turntable up. https://www.vinylengine.com/library/rotel/rp840.shtml You will have to registrar to be able to view them. If the needle is damaged something like this Audio Technica for under $50 with post will be fine. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Audio-Technica-Stereo-HiFi-Magnetic-Cartridge-Complete-Inc-Stylus-Screws-NEW/113403877719?hash=item1a6765d957:g:VZMAAOSwkitb4lu9:rk:5:pf:0 They can also be obtained from HK for $14.99 but post is longer. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Turntable-Record-Player-LP-Vinyl-Needle-Pickup-Stylus-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge-GF/163156674882?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140106155344%26meid%3Dff14d4a0ae974bfb94312edba0d34481%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D123258880380%26itm%3D163156674882&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 If every thing is ok enjoy the turntable for awhile an do some research on what to upgrade to. Plenty of post and threads already on this site regarding first Turntables. If there is an actual issue with the Turntable it is probably not worth the cost of a service and repair. Cut your losses and move on. Value of this Turntable ,with good stylus, fully working is only about $250, IMO. 1
VanArn Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 Most direct drive turntables are meant to be operated with the platter attached and the jerky action is a result of operating w.o. the platter fitted. A basic clean, lubrication and stylus inspection would be part of a normal maintenance routine. I would follow the helpful advice from EV Cali ,as $200 seems excessive for this basic service. 2
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted January 17, 2019 Posted January 17, 2019 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What these two guys said. Bang-on. $200.00 is too much.
cedriclah Posted January 18, 2019 Author Posted January 18, 2019 Great, thanks for the info! I did find the manual on Vinyl Engine before posting and I think I've set up everything correctly. I was leaning towards the service just to have a professional run their eyes over it, but yes it did seem excessive to me too. Yes the unit seems to run smoothly with the platter on so I guess all good there. Ill keep using it then and give it a good clean and do some research myself. I suppose at $250 for the entire unit it might be a good opportunity to practice servicing and looking after the unit myself. Thanks again for the help!
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