Theo Posted September 8, 2012 Posted September 8, 2012 Hi Guys, Been reading this forum for the last couple of months as I am wanting to get into vinyl. I have acquired a old record player, a Wintec T800A (belt-driven). It looks like its branded as a Wintec but was made by Monarch. I have disassembled it and from what I can see a new belt is required as well as a new needle, which looks likes its been broken or overused. (See photos attached) My questions are: Does anyone have any knowledge of this brand or record player. Apart from a 1 page instruction guide, there was no other documents (got it from my parents) Is replacing a belt relatively easy to do and is there any recommended place to purchase from (unsure if there are different qualities of belt, or if a a belt is a belt) Same things for a needle, or does the cartridge as a whole need to be replaced I also picked up their old amplifier, which is a Optonica SM 1133. From what I can gather, this (or any amplifier with a phono input) needs to be used? I have been looking at purchasing a new turnable, but from what i've read you need to look at the $300-500 range for something decent. Unsure if I want to spend that amount of money until I know that this is something that I do want to sink some money into. Any help is much appreciated as i'm just unsure what to do and i'm at the limits of my knowledge.
djb Posted September 8, 2012 Posted September 8, 2012 Greetings Many of us start the way you are doing to get a feel for vinyl U should also go to an audio shop and listen to a good TT to see what $1000 gives in sound quality Monarch made tts a long while ago! Will do a quich search for you If there is an old perished belt keep it it will give u the size For now belts are belts and are easily replaced It will almost certainly be a moving magnet cart and their stylus is replaceable Look for the name and model # of cart<but as might be very old budget for a new cart Tell us cart name and number Optonicawas the 1970s top line model from I think Sharp have a minor cult following this may be the win find< don't get excited not worth much but sound good
djb Posted September 8, 2012 Posted September 8, 2012 (edited) Google gives very little info TT may also have been made by CEC or nanacor 1 seller offering belt for 8 euro Very little on this optonica either made approx 1975 Edited September 8, 2012 by djb
Theo Posted September 8, 2012 Author Posted September 8, 2012 Hi djb, Thanks for your reply and I really appreciate the info. I have had a look at the cartridge and there is no markings at all on it, so i'm guessing this wouldnt have been changed since its original purchase. Couple more pics if it helps.
LogicprObe Posted September 8, 2012 Posted September 8, 2012 These guys might have some things to suit. http://wagner.net.au/catalogue/ Their prices are OK too.
Theo Posted September 12, 2012 Author Posted September 12, 2012 So bit of an update, I was able to get a new belt and have it working and sounding good. My first concern now is what to do with the cartridge as if this is the original it would be more then 30 years old. Is a cartridge a one size fits all or is this dependent on the brand of tonearm/head shell? Would the mat also be something that is recommended to be changed?
Batty Posted September 12, 2012 Posted September 12, 2012 (edited) Make and model may be on the top of the cartridge, but you may want to go for something like the AT95E which is great value Edited September 12, 2012 by Batty 1
Prana69 Posted September 12, 2012 Posted September 12, 2012 (edited) Hi djb, Thanks for your reply and I really appreciate the info. I have had a look at the cartridge and there is no markings at all on it, so i'm guessing this wouldnt have been changed since its original purchase. Couple more pics if it helps. Cartridge looks like a Sansui. Replacement stylus is an SN-37. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Sansui-SN37-CompatibleTurntable-Stylus-Stanfield-Part-No-D574SR-/130702247310 As LogicProbe said, WES components (Wagner) can supply these. They cost around $25. Or you can buy them on ebay for around $40. But they aint worth that much. If you're going to spend $40 on the stylus alone, junk it and get a new cartridge instead. DR Edited September 12, 2012 by Prana69
Prana69 Posted September 12, 2012 Posted September 12, 2012 (edited) .... but you may want to go for something like the AT95E which is great value +1 D Edited September 12, 2012 by Prana69
djb Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 With prana new cart is only sensible plan Remember if u upgrade TT cart can go with knew TT What is at 95e worth?
Guest Muon Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 (edited) What is at 95e worth? $40 or $45http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATC95E.html Edited September 13, 2012 by datafone
Prana69 Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 What is at 95e worth? Or $25 (about $32 delivered to Oz) from William Thakker: http://www.zum-shop.de/Audio-Technica-AT-95-E-AT95E-Tonabnehmer_c32-317-339_p7361_x2.htm Dave
Batty Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 Just bought one as a spare $30.96 delivered
Prana69 Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 (edited) Just bought one as a spare $30.96 delivered I'm a bit cashed up from some "excess hi-fi" sales of late. I might stock up on a few too. Always good to have a couple in the pantry...... I don;t reckon there is a cart within coo-eee that can match it on a price for performance comparison. Did you remember to sign in first? He knocks the price down another 3 Euros (17.56). Dave Edited September 13, 2012 by Prana69
Batty Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 I'm a bit cashed up from some "excess hi-fi" sales of late. I might stock up on a few too. Always good to have a couple in the pantry...... I don;t reckon there is a cart within coo-eee that can match it on a price for performance comparison. Did you remember to sign in first? He knocks the price down another 3 Euros (17.56). Dave Yes signed up for the newsletter too, the price is insanely low.
Theo Posted September 16, 2012 Author Posted September 16, 2012 Thanks for the replies and I ended up ordering the suggested 95e cartridge. For that price it was hard to say no. In the meantime I've used the turntable a couple times and am especially happy with. Something comforting about listening to Abbey Road and watching the record spin.
Theo Posted September 16, 2012 Author Posted September 16, 2012 Sorry I was also meant to ask a follow up question regarding playing records. Is there anything that is recommended to always be done before playing one,as in wiping dust off etc.
davidsss Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 Wipe off dust with a carbon fibre brush. These are easy to buy and do a good job for everyday dust removal. DS
djb Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 (edited) Ahhhh now we introduce u to washing records Vinyl is robust and given old records have usually been stored in sheds you should wash them Try it in sink of warm+ water and a little detergent with something like a paint brush or better something stiffer like a new shoe cleaning brush<remember those? Use quite strong circular motion 10-12 revolutions rinse and drip dry in dish rack Sometimes final dry with tea towel hurries things along There r multiple SNA threads on how to do this better with home made mixes but this will get u started REMEMBER 1 family will laugh it you 2 don't use vinegar in your mix like wolster does or andyr will be quite rude to you Edited September 16, 2012 by djb
Yappa 1 Posted January 15, 2016 Posted January 15, 2016 DJB Wintec T800A I have owed mine from new 38 Years ago I bought it. The belt drive size...Lift the turntable off and measure the small inner ring and that will give the size it should be about 210mm They had 2 different stylus "so I found out" take photo's like you have and you can compare them sometimes from new they put different cartridge heads on so be carefull. Thats all I can tell you and I am trying to get a drive belt for mine and another stylus. I hope this helped Yapp1
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