Chhristopher Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 I recently inherited my dad's old turntable, a JVC QL-A2. I'd like to replace the cartridge because I believe the one currently installed is about 25 years old, the lid is pretty scratched up an I'm looking to replace that too, and I need some speakers as well (preferably floor speakers). Any suggestions on what to buy, on a college student's budget? I also don't know how to install a cartridge, so tips on that would also be appreciated! Here's some pics (already slapped the DW slipmat on it haha): Thanks VC! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kouka Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 needledoctor.com - email them with your the turntable info and they'll tell you what cartridge/needle will fit. no idea about covers, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weck Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 no idea about covers, though. stickers....covers all the scratches up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circlingvultures Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 One of the guys on here got his dust cover painted by a guy at a tattoo shop. That one looks pretty cool. Think it has the baphomet on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonskanks Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 One of the guys on here got his dust cover painted by a guy at a tattoo shop. That one looks pretty cool. Think it has the baphomet on it. here is matt's cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonskanks Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 i agree though it looks awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geekrawker Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Not a bad TT dude, that's what i was using for a LONG time, until my Ex stole it...... I had to do a heavy duty clean on it, and replace the cartridge on it, i think this is what i used, not quite 100% sure on that though..... http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-120E-Cartridge?sc=2&category=363 I'll check when i get home to know for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weck Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 That cover is badass. It is a great idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geezfools Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 I think I'll have my buddy do something similar to my cover, hell yeah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burntwolf Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 This is the one I use and I think it's pretty rad: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288986736&sr=8-1-fkmr2 http://www.needledoctor.com/Shure-M97XE?sc=2&category=380 Amazon has it for $55 bucks (usually $140) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burntwolf Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Not a bad TT dude, that's what i was using for a LONG time, until my Ex stole it......I had to do a heavy duty clean on it, and replace the cartridge on it, i think this is what i used, not quite 100% sure on that though..... http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-120E-Cartridge?sc=2&category=363 I'll check when i get home to know for sure. are you sure? that cart is a P-mount...the TT in the pic doesn't look like it has a P-mount head whatchamacalit tonearm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chhristopher Posted November 5, 2010 Author Share Posted November 5, 2010 Not a bad TT dude, that's what i was using for a LONG time, until my Ex stole it......I had to do a heavy duty clean on it, and replace the cartridge on it, i think this is what i used, not quite 100% sure on that though..... http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-120E-Cartridge?sc=2&category=363 I'll check when i get home to know for sure. are you sure? that cart is a P-mount...the TT in the pic doesn't look like it has a P-mount head whatchamacalit tonearm... This is the kind of stuff I would appreciate some explanation on. I don't really know the specifics of cartridges, let alone what p-mount is. I definitely don't want to buy a cart that wont work with my TT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burntwolf Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=T4P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chhristopher Posted November 6, 2010 Author Share Posted November 6, 2010 http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=T4P Thanks! Mine definitely doesn't look like a p-mount. The wires on mine look a bit intimidating. Will this be complicated to install? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burntwolf Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 i've only done it once when i bought my technics and that shure cartridge. it was a bit tricky and i might have used some needle nosed pliers to help get the cables attached. my cartridge also came w/ a nifty catridge alignment tool that was pretty easy to use. hm, or maybe that came w/ the TT...i don't remember. then you have to be sure to read all the instrux/specs for setting the proper tracking force, anti-skate, etc. i mean, it's a procedure for sure...so i'd say be sure to set aside some time and take it slow... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trower Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thanks! Mine definitely doesn't look like a p-mount. The wires on mine look a bit intimidating. Will this be complicated to install? Yours is 1/2 inch, or standard mount. Not a P-mount. Changing a cartridge is not hard, the wires are easy most carts have colour coded sections on each pin to match the right wires to it. If it doesn't then its still easy White = Left + Blue = Left - Red = Right + Green = Right - Tweezers work great for attaching the wires. Next step is cartridge alignment. Go http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-rotractors.shtml and printout a protractor (Stevenson works best for Japanese S-arms.....which you have). They are free there:) Align your cart by sliding it forwards and backwards in the headshell, never twist it or you Alignment will be off and you might get some inner grove distortion. Basicly you want to get it to line up with the grid on both points. Pretty easy, but seems intimidating till you do it! As far as a cartridge I would go with a fairly low compliance cart as your arm has a fairly hi mass. So stay away from lower tracking force carts like the Shure m97xe......plus I find it rather dull and lifeless A really great cart for the money is an Audio Technica AT-95e, which would mate well with your arm and sound great! Its the only sub 100 cart I would even consider. http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATC95E&Category_Code=A3 Lpgear has it there for 49.95 and http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-95E-Cartridge?sc=2&category=363 Needledoctor has it there for 49.99. Both are good reliable companies, but I would say Needledoctor is faster at getting the item shipped and much more responsive to emails if there was a problem with the order. Best of luck with your new table! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chhristopher Posted November 6, 2010 Author Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thanks! Mine definitely doesn't look like a p-mount. The wires on mine look a bit intimidating. Will this be complicated to install? Yours is 1/2 inch, or standard mount. Not a P-mount. Changing a cartridge is not hard, the wires are easy most carts have colour coded sections on each pin to match the right wires to it. If it doesn't then its still easy White = Left + Blue = Left - Red = Right + Green = Right - Tweezers work great for attaching the wires. Next step is cartridge alignment. Go http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-rotractors.shtml and printout a protractor (Stevenson works best for Japanese S-arms.....which you have). They are free there:) Align your cart by sliding it forwards and backwards in the headshell, never twist it or you Alignment will be off and you might get some inner grove distortion. Basicly you want to get it to line up with the grid on both points. Pretty easy, but seems intimidating till you do it! As far as a cartridge I would go with a fairly low compliance cart as your arm has a fairly hi mass. So stay away from lower tracking force carts like the Shure m97xe......plus I find it rather dull and lifeless A really great cart for the money is an Audio Technica AT-95e, which would mate well with your arm and sound great! Its the only sub 100 cart I would even consider. http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATC95E&Category_Code=A3 Lpgear has it there for 49.95 and http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-95E-Cartridge?sc=2&category=363 Needledoctor has it there for 49.99. Both are good reliable companies, but I would say Needledoctor is faster at getting the item shipped and much more responsive to emails if there was a problem with the order. Best of luck with your new table! Wow thanks! You've all been very helpful. I probably would have broken my TT without the great advice. VC to the rescue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillhole Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 Nice table, and like said above yours is 1/2 inch standard mount which opens the doors to a pretty much infinite choice of cartridges. I have been using the Audio-Technica AT440MLa for a couple years now and its a amazing cart. It used to be about $125, but I think its recently gone up since word got out on how good it is. Whatever you end up getting just take your time setting it up. I did it for the first time a handful of years ago, and I think I tinkered with it for 2-3 hours trying to get it all set up properly. So take the time, and do it right and your ears will thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serum7 Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 This is the one I use and I think it's pretty rad:http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288986736&sr=8-1-fkmr2 http://www.needledoctor.com/Shure-M97XE?sc=2&category=380 Amazon has it for $55 bucks (usually $140) Love that cartridge, bought mine from Amazon awhile ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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