First Record Player--Need Help Setting Up Pioneer PL-518!

dfreestyle New member Username: Dfreestyle Post Number: 1 Registered: Jun-05	Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 15:20 GMT I just bought a used Pioneer PL-518 from ebay, and I believe I set it up as much as I knew how so far. The red and white cords are hooked up to my AUX input in my stereo, the balance weight on the back of the tonearm is set to zero. I did not replace the needle it came with, but the seller sent an additional needle which I'm not sure how to replace. When I try to play a record (in mint condition) in this current state, it won't stay on the record and sounds "far away," muted, and unclear. I have to turn the volume up loud to even hear sound coming from it. What should the other settings be on (Anti-Skate, etc.)? And is this a needle problem? If so, how do I replace it? Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
Stu Pitt Bronze Member Username: Stu_pitt NYC, NY Pakistan Post Number: 93 Registered: May-05	Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 15:56 GMT Does your stereo have a phono input? If it does, you are using the wrong input. If not (most likely the case) You probably need an external phono pre-amp. I don't know anything about your turntable, but most do not have an internal phono pre-amp inside them. I just got a turntable myself, so I don't know much about the other issues.
Jan Vigne Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigne Dallas, TX Post Number: 4162 Registered: May-04	Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 17:39 GMT The counterweight should not be at "0"; it should indicate the amount of stylus pressure you require. I'm not certain that turning the counterweight to the correct number will actually get the table set up properly. You should use a stylus pressure gauge if you are unsure how to set up a table. Too little or too much stylus pressure will damage your records. The anti skate is set to the same value as the downforce (stylus pressure). Contact the seller pertaining the replacement stylus. It sounds as if you need a phono pre amp. http://www.needledoctor.com/
dfreestyle New member Username: Dfreestyle Post Number: 2 Registered: Jun-05	Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 16:52 GMT Thanks, everyone for your help, I will investigate the stylus pressure gauge and a phono preamp--I'm sure I'll be back soon!
grubb25 Unregistered guest	Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2005 - 01:48 GMT http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm
mmi Unregistered guest	Posted on Monday, August 22, 2005 - 18:07 GMT Hi, I just found an old record player and it plays some records. Other records it won't play (the record either stops turning or plays really slow). Some records play fine on one side but plays really slow on the other. Is this because of the records or is it the record player? If its the record player what's the problem? Thanks
Jan Vigne Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigne Dallas, TX Post Number: 5234 Registered: May-04	Posted on Monday, August 22, 2005 - 18:37 GMT It's the player. The problem is it is broken.
Zed Simon New member Username: Zedsimon Post Number: 8 Registered: Mar-05	Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 03:57 GMT mmi: More specifically, your problem is probably the belt that turns the platter. a little more info on the player and we maybe can steer you towrads getting it fixed. Belts are not hard to find. dfreestyle: once you've got your 518 on a phono input or outboard preamp, you'll need to set the tracking weight. The weight in back has 2 parts. The big one is the counterweight. With the tonearm "floating" off its rest (but not on the platter), turn it to make the arm level with the body of the player. Then, holding the counterweight in place, set the tracking weight (the one with the numbers) to 0. Finally, turn both knobs together to the recommended tracking weight of the cartridge (usually around 1.5 grams). I just got a 518 myself. G'luck with yours.
mmi Unregistered guest	Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - 16:01 GMT Hi, the player is a Sharp SG-R55(GY). Do you need more info? Thanks alot for the help. I appreciate it.
Zed Simon New member Username: Zedsimon Post Number: 9 Registered: Mar-05	Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 01:58 GMT Try calling or e-mailing Garage-A-Records to find out which belt you need. Once you've got your belt it's simple enough to replace. www.garage-a-records.com
bob sifer Unregistered guest	Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 23:26 GMT i just got a GE record player and i dont know what kind of speakers it takes. if you have some information pleas help!!!
waltwalt Unregistered guest	Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 20:19 GMT My record player has a problem. The needle will not stay on the player. If I set the needle on the record, it will automatically rise after a few seconds like it has reached the end of a side. How can this be fixed? Has anyone had this problem before?
waltwalt Unregistered guest	Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 21:00 GMT FYI, it is a gemini if that helps at all?
Marc Sherman Bronze Member Username: Rysa4 Post Number: 41 Registered: Jul-05	Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 17:10 GMT read through this post. Afew general things- first, for some of these problems for older turntables, not only changing the belt, but also cleaning the turntable, meaning the mechanical parts, is VERY helpful, particularly as it relates to consistent tracking speed issues. Second, its probably a good idea to find someone who works on turntables who can check yours out. In Houston, Kevin at sound exchange on Richmond works on turntables every day and has been for years. Stuff like the PIo 516, whcih I use, or the Pio518, were really well made, as compared to, for instance the audio technica plastic offering sold at Best Buy today. I feel its worth maintaining these older turntables from the 70s and 80s.

« Previous Thread Next Thread »

Main Forums

Forum Help

Follow Us