RC 80 with Dynatron amp - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

wannchev · 10th Aug 2019, 6:40 am

Hi All. My grandfather's radiogram with Garrard RC80 hums when I bring my hand close to the pickup. Is there a wire missing? It has an ancient flip over cartridge and I was considering ordering a new one from your listed suppliers. I want to only play LP's on this gram and leave the 78's to my more ancient 4 volt valve HMV gram.

'LIVEWIRE?' · 10th Aug 2019, 9:23 am

I would have thought that hum induced that way was quite normal. To put it simply, your hand is acting like an aerial and inducing hum via the pickup leads. This is not to say that an amplifier of that age shouldn't be checked for problems caused by such things as waxed paper capacitors, dried out electrolytic capacitors, etc., because, IMHO, it would be better if at least a few basic checks were carried out before powering it up again.

Edward Huggins · 10th Aug 2019, 10:33 am

Regarding a replacement cartridge, what type of LPs do you have in your collection that you plan to play on the Garrard RC80?
Are they mostly old Mono (say pre 1965) or later Stereo pressings?

wannchev · 10th Aug 2019, 5:36 pm

Thanks for replies Livewire and Edward. I play mostly modern LP reissues.The 78's are Grampy's old purchases but i have inherited his tastes.

Edward Huggins · 11th Aug 2019, 6:35 am

Then you will need a medium output, Stereo cartridge for the RC80 tone arm.
You will also need to reduce the tracking weight to c.5 grams.
You can still buy BSR SC11M, SC12M or SC12H cartidges by searching online.
These are Stereo cartridges and so will need the LH and RH channels bridging.
The most ideal cartridge would be a BSR X5M stereo-compatble, Mono cartridge, but sadly by now this may no longer be available. Bear in mind your RC80 pre-dates Stereo.

wannchev · 12th Aug 2019, 6:47 am

Thanks for your advice Edward. Will get a cartridge you recommend.

toshiba tony · 12th Aug 2019, 8:07 am

Will the RC80 be kind enough to a magnetic cartridge. Prior to the SP25 I wasn't too clued up on decks unless they were Collaro or BSR. Then I played with them all day.

ben · 12th Aug 2019, 8:49 am

Short answer: No!

toshiba tony · 12th Aug 2019, 10:02 am

Thanks for a prompt reply re using a magnetic on this deck. After looking at pics of it it is rather obvious. I would think it might struggle with some delicate ceramic ones too.

Audio1950 · 12th Aug 2019, 11:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

You can still buy BSR SC11M, SC12M or SC12H cartidges by searching online.

Excellent suggestions, but make sure the one you choose comes with its mounting bracket. Many don't and without it the cartridge will be useless.

10th Aug 2019, 6:40 am	#1
wannchev Diode Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa. Posts: 4	RC 80 with Dynatron amp Hi All. My grandfather's radiogram with Garrard RC80 hums when I bring my hand close to the pickup. Is there a wire missing? It has an ancient flip over cartridge and I was considering ordering a new one from your listed suppliers. I want to only play LP's on this gram and leave the 78's to my more ancient 4 volt valve HMV gram.

10th Aug 2019, 9:23 am	#2
'LIVEWIRE?' Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N.W. Oxfordshire(Chipping Norton) Posts: 7,306	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp I would have thought that hum induced that way was quite normal. To put it simply, your hand is acting like an aerial and inducing hum via the pickup leads. This is not to say that an amplifier of that age shouldn't be checked for problems caused by such things as waxed paper capacitors, dried out electrolytic capacitors, etc., because, IMHO, it would be better if at least a few basic checks were carried out before powering it up again.

10th Aug 2019, 10:33 am	#3
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,335	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp Regarding a replacement cartridge, what type of LPs do you have in your collection that you plan to play on the Garrard RC80? Are they mostly old Mono (say pre 1965) or later Stereo pressings? __________________ Edward.

10th Aug 2019, 5:36 pm	#4
wannchev Diode Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa. Posts: 4	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp Thanks for replies Livewire and Edward. I play mostly modern LP reissues.The 78's are Grampy's old purchases but i have inherited his tastes.

11th Aug 2019, 6:35 am	#5
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,335	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp Then you will need a medium output, Stereo cartridge for the RC80 tone arm. You will also need to reduce the tracking weight to c.5 grams. You can still buy BSR SC11M, SC12M or SC12H cartidges by searching online. These are Stereo cartridges and so will need the LH and RH channels bridging. The most ideal cartridge would be a BSR X5M stereo-compatble, Mono cartridge, but sadly by now this may no longer be available. Bear in mind your RC80 pre-dates Stereo. __________________ Edward.

12th Aug 2019, 6:47 am	#6
wannchev Diode Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa. Posts: 4	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp Thanks for your advice Edward. Will get a cartridge you recommend.

12th Aug 2019, 8:07 am	#7
toshiba tony Heptode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accrington, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 978	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp Will the RC80 be kind enough to a magnetic cartridge. Prior to the SP25 I wasn't too clued up on decks unless they were Collaro or BSR. Then I played with them all day.

12th Aug 2019, 8:49 am	#8
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp Short answer: No! __________________ Regards, Ben.

12th Aug 2019, 10:02 am	#9
toshiba tony Heptode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accrington, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 978	Re: RC 80 with Dynatron amp Thanks for a prompt reply re using a magnetic on this deck. After looking at pics of it it is rather obvious. I would think it might struggle with some delicate ceramic ones too.