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Hi. I recently got a Beogram RX from my Dad. I'm the first to admit that I don't know much about how records players work, so please bear with me...
The unit works, and sounds pretty good, but there is an issue with the stylus missing the lead-in grooves or something. Basically I push the "33" or "45" button, and the tone-arm automatically moves to above the record, sets itself down, and ~3 out of 4 times, it doesn't catch and the tone-arm returns to the resting position.
It looks to me like the arm is being placed in the right place on the record, but perhaps it needs some adjustment? It is unclear if nudging the arm once it has been placed actually helps it "catch" or not.
It seems to me like there are three possible problems that this could be:
- Maybe something is wrong with the mechanism that automatically moves the tone-arm on and off the record. How does that mechanism work, and under what conditions is the arm returned to the resting position?
- Is it maybe a worn stylus? Are there other symptoms of a worn stylus that I can look or listen for?
- Perhaps does it have to do with an unbalanced tone-arm? I had to move the weight on the end of the arm all the way in before I could get enough weight to overcome the anti-skating mechanic.
I've done a lot of looking for solutions, but haven't come up with anything. The turntable doesn't have any obvious mechanisms for adjusting anything -- just a 33, 45, pause and a turn button.
Again, I'm a newbie, so any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
First of all lift of the aluminum record platter and check if the transport screws are loosened (the platter should move up and down freely when pressed with a finger).
Now adjust the black counterweight until the pickup arm is floating (in balance), then hold the black part with your right hand and with your left hand turn the blank scale ring until "0" is pointing upward, then turn the black part counter clock wise to 1.5 on the scale, your pickup is now adjusted to the correct weight.
Now try again to play a record, if the pickup is skating something is wrong with the anti skate adjustment.
To adjust the set down points you will have to open the deck to get at the adjustment excenters
If your deck has been standing for a long time it will be time for a throughout cleaning and service, and maybe a new belt
There are manuals for the RX2 on the forum for silver and gold members
Welcome to the forum
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
Thanks for the info!
Properly balancing the tone arm made a difference, although it still fails to catch occassionally.
I'm guessing that if the belt needs to be replaced, i would hear some sort of "wobbliness" in long tones. Are there other symptoms?
What about the stylus/cartridge? What would I look or listen for that would indicate that I need a new cartridge?
Thanks so much!!!
Now we got something fixed, but you will have to open the deck and clean and lubricate it, think about it, its a nearly 30 year old deck that has probably never been serviced, you will hardly ever find a mechanical device working after 30 years without service.
Concentrate specially on the the pickup arm shaft and mechs. around and near it, the shaft may be dry and not working freely as it should, this may cause the different set down point. So before going into adjustments you will have to make sure that everything is clean and mechanical moving parts lubricated, lubricate with a good sewing machine oil or one called Liquid Bearings (search Ebay), do not use WD 40, 3 in 1 or other funny sprays.
The pickup: A bad pickup will give of a muffled sound, play in only one channel, or the suspension gives way and the head shell rides on the record (again muffled sound) if you can hear clear high and deep tones you are good, but sound is not only the pickup, amp and speakers has to be in good shape too.
Here a pic of a nearly new pickup