ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
First time poster here. I searched the archives and google, but haven't been able to find much on an issue I've been having that is driving me nuts. Picked up a used Beogram RX2 a couple of years ago, and scored an MMC1 cartridge recently at an Estate Sale.
The cartridge sounds fantastic, but the problem I'm experiencing is that even the smallest scratch causes the record to skip. Records that have no problem on my Technics SL-1700 with a Denon DL-110 cart won't play on the RX2. I have tried tracking between 1 - 1.5 g but the results are the same. Is there something else I can tweak to fix this or am I resigned to either only playing near mint records or selling the cartridge?
I have also tested using an MMC5 that was originally installed on the table, and have had similar results.
I appreciate any thoughts.
Welcome to the forum. Cleaning and lubricating the arm mechanism and thereafter adjusting the anti skating should help.
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
Welcome to Beoworld.
I have owned an RX2 since new from about 1989. I can't recall ANY record EVER skipping on this deck. There is an anti-skating switch on the bottom with 3 settings. The RX2 comes from the factory set for MMC3 or MMC4 (middle setting), with the other settings for MMC1/2 or MMC5. Perhaps you need to change the setting of this switch.
Have you tried rebalancing the tonearm, i.e., resetting the zero on the counterweight?
If all else fails, and you decide to sell the MMC1, I call dibs!
Good luck.
Thanks for the replies. Found the anit-skate underneath and adjusted that. Also used some deoxit. Definitely noticed an improvement, but don't think this will ever track quite as well as my Denon cartridge. I'm willing to live with this, as the sound is far superior.
Unrelated question, but is the Beogram 5500 worth using over the RX2? Would have to buy custom cables to be able to use with my current amp. If not, I've got one for sale for cheap if anyone is willing to pickup in the Upstate, NY area.
Thanks again!
Try Rich's suggestion of re-balancing the tone arm. They easily get out of kilter so you might think you're tracking at 1.2g whereas in actuality it's only, say, 0.7g. Instructions are in the manual, available online here for silver & gold members.
p.s. - You must be a David Lynch fan
MediaBobNY: p.s. - You must be a David Lynch fan
"Heineken? (Forget) that (stuff)! Pabst Blue Ribbon!" Can't believe I missed that!
I would echo MBN, and add there's nothing wrong with trying a higher than recommended tracking force. Some would argue too heavy is better than too light.
Soundsmith has directions for balancing as well.
Lastly, don't sell the BG5500 cheaply. Keep it. Get the cable you need from lazerwave on Ebay. Try it out. You won't regret it.
Huge Lynch fan.
Balanced the tonearm last night prior to posting. Believe it was done correctly, but i don't have a gauge and am never certain with these things. Thanks for the link on the cable. May give it a try. Got the Beogram 5500 and MMC1 for $50. Couldn't believe it!
You don't need a gauge to do it. In a nutshell, when the tone arm (with cartridge) floats you twist the dial to read zero while keeping the counterweight stationary.
'Loved Eraserhead and Twin Peaks. Of course Lynch is from Mars..
JackNance: Got the Beogram 5500 and MMC1 for $50. Couldn't believe it!
Got the Beogram 5500 and MMC1 for $50. Couldn't believe it!
That's larceny.
The cartridge alone could fetch six times that or more on Ebay.
Pickup cleaner I use this one frequently, just dip the cantilever into the foam and very lightly pull forward.