by DSJR » 07 Jun 2012 19:03
It's an Autoslim derivative and shares many of the important bits with the SP25 III series. However, the motor may be a two pole type (very high revs and possible extra noise/vibration) and the arm appears to lack bias correction/anti-skate. You'll also have the typical "Garrard Glue" situation but it's easily fixed - use the SL65 service manual in the library here, as the under-pinnings aren't too different where cleaning and lubing is concerned.
As for suitable cartridges for this deck. I remember seeing them in the UK with Goldring G850's fitted, which were durable 3g trackers. My suggestion would be for a Stanton 500V3 or Pickering equivalent (soft sounding but comfortable and capable tracking at 3g), and almost certainly an Ortofon OM Pro (either type and used in silver trim by the Beeb here in the UK). The Shure M44 and SC35 series should be good to go as well and I believe grado have some "DJ" types which track at around 3g. If something a little more delicate is needed, the venerable AT95E should also work a treat at 2g IF the arm linkages and trip pawl assembly are clean and dry and totally free, especially the end of side auto-trip bits.
