Sony PS-X60 Repairs

[peachey777]

I just picked up a Sony PS-X60. I got it for free but it really needs some work. The tone arm isn't lifting anymore, either automatically or using the the lifting switch (Is that what's it called? Still a total newb with this stuff). That's the main issue, the other problems are with the buttons on the front. The start/stop button works most of the time, but not always. The repeat button doesn't work and the speed buttons don't work as well, so it's stuck on 33 rpm. Other than that, it seems to work fine. Would I be in over my head trying to repair something like this? I'm not afraid to open it up and get my hands dirty with it, just not sure where to start. There's also a shop in my city that says they can repair any turntable, so when they're open again tomorrow, I'm going to call and ask them about it, but I would prefer to do this on my own.

[Van_Isle]

- Download the user and service manual from the library here.
- Open up the bottom and clean all the switches like 33 / 45 speed select and start/stop with contact cleaner - like Deoxit D5. Hopefully that will get them working.
- I'm assuming here that the turntable is holding speed properly at 33-1/3rd ... If not then once you get the speed control switches (and cueing)working then you should look at cleaning and adjusting the speed trimpots on the speed control board as well.
- The lube used for linkages in Sony's commonly dries up - so a good cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and re-lube with a light (and plastic compatible) lithium-type grease should help. I use some grease obtained from a hobby store and used typically on model trains.
- Make sure 1st that the tonearm lift is adjusted properly heightwise to allow the tonearm to rise and lower as required. Instructions are in the manuals. Sometimes the cueing actually is working but the lift isn't adjusted properly so it isn't having any effect - so let's confirm that 1st. In general what you want is to adjust the lift so that the needle is about 5 to 10mm above a record on the platter when the cueing lever (you can call the 'lifting switch' the 'cueing lever') is in the 'up' position. There is a chrome knob on the side of the tonearm lift to allow you to adjust the height.
- The cueing lever on these also doesn't work quite like one might expect with some other turntables - it will only cause the lift to move up and down if the turntable is spinning.
- try the process described in the manual for balancing the tonearm:
1) switch the turntable to manual mode
2) power switch on
3) hit the start/stop button so the turntable platter turns
4) hit the power switch
5) the tonearm lift should drop.
If this works then your cueing should be working and it will also allow you to balance the tonearm and apply the appropriate vertical tracking force.
- If you get no movement at all with the tonearm lift then you are probably into renewing the silicone oil in the cueing dampner (which requires some disassembly - see the service manual - and sourcing some silicone oil (probably 300,000 wt (really thick stuff!) - you can look for Radio Control 'Differential oil' (Diff Oil) again sold in hobby stores or available online) ... or it could mean the linkage for the cueing lever is pretty-much frozen with dried lube (but then we've cleaned that up 1st ... right?)

Most of this isn't hard to do ... just time consuming. The silicone replacement can be a bit more involved. I'm actually helping out a fellow via email troubleshoot through these same issues at the momement so I'd be interested in seeing how you get along as well.

[peachey777]

Thanks for the reply. Sometime tonight I'll check out the tonearm lift. Other than that, this list is going to take me a while, but it all doesn't sound too bad.

[Van_Isle]

Where about's are you located?

[peachey777]

Barrie, Ontario, Canada

[peachey777]

Just checked it in to my local record repair shop, said it will be around $100 to fix

[Van_Isle]

It will be worth it.