Getting back into my old vinyl

[wonka1]

Can anyone tell me anything about my turntable which is an Akai ap-b20 I picked up at a yard sale. I have decided to get back into listening to my vinyl again and had sold my old Technics player a long time ago. I didn't want to go all out and spend a great deal of money on everything but I did buy a cambridge 640p preamp and a new shure m97xe Stylus. The only thing I am not familiar with is the Akai I picked up. I know they made some good turntables back in the day but is mine one of them. If not can anyone suggest a good 500 and under turntable. I was leaning towards the Pro-ject table that I've been hearing good things about.

[JaS]

Hi,
I've never used one, but the basic specs look OK? It's not one of their best, but it doesn't look super lightweight, entry level either. If the motor is quiet and the arm bearings are still good (no slop or sticking) I'd give it a spin to see how it sounds?

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/akai/ap-b20.shtml

Regards,
JaS

[fscl]

Welcome to VE......

Sounds / looks / reads like you're well on your way to reviving your record collection.

Don't know if you've already downloaded the owners manual here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/akai/ap-b20.shtml

Stats are acceptable, set up the Shure accordingly and enjoy the music. Live with the turntable a bit and upgrade accordingly / when necessary.

Good luck.

Fred

[wonka1]

kind of a newb question but does the shure 97x that I have ordered be compatible with my akai turntable. For some reason I get the feeling that the connections are different. Please help the newb.

[Alec124c41]

The Shure should be fine.

Cheers,
Alec

[wonka1]

So I got my Shure m97xe today and when I went to install it I realized that all this time I am missing a piece to the tonearm. The actual piece the m97 connects to. Anyone know if I can still get this piece for the akai ap-b20 or is it obsolete. I have the option of buying a technics sl-l1 for fifty bucks. Anybody have a say on that turntable?

So I think I will get the sl-l1 for fifty bucks after doing some reading sounds okay. I do have a few questions though. Looking at the service manual it says that the stylus pressure is 1.25 grams fixed. Does this mean that I only have to plug in my new Shure cartridge without any weight adjustments? AND is this a good thing? As I am pretty sure (Pardon the pun) the Shure is to be weighted at 1.75 grams.

[youngdand]

I assume that you are missing the headshell from the tonearm, if that is the case you can by replacements for no more than $10. The call them headshells look on ebay. im sure a standard technics copy will be fine for the akai.

http://www.ebay.ca/sch/Home-Audio-/1496 ... 86.c0.m282

[wonka1]

Yes the Headshell is what I am missing, but looking at the headshells on EBay they all seem to have the round 4 pin connector at the back of them. While the Akai has this black plastic piece attached to the tonearm with four pin holes that are lined up in a rectangular shape not round. So I am not sure how the Headshells would attach to the tonearm?

[kelvinMunson]

Yes Wonka, you are correct.Having looked at the owners manual, I agree, you can't use the above headshell recommended by youngdand; there is a specific Akai headshell with a special fitting that you would have to find.

Haven't seen one of those before, maybe look on ebay ?

[wonka1]

So the story continues. I can buy the Technics sl-l1 but the guy I'm buying it from says it takes a "P" cartridge. So I dont know if my new SHure m97x will work with this type of Turntable. The manual is very limited as to what it says as well. Any help.

[wonka1]

So the story continues. I can buy the Technics sl-l1 but the guy I'm buying it from says it takes a "P" cartridge. So I dont know if my new SHure m97x will work with this type of Turntable. The manual is very limited as to what it says as well. Any help.

So after much research I'm going to need a standard mount turntable. Anyone suggest an entry level for under $600. I really liked the Rega RP1 but it's a P mount.

[youngdand]

$600 is a fair amount and should be able to pick something worthwhile for that. Alex is local to you and would know what the bestsort of think in your area would be. aristons rd11's are good, i have one and i like it very much. but older pioneers are good decks for the money. if you want dd's then there are some vintage ones in your price.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Technics-SL-1200 ... 256cdc1481 is in your price range. and stock it will beat pretty much anything else in its price range and above. all it needs is a decent cart, ie stick your shure on it and your ready to rock.

[wonka1]

Thanks youngdand. I have considered the sl1200 before. Sucks there are all these decent used turntables for sale near me but they are all P mount tables. I'll post what I buy soon.

[youngdand]

The rp1 is not a p mount normally. comes fitted with an rb101.

the sl1200 is not a p mount either.

Regards,

Dan