Dual CS 5000 Set Up Questions

[jimnfvnc]

Hi all,

Hoping for some expert guidance to help me out with a couple issues I'm having.

1. Recently replaced my Denon DL-110 cartridge with an Ortofon MC-3 Turbo on my Dual CS 5000, and can't seem to figure out how to set up properly so when I drop the tone arm, the stylus no longer drifts off the record, but rather will drop and play without my manual "guidance". The setup when I used the Denon was done by a shop that unfortunately is no longer in business...and was done so long ago as well, so what I learned has long left my memory banks. And I am embarrased to say that my turntable instruction book is not giving me the confidence I need to start messing with tone arem counterbalance and anti skate settings until I've had a chance to make some inquiries amongst the expert community.

2. Believe I have a ground/connector issue, but hoping to get some second opinions and thoughts on a solution. What happens is when my amp (Arcam Alpha powers on and is set to phono, "most" of the time I hear a hum that increases with volume. I find that when I physically check/insure connectors are sufficiently seated in the amp that the hum goes away...and for the most part stays absent while playing several LP's. Pretty sure its the cable/connector but wanted second opinions & if it is the cable/connector - is there a recommeded replacement? Can I buy a replacement still? If so, any recommedations on a source would be most appreciated.

Thanks all - my appreciation in advance for any guidance or suggestions provided.

BTW...new to this forum and looking forward to learning and contributing. I have some other questions and thoughts regarding my ideas on speakers etc...but will save for future posts.

Cheers...Jim

[Alec124c41]

Make sure the RCA plugs are tight on the connectors. I have to pinch most of them.
If you want to adjust the cartridge alignment using one of the protractors, remove the belt first. Then the motor can run and the arm can drop, without the platter turning.

Cheers,
Alec

[jimnfvnc]

Thanks vm for the reply & tips Alec. Will pinch the RCA connectors this eve and hope that does the trick. Sure a lot less painful than I was thinking it might be - fingers crossed on that and will reply soon as I have taken a test spin.

RE: the tone arm alighnment...just printed a protractor so will try as you suggest....

Really appreciate the reply and suggestions.

Cheers for now.

Jim

[bpbutler]

Do you have a separate ground connection from TT to your amp? Most TT require them to ground the metal chassis. The RCA connections do not typically carry ground.

My Dual 1237 has a separate ground wire.

[jimnfvnc]

Yes...there is a separate ground wire...the crimp appears tight, but I do notice some frayed strands not actually in the crimp at the amp end of the ground wire. I may cut, strip & redo that connection, but for now...seems that Alec's suggestion to pinch the RCA connector fins a bit is doing the trick. fingers crossed still.

May be that the "hum" was related to signal resistance via the discrete channel connections coupled with what may be a marginal ground.

Unfortunately - the relative intermittency of the problem means I will have to test a while...so means I am forced to have to listen to a few more records than time would normally allow today...all in the name of sience & troubleshooting of course

Thanks so much to you both for giving me some things to consider & try....

Brand new to this board and an audio novice for sure - but I do dig my vinyl.
Am looking forward to being an active participant on this board.

I definately have more questions to post and advice to seek re: upgrades and set up yet, but baby steps for now. Next to do the cartridge alignment per Alec's suggestion.

Thanks again - Jim

[jimnfvnc]

OK...calling it a win..thanks Alec!!

The RCA fin pinching did the trick. Test drove through a couple Carl Perkins albums, some Springsteen, Budgie, Duke Ellington, Steely Dan, Squeeze and Grand Funk and the Amp has been on most of the day and only on phono - in the past ... this would not have been possible without the annoying hum.

Cheers - Jim