Luxman PD-121


Hi,

I have a Luxman PD-121 that I've been using for about four years now. I picked it up second-hand and it's been reliable and the sound is pleasant. However, I've been talking with some friends who have the Hi-Fi bug and they are getting me excited about upgrading my system.

So I took a look at the turntable and noticed the following:

1. The light for the stroboscope is broken and there's no way to fine-tune the speed adjustments.

2. Not sure what tone-arm this is:

http://www.objectevolution.com/images/arm1.jpg

http://www.objectevolution.com/images/arm2.jpg

but it would be nice to know and know how to adjust it, or at least remove it and install a new one.

3. It has an Audio Technica AT90CD cartridge. Keep it or get another?

I have the PDF version of the owners manual from Vinyl Engine but there's nothing there about tone-arm and cartridges. I was thinking of buying this manual:

http://www.manuals-in-pdf.com/pd121-p-291683.html

but not sure if it will be the same thing that I have already.

I'd like to know of this turntable is worth saving, and if so, what should I do to make her sound better?

The rest of my system is comprised of the following:

PSB Alpha T Towers
harman/kardon DC 520 tape deck
harmon/kardon CDR 20 dual CD player
harmon/kardon AVR 20 II integrated amp

Any thoughts, advice or heckling is appreciated here.

Thanks,

Jon
jwynacht

Showing 1 response by pbb

Was not a bad tt when new. Hard to tell what the arm is from the picture, could be a Fidelity Research, could be an arm made by FR for Luxman. You could always do better with a newer cart. I don't recall if it is belt drive or direct drive, I presume the latter, if I am mistaken, a new belt is always a good idea. Getting parts such as the missing strobe light is not the easiest thing in the world. There are concerns specializing in turntable repairs and some in vintage equipment that could be of help, but unless you find that this table has value as a collectible, I would use it as is until I can afford a new or newer table. There are many new models out now at reasonable prices, most if not all equipped with an OEM Rega arm (250 or 300), that, coupled with a new cartridge, would provide, in all likelihood, better sound.

Good luck.