Newbie question on TT.


I found this wonderful site about 2 weeks ago and have been doing alot of reading. First of all, I am very limited on funds to spend on my quest for quality analog enjoyment. Ok, enough rambling, now my question. I have recently acquired thru a yard sale, a beautiful Dual 701 TT and installed a new Shure VN-35E stylus. It sounds much better than my old TT, which was a Technics SL 1300. Is there something I can do for say $100 that would tweak my TT for even better sound? I have it hooked up to a Carver HR 742 receiver. My speakers are 2 floor standing Pioneer CS E9900 4 way speakers and also 2 floor standing Polk Audio RTA 8TL speakers. Any suggestions on anything I can do cheaply to enjoy a better sound will be much appreciated. I have been an avid collector of Analog recordings, with alot of MoFi and Japanese pressing. It might also be of help to know that I mostly listen to classic rock, blues and jazz. Oh, by the way, I bought the Dual for $5.00 I was pretty happy with that find. Not even a scratch on the dustcover, so I don't think it had hardly been used.

Thank you in advance for your help!
sfpritch0a98

Showing 2 responses by twl

Make sure the belt is good, and clean the RCA connectors real well. Get a cartridge alignment protractor for $20 from turntablebasics.com and make sure the cartridge is aligned properly. Make some minor adjustments in the tracking force and anti-skate and listen to see if things get any better or worse, and try to find the best sounding setting. Put the TT on a dedicated stand that is lightweight and rigid, with no other equipment on the stand with it. If you can remove the dustcover, remove it totally from the table when playing.
Marty, does it help if you empty those 3 drinking glasses of a fine single-malt Scotch whisky before you put them under the table? :^)

I didn't know if the Dual 701 is direct drive. Sorry if I was wrong about that.