Possible short in a Turntable - Videokarma.org TV - Video

jwharris · #1 12-09-2011, 02:24 AM

I am thinking about buying a turntable stereo I found on craigslist for $35.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/atq/2734452921.html

The ad says nothing about any problems but when I contacted the guy he emailed me back and said "the turntable is blowing fuses, which means it has a short, (something which is very easy to fix}, which is why it is listed so cheaply. I recommend you buy and fix."

My question is, is this an easy fix for someone who is an amateur at this or should I move on and find something else? I am just looking for something small that works that I can play some records on.

bob91343 · #2 12-09-2011, 11:40 AM

As with most things, the answer is, it depends. Blowing fuses is often one of the easiest things to fix but there are some causes that are not simple. What is the make and model? If it's a simple 120V motor connected with a switch, it could be easy as long as the motor isn't bad. If it's a more sophisticated solid state circuit, it's anyone's guess.

***Eric H*** · #3 12-09-2011, 12:48 PM

It's more likely the amplifier or power supply is blowing the fuses rather than the turntable itself, it's no doubt solid state so it could be a bad Diode or Bridge rectifier in the power supply, or a shorted filter cap.

It may not be all that easy to fix, if you have no experience with electronics.

jwharris · #4 12-09-2011, 03:29 PM

I don't have any experience with solid state. I can replace a cap and rewire something but never messed with transistors or anything solid state. I decided not to buy and instead got a Magnavox stereo with a tape deck and turntable at Goodwill for $9. I am in the process of hooking up the speakers to see if it works. I plugged it in at the store and the turntable moved but I needed to get some RCA jacks at the Shack to hook the newer Sony speakers up to it. If it doesn't work I can return it and get my money back so this works better than $35 and uncertainty with a short.

Thanks for the feedback. I may still go and get it just to mess with it. I've always got you guys and even the AK guys to help me out so why not spend $35 to learn something new and maybe get a good piece of vintage audio equipment out of it.

-Jason