BIC multiplayer manual turntable 960
PJ_Soul
Posts: 49,954
Hi everyone,
Not sure if this is an appropriate forum to post... I think it's for technical questions related to the website, but lots of people are posted random tech questions, so here I am.
Is anyone here some kind of turntable expert by any chance? My mom gave me a BIC multiplayer manual turntable 960. It's in amazing condition, but I have no idea how to work it as far as the anti-skate settings go, and the counter balance on the arm and stuff. I have no clue. And the users manual if completely confusing... it's like they assumed buyers of this unit were already experts when it came to turntables. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? The only turntables I've used are just ready to use and I never had to do anything other than stick the record on and put down the needle! I've never had one that has all these settings and stuff, and have never needed to purchase a receiver/amp myself before, so....
... I need a phono in receiver for it apparently, or else a pre-amp and receiver. And that's all I know. Is one better than the other? Are phono in receivers still made, or do I need to go second hand? Is there more benefit to getting a pre-amp instead? Any advice would be great.
Thanks!
PS - any instruction about how to clean the gears or whatever would be good too. Supposedly the grease gunges up in these things and needs to be cleaned (and replaced??).
Not sure if this is an appropriate forum to post... I think it's for technical questions related to the website, but lots of people are posted random tech questions, so here I am.
Is anyone here some kind of turntable expert by any chance? My mom gave me a BIC multiplayer manual turntable 960. It's in amazing condition, but I have no idea how to work it as far as the anti-skate settings go, and the counter balance on the arm and stuff. I have no clue. And the users manual if completely confusing... it's like they assumed buyers of this unit were already experts when it came to turntables. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? The only turntables I've used are just ready to use and I never had to do anything other than stick the record on and put down the needle! I've never had one that has all these settings and stuff, and have never needed to purchase a receiver/amp myself before, so....
... I need a phono in receiver for it apparently, or else a pre-amp and receiver. And that's all I know. Is one better than the other? Are phono in receivers still made, or do I need to go second hand? Is there more benefit to getting a pre-amp instead? Any advice would be great.
Thanks!
PS - any instruction about how to clean the gears or whatever would be good too. Supposedly the grease gunges up in these things and needs to be cleaned (and replaced??).
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments
There are a lot of good videos on youtube about this, just search turntable setup.
1. The "counter-balance" sets the tracking force of the cartridge (needle). This is usually 1.5 - 3.0 grams depending on the cartridge and turntable. The owners manual should spell this out for you. You should try to go for the lower end of the spectrum. The anti skate is what keeps the arm from swinging left or right basically, it keeps the needle in the middle of the groove. This setting usually equals the setting of the tracking force.
2. To set the tracking force you need to balance the arm and set the dial to zero. Imagine a see saw balanced perfectly so that it's parallel to the ground. Once it's zeroed, you can turn the dial to 1.5. You can actually use a jewelers scale or any sensitive digital scale to measure the force. If you balanced it properly the weight on the scale will match the number on the dial.
3. To set the anti skate simply turn it to the same number you set the tracking force to. The best way to test this is with a blank record. If set properly, the arm will not move on the record while playing.
4. You can play with these settings until the record sounds the best. Just don't go to heavy on the tracking force, it can wear out your needle and records.
5. Phono-in receivers are still made today but they're more expensive than finding an 80s Technics receiver that is still perfectly good. An audiophile will tell you that a pre-amp is better, which it is, but the difference isn't worth it unless you're spending a lot of money.
6. Honestly you would do just fine with a late 70s - 80s quality stereo system. I got mine for free at a yard sale, they were going to throw it away! All I had to buy was a turntable.