Concept 2QD Turntable - Are You Experienced?



Just picked up one - any wisdom or lore concerning this TT would be appreciated.

Peter
peterfcassidy
Concept was the house brand for Pacific Stereo (a subsidiary of CBS), a stereo chain with stores mostly in California, but also Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Missouri, Washington, and Wisconsin. They closed down in the early 80s. The Concept line, according to many, was/is better than the best offerings by Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, etc. Their top of the line receiver, the Concept 16.5, retailed for $950 in 1978, was rated at 165 WPC into 8 ohms and 250 into 4 ohms, featured a "dual mono" design with huge twin power transformers, and has a damping factor of 450. Dick Schram, who went on to greater glory with Parasound was the Chief Designer for the Concept line.
I've never heard of this brand until recently when I ran into an add listing a Concept 2.5 receiver. My research indicated it was a well respected brand so I bought it.
Today I found an Add for Concept 2QD turntable for $50.00. I think I going to try to get it, but it is going to be a bit of a trek to go and get it. Unfortunately, there is no cartridge included. I am wondering if it is going to be worth it.
I'm sure it will be (was) worth the trek for the 2QD. I have the 16.5 receiver and ELC-II cassette deck, and had a 7.5D receiver. They are all solidly built electronics from the 70's that are the best I've heard. I'm still looking for a 2QD turntable.

Just read that the Concept 2QD was manufactured by TAIC, a division of Toshiba.
Hi everyone

I was able to acquire a working Concept 2QD TT that needs a little TLC. I'm in need of some assistance though.

One of the feet on the 2QD is damaged. Is this something that is easy to fix? Would I better off with just leaving the foot unrepaired and putting the table on some brass footers?

Anyone have any recommendations for compatible carts for the 2QD in the under $175 range new or slightly used? I've used an Ortofon OM5e and a Grado Blue Cartridge before on a vintage Philips GA 312 TT. I didn't like the treble and mid range on the OM5e and while I like the sound of the Grado Blue I have a hum in my system with it and I've been told in previous threads to aim higher for a cart.

The phono preamp I plan to use with the 2QD is either from the Emotiva USP-1 or Cambridge 640P.

Has anyone ever replaced the ICs for the 2QD? If so what did you use? The ICs on the 2QD I have are really old and the ends don't look so great.

Are there any other maintenance tips that I should be doing on the 2QD?

Thanks again everyone.
I took a closer look at the Concept 2QD last night and I saw that the counterweight had fallen off. It isn't broken. I think it just came loose. I'll try to re-attach it soon. Has anyone else had this issue with the 2QD.

Lastly the Concept Yahoo group is no more. I tried to join and no-one has gotten back to me.

Thanks again.