DIY Custom Made Turntables, some doubts..


Hello to all!

Please, someone can explain me how is the process of assemble a turntable when you purchase or DIY the cabinet, purchase a direct driver platter motor, like a Denon or JVC for example, and separated tonearm.

How projects like this works, in order to assemble the turntable with the tonearms correct distance in relation to the platter, in order to work properly?

I presume that tonearms that are sold separately, have all the instructions how to be installed in the correct position, is that right?

Just a example: http://www.aroundhifi.com/tag/turntable/

Many thanks, best regards to all, and feel free to tell me another technical infos that must be considered.

128x128cosmicjazz
There is no difference in set-up process as you will have to measure and drill a mounting hole for each tonearm individually and the size and Pivot to Spindle distance depends on the tonearm, for each tonearm it’s different. To measure Pivot to Spindle distance and to align your cartridge you need Dr.Feickert protractor. You need a blank arm boards (not already drilled for another tonearm or you will end up like this). If you will make a custom (blank) arm boards for original plinth they will be different color and veneer on the original plinth and on your custom arm board will never be the same. The Victor plinth is easy to made, look here.

I have both original Victor plinth, including the one designed for two tonearms, i prefer small one for one tonearm.

If you have a carpenter you can order something like Baltic birch plywood sandwich and for the best possible result you could use Pneumatic Insulators, here is mine.

That round plinth is just super ugly (on your linked page), you could make your own plinth in traditional size and shape. Denon original plinth are much better than original Victor plinth (i have both). For Denon you’d better buy original DK-300 plinth!

Here is mine.

Here is another example of custom made plinth for JVC Victor TT, but this can be too complicated for you.

Or you can use it without plinth, but with tonearm pod/base like this. This is same TT with a ring slate plinth, the owner is audiogon member.

*** My advice (and it’s simplest):

Buy Denon DP-80 drive in perfect condition, find yourself and original Denon DK-300 plinth, think about tonearm and cartridge budget then, and find yourself a nice vintage tonearm, for MM cartridges Denon DA-401 tonearm is absolutely amazing. This is complete setup (DP80, DK300. DA401) and if you will replace stock feet with AT616 Pneumatic insulators this will be superb setup.

If you need help with parts ask in direct.

P.S. And what you're asking for is not a custom made turntable. Back in the days it was normal to buy everything separately when it comes to high fidelity (drive, plinth, tonearm, cartridge). You can't make a turntable yourself, all you can make yourself is plinth, nothing else. 


Thank you so much for this infos, will take a look at the Dr.Feickert protractor, and try to learn how works, this is new for me, very interesting!

Many thanks.

 
This is the MANUAL, read how it works, pretty easy.
It’s made in Germany, the protractor is metal (very high quality)

Good luck 
millercarbon. When I saw cosmicjazz's post I was excited we would discuss a the design and construction of a high end custom TT. Your's is magnificent! I want to design and build a custom TT along the lines of a Micro Seiki 8000. Single tonearm. I can build the Plinth and Platter.  Should I start with the Drive and Power Supply? As I thought cosmicjazz was asking, where does one start with this? budget would be about $10,000.
I suggest that you visit a good retailer and listen to a few options at your price point, so that the retailer gets some idea about your tastes. Tell him about the rest of your system, so that he can advise you about how components should act together in a pleasing way. Then buy.

The dealer will assemble your TT. The dealer will adjust and align it. Ask to be allowed to watch the process. Start learning from a pro.

In addition to saving you a lot of time and frustration, a dealer can save you a lot of money. At least, if I had listened to mine, I would have. There are many technical issues which he understands pretty well, and from your posting I infer that you are still beginning. At this point, a pro can help you a lot.

I built my turntable from scratch. I designed all the parts except the motor, belt, and air bearing, specified and sourced materials, and hired shops which had specialized precision equipment. Even so, I still take advice from my dealer, who recommended my higher end Koetsu cartridge - which by the way, was a tremendous success.

Last, beware of cables - they make a difference, but until you are into this hobby for tens of thousands, they deliver smaller benefits for the cost. For now, buy the cheapest cables you can find. Then upgrade one cable at a time, and make sure that you get them 'on approval' so you can send them back if they don't make a sufficient improvement.

Good luck! It's a long journey (half a century for me), but a good one! Welcome to the club!