Technics SL-10 Linear Tracking


I'm trying to break into the vinyl side of music and I would really appreciate any advice I could get on a hand-me-down from my Dad.

He hasn't used the turntable for at least 15 years, so operationally I have no idea what condition it's in.

The catch is that he misplaced the AC power cord so at the moment i cannot plug it in.

The AC power jack is a lot smaller than the standard size for audio components. The interesting thing is that there are two power supply imputs: the AC power jack and a DC power jack (12 V).

Should I just walk over to Radio Shack and pick up a 12 V universal power cord?

Finally, there is also a MM/MC button on the back, does that mean I won't need to buy a phono stage?

Thanks!

derek
mrdereklee
I don't know if Viridian speaks from experience or just his own opinion. I speak from experience and like the turntable. I have done a direct comparison in my system against a Project Wood Classic fitted with a Sumiko Blue Point. I am currently using an Ortofon TM20 and previously used Shure V15. The Project table certainly wasn't any better and way less convenient to use. I have LP's which have been played for over twenty years and still sound fine. No chewed grooves here. If you can find a power cord and get it running it will provide performance equal to the budget Project and Music Hall offerings.
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I have a Technics SL-10 Linear Tracking Direct Drive Turntable that needs a new cartridge and needle. The original # was 310-MC.

Does anyone know what kind might fit or replace it? And where I might get one?

Thanks
Bill
See my post above. Ortofon TM20 from The Needle Doctor. The regular mount version of the same cartidge, which is the OM20 received very favorable reviews from The Absolute Sound. The SL10 will benefit from a good isolation platform. I use a Townsend Seismic Sink sitting on 2 inch aluminum spikes with brass cups coupling it to the rack.
A lot of people hate the technics linear turntables. I have one and love it. Grado cartridges come in P mount, I have a silver on mine and it sounds fantastic. I bought this for the tiny footprint to use on my desktop for ripping vinyl to my hard drive but it sounded better than my main TT so now I move it all over the house. I was intitially looking for an SL-10 because it has a built-in preamp but decided to get a cheaper tt (I think it is a SL-Q6?) that had been fully serviced. The SL-10 seems to be the most popular(selling on ebay for 200+), it was quite expensive back in the day. I've played a few new LP's 10-20 times and hear no wear/distortion so I would ignore anybody telling you to get a thrift store DD TT that probably doesn't allow for tonearm adjustments. I've had these and they will ruin your collection.