Harmon Kardon T40

[MagicAlex]

I just picked up a turntable very cheap at a yard sale this past weekend. Set me back $5 whole bucks. :) It's in great shape and everything seems to work properly but the cartridge definitely needs replacing.

Does anyone know if this Harmon Kardon T40 is any good? I have a feeling that it is a low end unit and looks to be at least 15 years old. What would be a good cartridge to use? This is my first TT in over 20 years and I've not been in the market at all so please excuse my ignorance on the subject.

Thanks!

[Sckott]

Yes, it's a very inexpensive turntable, but it can't hurt to try.

I would go for something modest. Maybe a mid to lower end Shure or even a Ortophon OM10. See if the bug bites you!

[-=Rudy=-]

Cleaned up and functional, it could fetch $150-$200 on eBay. I just saw one sell recently for $178.63. Quite a find, I think! And I wouldn't call it low end either, not compared to what the mass hi-fi manufacturers were selling back then.

H/K has the owner's manual on their website, BTW.

[Dan C]

Yes!
The Shure M97XE (about $95) or the Audio Technica AT 440 LC (around $99) will no doubt be a great match with that turntable.

Then go here for a free alignment protractor!
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/freestuff.htm

Feel free to ask any questions here when you get it all together to make sure it's set up properly. (buy a cheap bubble level while you're at it).

Vinyl can sound wonderful and most of all it's FUN!!!

Happy spinning,
Dan C

[Sckott]

Yes, keep it fun. No doubt you might find your way into something that could get bigger and better later.

Do you have a receiver with a Phono preamp?

[MagicAlex]

Thanks guys. I am looking online for a good price on that Shure cart Dan.

My wife is not real happy about the possibilty of a "new" format to collect though. I'll make sure that some of my first purchases will include a few of her favorites! :D

[-=Rudy=-]

I've always liked the looks of H/K equipment...especially that look in the early 80's with the frosted silver front panels. :) My favorite audio shop carried H/K, if I recall, but never the turntables since they carried Duals. I've been looking for a less expensive 2nd turntable, and the T40 I missed on eBay would have fit the bill.

MagicAlex, did yours come with the platter weight?

[MagicAlex]

Rudy...yes it has the platter weight. Is that something that needs to be used exclusively?

[-=Rudy=-]

I don't know if it needs to be used all the time, but I recall it has the stroboscopic markings on it. Trying to remember the specifics of the T40--doesn't it have a pitch control on it, with some kind of "lock" button that will bypass it?

I don't use a weight on my turntables, but I do have a lightweight clamp that grips the spindle. I rarely use it.