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Not sure which thread this should sit in so hope no one will mind my asking direct...

Have an issue with my current set up that has suddenly developed out of nowhere - and thought some of the knowledgeable folk on here might know the problem and possible solution?

It's a Technics SL-1210 MKII turntable plugged into a Technics SU-X950 integrated amp.

Between flipping one side of a record over to the other a couple weeks back, I noticed the sound had suddenly dropped out, or at least the volume dropped very low.

A delve around the back of the set up revealed the earth lead running from deck to amp was a little loose so I tightened it and that seemed to do the trick - volume restored.

Problem is, between then and now the sound has dropped low 2 or three times since - between changing sides again, which seems odd. It's never in the middle of a track or side. Again a fiddle with the earth lead has seemingly righted it, but it keeps happening intermittently without my touching anything.

Scratching my head... Am probably asking something foolish, but any ideas? Cheers in advance!

I recommend a process of elimination in these situations. It's usually difficult to say if it's the turntable or the amp causing the issue. If you have a spare of either to test out, then start with that.

Personally, I have had many more issues with faulty mixers and preamps than I have had with my Tech 1200's.

Cheers for the response! Yes, unfortunately don't have a spare of either to test. :)

Also run a cassette deck and separate CD player through the amp and they seem to still work fine - if that's any indication one way or the other (?)

The hunt for a solution continues...

Over the years sl-1200's have a tendency to build up oxidization on the headshell contacts and the pins inside the collar of the arm tube.

grab some de-oxit and a couple of qtips and give the pins and contacts on the stub end of the headshell a good cleaning.

As you clean the pins be sure to work them in and out a bit as well to make sure the springs behind the pins get a bit of a cleaning also.

Excellent @static - have done a bit of Internet research and you may be on to something - thanks buddy, will check out the options

Nice tip, @static!

There should be a sub forum in here called Ask Static.

Always willng to help when i can. :)

Not that what I said was definitely the answer... But it's a good place to start. Especially if the table started it's life being used to DJ.

Either way @static a can of De-oxit is shipping to me as a I speak... your response much appreciated!

+1 for an 'Ask Static' thread ;)

Just to say @static14 I took your advice and - touch wood - after a couple of sprays of Deoxit and clean with earbuds seems to have solved the mysterious problem for now. Records sounding clean as a whistle again. Many thanks again buddy!

Glad it was a simple fix!