Do not underestimate the potential of the Goldring decks. provided the idler wheel is in good condition it IS possible, regardless of what other people often say, to have these turntables run as quiet as ANY of the highest end TTs. What is more those wacking big motors that drive them, if in good condition, will give you not only superb torque but the most stable platform for record spinning. Forget belt drive. Evel with the stock arm on the Goldring Lenco GL75, which is a great design for tweaking on the outside but murder to re-wire, just listen to some piano music on it. Okay, with that stock arm, maybe the tonal quality isn't spot on but just listen to the sustains of the notes. They are PERFECT! Not a trace of wobble. If you know the sound of a piano really well, like I do, you will know what I mean. So, personally, I'd keep the L75 for spares to feed the G99. If necessary, contact Technical & General in the UK for a new spindle and bearing and/or idler wheel (tel: +44 1892-654534 - about £20-£30 a piece), mount it in a nice piece of Italian marble (get the local stone mason to make one - cost you maybe £150 if you allow him to use off-cuts) and consider using a RS Labs RS-A1 Tonearm on it ...

harryf200 July 21, 2004 21:54