Turntables "Electronics": models, adjustment and revision

Vinyl players from the times of the USSR are very popular in our time. The devices had analog sound, which was significantly different from reel-to-reel tape recorders and cassette players. Nowadays, vintage turntables undergo some refinement, which has a positive effect on the sound of music. In this case, we will focus on the Soviet electronic record players "Electronics", their model range, setting up and finalizing devices.

The main feature of all players, including "Electronics", is the technology of sound reproduction. Recording a vinyl record is carried out by converting an audio signal into an electrical impulse. Then a special technique displays this impulse in the form of a graphic pattern on the original disk from which the die is stamped. Plates are stamped from the matrices. When a record is played on a turntable, the opposite is true. An electric record player removes the sound signal from the record, and the acoustic system, phono stage and amplifiers convert it into a sound wave.

Players "Electronics" had their own characteristics depending on the model... The devices were intended for high-quality reproduction of stereo and monophonic gramophone recordings. Some models had up to 3 modes of rotation speed adjustment. The frequency range of playback on many devices reached 20,000 Hz. The most popular models had a more advanced motor, which was used in the production of more expensive devices.

An overview of the lineup should start with the most popular models of that time. Turntable "Electronics B1-01" intended for listening to records of all types, had acoustics systems and an amplifier in the package. It should be noted that the device is equipped with a belt drive and a low speed motor. The turntable disc is made of zinc, completely die-cast and has excellent inertia. Main characteristics of the device:

• frequency range from 20 to 20 thousand Hz;
• sensitivity 0.7 mV / cm / s;
• maximum vinyl diameter 30 cm;
• rotation speed 33 and 45 rpm;
• the degree of the electrophone is 62 dB;
• rumble degree 60 dB;
• consumption from the mains 25 W;
• weight about 20 kg.

Model "Electronics EP-017-stereo". The direct drive unit is equipped with electrodynamic damping, which is immediately felt when the arm is turned on or moved. The tonearm itself is equipped with a T3M 043 magnetic head. Due to the high quality and flexibility of the head, the risk of rapid wear of the records is reduced, and the damping technology makes it possible to play curved discs. The body of the device is completely made of metal, and the weight of the electric player itself is about 10 kg. Of the pluses, quartz rotation speed stabilization and pitch control are noted.

Main characteristics:

• frequency range from 20 to 20 thousand Hz;
• rumble degree 65dB;
• pickup clamping force 7.5-12.5 mN.

"Electronics D1-011"... The device was released in 1977. The production was carried out by the radio components plant in Kazan. The turntable supports all vinyl formats and has a quiet motor.The device also has a speed stabilization and a statically balanced pickup. The pickup itself has a magnetic head with a diamond stylus and a metal tonearm. The main features of "Electronics D1-011":

• the presence of a mechanism for automated control of the tonearm;
• automatic listening to one side of a vinyl record;
• speed control;
• frequency range 20-20 thousand Hz;
• rotation speed 33 and 45 rpm;
• electrophone 62dB;
• rumble degree 60 dB;
• consumption from the mains 15 W;
• weight 12 kg.

"Electronics 012". Main characteristics:

• sensitivity 0.7-1.7 mV;
• frequency 20-20 thousand Hz;
• rotation speed 33 and 45 rpm;
• the degree of the electrophone is 62 dB;
• power consumption 30 W.

This unit was released in the early 80s of the last century. The turntable had the ability to listen to vinyl records in various formats. This tabletop electric player belonged to the highest category of complexity.

Electric player "Electronics 060-stereo"... The device was released in the mid-80s and was considered the most advanced device. The design of the case was similar to that of Western counterparts. The model was equipped with a direct drive, super-quiet engine, stabilization function and automatic speed control. The device also had a regulator for manual adjustment. The "Electronics 060-stereo" had an S-shaped balanced tonearm with a high-quality head. There was an opportunity to change the head, including the head of brand manufacturers.

Specifications:

• rotation speed 33 and 45 rpm;
• sound frequency 20-20 thousand Hz;
• consumption from the mains 15 W;
• the degree of the microphone is 66 dB;
• weight 10 kg.

The model has the ability to play all types of records, and also has a preamplifier-corrector.

First of all, before setting up a technique, you need to find a suitable place for it. Vinyl devices do not tolerate frequent movement. Therefore it is worth choosing permanent place, which will have a positive effect on the sound of the records itself, and on the service life of the player. After it is installed, you need to adjust the optimal level. The disc on which the records are played must be placed strictly horizontally.

Next, you need to make sure that the device is correctly configured and connected to the network. Setting up your player includes the following steps.

1. Installing the tonearm. This part must be located on a special site. Depending on the model, the arm pad may have a different design. In this step, you just need to put on the tonearm. Installation of the part requires the use of instructions.
2. Installing the cartridge. It is necessary to attach the crown to the tonearm. To do this, use a set of fasteners that are attached to the device. However, it should be borne in mind that the screws must not be tightened too much at this stage. Later, the arm position will be corrected by loosening the fasteners again. The head connects to the tonearm through four wires. One side of the wires is put on the small rods of the head, the other side - on the rods of the tonearm. All pins have their own colors, so when connecting, you just need to connect the same pins. It is important that the protective cover is not removed from the needle during these manipulations.
3. Downforce setting. While holding the tonearm, you need to adjust it so that in the end, both parts of the part are balanced against the support. Then you need to shift the weight towards the support and measure the value. The operating instructions indicate the pickup tracking force range.It is necessary to adjust the clamping force closer to the value in the instructions.
4. Setting the azimuth... When properly adjusted, the needle is perpendicular to the vinyl. It is worth noting that in some models the azimuth has already been adjusted. But it will not be superfluous to check this parameter.
5. The final stage. To make sure the tuning is correct, raise the tonearm and position it over the starting track of the record. When properly installed, multiple grooves, spaced apart, will be located along the perimeter of the vinyl. Then you need to lower the tonearm. This should be done smoothly. Music will play when set correctly. After finishing listening, return the tonearm to the parking stop. If there is a fear of ruining the record, you need to use a template. Player templates are included. In any case, they can be purchased at any electrical store.

The turntable circuit consists of the following parts:

• engine at low speeds;
• disks;
• stroboscopic mechanism for regulating the rotation speed;
• rotational speed control circuit;
• microlift;
• mounting plate;
• panel;
• pickups.

Many users are not satisfied with the complete set of internal parts of the "Electronics" players. If you look at the device diagram, then Poor quality capacitors can be seen on the cartridge terminals. The presence of a cable with an outdated DIN input and questionable capacitors turns sound into a kind of sound. Also, the operation of the transformer gives extra vibrations to the case.

When modifying turntables, some audiophiles take the transformer out of the box. Upgrading the neutral table will not be superfluous. It can be damped in various ways. More experienced users can also damp the tonearm. Modernization of the tonearm consists in the completion of the shell, which contributes to convenient adjustment of the cartridge. They also change the wiring in the tonearm and remove the capacitors.

At one time, the "Electronics" electric players were very popular among music lovers and audiophiles. In this article, the most famous models were presented. Features, characteristics of devices will help you make the right choice, and advice on tuning and refinement will equate vintage devices with modern Hi-Fi technology.

For information on what kind of "Electronics" players are, see the next video.