Technic 12000 (by 2 users)

The issue is more than likely with your tonearm. How did you replace the leads? Did you unsolder the old ones from the main PC board? Or did you just splice? If you just spliced new ones, this also might be the root of your issue. If you went straight from the board, then the only other culprit is your tonearm.

Well, actually, the issue could also be your stylus or cartridge. Have you determined whether this was ok? If so, then it's your tonearm.

Look inside the area where the cartridge mounts. You'll see 4 gold prongs. All 4 prongs must be protruding, and must all be equally protruding from the base. If one is shorter than the others, that is an issue. You can attempt to get the shorter one to bounce back (there are springs behind each prong), by getting a paper clip or similar and pushing the prong in, hopefully it will bounce back - if not, you'll have to have your tonearm replaced.

If your prongs all look good, make sure there is no build up of any type on the prongs. They should be a nice shiny gold. However, because your unit is 20 years old, I can only imagine it hasn't been cleaned there in that amount of time - most people don't know they should clean that area.

To Clean - get yourself some Isopropyl Alcohol (99% pure ONLY), and get a cotton swab, and just clean it out. If it doesn't work, then it might be damaged, and will need to be replaced.

Besides... After 20 years, it's a good idea to change your tonearm at this time. For the cost, this unit will perform another 20 years without any issues.

- OPTiC
The 1200s Expert
www.1200s.com