Just when you thought it was safe…
MrsB has just msg’d to say she’s not going to the SHEFFIELD function tonight and will be home within the hour! 
Oh well, was nice while it lasted! At least everything is tidy and the TV screen looks like new! 
Barrie
Ouch!!!
Just to keep everything up to date (and to prove I don’t just keep buying stuff 
) I’ve sold both the AIWA mini systems. Previously sold the HITACHI SDT-7785 too. It was one of these AIWA mini comp 22 systems that started this very thread, way back when! Look at post #1 
A very nice chap from Peterlee travelled down to my place and bought them both. Hence the recent new purchases, speaking of which, the AIWA AP-2200 turntable I bought from a guy in Totnes, should be with me tomorrow if the parcel tracking is up to speed 
Then I will have ‘grown’ into a full size AIWA system. Still have the LEAK system and will get round to the DELTA 75 amp/tuner being sorted to go with the LEAK TT and speakers. I am really glad I’ve owned the mini systems and I learnt a lot along the way in terms of specs etc for them, not how to repair them! They continue to give great service once the cassette decks were sorted. I hope the new full size models do the same!
Barrie
You know how your mind wanders sometimes? Well earlier today a thought crossed my mind (not a long journey). I seem to remember a throw away comment several pages ago about having a gap for something else in one of your racks. How about a timer? Move a system to the bedroom and you’ve got an excellent, hi-fi quality replacement for your radio alarm. Will only take a similar space to a double wardrobe. Imagine how delighted Mrs Bettabuilda will be with waking up to a few dozen watts of classic 70’s rock.
P.S. TV looks much shinier although Barney seems puzzled by Daddy using a duster,
You’ll not believe it but i do have a timer! A pioneer 500 series IIRC Now, that would push SWIMBO over the edge, or more likely, me! 
It would already be in use Paul but it’s not really contemporary with the other stuff, it’s from a slightly later period, the clock is an LED display! 
Hard to believe I have such a thing! They did do a flip clock display one, alloy, silver front etc though . i seem to remember that everyone I’ve seen has been 110v though. Could always buy a step down power transformer at 60hz to run it though.
Here’s one like mine,
No, must resist!
Regarding the duster, couldn’t find the original packaging for it so i did struggle working out how to use it but got there in the end!
Barrie
Get it in the rack. Pure gadget porn. 
Or “Reveille Rock” by Johnny and the Hurricanes" from 1959 
“C’mon you guys, rise 'n shine!!” 
Don’t know if anyone noticed but I was typing my previous post in then wee small hours! Couldn’t sleep, Mrs B has a really bad cold hence not attending the Sheffield dinner last night. Never flinched when she popped into the lounge. Just the usual stuff like,
“So where are all the speakers now then?” and
“Is that a new rack?” Oh and
“What else have you been buying?” You know,standard stuff
Dare not mention the new TT
Which has arrived folks!
I wanted to open up the AIWAtuner/amp for a thorough deep clean this morning. It had a couple of scratchy pots too, which needed attention.
TBH, it wasn’t too bad but I wanted to get into all the nooks and crannies, I stripped the front fascia completely, polished the tuner Perspex cover, polished all the solid alloy control knobs, dusted and gently vacuumed the insides, applied contact cleaner to the pots and input/output sockets, etc. All back together now, just having a brew before reinstalling in the rack. Then it’s on to the AIWA AP-2200 unpacking and testing just hope it’s survived it’s journey from Totnes in one piece.
Will report back later
Barney is right into parcels, probably due to the fact my house is like a parcel delivery hub at times!
Not had chance to open yet as I’ve been busy with the AIWA tuner amp.
Scratchy pots? What scratchy pots! All working beautifully now, no noise when twiddling with any of the knobs! Very pleased with the outcome. I DID forget to reconnect the signal strength and tuning analog meters though! Schoolboy error but soon remedied with the removal of 7 screws, couldn’t make a mistake with the connectors either, one is 2 pin, the other 3 pin
Barrie
Cripes Barrie! You must live on a permanent adrenalin rush!!! 
Ha! Yes Roger, it certainly appears that way
So, carrying on with that thought, here’s some pics of the unwrapping of the new AP-2200 turntable.
As you can see, no shortage of packing materials! unfortunately, there was one casualty, the stylus cantilever is broken 
TBH, not really an issue as I would have started afresh anyway. The guy must have damaged it when removing the complete head shell, he packed that in a small padded jewellery box and must have caught it. It’s cosmetically very nice, better than the one I sold if I’m honest, so very happy there. Not had a proper chance to test it yet but the auto return isn’t working properly and the tone arm lifter needs a spot of lubricant and adjusting. Having owned this model before, it’s quite easy to check the functions, knowing what’s out of spec from the get go. Platter speed is fine on 45 & 33rpm and pitch control works well. Easy to set up the tone arm balance/tracking force (2.0-2.5gm) and anti skate. Motor is silent (direct drive) spindle bearing and tone arm pivot bearings are good with zero play. Even the tone arm rest clip is perfect and has the correct spindle adapter for 45rpm records ( they have a cut out to store it on the base of the tone arm rest. So all in all, appears to be a great buy and completes the AIWA stack
Barrie
Just a couple of pics with the TT in situ. Rock steady platter speed. Had swap out the head shell and cartridge with one of my own until I decide whether to just replace the damaged stylus or buy a new cartridge completely. Fun getting the other cartridge set up! Tone arm balance, overhang, alignment, tracking force, anti skate etc. All done and sounds very pleasant. Last pic shows the other head shell/cartridge playing some Simon & Garfunkel
Barrie
I think Mrs. B is going to have to reduce your caffeine intake Barrie !
Looks like you’re having great fun though, my friend. And it looks terrific.
I’m losing my memory. 
Is that 3 T/T’s you’ve got now? 
Hiya Chris, Roger!
not sure how many I’ve got? 
seriously though, only two turntables, the LEAK 3001 and the AIWA AP-2200. 
I just can’t help myself though I love all this old hifi stuff. I look on Ebay and next thing you know, something has turned up via DPD/MyHermes/Parcelforce/insert courier of your choice here. not sure how that happens, but it does!
Barrie
As if by magic ! 
Morning all, sourced a new stylus for the AIWA cartridge, it should be with me by Tuesday at the latest. The cart is the one fitted originally to this TT when supplied new. From my searching for a stylus. It appears to be quite a generic affair, the stylus is listed as fitting various carts on different make TT’s. Not uncommon then, or nowadays for that matter.
Barrie
Words fail me. I was going to have a dig when I spotted Cliff Richard and Robson & Jerome in the stash but then… then…
