Phonoland

Hi: Just picked up Wurli 1800 yesterday. Is rough and trying to determine if can restore or should part out. The mech has issues so i want to test it out. The amp has NOT been recapped, can i safely power up the machine by removing the tubes? If i can get the mech sorted out will give restore a go and recap amp then.
2nd question, I have read discussions on the origional cartridge and upgrading to magnetic. What is the recommended cartidge to use? and is it avail with a pre-amp kit or am I on my own wiring that in?
Thanks Mark

You can disable the Hi-V in the amp by removing the 5U4.

But first check these items:

1) Check fuse values. Often a troubled machine will have been over-fused.

2) Lube the mechanism and, if possible, take it manually through a cycle before applying power.

3) Keep your eyes and nose tuned to anything going wrong.

My general rule is: Never plug in a machine found 'cold". If it was already running, say in a home, that is one thing, stored in a barn/warehouse is another. In those cases I never power up till after everything is washed, rebuilt, lubed and where possible, tested individually before reassembly.

As for the pickup, the 1800 is a bit more complicated to mod due to the arm design. The amp mods are simple.

Rob/NYC