Cranking up my old Denon Turntable....

[jimbob747]

Hi all!

I spent the past twenty years essentially in a cave, and just got a new place and finally have time and room for music. So I've broken out my old stereo!

My speakers (AR-TSW-610s) needed re-edging, as the rubber gaskets had disintegrated. Done! My amp/receiver (Denon DRA-550) needed electrical work, as several inputs were dead. Done!

Next: the turntable, a Denon DP-35F with a Grado MF1 cartridge. I don't want to "test it out" on any of my records, because the only ones I still have are ones I really like and can't find on CD! So I need to be a bit cautious before I crank up the turntable. So....questions:

1. I'm figuring that after 20 years in harsh NYC pollution that the rubber belt is shot to hell. Is that a reasonable assumption? If so, any suggestions on finding/installing a new one (of good quality)?

2. I'm also wondering if the cartridge (which was kept in good shape, is clean and unbent, and still has lots of miles left on it) also may have inherently degraded. Advice?

3. I have a vintage Discwasher brush. I'm wondering if the fluid might be stable enough to use after 20 years. I could buy new, but Discwasher's been bought by RCA, and I understand nothing's the same. Thoughts?


Many thanks!


JIM