How To Rewire A Tonearm

If you’re an audiophile, you know that the quality of your turntable’s tonearm can make or break the sound of your vinyl collection.

But what happens when the wiring in your tonearm starts to deteriorate?

Fear not, because rewiring a tonearm is a task that can be accomplished with a little bit of know-how and the right tools.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of rewiring your tonearm, from selecting the right wire to soldering the connections.

So grab your soldering iron and let’s get started!

The first step in rewiring your tonearm is selecting the right wire. It’s important to choose a wire that is both conductive and flexible, as it will need to pass through the arm, pivot, and plinth without causing any torsional mechanical resistance.

Litz wire is a great option for small-signal devices like tonearms. Each conductor (strand) is individually insulated with a material that sublimates at soldering temperature, allowing for easy soldering without damaging the wire.

Once you have your wire selected, it’s time to strip and tin the ends. For silicone-jacketed litz wire, a 33AWG wire stripper is required to avoid cutting any of the ultra-fine strands. Dip the stripped end in rosin flux and use a solder pot to simultaneously remove the litz insulation and tin the wire.

Next, solder the tonearm wire to each clip with 63/37 solder and apply clear heat-shrink tubing to reduce stress on the connection. Use a fine-tip soldering iron and a magnifier lamp for precision, and “helping hands” with alligator clips attached to a weighted base for stability.

Cardas PCC EG Cartridge Clips are a great option for attaching the wire to your tonearm pins. The base metal is high copper content brass with gold plating, and the flexible tip grips pins securely.

Finally, use Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder to terminate the connections. This rosin core solder contains tin, lead, silver, and copper and melts at 365 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s the same solder used to terminate all Cardas cables.

Shrinkflex Polyolefin Heatshrink Tubing can be used to cover the connections and prevent any unwanted movement or unwinding of the braided wire.

Assessing The Condition Of Your Tonearm Wiring

Before you begin the process of rewiring your tonearm, it’s important to assess the condition of the existing wiring. If your tonearm is working properly, there’s no need to rewire it just because it’s old. However, if you’re experiencing issues with the sound quality or the tonearm isn’t working at all, then rewiring may be necessary.

To assess the condition of your tonearm wiring, start by examining the wire itself. Look for any signs of fraying, damage, or wear and tear. If the wire is damaged or frayed, it will need to be replaced.

Next, check the connections between the tonearm wire and the cartridge clips. Ensure that they are secure and free from any corrosion or rust. Any signs of damage or wear in these connections can cause issues with sound quality.

Finally, test the tonearm to see if it’s functioning properly. Play a record and listen for any distortion or other sound quality issues. If you notice any problems, it may be time to rewire your tonearm.

By assessing the condition of your tonearm wiring before you begin rewiring, you can ensure that you’re only making necessary repairs and not wasting time and money on unnecessary ones.

Choosing The Right Wire For Your Tonearm

When it comes to choosing the right wire for your tonearm, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you want a wire that is both conductive and flexible. This will ensure that it can pass through the arm, pivot, and plinth without causing any torsional mechanical resistance.

Litz wire is a popular option for tonearms due to its flexibility and high conductivity. Each conductor (strand) is individually insulated with a material that sublimates at soldering temperature, allowing for easy soldering without damaging the wire. Silicone-jacketed litz wire is a good choice as it is both flexible and durable.

It’s also important to consider the gauge of the wire. A thinner gauge wire, such as 32AWG or 33AWG, is often preferred for tonearms as it is more flexible and easier to work with. However, thicker wires can be used if necessary.

When selecting a wire material, it’s important to note that silver wire is not always the best option. While silver is highly conductive, it can also be overly bright and incapable of producing low bass. Copper wire, on the other hand, can provide a warmer sound with better bass response.

Once you have selected your wire material and gauge, it’s time to strip and tin the ends. Use a 33AWG wire stripper for silicone-jacketed litz wire to avoid cutting any of the ultra-fine strands. Dip the stripped end in rosin flux and use a solder pot to simultaneously remove the litz insulation and tin the wire.

When attaching the wire to your tonearm pins, Cardas PCC EG Cartridge Clips are a great option. The base metal is high copper content brass with gold plating, and the flexible tip grips pins securely.

Tools You’ll Need For Rewiring Your Tonearm

Now that you know what wire and clips to use, it’s important to gather the necessary tools for the job. Here are some tools you’ll need to rewire your tonearm:

1. Wire stripper: A 33AWG wire stripper is required for stripping the ultra-fine strands of the litz wire without damaging them.

2. Solder pot: A solder pot is used to simultaneously remove the litz insulation and tin the wire.

3. Rosin flux: Rosin flux is used to help remove the litz insulation and tin the wire.

4. Fine-tip soldering iron: A fine-tip soldering iron is necessary for precision soldering.

5. Magnifier lamp: A magnifier lamp will help you see the small details of your work.

6. Helping hands: Helping hands with alligator clips attached to a weighted base will provide stability while you work.

7. Cardas PCC EG Cartridge Clips: These clips are used to attach the wire to your tonearm pins.

8. Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder: This rosin core solder is used to terminate the connections.

9. Shrinkflex Polyolefin Heatshrink Tubing: This tubing is used to cover the connections and prevent any unwanted movement or unwinding of the braided wire.

10. Screwdrivers: You may need screwdrivers of various sizes to disassemble your tonearm and access the wiring.

11. Fish tape: A fish tape can be used to feed new wire through the arm tube if you’re having trouble making a turn at the base.

12. Rubber or foam plug removal tool: You may need a tool to remove the rubber or foam plug at the tag end of your tonearm in order to release pressure on the wires and pull any excess through.

With these tools, you’ll be ready to rewire your tonearm and enjoy improved sound quality from your turntable.

Disassembling Your Tonearm For Rewiring

Before you can begin rewiring your tonearm, you need to disassemble it. Start by removing the cartridge and any screws or bolts that are holding the tonearm in place. Once the tonearm is free, carefully remove the wires from the clips and take note of where each wire is connected.

Next, remove any plastic or metal covers that are protecting the wiring inside the tonearm. This may require unscrewing or prying off certain parts of the tonearm. Be sure to keep track of any screws or parts you remove so that you can easily reassemble the tonearm later.

Once you have access to the wiring inside the tonearm, carefully remove each wire from its connection point. If the wires are soldered in place, use a soldering iron and desoldering braid to remove the old solder and free the wire.

After all of the old wiring has been removed, it’s time to install the new wire. Thread the new wire through the tonearm, taking care not to twist or kink it. When you reach each connection point, carefully strip and tin the end of the wire before attaching it to the clip.

Once all of the wires have been attached and secured with heat-shrink tubing, reassemble the tonearm by reversing the disassembly steps. Be sure to test your new wiring before reattaching your cartridge and playing any records.

Removing The Old Wiring From Your Tonearm

Before you can rewire your tonearm, you must first remove the old wiring. This can be a delicate process, as the bearings in the arm are fragile and must be handled with care.

Start by removing the cartridge from the tonearm, being careful not to damage the delicate pins or clips. Once the cartridge is removed, carefully unscrew the screws that hold the headshell to the tonearm. Place the screws and headshell in a safe place where they won’t get lost.

Next, gently remove the old wiring from the tonearm. If the wire is still attached to the clips or pins, desolder it carefully using a fine-tip soldering iron and desoldering braid. Be sure to use a low wattage iron to avoid damaging any delicate components.

If the wire is still attached to the cartridge, use a pair of small pliers or tweezers to gently pull it out of the clips or pins. Be very careful not to damage any of the delicate components.

Once all of the old wiring has been removed, inspect the tonearm for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, such as worn bearings or damaged clips, it may be best to have a professional repair or replace these components before rewiring your tonearm.

With the old wiring removed and any necessary repairs made, you are now ready to begin rewiring your tonearm using the instructions outlined above. Remember to take your time and work carefully to ensure that your new wiring is installed correctly and securely.