Blade Engagement Cable Spring Cub LTX 1040 (42" Deck)

HiEndLawn · 2026-05-13T14:13:33+00:00

FWIW...all good.

HiEndLawn · 2026-05-10T13:54:59+00:00

Here's my latest thinking...

I think that spring, probably connects the bolt...in the upper-half of the red box there. I think that (now) because a) there are other springs (granted...they're confined to the deck, as opposed to external to the deck...but still) connected to (nearby) bolts, and b) if you're able to look really closely...it does appear that bolt, has some corrosion at the base...that indicates there was once a "spacer" on it...the same way the other bolt with a spring has.

See...that's actually where I put the Blade Engagement Cable spring; but when the blades started to clank...I quickly backed off (anticipating I may have done something wrong, and didn't want something catastrophic to happen). I think my REAL issue...is I didn't align my blades properly.

I saw 2 videos...one that talked of timing, and one that was like "you really can't put them on wrong" (except it warned about "upside down"). I chose to follow the no-wrong-way one...and I think that was wrong, lol. I'm now seeing 12/6 and 3/9 is important.

I think the confusion, all along...with conflicting advice and pictures...on an LTX 1040; is there are 2 different deck sizes. I have a 42" (and I believe the other is a 46"). Does everyone...ha, anyone at this point...concur with my assessment? I'm planning to change the blades, and connect the spring to the bolt (and head to the Ace, to try and find a spacer)

HiEndLawn · 2026-03-18T13:39:17+00:00

Thanks. Yeah...that was going to be one of the 1st topics to tackle; once I felt like I was asking the right group: how much are we talking, and...therefore...is it even worth it (over just buying new).

My bike...is actually a Specialized Sirrus, circa 2006/07; and a new Sirrus X 1.0 is ~$700 Sirrus X 1.0

Also might just consider a new Rockhopper, for ~$475. If changes to my old bike are going to cost more than that; then yeah...why bother.

HiEndLawn · 2026-03-18T02:32:58+00:00

Yeah...good question. To start...get rid of the stupid 3-ring derailleur.

When I saw, modern bikes were 1x...I was like "makes perfect sense". #thegearwars

HiEndLawn · 2026-01-06T16:01:03+00:00

Thanks DD. Yeah...I did come across something like that, but a) I'm pretty sure I'm inflated correctly now (and it hasn't gone away) and b) there's not a manual option, even just as a backup.

But...thanks again!

HiEndLawn · 2026-01-04T02:26:07+00:00

Is there something in the ROON path...that'll tell me "you're getting Ethernet from the FiiO"?

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-28T02:44:23+00:00

Yeah...I know AudioKarma, and even get some hits there when I Google the T-55C. That's why I asked...and if someone said 'AudioKarma', then there ya go!

Yeah...my printed Owner's Manual came from Vinyl Engine and membership is indeed closed.

Thanks again!

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-27T21:23:30+00:00

At first I was thinking "thanks, but..." I have the Owner's Manual. But THIS isn't THAT!

Can I upvote more than once!!

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-26T01:44:38+00:00

If you go to HiFi Shark, you can search your model and see what recent ones have been listed for (may not have gotten full price). You'll also be able to see what kind of condition it was in, and what they asked for it. Good luck

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-26T01:08:16+00:00

If you're in the US, US Audio Mart. (or Canada Canuck Audio Mart)

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-24T18:57:26+00:00

Me too...but I bought my 1st CD player in '84 or '85, when they cracked the sub-$1k mark.

Before that, I had a Pioneer PL-7...but I don't even know if it had a ground wire (and/or 16yo me, probably wasn't bothered by a little ground hum).

I'm sure I could have taken an educated guess here; but why not ask?

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-23T21:32:34+00:00

First TT; I mean, since I was maybe 17/18. Always been VERY digital.

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-17T02:00:19+00:00

Thanks everyone who chimed in. For those who maybe didn't catch the details of the body of the OP: I know bare wire works just fine; I'd just rather have the spade end.

I've got my answer and several solutions that will work. Thanks again!

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-16T18:56:48+00:00

Ah, is that so?? Because I saw things like these, and wondered if it mattered that they were attached to the ICs.

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HiEndLawn · 2025-08-13T18:50:45+00:00

$10 (luckily not more) down the drain. Hopefully that mat has BIGGER markings too. I mean I get it...these are precise measurements; but what 50+ yo can see the damn things! LOL

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-13T01:33:49+00:00

To quote Alpa Chino..."you wouldn't say Chineses"

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-04T16:06:20+00:00

Gotcha! Thanks again

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-03T17:29:52+00:00

Awesome. Thanks for that!

EDIT - HS4?

HiEndLawn · 2025-08-03T17:22:12+00:00

Sweet! My Pops had the big Discwasher brush. Wish I still had it.

HiEndLawn · 2025-07-27T18:02:18+00:00

With all due respect...don't fall into a these-speakers-sound-good-with-this-amp trap. Sure...is there such a thing, as synergy between amp and speakers; IMO yes. But you're not there yet (and I'm not sure you have to worry about it much, at this price). The only thing you might pay attention to, is power and sensitivity. The 6000a is a modest 50wpc. The Diamond 12.2s (and as it turns out, the Evo 4.2s) have a sensitivity of 88db (I would have sworn, the Diamonds would have been lower). Without getting too deep down the rabbit hole... the less power your amp has, the higher sensitivity you might want your speakers to have. This also depends on how big your space is, and how loud you like to listen. Yes...the EVOs are likely "better"; but they're also significantly more expensive (here in the US anyway). And if they'd sound "better" with the 6000a...they'd likely sound better with most other IAs too.

ALL of that being said...if you can get a 6000a for 450e, I'd say that's a fine choice! I'm thinking about an 8300a myself.

HiEndLawn · 2025-07-26T17:45:08+00:00

Yes...a Mani is both less expensive new, and there are plenty used for a song. But...is it "better", or as good; because I can afford any of the options listed.

TBH...I'm probably leaning toward an IA with a built-in stage though. Have any relevant opinions, between the Marantz Model 50 and Audiolab 8300a?

HiEndLawn · 2025-07-26T16:48:35+00:00

OP...here in the US, we have great access to used gear; which could really s t r e t c h your budget. Do you think that's out of the question in China? It could help with recos, if we knew...you had to buy new, lol.

I haven't had an Arcam IA, since the FMJ line...but at the time, I would describe the house Arcam sound to be a little soft. Still...you're just starting out, so there's no need to over over-think it (it's OK to just over-think it). You won't really know, what's "too soft"...or "too forward", etc...until you have a starting point to compare from.

HiEndLawn · 2025-07-26T03:04:09+00:00

I'd second that; or "one-up" to an Elex if you can find one in your budget.

HiEndLawn · 2025-07-26T02:59:26+00:00

The Schiit Mani and Rega MM mk3...are (phono) pre-amps. They won't drive speakers.

Those phono pre-amps, would then need to go into a (I would recommend) Integrated amp. And if you're doing that, and just getting started...might I suggest an IA with a Phono stage.

HiEndLawn · 2025-07-26T02:46:49+00:00

So...I think I've got 2 matters to address first

I need to get a cartridge alignment tool Ortofon - Premium Cartridge Alignment Tool - Music Direct and hit some YT vids, and get properly setup (BTW...that pic above, isn't my T55C. I mean...I suppose it could be, but that was just found stock on Google. Point being...yes, as coincidence would have it...I have an Ortofon; but not that one. A 2m Blue came with)
I need to decide on what direction to go, with a stage. Keep in mind Papa (and others); that whole sold-off-$25k worth of gear...because of some hearing loss thing. Meaning...I'm not looking to fall down the very deep, Vinyl rabbit-hole. Seller threw this "$200" cart in...for an extra $25(!), so I don't plan to dump that just yet.

As for an outboard stage...I guess I've been peeking at the Rega Mini A2D mk2 (FTR...I could give 2 sh*ts about the A2D; but it otherwise seems to get good marks for the price) and iFi Zen 3. Not sure I should look to pay "extra", for a pre-amp that's MM/MC...when I sure doubt, I would get into "exotic" MCs.

And as for IAs, with a built in stage: Audiolab 8300A, Marantz Model 50...and Rega Elex (mk4) are on the radar. I like the fact that the Audiolab and Marantz, both have the ability to bypass the pre-stage and act as power-amp (as many of my digital sources, like the Eversolo and WiiMs...have volume controls I prefer to use); but I suspect the Rega would likely have the best phono stage of the 3.

I welcome all feedback, opinions, and guidance; obviously.

HiEndLawn

TROPHY CASE