Hitachi HT-350: Many Problems! Is It Trash?

This Hitachi has a multitude of issues. We're going to dig a little deeper into the motor board electronics on this one.

[vinylholicsanonymous]

I'm having these EXACT issues with my HT-350. I'm so glad to have found this video

[dr.peterbuhne]

Thank you for your patience to document your service and share your knowledge.🙋

[simonklotz]

my family uses a HT-350 since the 70s! I grew up with it, and, after like 15 years in storage, use the TT again in my apartment. Apart from feeling a bit cheap, i think these are actually really decent turntables. Mine still works fine without any (..) servicing being done ever! The only thing that happened a couple if days ago, was, that the needle just FELL OFF. Oh well.. i then just ordered a nude elliptical (!) replacement stylus and thus upgrade. Let me tell you - the original cartridge (isn't it an AT-11? Or AT-10?) + this better stylus sound absolutely awesome!! But even without having such issues, i'm still very glad to have found this video. I will leave the TT as it is for now, but i know what to do, if literally anything goes bad in the future. Thank you so much!

[Toasty_Gaming]

ADDITIONAL REPAIR INFORMATION:

I just spent 8 hours fighting this exact model. Thankfully I didn't have any electrical issues like in the video. I got away with cleaning the speed adjustment pot. I'll list some of my issues and solutions.

Erratic auto return

I'd adjust the "count adjustment screw" as per the service manual and regardless of what I did or didn't, the auto return would either pre-maturely trigger or not at all. The problem was the little rubber bumper (seen at 7:14) fell off and I didn't realize it was gone until I stepped on it at 2AM. After gluing it back in and fighting with the count adjustment screw I got it working. It took many tries because it gave me false hope when it worked the first 3 times and then stopped working.

Make sure the set screw (1.5mm allen wrench) for the "follow up lever ass'y is tight before messing with the count screw. Also make sure the little arm that lifts the tonearm is aimed correctly and tight (another 1.5mm allen)

Tone arm ROTATING?

There are 2 small flat had screws on the underside of the tone arm right up near the base. I ended up using a very small flat head bit from a removable bit screwdriver and needle nose pliers and mad an almost 90 degree "screw driver". I got them tight enough without removing the whole arm.

Cuing needle up and down lifts tonearm enough, but cutting the album scraped the needle across the record

There is something mentioned in the service manual referencing "fig 5" but there is nothing in fig 5 showing anything about lifting adjustments.

It's not shown in the service manual, but there is another 1.5mm allen key adjustment for a small cylinder that is responsible for lifting the tone arm during a cut. loosen the screw and lengthen the shaft.

The U/D adjustment link screw doesn't do a whole lot beside having the needle lift and drop at the correct points when operating the lift lever.

[bokoin]

Found the Hitachi HT-350 in the trash last night and it didn't run. Found your video and bang the problem was found. It was exactly the place with old fat you showed at the beginning. The turntable runs like the first day. He is even in very good condition.

Thanks for your video and the great explanation! Keep up the good work!

Greetings from Germany.

[DJSekuHusky]

You know what's funny? I got the HT-320 Belt-Driven model for $14.99 from a thrift store. Not nearly as difficult to revive, and Hitachi appears to have used the same plinth and tonearm.

Gave it a cleaning, some oil, a new belt and a new AT VM95C cartridge (it came with an ADC K8E with a blunted stylus) and it was up and playing rock solid. Auto-return works too.

It was owned by a smoker, tho, and there was a considerable amount of tar to remove from the plinth, dust cover, platter and other components.

The tonearm was so heavily coated I legit thought it had a matte finish (it's now back to a full shine). The platter base was even so heavily coated in tar that the stretched belt could still play lighter records just fine, but the heavier 180G pressings and the belt would slip. It took heavy scrubbing the platter with isopropyl alcohol and magic erasers to cut down the tar buildup around the belt.

If I ever do start getting speed issues, I'll know exactly where to begin my testing thanks to you.

Thanks for posting so much useful information. I've learned a lot from your channel.

[chrygore]

Thx for the mention regarding the counterweight- 👍

[spbturismo]

thank you very useful information I have Lo d ht 460 the same problem with swinging of the table. Replaced almost all capacitors. Today I will buy transistors.

[MarioContili]

Thanks a lot for your video, I had your same problem and now all is ok!!

[Zwakkie]

I notice that you have the same voice as the actor David Strathairn 😄👍🏻.

[istomantynen]

I buy used hitachi 353 turntable. 60 euros was the price. It was dirty, needle was broken, 5-pin connector was broken and earth wire was cut. I clean the turntable, change 5- pin connector to rca. Change original cartridge to dual ulm 68e and change earth wire. All bearings I oiled. Little bit work and now I enjoy good sound. Price/ quality is o.k. Coldring 1022 GX cartridge plays very well too and sound is awesome.

[eudesfernandes]

I have a Hitachi HT-40s (aka Philco Hitachi PTT-51 here in Brazil) that have a similar problem, it kind a turns just half of a revolution. I replaced all fhe 458s and all caps and the problem persists. I also replace the two 4558, same. None of the motor coils are open nor the printed in board revolution detector. Any clues on this particular TT?

[jimsutherland]

Hi I have been servicing electronic equipment for over 50 years and thought I knew it all What a GREAT presentation I learned a lot Tnx Jim

[TrevorsBench]

Hey TT guy, where are you located? Maybe I can direct my TT work your way.
Great channel, I enjoy watching you fix them, much more than me doing it myself!

[BTH-vfrg]

Any idea the size of retaining “c” clip? Mine indeed flew away somewhere. 😂.

[debbieverret]

It looks pretty bad, but I'm sure you'll doctor it up. BTW, most people would've just chunked this TT in the garbage. Good thing you're close by, have good reputation and could fix it.

[krisgenakos]

Hello Turntable Guy! I need to service the Tone arm hydraulic fluid. The tonearm is dropping too quickly. Any info on performing this service on the HT-350 please?

[paulclairethomas]

I have this model and after bringing it out of storage, it didn't work..Took it to a local Euronics repair shop and it has been fine ever since.. ( a faulty capacitor )..

[davidmorgen]

Ive only seen straight tone arms on HiT Turntables..

[ericrivest]

I have the same turntable. Actually sounds pretty decent even though so cheaply made