Q: How hard is it to install a new belt on my Sony PS-4300 turntable?
A: I’m sorry to have to tell you that there is no belt to replace. The Sony PS-4300 is a direct drive turntable, and if the platter does not turn, the turntable needs to be repaired. It is a vintage unit, and parts may be scarce, but it is an excellent performer and worth fixing if the cost is reasonable.
If it is not fixable and you want to stay with the same turntable, you can get a used PS-4300 in working order for about $300, but then you still have an old turntable with a potentially limited lifespan. To get comparable performance from something new would cost $500 or more. If you want to stay with direct drive, Music Direct has the JBL TT350 Classic on sale for $699, reduced from $999. It’s a beautifully styled and finished, solid turntable with excellent sound. (musicdirect.com)
My top belt-drive turntable recommendation for $699 is the Cambridge Audio Alva ST, which also has Bluetooth and a built-in phono preamp. (cambridgeaudio.com)
Best of both worlds
High-frequency vibration toothbrushes have been a popular topic with readers. These toothbrushes use micro-vibrations to deliver an extremely effective cleaning that makes your teeth feel like you just went to the dentist. In fact, my dentist said they are one of the biggest developments in oral care he has seen.
The two types of toothbrushes that readers get most excited about are good performers that are under $30 and toothbrushes with a display screen that shows where you miss when you brush. I recently found one that is both, and I was surprised to see a screen on a toothbrush so inexpensive. I had always figured that for $30 you could get a nice toothbrush or a screen, but never both in the same package.
The Sakyproral G5S has an AI smart screen that not only shows you where you missed, it allows you to go back and finish the job in the same brushing session. I have not seen this feature before, and it is a game changer.
The G5S includes two Dupont Diamond brush heads, which are my favorite and usually are found only on higher-end toothbrushes. It performs excellently, much better than I would have expected given the price, and it has a nice, comfortable ramp-up with the vibrations when you use it.
