Well Tempered Classic or Technics SP10Mk2


I am currently using a Well Tempered Classic with a Grado Sonata Cartridge. I have the opportunity to purchase a Technics SP10 mk2 with EPA 100 tonearm with the Obsidian base. I like the Well Tempered Table but I have read much about the new respect for the Technics direct drives. Will going to the Technics be an improvement over the Well Tempered or more of a lateral move? The rest of my system is Beveridge 2sw Electrostats with Shahinian Contrabombarde subwoofer. I use the VTL ultimate preamp.Thanks in advance. Bob
128x128baranyi
Ok, raise your hand if you've had both. I have. The sp10, as lew says, is the better table by a wide margin. Unit should be re-capped though or you run the risk of a cap letting go and taking out a unreplaceable ic. The EPA100 is a better arm then the WT by a good bit too. Plith could be better but it is a great starting spot.
Baranyi,

You and I have discussed the Well Tempered at length, but having owned the WTRP and now the Technics SP-15, I'm with Lewm; the Technics will beat the WT in almost all aspects. The difference in speed stability alone will amaze you. I have no experience with the EPA100, but I do know my tweaked Rega 250 equals the WTRP arm for sonics and is way easier to align properly. My Micro Seiki MA505 beats the WTRP arm hands down, so I have to believe the EPA100 would too.

Massive plinths are definitely the fashion for the SP10, but I'm guessing the obsidian is at least as good as the WT plinth. I have the SH-15B2 plinth (23 pounds of high density rubber and MDF) and once I got rid of the Technics feet and put good cones on it it's way more stable than the WTRP plinth.

I think you'd really like the SP10Mk2.

David
thanks everyone for your thoughts on the subject. David, are you coming back to the Indiana dunes this summer?
I replaced my Well-Temprered Reference Table after 12 years of believing it was irreplaceable. The replacement was a used Technics SL-1000 MK II. That's the SP-10 in obsidian base with the EPA-100 MK II tonearm. There was no comparison. The Technics surpassed the WT in every regard.
Don't hesitate to make the change. It's like moving from a hang glider to a jet.
Macrojack and CPK's direct experience is invaluable. What cartridges did both of you use on the Sp-10?