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SP10 Mk II vs Mk III

A couple of guys here were planning to do listening comparisons of the Technics SP10 Mk II vs the Mk III, in their own homes and systems. Has anyone actually completed such a comparison? I am wondering whether the "upgrade" to the Mk III is actually worth it in terms of audible differences between the two tables. Possibly mounting either table in a well done wooden or slate plinth mitigates any sonic differences that would otherwise be heard. I am thinking of Albert Porter and Mike Lavigne in particular, who were going to do the comparison. Thanks for any response.
lewm
pryso
1,501 posts
 
Strobe adding noise? Wish I understood more about electronics to judge if this is likely.

KAB offers a strobe disabler switch for the 1200 series tables. In response to my questions on this idea for the SP-10 series, friends with electronics knowledge scoff at the idea saying it is such an overbuilt and sophisticated design that disabling or switching out the strobe would not have a sonic impact.

So, anyone here who has actual experience with this mod to share with the rest of us?
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,927 posts
 
Lewm
Albert, Assuming I ever could find a Mk III, does it too have an oiled bearing, and does it require a shipping bracket for transport?

There is no ship bracket but the platter must be removed before transport. Oil goes in the spindle at the top edge. There is no easy "marked" oil hole like on the MK2.

If you go to Sound Fountain:

http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/sp10page.html and scroll down about half way, there is a photo showing where oil goes on a SL1810. The SP10 MK3 is the same place.

Before anyone asks, I choose Mobil One 5-30 for both my Technics. Mobil One is synthetic, so it will mix with whatever was there before (if any) and no issues with gunking up.
lewm OP
6,770 posts
 
Thanks, Albert. As far as I am concerned, this could become a miscellaneous SP10 thread, in which any relevant info to the care, feeding, and resuscitation of these great tables could be discussed. So no worries about hijacking.
johnwdt
16 posts
 
OK Lewm,
I need 2 screws for an SP10 Platter. Does anyone know where to source some or alternatives??

Here is my new SP10 MKII, in a 80 lbs plinth, black ash veneer, simple. It sounds very good but the cartridge is brand new so it will get better. But I'm excited about this TT, I'm using a cheap Lentek Step-up (battery operated - made in the UK in the 80's) into my Audio Research SP16 phono section. I'll be looking for a suitable /affordable Step-up for the SPU if anyone has a suggestion!

SP10--FR64S--SPU
lewm OP
6,770 posts
 
Nice! Did you make the plinth?
I've seen repro SP10 platter screws for sale in sets of 3 on eBay, but not in recent weeks. Check it out, anyway. Maybe Albert has a better lead. Failing that, you can probably fashion some using the proper metric screws plus a piece of tubing or metal stand-off to create the sleeve over the threads. Check McMaster-Carr for odd metric stuff.

When you say your SP10 is "very good", what are you comparing it to? I see an RS-A1 sitting on something over to the left.
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