Audiofun
The silver model is aluminum and I think that the wood is cosmetic. Not sure though.
The black triangular version is mine which is acrylic lead acrylic. If I was building it again today ( it is over 2 decades old) I would use different materials.
There seems to be no end to the ways people rebuild their SP10s
But all of them build on the great motor that technics developed way back in the LP glory days. |
I saw your table some time ago before we had any interactions (did not know who it belonged to) and thought it looked GREAT!!! and that someone put in a great deal of work and effort to get it to that level. It is a stunning looking table. |
Audiofun.
Thanks for that. |
I was able to purchase the last copy of Modern Cool (MOFI) 45 LP from Elusive Disc and it was worth the rather high price I paid. The sonics are what we put all this money in our tables for :) I still have to catch up on some other recommendations (musci-wise) offered to me on this thread. |
I just noticed that Artisan Fidelity has an SME 30/12 listed for sale. I'm very curious to know if they compared its sound to some of the turntables that they has restored to such a high level recently.
I would find it very interesting to hear how a modern design compares to some of the best older designs modified with new plinths, improved bearings, upgraded electronics, etc. |
Peterayer: I think your question is very very valid. I have never heard that particular table so I have no comment :) I do think (and this is why I chose a 30 year old design) that the height of TT making was in the early 80's; TT's were the epitome of of the Audio Repro Art :) |
08-20-14: Peterayer
I just noticed that Artisan Fidelity has an SME 30/12 listed for sale. I'm very curious to know if they compared its sound to some of the turntables that they has restored to such a high level recently.
+1
How could we make this happen??? |
Hi guys I wanted to say it has been real but I may be signing-off f this site for good. Tired of the policy changes and now Agon wants to hold your credit card info (can you say another risk of personal info being stolen). Also fed-up with being charged on the back end and front end or the crazy high insertion prices. If they do not require the cc to stick around I may keep the account open and drop in from time to time to share info or read something interesting but I have had enough; (the new member agreement which I read was too much). |
correction: "but I may be signing off "of" this site"... |
Just found and bought a second (standby) SP10 MK3 power supply!!! very very rare to find the PS alone. |
To Steve's (Sjy425) 5/20 post:
I talked to Chris Thornton and he dissuaded me from the quiet core as an upgrade for a two year old SP10mk2 I ordered. This was in the context of price/performance. He was more keen on the platter change. |
Ohlala; I have personally visited Chris and handled the new platter for the MKII. It is simply a work of art. The machined tolerances are so tight I could not feel the seam where the copper met the other metal, very impressive! |
Chris has produced new lock rings for the SP10 MK3 made of brass and austenitic stainless steel. I had them in tonight for an in home audition. I compared the stock aluminum to the brass and steel using Vanessa Fernandez's outstanding album "Use Me" on 180g/45 vinyl.
Cutting to the chase it goes like this: SS, Aluminum (stock) and brass brings up the rear. The difference between the SS and the aluminum was quite large. The SS lock ring literally brought about a luxuriousness which simply is not present with the other lock rings in place. I could hear deeper into the music while the images were more fully developed.
These things are hard to put into words. My notes have comments like;
more finesse, fully developed images, very refined, rich sounding..etc. As good as my table sounded to me, adding the stainless steel lock rings took it into another realm.
When dealing with instruments which create electrical signals based on micrometer to nanometer movements of a stylus it is not hard to imagine that such seemingly simple changes can have a profound effect. I humbly suggest this as an upgrade to any MK3 owners :) I think the cost is going to be about $225.00. This is cheap in my opinion as I liken the difference akin to moving to a higher end cartridge or phono pre.
OH!!! if you don't have Vanessas' album mentioned earlier.., run.., don't walk.., to your favorite purveyor of records and get a copy. Cut from 30ips tape it is a wonderful recording with excellent musical choices :) simply stunning and up there with my MOFI copy of Modern Cool. |
Wattsperchannel, Yes indeed, several comparisons were made side by side playing the SME 30/12A directly next to several models in the Artisan Fidelity line. Please PM me directly if you are interested in hearing details. |
Got a chance last evening to listen to the new MK3 NGS with the new copper platter vs the stock platter. I was at Chris' house for the audition and I took my well run-in back up iFi iPhono in order to have one less variable in the mix. The arm was the Kuzma 4 point which I own but the cartridge was as VDH Colibri. The sound was as you might guess.., exceptional. I also brought my own albums Modern Cool (Mofi) and others I know very well. With the stock rubber platter mat the sound was very similar to what I get at home. With the copper mat.., I don't think it is possible to put into words how much better it is. That previous sentence is not hyperbole. Snappier dynamics, more air, more detail, longer decay on notes, more languid sounding while still sounding far more responsive. It made my 33 version of Cafe Blue sound more akin to a 45. I have already ordered the mat for my table. The stock mat sounds like you have literally introduced a layer of wool over your drivers compared to the copper platter; this implies no tilting up of the spectrum whatsoever, just a removal of the over-dampening he stock mat is (in direct comparison) obviously imparting.
The MK3 NGS itself is a sight to behold. I tried to lift one end and while I could (I weight lift) it is very very very heavy. I may have my unit converted to NGS but I am not decided yet :) MK3's just keep getting better! |
I am the happy owner of a Garrard 401 which has been completely restored from the scratch by Christopher Thornton from ARTISAN FIDELITY . I decided to go for the full restoration , with a plinth in an amazing black piano finish, replacement precision idler wheel, motor spindle pulley, motor rebuild/coil test/lube, bearing flush/micro polish, fresh oil and replacement thrust pad kit, ultra sonic cleaning service, linkage and switch degaussing/lubrication, contact cleaning, Schurter IEC, strobe check, brand new rubber mat with Garrard logo and new motor isolation grommets.
We also decided to go for the SME 3009 with a black 2M Ortofon cartridge, which provides an amazing clarity and high definition for the kind of music I am listening , mainly jazz , and blues ...
I hooked up the Garrard 401 to my McIntosh C2500 pre-amp and MC60's mono blocks , and my speakers are a vintage pair of this renown French brand, Elipson 4050 from the late 70's ...
So I am highly satisfied by the amazing jog Chris performed on this turntable , offering a new listening quality , and his impeccable restoration , a real work of art ... |
There is a review on dagogo. |
There is a review on dagogo. |
I do finally have my MKlll NG in place and am in the process of setting up the tonearms and cartridges. So far I just have the mono set up but it sounds great. It's clear that the whole assembly was built meticulously to very tight tolerances. The table operates smoothly and is dead silent in this plinth which is how it was intended to run.
The NG-S looks incredibly cool but I'm afraid as a guy with a family it just isn't a realistic option at that price. It might also just crush my equipment stand(over 200#). What an impressive construction though. |
On the subject of mats, I'm sure Chris's copper mat is very well made and fits the platter perfectly. I'm also certain that it sounds better than the stock rubber mat. Just about anything does. I never use my stock mat. Also consider trying the Saec-s300, Micro Seiki CU-180 and the Boston Audio Mat 2 if you can find one. The first two are vintage products and, sadly, it appears that Boston Audio is now also out of business. Changing mats is one of the easiest, quickest and most fun tweaks available. |
To the Audiogon members who have messaged privately expressing serious interest, here is the update - Artisan Fidelity Technics Sp10Mk3 Copper platter mats are officially production ready. However, we have not yet updated the website's accessory page with product specifications and photographs. Furthermore, we are tooling up for milling precision universal Copper platter mats shortly. The only downside so far has been the exceedingly costly high purity Copper base material, which unfortunately is one factor we simply have no control over. Fortunately, the playback enhancements heard has proved the new mats well worth the effort and feedback from clients has been rather how shall I say....enthusiastic, to put it mildly. If we receive many more pre-orders for Sp10Mk3 and Universal Copper mats, then I will closely examine the possibility of investing in a larger production run, which should help keep lead times to a minimum.
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I have purchased the new AF copper mat and lived with it long enough that I feel I can comment on the benefits it brings to my setup. First off it is far and away better than the stock mat, which in comparison seems to be overly damped. The new mat is not bright in any way it just allows a more vibrant life-like rendition of the music to flow. It is at once more transparent, detailed, energetic and 3 dimensional while offering longer decays.
I spent about 2 hours adjusting VTA/VTF for the new mat and of course as you may imagine that brought the perfomance of the performance even higher. Currently I have my VTA optimized for 180g discs.
After living with the mat for about a week and getting a good idea of its capabilities I decided to try it sans the JA Michel record clamp which btw works WONDERS when used with the stock mat (and tighten ONLY until you just feel the very very slightest bit of bite/resistance). I can not stress enough that tightening the JA clamp beyond the initial grab on the spindle will shut the music down (over damp).
The clamp with the copper mat sounds fantastic and far far better (as mentioned above) than the clamp and stock mat BUT, and no, I don't know why :) the new mat without any type of weight or clamp is really beyond what I wish to attempt to put into words. I don't want to sound like I have gone off the deep end but everything and I mean everything just gets that much better and it simply sounds real. I have some guys coming by this week to experience it for themselves. I will go on record (NPI) and say that the mat is a resounding success and is probably one of the best upgrades a MK 3 owner could make. Enjoy!!! |
By and large, I agree that no weight or clamp is often my preference. Only when certain records seem like they may slip a bit do I use my weight. I don't know if certain discs are more prone to slipping because of texture/weight or maybe a looser fit at the spindle or both. When they seem stable though I think things are more open and "alive" sounding without the clamp. This the way I use both the Boston and Saec SS300 mats.
I also have two Micro Seiki CU-180 mats which would appear to be similar to the AF mat although they aren't pure copper but gun metal (whatever that is it looks like copper). These I'm currently not using. It would be fun to compare all these with the AF but for now cost is a prohibiting factor. Having seen many of Chris's latest creations I'm sure it's a sharp looking piece too. |
Will the copper AF mat fit an Exclusive P3 in place of the rubber mat? |
Chris would be happy to help you figure that out Downunder, I'm sure. Check out the AF site and send him an email inquiry. |
Sonofjim: We use clamps/weights exactly the same way. On some of my ~110gm albums slippage occurs if I forego a clamp/weight.
During the time I was optimizing the VTA for the new mat I pulled out the notebook and went off the deep end identifying the optimal VTA settings for 200/180/110-120gr vinyl knowing that the occasional 140-150gr album slots neatly between the 180 and 120gr positions I've identified on the Kuzma VTA tower. Turns out it makes a huge difference on the 110-120gr albums. |
What price does the copper mat go for? |
Downumder; I would humbly suggest you contact Chris. As he is building my NGS plinth and 401 TT, my platter was part of a package so I really don't know. |
Hi guys. I'm just discovering this thread. I've been enjoying my Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement for about six months. I looked long and hard for a turntable that I believed would be the last and only table I would ever need. I spoke with Christopher for quite a while one night and made a decision I have not regretted. Mine is in piano black lacquer with an Ortofon transcription tonearm and two SPU cartridges.
For myself, I was getting back into vinyl after a decades long flirtation with CD/SACDs. I hadn't spent much time with vinyl until a friend invited me over to hear his complete Shindo system. While he has a beautiful Shindo 301 table himself, he said he'd get an Artisan Fidelity if he had to do it again. Wow, I was surprised to hear that and I took his recommendation to heart.
Rather than two tonearms, which I eschewed for esthetic reasons, I had AF make two separate armboards instead: one standard for the SPU G shell (and other standard cartridges), the other dedicated specifically for the SPU A shell. This is working out great for me, as I don't switch between them often. That was a neat solution they came up with for me.
I specified that I wanted to go with the Ortofon SPU series cartridges and was delighted to discover that AF is a certified Ortofon (among others, I sure) dealer.
I cannot praise enough Christopher's customer service. He has raised the bar for me in every way. I won't go in to details because it would not be my place to over-promise on his behalf. But I will emphatically state that he has never over-promised and under-delivered ... and the "promise" has been quite a high bar indeed.
My Garrard 301 Statement has exceeded my expectations in every way! First, the ease of designing and ordering in conjunction with Christopher's input and expertise to my wishes, specification and expectations. Second, the timely delivery of the table at my home. And third, of course, the playing of the unit in my home. It plays like a dream.
I'm not a guy to address a lot of technical questions like I see on this thread. But as a full-time musician and record lover, I just wanted to share my experience with Artisan Fidelity.
Every single aspect of the experience has far, far and away exceeded my expectation. Christopher and I had a laugh when I ordered mine the evening of our initial discussion. "Confucius says, 'Buy the best and cry once'," I remember saying. I've thrown a lot of money at also-ran products over the years and now I see the wisdom in buying the best and being satisfied forever. I say forever because at my age (mid-fifties), I cannot foresee ever contemplating another turntable. So when you contemplate your price to value, remember price is what you pay, value is what you get. Yes, they are expensive. But their value far exceeds the initial cost. Christopher -- if you happen to read this -- THANK YOU!! |
Another AF owner here --- mine's a Garrard 401. Anyone know of an online owners' forum? This gathering is the nearest I've found. |
I have the 301 Statement Mk 2. Awesome! I would love to be part of an owner's forum, but I haven't found one. I started another thread, because this one seemed a little stale, but it hasn't received much response either.
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Ah, this thread brings back memories :) still loving my Technics Sp10 MK 3. I was playing it earlier today. I bought a (not yet delivered) technics SL1200 GAE to run as a dedicated mono table.
I'm still planning to have my NG Table converted to a NGS.
I've not once regretted my decision to purchase this table. It is the finest source I've yet to hear.
Glad you both are enjoying your new Garrards. |
Hard to have an owners’ forum here, does not seem to be the way A’gon discussions are set up. Happy to help/join on another venue if anyone has suggestions (Audio Aficionado, Audio Circle?). I suspect the real issue is critical mass...how many of us owners are there? |
Chris built me a Lenco table in piano black about six months ago and I now have a professional instrument to play my records on. I smile every time I put on a record and this is my last turntable. I am using a SME M-9 arm and will be looking to upgrade to a more worthy tonearm in the near future. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Budget $3000 - $5000 will consider used arm. BTW the lower priced SME sounds great. |
I know the feeling :) I would suggest an Ikeda 407 or a Kuzma 4 Point. You simply can't go wrong with either. Also the Reed 2P is quite worthy.
I am am listening to my SP10 MK3 as I am typing this response, ShellyManne & His Men; sounds awesome!
My Technics Sl1200 GAE, arrived last Tuesday, waiting on the cartridge and very anxious to hear it.
Congrats again on your new table. Trust me, you are going to love it. Had mine for what is it now, 2 years plus? Never ever regretted one moment of the not so monetarily small purchase :) Chris is the real deal. |
I have the Kuzma 4Point on my AF table. It sounds awesome (meaning it has no sound at all) and allows the MC Anna to do a spectacularly good job. I know it is a little outside the budget if you buy it new, but you may be able to get a discount or find one used. Highly recommended. I have not heard it, but I have been told by people I trust that the Reed 2P is good on the AF. I have an Origin Live Encounter on another table; it sounds really good, but not like the Kuzma. Different cartridge though, so not apples and apples. The OL arms are worth investigating. Your budget gets you near the top end of the OL line.
What cartridge are you using? |
cleemartin:
We we have the same incredible arm/cartridge combination. My system literally brought Diana Krall and the hall into my home last evening on the 45 album All For You. I have the XRCD 24 version of this album ($55) and on my AMR DP 777 Signature Edition it sounds fabulous, in fact it literally makes me smile. On my my Kuzma 4 Point/ MC Anna equipped SP 10 MK 3 NG feeding an AMR PH77 with Bendix 6900 tubes.., Diana's in my house! |
audiofun & cleemartin:
Thanks for your recommendations. I have dreamed of the Kuzma 4point arm and I know the Ikeda is also a top flight arm. Chris also said the top OL arms work great with my table. My cartridge is Ortofon MC Black. I will also research the Reed 2p.
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The Ikeda is a little bit less flexible, just because of the arm mass. On the other hand it makes cartridge changes easy. I love the 2M Black. If you like it, you might want to keep your arm and look at a new cartridge like the Ortofon Windfeld or the A95. |
I've an Origin Live arm on my table...only it's not on, it had to go back to the UK with a wiring problem even though purchased new through AF. If I were doing it again I'd look at other arms.
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I bought a used OL arm for my HANS T30 table and had some problems with bearing damage. I sent it back to OL and they fixed it promptly. I think the cost was about 80 pounds. They were very helpful. However, right now the sound is not quite right. I am not sure if it is the arm or something else, but I am working on the problem. I'll post something once I know the source.
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I have the OL conqueror mkII on a lenco ptp4 on massive aluminium plinth total is 160 lb.The cartridge is a zyx airy 3 and the whole sound fantastic. |
Inhale traced the problem to the OL Encounter arm or my Phoenix S cartridge. More to follow.
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Any update on this? I gave up on my OL arm. |
