SP10 Mk II vs Mk III

Dear Sp-10s: I think that everyone of you are realy satisfied with your own SP-10 mods aside the fun to do it by your self.

I already posted on other threads that as important as is the electronics, naked or non-naked, suspension, etc, etc, IMHO and for every single TT ( any ) the main and critical factor for it can show at its best ( neutrality ) is the build material on platter ( certainly the build material is important everywhere. ) if like Albert say:
+++++ " is how far you must go before no more improvement can be had. " +++++

my advise is to " explore " that platter build material. Btw, very complex subject for say the least.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

I for one would not dream of modifying my SP-10 mkII in any way. Got it "new in box" so its a bit of a gem. I enjoy it as it is. Excellent machine even with mediocre ancillaries (blush blush).

Lonestarsouth,

The Technics MK2 is an incredible machine. I didn't believe it until I owned one.

Albert, a while ago I got Janis Ian's "Live: Working without a net" and on that cd there is the track "Tattoo" as featured on the marvelous "Breaking Silence" LP.

I was stunned all over again at how the LP version, played back on the SP-10 mkII, trounces the CD version in the PRaT dept. Okay, lets face it, I dont own a great cd player but still.

One of the most amazing thing about the SP10mk2 is in the bass dynamic, its tightness and focus. NOTHING I heard in any turntable genre has this kind of bass energy and transient. The idler drive tables might have the big tone and expansiveness in the bass but the SP10 has this quality that I called "jump factor".

Play a punk record by, say, The Clash version of "Police and Thief" in the opening drum solo and you will know what I mean. The bass just jump right out with that tightness and sharp focus that can pin you to the wall, exactly how a great sounding punk record should be. Spin some speed metal such as Slayer and you feel your blood is boiling. Play a record of acoustic bass by, say, Charlie Haden's "Closeness" with Alice Coltrane and you will hear the delicacy of his plucking and tunefulness and its deep richness. Play a chaotic sounding record such as European avant-jazz group Schlippenbach trio's "Pakistani Pomade" and the SP10 can still keep its composure by separating all the individual instrumental lines amidst all the maelstrom and the drum work can make you feel exhilarated. And when I'm done listening to the SP10, I feel exhausted in the best sense because I just engaged in the music in a visceral way like no other. It pulls you into the music and it's just that simple.

When it comes to the bass, the SP10 reign supreme, for my money.