The following is a timeline for my Journey with TT's and how being a user has shaped my owner ship and the most used designs.
I have used a Garrard 401, that was in a 9 Stone Weight Granite Plinth.
This TT/Plinth is now sold on to a friend and I get to hear it occassionally.
The use of the 401, was on the back burner for a period of time as the new owner went heavily into working with Lenco GL 75's and other Idler Drives from this Brand.
I have heard these projects as works in progress and completed works in many Build Guises and Plinth Designs using different materials to achieve the end product.
I myself own a PTP Solid 9 with a Purpose Produced Speed Controller this model is a variant of a Lenco GL75.
I keep an Idler Drive close by as I have very much enjoyed the TT as a design since the 90's
I probably use a Idler Drive for about 10 Hours per year as a guestimate.
I have been instrumental in introducing TT minded folk to Idler Drives and converting their thoughts that have produced new owner users.
Especially ones who was comparing the Idler Drive Design to a Belt Drive Design.
I also own a few belt drive TT's that date back to being owned and used in the 90's but these do not really produce much as a stimulation to encourage being used, and I may have used one Model as a 'guestimate' for approx' 30 Hours in the past 10 Years.
I don't get too excited about these type of drives.
I own a DP-80, TTS-8000, Aurex SR-510 , and a SP10-MkII.
Firstly for the OP, Thank You for Pointing out the Platter Bearing Housing/Spindle and Platter /Spindle issues.
I own two TTS 8000's and the Sideways Movement of the Spindle in the housing is known to me.
When the Speed is measured on a Stand Alone Strobe, the fluctuation in speed is seen and a eccentric rotation is being produced.
Further Investigation has shown that there is also unwanted movement on the Platters Centre Bush to Spindle contact.
When this is present it is not only a record ward that should be of a concern, think of the plate spinner and a plate not given a rotation.
These are issues that can be addressed and in the UK are being addressed for some TTS-8000 Owners and this same support has recently been offered to German Nationality TTS-8000 owners who have not been in denial of the condition.
When a Platter Spindle on a TTS-8000 is removed from the Housing a Scribe has been witnessed engraved into the interference fitted ball at the Spindles Base.
More Grinding to be audibly noticed and another part in need of being serviced.
All that said, the TTS-8000 has been a great TT for me it has made me be fully aware of the pitfalls of buying Vintage, and the measures required to overcome the discoveries being made.
It is because of this that I requested a support from a Engineer and the design to resolve the defects and work produced is being requested by others, as a result of this endevour.
The Aurex SR-510 has a lot going for it, I got into it as it is reported in other places as having a very good Sound Quality, even comparable to Microsieki DD's from similar vintage.
It has a proper lump of Copper for the Motor and was a Top of the Range Model when Vinyl was in a wane.
A lot can be achieved from this Model and potentially the lesser Model the SR-410.
The SP10 Mk II that I own does it for me, it Blows my Socks Off.
It has been fully stripped and rebuilt with a attention on the Platter Bearing as well.
I heard a very similar refurbished model at a Turntable Bake Off and the TT just worked it ws a show stopper.
A Friend heard mine and now owns more than one, and had had one produced to the same Spec as mine.
Another friend heard mine and the other friends and now owns a SP10R.
Another Friend has been getting a SP10 MKII refurbished as well.
There are dedicated threads to this TT on many forums.
It will not bow down to any TT when treated correctly and the learning being made known about this TT is still producing methods to Transform it to elevated levels above the level of refurbishment that I am familiar with.
My latest endevour for the SP10 MkII is to have a Phosphor Bronze Platter Produced and a matching Periphery Ring.
I can only see myself creating the best for the SP10, the other TT's will be given fair lore to compete, but I can't see them ever taking the Title off the MkII.
I really like Vintage TT's, but I really really really like my SP10 MkII.
