Technics SL1000 MK3 (SP10 MK3) performance/value VS modern turntables?

I own a Mk3, an L07D, and a TT101. I listen to each of these regularly. They do have a very subtle sonic signature I think, but the last thing I would do would be to try to describe it in words, for one thing because of the factors that JP mentions. Moreover, the differences that may apply are very subtle and certainly would not include a perceptible issue with speed stability. What I wonder, however, is why Dover is so intent upon discrediting these vintage turntables. It’s all very well to love and prefer whatever it is that you own over all other TTs, but why does that require that all other solutions to the problem of playing a record are wrong or sub par? If you want to say that direct drive turntable X is superior in speed stability to these vintage direct drive turntables and in the same price range, that would be very interesting, and I would like to hear about it.

I want to retract my criticism of Dover for his dumping on vintage direct drives.  He has a perfect right to say what he wants, and thanks to JP Jones for his informative responses to Dover's points. On the question of the L07D servo, I think it does say in some vintage factory literature that the servo is only activated when there is a fairly significant deviation from correct speed.  Having read that, I came to think of the L07D as an attempt to achieve constant speed partly through the use of a heavy platter, a la many belt drive turntables.  While the platter is not very heavy, as compared to some behemoths found on belt-drive turntables, it does have its weight concentrated at the periphery, so as to maximize any flywheel effect, and Kenwood did also supply an optional fairly heavy peripheral ring to add to platter mass where it does the most good.  When you use that ring, you also engage a switch on the power supply that changes the operation of the servo circuit.

@jpjones3318



I think you misunderstand the point I'm making - I'm not saying the Technics is "computing" - I'm saying the speed measurement and correction  system is built on old technology. Your own improved chip replacement circuit has already demonstrated measureable improvements are possible.

Even the reference quartz crystal can be producted to much higher tolerances today.

At the end of the day do you agree that in principle the FG servo is a negative feedback system that corrects speed anomalies - right ?

Quartz reference crytals have inherent jitter - right ?
The PLL circuit has filter out the jitter to deal with this - right ?

Re the Victor TT101 - the averaging of speed errors and correction system, I dont have time to trawl the net - this was based on comments by both an owner and a designer of a current production high end direct drive.

Sound of the TT's

With regards to the SP10mk3 and L07D - 
I have friends that own these and have listened to them for over 30 years with a myriad of arms/cartridges. Also had them in my own system.
If I were to summarise their sonic attributes - to my ears the SP10mk3 consistantly presents a leaner, cleaner more precise presentation. The L07D to my ears consistantly sounds slightly courser, slightly less precise.

I cant say this is due solely to the speed correction systems, because the mechanical structures, including platter, plinth and mounting are substantially different.

But I can say that the differences are consistant and audible to me across muiltiple systems - enough to blind test and identify each deck in a system that I know.

@lewm

What I wonder, however, is why Dover is so intent upon discrediting these vintage turntables. It’s all very well to love and prefer whatever it is that you own over all other TTs, but why does that require that all other solutions to the problem of playing a record are wrong or sub par?

I think you read too much into comments.
When someone claims X is the best, I offer my opiinion if I have owned or heard X in a system I know well.
If I prefer Y to X, it does not imply that X is junk - it may well be the 2nd best TT on the planet.

I have consistantly stated that I am not opposed to direct drive system, or any drive system, and offered some possible explanations. I am inquisitive by nature and like to learn as much as I can.

For me discussion and sharing of ideas is critical to learning.

As far as turntables go design integrity and quality of implementation is arguably as important as the actual drive system chosen.