Is the Technics SP10R motor controller using a switching power supply

I’ll add, perhaps more to the point, that the Mk3 I bought was 100v. I was planning to run it with a Monarchy AC regenerator, which allows output voltage selection from 100 to 120. You could do the same with your R. I think Monarchy closed shop but you can probably find one used if you look. It was not expensive, something like $600, as I recall.

This is not a problem. Use an appropriate step down transformer that plugs into your house AC line, be it 120V or European. I have 3 different vintage Japanese turntables each happily running off a separate 120V to 100V step down transformer. Each step down transformer cost me not more than $50 or $60-ish. They’re to be found for sale on eBay. And that’s only if the SP10R is not already adaptable to 120V input (in the US) or whatever. My Victor TT101 was apparently sold originally via the US military and takes any of the standard voltages, apparently because of its switchable power transformer.

You sure do NOT need one of those $600 Monarchy things, which is probably a power regenerator, a la PS Audio, etc.

I also have a selection of Vintage DD TT's imported from Japan, and have a few en-route at present.

I am happy to use a simple Walwart Step Down Tranx when getting the early impressions of a TT. If it becomes one I am interested in for further investigations, it will be converted to 230V.

These TT's are usually purchased under the impression they are wanting in some way, which all have proved this to be the case, and the TT's are not in the same price bracket individually as a SP10 R. I can't but help feel, I would want to have the R, if it was reliant on other ancillaries to produce the correct working Voltage, having the R work with the supplied Mains Voltage would be my preference.

I find the R to be oddly sensitive to AC, which would seem to fly in the face of reason. Its speed never wavers, of course, but its sound can be subtly more or less tense depending on power cords and especially AC quality. Don’t ask me why. This is not the case with my other two turntables, a Brinkmann Oasis and a Nantais Lenco. I like the R best plugged into the Monarchy. Based on this experience, I’d be hesitant to use a stepdown that doesn’t reconstitute and stabilize the AC. But that’s me. Plenty of people report good results with them on their Technics.

@lewm , I never said he NEEDED anything. Just mentioned an option. And yes, as I said, the "Monarchy thing" is indeed a regenerator....

Wrm, sorry if that appeared harsh. Some who come here for advice will take that advice quite literally. Just wanted to clarify to the OP that he need not spend $600 in order to enjoy his new TT.

to others who seem to believe that using a step down is a compromise, I would point out that it may actually be advantageous. The transformer also isolates other equipment that shares the same AC line from noise that can be put on the AC by the TT motor. And I know of no reason to suggest that a properly sized step down could do any harm. Most of these TT s pull less than 25W. My step downs are rated for 50 or 100W. (I forget which.)