You might want to investigate the modifications made by Richard Krebs for Technics SP10 Mk2 and Mk3. He spent a lot of time investigating the stators and how to stabilize them. I have had my own Mk3 modified according to Richard's Ideas, by a local tech who learned the procedure from Krebs himself and is one of a few persons in the USA qualified to perform the modification. The idea being that these motors have enough torque such that the stators are subject to movement in a direction opposite to that of the platter, when torque is required. This causes the servo to "read" a speed instability where there may be none, and thus a kind of oscillation is possible where the servo is calling for unnecessary speed correction. This in theory can cause an audible coloration. Unfortunately, the actual modifications are shrouded in mystery; I can only say the changes seem to involve the stators. I can also say that even though I heard no real "problem" with the Mk3 a priori, the Krebs mod really did rmake the Mk3 sound more like real music. I did hear, and have so stated in this Forum, a slight "gray-ish" coloration in the SP10 Mk2, when I owned one. I assume the Krebs mod would be beneficial to reduce or eliminate that issue in the Mk2. The good news is that the Krebs mod on the Mk2 is less expensive than on the Mk3 I am quite sure the Krebs mod(s) do not include the introduction of Panzerholz or the like.
Thoughts On Turntable Clamps And Weights
I have a Pro-Ject X2B and am curious about turntable weights and clamps. I perused the web and discovered that, like so many audio related items, prices range from modest to stratospheric. What are your thoughts on clamps and weights? Do they provide a notable improvement in sound quality? Does price equal quality? What should be avoided?
Thanks,
John Cotner
New Ulm, MN
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- 99 posts total
@lewm The Engineer I use, is an individual renowned for their knowledge and their unique modification works carried out on the SP10 MkII, my own SP10 MkII is modified by this person. I can assure you that others, that are renowned in their own Countries (yes even the US) for their works done on Japanese Vintage TT's, have picked my engineer friends brain at some point. I have had many a discussion about the ideas behind the engineers practices and how the practices of others are said to impact on the SP10 MkII. I don't believe there is much that can be done to my own TT, that will improve on it electronically, or for speed control. The next frontier is the attempts to improve the mechanical interface for the seating of the drive gear and the Platter Spindle Bearing being a complete overhaul and not the already put in place upgrade for the assembly on the one I have in use. As stated previously, I am keen to learn, if the rethink for the Platter Spindle Bearing, can be one that is able to be transferred onto other Brands models, if the Stator Bowls are remade using a CNC to accommodate the new bearing housing design. The CNC owner has access to substantial thicknesses of Thermoplastics, and has the programming skills which can produce items to low microns as a tolerance. Alternatively for the individual like myself, the Bowl replacement can be a simple affair to, where there is a Top Flange plate fastened to a thick walled cylinder of the ideal ID/OD, that has a base fastened to the side wall as well. |
The world of modifying these vintage turntables is such a tiny one, I can only wonder why you cannot include the name(s) of these "renowned" engineers so others might benefit. And the engineer might also benefit in terms of increased earnings. In any case, the Krebs modification is worthwhile based on my listening to the Mk3 before vs after, if that interests anyone. Richard Krebs resides in New Zealand. I have never met him. He is lately known for the K3 turntable which is his build, now sold by Oswald Mills Audio for huge bucks. |
I'm running a Rega Planar 10. They recommend no weight or clamp. Of course the Rega strategy is about the lack of mass. I have an HRS center weight with which I might try a listing test. It's currently holding down my Eight Switch which tends to move with all the ethernet cables pulling in it. An expensive paper weight. |
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