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SP10 Mk II vs Mk III

A couple of guys here were planning to do listening comparisons of the Technics SP10 Mk II vs the Mk III, in their own homes and systems. Has anyone actually completed such a comparison? I am wondering whether the "upgrade" to the Mk III is actually worth it in terms of audible differences between the two tables. Possibly mounting either table in a well done wooden or slate plinth mitigates any sonic differences that would otherwise be heard. I am thinking of Albert Porter and Mike Lavigne in particular, who were going to do the comparison. Thanks for any response.
lewm
lewm OP
13,382 posts
 
I'm probably inclined to spend my money on proper refurbishment of my Mk II and hope in the meantime that I happen upon a Mk III serendipitously. I know of one in Asia that is so relatively low in price, compared to Mike's and Albert's quotes, it must be a scam. Having written this, I may yet contact you, Albert.
lewm OP
13,382 posts
 
Albert and/or Mike, While I've got your attention, I am told there are two or three critically important electrolytics in the Mk II power supply that should be replaced empirically, due to age. Can you describe to me which parts these are? I have a service manual, so I can figure it out if you can give me their designations on the schematic, e.g., C1, C2, etc. I guess this is off topic.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Lewm, all the electrolytic caps in power supply should be replaced. If you do the job with Nichicon and Black Gates performance will go up and cost is still very low.

I got mine from Mike Percy Audio, but there are dozens of suppliers out there that offer caps.
lewm OP
13,382 posts
 
Thanks, Albert. I just completed the total restoration of a physically mint condition Denon DP80. I used the new Panasonic TS series of caps, which have incredibly low ESR. I also replaced all the transistors and the one major IC. I'll probably replace only the electrolytics in my SP10, because it's running fine. Mike Percy and I are well acquainted after all these years, but I bought the Panasonics from Digikey. I am anxious to compare the DP80 to the SP10 MkII.
johnwdt
16 posts
 
While we are talking about SP10s, May I ask SP10 MKII owners a question??
I have a Strobe question. I had 2 SP10 MKIIs and two Power supplies. I sold one of each locally and realized that only one of the power supplies allowed the strobe to function??? Does this make sense??? Both Strobes worked, but only with one of the power supplies. I ended up giving my local buyer the combo that allowed a working strobe. So my question is this, has anyone had the experience of a none working strobe under these circumstances?
Am I correct in thinking that the Power supply controls the strobe?? IF it does a competent tech should be able to look at my PS and spot the issue??

My SP10 MKII project will finished tomorrow (Hopefully), It is a Heavy Ply/mdf Plinth with Black Ash veneer, a Fidelity Research FR64S with a New SPU Eliptical.
Cant wait, Thanks in advance.
John T
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