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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
13,270 posts
 
Silverprint, As far as I know, graphite has some excellent qualities for audio use, but I don't think it's very dense. In other words, the weight per unit of volume is not great. Therefore graphite might not be so good for mass loading. This is not to say that it could not be useful in building a plinth, but probably in conjunction with other more dense materials, like hardwoods or slate.
dgarretson
2,601 posts
 
I think one of the advantages of carbon graphite would be constrained layer damping effects achieved by varying material thickness and directionality of carbon fibers. This is how it's done in bicycle frames to obtain strength where necessary as well as lightness. The resonant signature of the material could be varied throughout the construction-- which might have interesting if unpredictable effects unless computer modeled.
silverprint
7 posts
 
Dear Dgarretson and Lewm,

Thank you for your promt reply! But i think i shall avoid a probable misunderstanding. I am talking about graphite block, not carbon fiber. The density of the material is about 2.2 g/cm3 ie. 0.08 lbs/inch3. So not very heavy, nor light tough. It is made of heavily pressed carbon powder, its structure is amorphous. It is available in different densities and hardnesses.

As soon as possible I'll try to post a sketch, so it will be easier to understand each other.

Again many thanks
cpk
190 posts
 
Well it’s denser then wood but not as dense as slate. ART made a footer type thing with it that had a brass insert, I still have a couple floating around. I would say make it thick enough that the overall weight of the plinth is significant or do what ART did and add brass to it. My concern would be that IIRC the graphite is somewhat brittle and may be chipped easily.

I just got my SP10 today and will be putting it in a slate plinth at some point in the near future..:-)
lewm OP
13,270 posts
 
Cpk, If you beat me to it, let us know how it sounds in slate. My slab is sitting on the floor in my living room, but a little thing like needing to write a chapter for a medical text is keeping me away from installing the SP10 into it.
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