Inspire Hi-Fi Tecno Upgrade Package

[YNWaN]

Well, to be fair, we don't know what experiments, experience or engineering prowess Inspire have, perhaps they have built replacement bearings. Also MN doesn't actually make many of the components he uses (he has written as much, I'm not assuming it) they are made by other companies to his specification; Arthur or Inspire could do likewise if they chose (outsourcing of specialist elements is standard practice).

In terms of engineering prowess, well bearings of this type are hardly rocket science and the engineering content is well known and understood. The MN is undoubtedly a very nicely machined component and well specified, but in terms of design it doesn't break new ground.

[Marco]

Um, are you sure about that and have you examined Inspire's website recently? Now, if I were Inspire's MD I'd take that as a bit of an insult, and a challenge

Ok, show me where they’ve designed a completely new bearing from scratch, and not simply modified the original and/or housing, and I’ll retract my statement

And if you’re right, why would Mark have stated this earlier:

It is Inspire who believe the bearing is generally ok and why they focus their attention on improving the bearing housing...

Why would Inspire say that if they sold their own bespoke bearing for the Technics - seems somewhat counterproductive, no?

Marco.

[synsei]

Ok, show me where they’ve designed a completely new bearing from scratch, and not simply modified the original and/or housing, and I’ll retract my statement

Marco.

I'm coming at this from the same direction as Mark above. Having followed Inspire's progress for a few years now I am not left with the impression that this is an outfit which is devoid of engineering prowess, in fact quite the opposite. This is no slur on Mike but he is not the only talented engineer in the world capable of producing a bespoke bearing for the 12xx. If Funk or Inspire decide at some point to provide such an item then it will be of great benefit to all concerned as it will increase customer choice and perhaps even bring the cost of such items down to a more affordable level eventually.

[Marco]

Well, to be fair, we don't know what experiments, experience or engineering prowess Inspire have, perhaps they have built replacement bearings.

Perhaps they have, Mark. However, I'd be very doubtful indeed if they’ve tried one of Mike’s, which are known (as evidenced by 100s of satisfied users) to fundamentally improve the performance of the Technics.

Also MN doesn't actually make many of the components he uses (he has written as much, I'm not assuming it) they are made by other companies to his specification; Arthur or Inspire could do likewise if they chose (outsourcing of specialist elements is standard practice).

Then let them do so, and provide evidence to support it, then they’ll be qualified to comment on the matter from a position of authority.

In terms of engineering prowess, well bearings of this type are hardly rocket science and the engineering content is well known and understood. The MN is undoubtedly a very nicely machined component and well specified, but in terms of design it doesn't break new ground.

I didn’t say that it did. What I am saying, based on extensive experience, is that the MN bearing significantly improves on the stock Technics item, and as such in turn fundamentally improves the performance of the SL-1200/1210.

Marco.

[Marco]

I'm coming at this from the same direction as Mark above. Having followed Inspire's progress for a few years now I am not left with the impression that this is an outfit which is devoid of engineering prowess, in fact quite the opposite. This is no slur on Mike but he is not the only talented engineer in the world capable of producing a bespoke bearing for the 12xx. If Funk or Inspire decide at some point to provide such an item then it will be of great benefit to all concerned as it will increase customer choice and perhaps even bring the cost of such items down to a more affordable level eventually.

Dave, please stop misquoting me and actually read what I’ve written. I never said that they were "devoid of engineering prowess"; what I said was that they haven’t actually produced their own bespoke bearing from scratch (unless you can find me a picture of one for sale), and so until they do, they’re simply not in a position to comment with authority on its efficacy.

Marco.

[Macca]

T. My feeling is the 2M Bronze should work well. It is renowned for its detail and ability to produce a wide sound stage. These are both areas where the stock Technics lacks in comparison to decent Hi-Fi turntables in my experience. .

Not the first time I have read someone saying this. Not disputing your findings but I have to say if the reproduction 'lacks detail' I donlt see how it can be the deck that is at fault.

As far as the cartridge goes I rate the Nagaoka as superior to the Ortofon, although in the grand scheme of things there is not really much in it.

[synsei]

One fact worth bearing in mind (no pun intended) is that none of the other companies offering aftermarket modifications to the Technics, other than Mike New, has the required tooling or engineering prowess to design a completely bespoke bearing from scratch

[markx]

i have an inspire plinth on my 1210. whilst i'm sure it doesn't impart any partucular 'sonic signature' on the deck, i'm not sure this is a negative. it does, however, look a lot nice than the standard techie (at least i think so....)

in terms of cartridges, consider the Audio Note IQ2 or 3. they aren't cheap, but are excellent carts, the 3 being one of the best MM's available (again, i think so having heard quite a few, but by no means all) they certainly work nicely on an audio note arm on a techie

Thanks for your input. What are the prices of the AN IQ2 & IQ3? For some strange reason, AN do not seem to publicise their prices. Any idea why this is?

From what I can gather both models are built on behalf of AN by Goldring and based on the 1042?

Both the Ortofon 2M Bronze & Nagoka MP500 can be purchased over the Internet for around £250. I would like to keep my cart spend below £300.

[Marco]

One fact worth bearing in mind (no pun intended) is that none of the other companies offering aftermarket modifications to the Technics, other than Mike New, has the required tooling or engineering prowess to design a completely bespoke bearing from scratch

I didn’t say that they had NO engineering prowess, simply that I suspect that they don’t have the required in-house engineering prowess (although I stand to be corrected). There is a difference!

Marco.

[synsei]

Hmm, just had a wee power cut...

I didn’t say that they had NO engineering prowess, simply that I suspect that they don’t have the required in-house engineering prowess (although I stand to be corrected). There is a difference!

Inspire and Funk are two companies which both share a forward thinking attitude and IMO are the two most likely to run with the idea if they consider it to be a viable proposition. The question is, should they waste their efforts on the ever diminishing SL12xx market or perhaps develop their raft of mods for the expanding OEM Techie clone market? It's an interesting question from a business POV