Technics Platter

[RobbieGong]

For a while now I've noticed that the stock technics SL12XX platter is not flat. I've had four on my mint MK5g two new and two used, non have proven to be perfectly flat. I've discovered this by observing my arm dip slightly from about mid point of an lp and continue to the end of a side dipping a little and coming back up as it rotates round. At first I thought it was all down to the stock 3.7mm but on closer observation I've realised that for the greater part it's the platter. By stooping down with my eyes parrallel and level with the rim of the platter I can see the dipping within the black area inside the lip of the platter rim as it goes round on all the platters I've tried, some slightly more obvious than others - Remove your mat, take a look like I've described and let me know what you observe.

Anyway and either way I decided a while back to treat myself at some point to an upgrade platter as the next stage of my upgrade journey, probably around Christmas / New Year (Already have KAB fluid damper, Isonoes, Mike New bearing, 2M black). Now this is not necessarily because of the above observations described which annoy me a lot to be honest but also because the platter isn't exactly audiophile material and rings like a bell. I'm aware of Mikes seriously engineered and solid platter, but I know theres the Vantage Audio copper plate bonded to the Technics platter upgrade as well as the new Funk platter - Would really appreciate some views and ideas, suggestions, opinion towards platter upgrade from the AOS family. I'm looking for the upgrade to be just that in terms of revealing more inner detail out of those grooves ! :)

[Stratmangler]

With regard to the platter ringing, yes it does ring like a bell.
So did my Thorens TD125 platter before dampening work was undertaken.
I'm sure that it's possible to compile a long list of TTs with ringing metal platters.

I sorted out my Techie platter ringing with one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110679222434&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&clk_rvr_id=272855091481&afsrc=1 and the obvious ringing is now replaced with a very rapidly decaying thunk.

[WOStantonCS100]

My experience has been that the platter is pretty flat/level.

However, the strobe strip around the platter leaves a lot to be desired. I have five 12xx's total and all of them have wavy strobe strips, some worse than others. I would say the dots are pretty close; but, not dead accurate. My father used to have an alloy strobe disc for his Garrard's. They were much better. The ringing I'm not overly concerned. As Chris mentioned, there are many platters that do and the right platter mat takes care of that pretty quickly. Having said that, the 13/14/15..MK2 platters are all weightier than that of the 12xx's and are balanced. Despite not being damped underneath, I think they are better platters (not compatible with the 12xx's). I haven't tried to add some damping to the underside of these platters; but, I may some day.

[MartinT]

I'm aware of Mikes seriously engineered and solid platter, but I know theres the Vantage Audio copper plate bonded to the Technics platter upgrade as well as the new Funk platter - Would really appreciate some views and ideas, suggestions, opinion towards platter upgrade from the AOS family. I'm looking for the upgrade to be just that in terms of revealing more inner detail out of those grooves ! :)

I think it's going to be hard for you to find anyone who has heard all the variants, so you're going to get a lot of disconnected opinions. For my part, then: The Mike New platter is perfectly flat (I use a mini spirit level on the headshell to ascertain arm level and the reading remains the same across the arc of the record). It also doesn't ring at all, giving off a dull 'thunk' if struck. With the Achromat in place on top of it, it's as dead as a dead thing.

[WOStantonCS100]

I think it's going to be hard for you to find anyone who has heard all the variants, so you're going to get a lot of disconnected opinions. For my part, then: The Mike New platter is perfectly flat (I use a mini spirit level on the headshell to ascertain arm level and the reading remains the same across the arc of the record). It also doesn't ring at all, giving off a dull 'thunk' if struck. With the Achromat in place on top of it, it's as dead as a dead thing.

When I'm able to obtain one, I really think the MN platter is going to be a breath of fresh air. It will be nice to have a platter that actually doesn't ring. That'll be a first for me. When I received my MN bearing I found out just how "wide" the tolerances are on a stock Techy platter... not good. :( I guess there was only so much they could do considering the method of production.

[colinB]

Whe you say the platter ist flat, are you sure there is no bearing wear?
My technics was ex club and needed a service before the platter ran flat.

[DSJR]

So did my Thorens TD125 platter before dampening work was undertaken.
I'm sure that it's possible to compile a long list of TTs with ringing metal platters.



The Thorens platter rings (as does the LP12's) until it's placed on the inner one - that's one reason why they're two piece.....

I'm very lucky with my SL1500 platter, as it's dead flat and even the strobe markings barely move on this sample. The same cannot be said of others I've used and sold in the past...

[MCRU]

Robbie,
I have just made a load of 1mm thick nitrile rubber mats, for a different issue but maybe that will help, pm me your address I will send you one to try.

I have used it under my Oyaide mat on my new SL120 and on my Garrard underneath the blue horizon mat, works a treat.

[RobbieGong]

Robbie,
I have just made a load of 1mm thick nitrile rubber mats, for a different issue but maybe that will help, pm me your address I will send you one to try.

I have used it under my Oyaide mat on my new SL120 and on my Garrard underneath the blue horizon mat, works a treat.

Hi Dave, I'll take you up on that, afterwhich I think I really need to look at a Mike New platter at some point as that is most likely a far better platter all round and should be 'properly' flat. Its the slight bob up and down that really does my head in due to the platter not being perfectly flat inside the lip surface area to be honest. I also expect sonic improvement if only subtle for the sheer fact it fits in the category of 'audiophile' in all areas, (weight, materials used ie: copper on top of solid alluminium etc) way above the thin, ringy, stock platter.

[MartinT]

Two things, Robbie: is the platter properly and firmly located on the taper spindle? Worth taking it off and refitting it? Secondly, is your mat properly inside the edge lip of the platter and not causing a slight dish? This is why mats for the Technics platter need to be specially cut.

Sorry if you've already done these things, but I thought it worth saying.

[RobbieGong]

Two things, Robbie: is the platter properly and firmly located on the taper spindle? Worth taking it off and refitting it? Secondly, is your mat properly inside the edge lip of the platter and not causing a slight dish? This is why mats for the Technics platter need to be specially cut.

Sorry if you've already done these things, but I thought it worth saying.

No problem at all Martin, It's why I love being a part of this site - helpful people :) I'll do those things for sure when Mrs and kids out of the way :eyebrows: (Sounds bad that doesn't it :lol: - I love 'em really ; just not when I'm doing anything system wise :eyebrows:)

[RobbieGong]

Two things, Robbie: is the platter properly and firmly located on the taper spindle? Worth taking it off and refitting it? Secondly, is your mat properly inside the edge lip of the platter and not causing a slight dish? This is why mats for the Technics platter need to be specially cut.

Sorry if you've already done these things, but I thought it worth saying.

Hi Martin,

I did as you advised as above as I'd been thinking to do this for a while. I removed the platter, added a little more vaseline around the taper of the Mike New bearing as before then re-postioned platter this time applying a bit of even pressure around the spindle area etc. Immediately I can report that the platter rotates flat and to my liking regardless of any deviation of flatness within the lip surface area of the platter so muchus thanks for pointing me towards giving this a try. Things also sound better across the full play of a side now to my ears to the point where I'm not in an absolute hurry to change anything at the mo in relation to the deck (Well not for now anyway :eyebrows: - Cheers Martin :) Btw, If you've any more ideas or advise with regard to me getting even more inner detail from the techy that would be appreciated. FYI, I already have decent wire running through the stock arm but havn't upgraded stock mat as whenever I've tried others I've prefered the presentation with stock mat in in place !

[MartinT]

Great that that sorted it, Robbie. There is something intensely satisfying about getting a Techie to sing.

Regarding mats, you can do better than the stock rubber mat when you're ready. I found that the Herbies worked very well with the standard platter, but don't forget to get their special size for the Technics if you do. You might also want to think about the KAB damper for the stock arm.

[RobbieGong]

Great that that sorted it, Robbie. There is something intensely satisfying about getting a Techie to sing.

Regarding mats, you can do better than the stock rubber mat when you're ready. I found that the Herbies worked very well with the standard platter, but don't forget to get their special size for the Technics if you do. You might also want to think about the KAB damper for the stock arm.

Hi Martin, For sure, it's a high. Thing is the more 'audiophile' you get ( ie: further away from it's out of the box 'nice but non audiophile sound' is the bigger the smile) we're talking the realism, 3d and difference between each recording sound that the techy can produce if fettled and upgraded properly :) :) :)

Is the Herbies the one sound hifi do ?? If so I tried one when my deck was fairly stock and it killed the sweetness and darkened the sound too much for my liking at the time. The damper I have in place on my stock arm, now that is a excellent upgrade and is part of getting some of the realism when part of other decent mods too, a must with the stock arm as you seem to know. I know some folk swear by the Achromat for the techy, maybe I should give that a try ??

[MartinT]

Hi Robbie, I do swear by the Achromat which is absolutely fantastic with the Mike New platter (provided it is bonded to the platter with Vaseline). However, I never used it with the stock platter so cannot recommend it to you with any confidence.

[RobbieGong]

Hi Robbie, I do swear by the Achromat which is absolutely fantastic with the Mike New platter (provided it is bonded to the platter with Vaseline). However, I never used it with the stock platter so cannot recommend it to you with any confidence.

Cheers Martin, The Achroamt does look good and sits inside the lip, I may well try and give one a try, I wouldn't know whether to go for the 3mm (close to the 3.7mm stock mat I have) or 5mm version ?? :scratch: Maybe someone will offer up view or opinion ?? ;)

[MartinT]

Mine is the 5mm.