Technics SP-10 [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

chris@panteg

26-01-2012, 11:32

From the other thread

LOL - indeed. But the point is that the SP10 was discontinued long before the SL-1200!

The latter were on sale up until last year, matey. Therefore, if you've bought a new one recently, or reasonably recently (like me) you're not running a 40-year old T/T, but a one year old, or in my case, three and a half year old one ;)

Marco.

Sorry me old mucker i don't see how its a problem the last SP10's were made in 1989 and they were all built to last a lifetime ! You know that as well as i do , all the caps and stuff that perishes can be replaced .

Just one very simple question Marco

Is a Stock 1200mk2 or mk5 better than a stock SP10 ? i don't think its fair to compare a 1200 which has 1000's spent on it to a just well serviced SP10 :scratch:

As to being clueless , well ok i haven't heard your deck or Martin's but i can imagine thay sound as good as you say , fair enough but i would still take an SP10 mk2 or to be honest i would rather have the LO7D as the latter needs little more than a good service .

It seems to me the Vantage mods get looked down upon ? Is it because its not expensive enough ? or fashionable enough ? it is the cheapest route that's for sure . I like it because its in keeping with the original design and if what Richard tells me is true are as a result of recieving advice from one of the original members of the design team of the SL1200mk2 , and years of hard work :)

Marco

26-01-2012, 11:36

Chris, I could argue (very cogently) with you on this matter until the cows come, but I think it's time to give it a rest, mate.

Marco.

sq225917

26-01-2012, 11:40

I'd like to hear a serviced Sp10 with a funk Platter, I think that would deal with about all the evils of the SP10.

Dingdong

26-01-2012, 11:58

The Funk platter as is will not fit on the SP-10. I'm not sure if the market is there for one as the numbers will not be that high.
My Blue Horizon mat fits perfectly on the platter, so I'll be using that for the foreseeable.

When I get a moment I'll get my scope and meter out on the electronics and make sure they are up to spec according to the service manual.
First thing is to have a shuftie at the bearing and give it a clean and re-oil. Fingers crossed it's not fucked.
Hopefully later in the year I'll get around to getting a decent plinth for it.

After that I'll just buy more vinyl and listen to some music. I quite like listening to music.

Marco

26-01-2012, 12:04

Nice one, Mark - a very sensible approach :)

Marco.

chris@panteg

26-01-2012, 12:05

Chris, I could argue (very cogently) with you on this matter until the cows come, but I think it's time to give it a rest, mate.

Marco.

I'm happy to give it a rest but could you please answer this question , pretty please :)

Is a Stock 1200mk2 or mk5 better than a stock SP10 ?

Dingdong

26-01-2012, 12:08

So has anyone a recommended oil for the bearing lube?

Marco

26-01-2012, 12:23

I'm happy to give it a rest but could you please answer this question , pretty please :)

Is a Stock 1200mk2 or mk5 better than a stock SP10 ?

Yes, if the bearing on the SP10 in question is fucked and the caps are leakier than the bladder of an incontinent pensioner!! :lol: :lol: :ner:

Now, more seriously, I insist that we leave it there and get the thread back on track. Any future off-topic posts will be deleted without further warning. Same goes with the other thread.

Marco.

synsei

26-01-2012, 13:14

Erm, I guess that's that then :eyebrows:

One big advantage the SP10 has over, shall we say a sister deck from the same company, is that you can experiment with plinths. Couple that with a few choice mods and the results could be very satisfying indeed :cool:

I can state categorically that my stock SL1210 with SMEIII knocks spots off my TD160 with the same arm and cart, and the SL hasn't been properly setup as yet either... :D

Marco

26-01-2012, 14:03

One big advantage the SP10 has over, shall we say a sister deck from the same company, is that you can experiment with plinths. Couple that with a few choice mods and the results could be very satisfying indeed :cool:

Absolutely, and you can also fit 12" arms, and more than one if you want, too!

Marco.

NRG

26-01-2012, 15:05

So has anyone a recommended oil for the bearing lube?

I use the recommended Technics oil SFW0010, available of Ebay and some DJ centres...same oil thats recommended for the SL.

Regarding service and 'mods', mine has been recapped: both the deck and PSU...most recently I replaced the motor drive caps as recommended by Dave Crawley for some Panasonic FC types. Unfortunately I managed to kill one of the phase drive ccts taking out a NPN drive transistor.

Original parts are non existent but fortunately there are a number of available drop in replacements from the likes of Farnell and RS. The Deck is now working again.

I've made all the recommended electrical adjustment to the deck but I plan to revisit it and check the clock frequency as I did not have the test kit available at the time. I may replace the crystal, its a common 3.5795Mhz one, apparently used in US TV's...

My deck is mounted in a 40mm Slatedeck plinth with SME cutout, arm is SME309 and cartridge a re-tipped Kontra B.

Old pick with MC25FL cart fitted.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/DSCF3080.jpg

Dingdong

26-01-2012, 16:23

That looks quite nice. There was a similar slatedeck plinth on ebay recently, but I just didn't have the spare cash. Breaking my cantilever didn't help with the cash flow.

What sort of mat is that you are using?

Marco

26-01-2012, 17:09

Hi Neal,

Is that the same SP10 of yours I heard at Owston? It sounded very nice indeed (as did your PL-71)! :cool:

Marco.

NRG

26-01-2012, 21:31

Hi Marco,

Yes it was, not sure if it was pre or post service but it sounded good as did your deck BTW, very nice!

I can't recall where I got that mat from but it turned out its made of a material used as an anti-slip fabric in kitchen draws and other places no doubt.

Dingdong

27-01-2012, 07:51

I quite fancy one of these for my tt. Would look very pretty. 'Tis pretty expensive though and maybe slate or summat heavy would sound better.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130635069431?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

NRG

27-01-2012, 07:56

Looks stunning IMHO!

Dingdong

27-01-2012, 07:58

Yes. But I'm sure he wants a stunning price for it.

NRG

27-01-2012, 08:12

Everything is made to a price ;)

The mat BTW came from extremephono but they discontinued it a while back and replaced it with a carbon job...

However, its made from this stuff!

http://www.fit4kitchens.co.uk/kitchen_accessories/fridge_drawer_shelf_liners/eco_non_slip_fabric.htm

Dingdong

27-01-2012, 08:26

I guess it would negate the 'need' for a clamp. Might be worth an experiment at some point.
I got a Blue Horizon mat of some bloke on here. Nice enough chap, but he seems to think he owns the place;)
It sounds better to me than the original rubber mat and the Herbies one that the deck came with. I use a Michell clamp with it. The BH mat fits perfectly inside the lip.
The plinth the deck came with is a 20mm thick piece of ply. The base of the deck is now sat on a Mission Isoplat (bit of mdf on 4 sorbothane feet). The armboard is a bit of a lash-up.
I'm quite happy with the sound now. Or was until I snapped my cantilever.

chris@panteg

27-01-2012, 09:09

Dingdong

27-01-2012, 09:18

chris@panteg

27-01-2012, 09:24

Just my little old Shure VST V. I've always quite liked its sound. My new Jico SAS stylus was posted a couple of days ago, so I should be back up and running soon. It cost me £120 plus whatever duties and stuff I get stung for.
Should all be run in and ready to go for Scalford.

I've just been given a little pot of some sort of putty for stylus cleaning duties in future.

Hi Mark

Hopefully you won't get stung for duty , but I think you will love the SAS ! I got one for my P22 in my QL1 and I love it , I'm thinking of going to Scalford and will be keen to hear your SP10 if do :)

Dingdong

27-01-2012, 12:23

I'm interested to hear what the new needle does.

The SP-10 won't be pretty, but I'm hoping it produces a pleasing sound.

Hopefully you'll get to Scalford. It's brilliant fun. From looking at the list there should be a few SP-10's there.
My only worry is that the floor in the room we end up in is slightly bouncy. If it is then we'll probably just use digital sources.

synsei

27-01-2012, 13:18

Regarding Scalford Mark, rather than faff about with laptops I think I'll bring my desktop PC along. It's set up with Foobar and the settings are all correct to deliver 24/96 to the Caiman and I really can't be arsed to go through all the stress of getting yet another Windoze PC to talk to the music world properly :D

Mark (Reid Malenfant) and I are going halves on a hire car if all goes well... ;)

Dingdong

27-01-2012, 13:23

Okydoky. Will call you in a bit about your cable so that you can take that dodgy old dj deck along;)

bogle111

29-01-2012, 14:05

I am trying to get some pictures of my SL1000 up here without much success and explain my proposed plinth for another SP10II. While tinkering, I have just seen this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Technics-SP-10-Mk-II-platter-screws-very-rare-/370577070723?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item56481d5a83

also seen a 10E power supply go in the states for £223 !!!!!!!!

"Asset stripping" is one thing, but it makes me think I should sell the second SP10II in bits !! Morally though, I couldn't do it, I don't think.....I'm thinking.....

Back to the plot. Being surrounded by slate here, it is my intention to build a slate lower base section, wood middle section (I know where there is a stunning large piece of ebony) or panzerholst (cheaper) topped with a brushed stainless steel top section (bit like the Luxman look) suitable for up to three arms 2 x12" and a 9/10"). Like the brushed stainless steel as it will withstand use and still look good. Sorbothane or bitumen sandwiched between each layer.

I did a basic slate one a long time ago but wasn't overly impressed over a standard SL1000. The chassis of the SP10 in time will corrode, they all do, so that is going to be wrapped in a reasonably thick "carbon fibre effect" vinyl as is done with cars. Haven't decided the colour yet. The cover will be formed perspex without sides.

I reckon this will take about 6-8 months with work commitments. It will be done the cheapest but best way possible. All costed, including water jetting and routing about £270 plus my time and calling for some return favours. I shall do some pics as it goes along. I already have two identical arms and carts ready. Then the test.

Any comments or ideas etc. could be useful.

I shall of course be mindful of how a better plinth can be made economically for the 1200's, that is something that has been bugging me for a while.

I'm still thinking about those 3 screws....£100 !!!:stalks:

The Grand Wazoo

29-01-2012, 15:40

I wouldn't worry too much about the screws. It's one thing to offer them for £100, but it's another thing entirely to sell them for £100.

sq225917

29-01-2012, 18:30

Why not just strip the SP10 linish it, and have it clear coat sprayed, should be good for another 25 years.

Dingdong

29-01-2012, 18:41

Mine has a little corrosion on it. Once I've got a proper plinth for it I shall be following that path. I like the brushed ally finish.

KCD

30-01-2012, 02:58

Mark you can make it look pretty good just takes a bit of sanding... I've been battling with SP-10 corrosion myself! Here are a few pics for motivation!

Yuck... What a mess:
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/71BMW2002/Technics%20SP10MkII%20Restoration/IMG_1862.jpg

Here is a picture of the corrosion after stripping the clear coat off:

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/71BMW2002/Technics%20SP10MkII%20Restoration/IMG_1965.jpg

After sanding with 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000....

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/71BMW2002/Technics%20SP10MkII%20Restoration/IMG_1972.jpg

Painted black (with BMW paint Since that is what was in my buddy's shop at the time). Still needs a bit of polishing yet...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/71BMW2002/Technics%20SP10MkII%20Restoration/IMG_2011.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa165/71BMW2002/Technics%20SP10MkII%20Restoration/IMG_2012.jpg

Now if I could just figure out what tonearm I am going to run...

KC

Dingdong

30-01-2012, 08:05

That's a nice bit of corrosion you had there. Mine has just a few small patches.
I'd ideally like to restore the brushed ally finish if possible. I just like the look. Your shiny paint finish does look good though.
I'll have to have a search on how to do it. The plinth, so that I can mount my Hadcock arm properly will be first.
I'm hoping the postman brings my new stylus this week. I'm getting vinyl withdrawal issues at the moment.
As for arm recommendations I quite like Hadcock. It's a bit fiddly to setup, but goes well with my cartridge.
Jelco arms seem to quite popular round here, and seem to be a good price. They even do a 12" version if that floats your boat.
It would be nice to read more about what you do with your deck. Have you done anything with the power supply and electronics?

synsei

30-01-2012, 15:59

I can vouch for Mark's SP10, Hadcock, Shure combo, it sounds bloody marvelous :D

Call me perverse, but from a distance the marbling effect of the corrosion on KC's SP10 looks quite funky :lol:

Dingdong

31-01-2012, 19:26

Hi Mark

Hopefully you won't get stung for duty , but I think you will love the SAS ! I got one for my P22 in my QL1 and I love it , I'm thinking of going to Scalford and will be keen to hear your SP10 if do :)

I might have a seat spare in the car. Will get in touch closer to the time once logistics are sorted out.

Dingdong

03-02-2012, 18:28

It's so nice to have it up and running again.
So far I'm quite impressed with the Jico SAS stylus. I can't do a comparison with the old VN5SEMR any more, but it seems at least as good. Maybe a tiny bit more bass.

I shall be having a night in with some vinyl tonight. And perhaps a little drinky.

Alex_UK

03-02-2012, 20:47

I shall be having a night in with some vinyl tonight. And perhaps a little drinky.

Be rude not to! :)

chris@panteg

03-02-2012, 21:08

I might have a seat spare in the car. Will get in touch closer to the time once logistics are sorted out.

Cheers:)

Dingdong

10-02-2012, 20:40

Here's a little bit of turntable porn from when I was cleaning and lubing my bearing earlier.

Mmmm... The sexy motor shot.
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac169/marktb/Hifi/IMG_0109.jpg

Got a bit of jewellers rouge out and gave this a polish. Didn't look to bad to the naked eye. Nice and shiny smooth now.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac169/marktb/Hifi/IMG_0110.jpg

Here's it almost back together. Took ages of spinning to get the shaft to sink to the bottom.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac169/marktb/Hifi/IMG_0111.jpg

Marco

10-02-2012, 20:54

There's no denying that the SP10 is superbly engineered, and your pictures show it, Mark! Nice one :)

Marco.

Dingdong

10-02-2012, 21:04

There wasn't a lot of oil in it. Cleaned the old stuff out with some IPA. The ball at the bottom of the bearing looks in good nick. Phew!!. On the end of the shaft is a little cap that seems to be made out of the same stuff as the little pad at the bottom of a 1210 bearing. That's in good nick too. Extra Phew.
The jewellers rouge polishes things up nicely. Spent a bit of time cleaning it all off afterwards.
I left the brake off on reassembly. Some say it improves sound.
The platter spins a little bit better now. :)

For my next trick I shall construct a useable, but not too pretty, plinth.

synsei

11-02-2012, 16:40

I just had a wee accident in me troosers... :D

Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk

chris@panteg

11-02-2012, 17:55

looking good Mark , what a fine bit of kit it is :)

NRG

11-02-2012, 21:46

How healthy are the electronics? Been having fun n games with mine but think I have it licked now...

Dingdong

11-02-2012, 21:49

All seem to work a treat. Now worries yet.

Dingdong

26-02-2012, 22:38

I have constructed a new armboard. It's made from a spare shelf from my Argos cd rack. A very fine bit of chipboard.
I'll get a photo sorted out shortly when I can be arsed. But I can tell you it looks completely and utterly.......shite really.
Don't sound too shabby though.
The Hadcock seems to go rather well with the Shure as I've mentioned before.
Getting the correct distance for mounting the Hadcock is quite easy. The arm comes with a little template with two holes in. One for spindle of the tt and one for the spike of the unipivot.
Did a little bit of alignment and I'm spinning some toons.:cool:

Dingdong

27-02-2012, 08:11

Here's the picture. Yous are all thinking that armboard is dead sexy aren't you. I could be persuaded into a small production run if there is enough interest.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac169/marktb/Hifi/IMG_0119.jpg

NRG

27-02-2012, 12:47

A work of art ;) Been contemplating putting my GH228 on the SP10, it would just about fit within the SME cutout if I made a small adapter plate...on the other hand I've got a second SP10 on the way so another plinth is required first :stalks:

Dingdong

27-02-2012, 12:52

I've got an sme adaptor plate. I think Hadcock sell them for £60. If you need to borrow it as a template give me a shout.

Ali Tait

27-02-2012, 12:53

Going to start doing a bit of DJing Neal? :eek:

NRG

28-02-2012, 09:28

:) I maybe a bit past it for that Ali!

Thanks for the offer Mark, l may take you up on the offer. :cool:

NRG

29-02-2012, 21:42

'New' deck has arrived. Cosmetically better than my existing deck, starts, stops and changes speed sharply as it should and has plenty of torque.

Its a later version than my current one and seems original...I don't think the base has been taken off since it was assembled. I suspect the PSU is older, its not in the same condition and the caps need replacing.

The timing was out a touch as you would expect but I've brought that back into spec and it seems fine.

I cleaned the main bearing and found it to be a little dry, not sure when oil was last added to it but I think I caught it in time...the spindle looks fine and is a very snug fit in the housing.

bearing cleaning:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/SP10/DSCF6863.jpg

I kept going until no more dirt appeared:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/SP10/DSCF6864.jpg

motor with freq generator ring:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/SP10/DSCF6861.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/SP10/DSCF6862.jpg

NRG

01-03-2012, 22:27

Power supply now re-capped with Panasonic 'lytics and two decoupling ceramics replaced, stability is much improved plus for some reason the strobe is now clearer! Also cleaned up the PSU, fitted a 3 pin UK mains lead and fixed the earthing so the PSU wont kill me! :lol:

Deck is looking to be a good 'un....I have plans for the future involving slate and an SME 312. :eek: