DD or not DD, a Technics in the House!

[Frankyc2003]

Morning everyone,

as per yesterday I am the proud owner of a Technics SL1210 M3D fresh and unmodded! :eyebrows:

So bear with me for a second, as I am trying to gather my thoughts...

First, some pictures

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/20121111_091133.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/20121111_091146.jpg

I own a Gyrodec modded to approach Orbe performance level, so let's say this will be my bench mark. the arm is a SME 309 with a Lyra Clavis.
The stage is a MingDa 2006 all valve, the amp is a SET 845 from Yarland. Speakers are Triangle Antal ES.

One thing for sure, is that the Technics is, and will remain for years a design icon.
It's so well put together, and looks just so cool in a very understated way...
I mean you just plug and after 5 mins of adjusting bits, you are spinning your favorite tunes... Plug n' Play, and so easy to operate.

So please don't shoot me just yet, but the Gyro is also a beautiful piece of design, but not quite plug n play. Every so often you kind of need to adjust suspension, check the speed on the PSU, etc...

Here, just switch on and press play! I am in that kind of mood after a long day at work... I am sure you empathize!

So onto some proper listening obviously.
Last night saw a good mix of heavily compressed studio beauties from the 80's, some full range stereo extravaganza from the early 60's, some beautiful mix work from the late 90's, etc.

OK, first impression, this deck can BOOGIE! I mean it draws you on the dance floor and gets your a***e moving in no time! You might feel silly, but hey! you like your music or what!?:D

The Gyro is a very analytic beast in comparison, dare I say 'DRY'! The detail retrieval is obviously not in the same league. The high frequencies are quite congested on the Technics to be honest. It all gets a bit messy sometimes. The Gyro has a much wider soundstage, but in comparison the Technics seems to have a deeper stage although width is restrained.

Now onto the lower registers. The Technics packs quite a punch! Very surprised, but happy as larry! Tight and tuneful bass makes a big difference from the Gyro.

Overall, the Technics is definitely a KEEPER!:)

So, after 24h, the deal is obviously, how can I improve on the stock Technics? Which way is the route to bliss with the Technics?
Having read a lot of info on AOS, I am now wondering is the external PSU the way to reduce congestion on the higher frequencies? Or a Mike New bearing? Or shall I try to mount my 309 on the Technics?:scratch:

What do you guys reckon?

Thanks for all your precious knowledge and opinions!

Cheers
:cool:

[chris@panteg]

Hi Francois

I would start with moving the psu to an external case , this will tidy up the sonics and cost next to nothing , try a better headshell next such as the sumiko , then an achromat ? Then see what you think .

[Macca]

IMO you won't ever get the Technics to sound as open up top as the Gyro does. They are two completely different animals. A better headshell would be a step in the right direction, though. On the other hand, as you have discovered, the Technics does do 'proper' bass and timing - unlike 90% of the other decks out there. All a trade off.

[Frankyc2003]

Cheers Chris,

Any good place to get instructions on how to remove PSU outside the TT?
I heard some people saying it was easy...:scratch:

I can solder a bit...

:D

[Frankyc2003]

All a trade off.

Indeed, I am keeping my Gyro that's for sure.
It will stay in my main system...

But I fell the Technics can make a beast of a system for my studio/office!:eyebrows:

[chris@panteg]

Cheers Chris,

Any good place to get instructions on how to remove PSU outside the TT?
I heard some people saying it was easy...:scratch:

I can solder a bit...

:D

Glad you asked me that , Stratmangler , Chris has accomplished the task and I'm certain will be along to offer some tips on how to do this, also sondek , Richard can help I think .

[OneyedK]

I would start with moving the psu to an external case , this will tidy up the sonics and cost next to nothing , try a better headshell next such as the sumiko , then an achromat ? Then see what you think .
+1
move that transformer outside the TT, fairly simple, wires have colours...
a better headshell indeed, with azimuth adjustment, what cartridge do you use?
and a better mat...

Make sure your bearing is oiled well!

If you can solder, a full or partial recap of the pcb might be a great idea.
Some components are smaller values then intended by the Technics engineers,
now is the time to correct them...

[Frankyc2003]

Thanks guys,
I have a Sumiko headshell on order now. And an Achromat...
I will open up the beast one evening this week, peek at the innards and I will see if I can move the PSU easily...

I am thinking of getting a new cartridge for it though. I am not going to use the Lyra on it, probably more likely to be a DL103 in terrms of budget.

Do you reckon I need a spacer for it (height & weight)?

Cheers

[OneyedK]

A bit strange that you buy a headshell before deciding on a cartridge.

The shell you bought is perfect for a DL-110,
but too light for a DL-103.

I prefer not to mess with headshell weights, but to use the correct headshell.
In the case of the 103, the AT-LH18 OCC is perfect, it weights 18g.
You will have to make the couterweight heavier...
Or find a heavier counterweight. (don't know if it is available)

[Frankyc2003]

Having played around a bit with cartridge alignement etc yesterday, I unfortunately discovered that the bearings on the arm were f****d.:steam:
the anti skating not really doing what it should be doing...
So I am going to have to take the arm apart and replace the part...

dohhhh!

Hopefully it won't take too long...

[OneyedK]

Replace the entire arm, it's far easier and better than messing with the bearings...

[Frankyc2003]

Replace the entire arm, it's far easier and better than messing with the bearings...

Absolutely, my plan all along...
No point messing around with screws which have 0.5 micron clearance!
;)