Which would give the biggest improvement?

[CageyH]

Once I have fitted my new arm (Audio Origami RB251), I will be planning for the next improvement/modification.
For me it comes down to two items, the Mike New Bearing, or probably an ETP platter (unless anybody wants to sell a Achroplat cheap?).
Both the platter and bearing will be done, it's just a question of time. My question is, which will give me a more noticeable improvement?

After they have been completed, the final upgrade (excluding cartridges) will be a better tonearm.

[nat8808]

Regarding the Acroplat - it is famously made of common foamed PVC sign-making material e.g. Foamex. There are plenty of companies who will cut all sorts of shapes out for you including 12" circles. Drill your own 7mm centre hole if they cant and either stick several together or see if they do appropriately thick foamex. Should cost about GBP30 for a one-off - get more done to reduce cost and sell them to friends (despite the dodgyness of the funk firm patent, they will no doubt send solicitor letters if you sell them onliine).

It's not by chance that Funk Firm's last headquarter move (well, registered business address..) is to the same building that also houses a company who cut out foamex signs for people down in Newhaven..

[CageyH]

Thanks for the insight, but I think you are mixing up the mat with the platter.

[Stratmangler]

Thanks for the insight, but I think you are mixing up the mat with the platter.

The Achroplat was designed for use on Rega and Systemdek turntables.
Your references to the Achroplat when you really mean the SL1200 Platter is the only cause for confusion :)

[Stratmangler]

In answer to the original question - the Mike New Bearing is the less expensive of the two upgrades, and it is a worthwhile upgrade on the original bearing.
I'm using a MNB with the original platter, albeit with an Achromat and BluTack stuffed into the magnet boss to help damp down unwanted platter vibrations.

[twotone]

I would say that biggest improvement for me so far is removing the stock arm and replacing it with a Micro Seiki MA-202 arm and headshell plus an Ebony armboard from Speedy Steve.

Wish I had done that first instead of spending £150 on a Timestep external PSU and £75 on an SL1200 Achromat.

Don't get me wrong those two 'mods' are certainly worth doing but the arm and ebony armboard made a huge difference.

Tony

[CageyH]

The Achroplat was designed for use on Rega and Systemdek turntables.
Your references to the Achroplat when you really mean the SL1200 Platter is the only cause for confusion :)

:doh:

Yes, I mean the Funk Firm Platter for the Technics.

[prestonchipfryer]

MN bearing first, MN platter second.

[CageyH]

Thanks.
I have heard from a number of sources that the bearing is a good upgrade.
I was just a little unsure of which one would give the bigger benefit.

[Marco]

Hi Kevin,

Whilst the MN bearing (and ETP platter) provide very worthwhile improvements, I always advise people to do something first with the power supply, whether that be simply externalising the stock one into a separate box (the procedure for which is described in this section of the forum), or investing in one of the better off-board PSUs from the likes of Paul Hynes or MCRU.

*The* most important thing (aside from any sonic benefits an upgraded off-board PSU provides) is getting that big lump of metal (the stock PSU), which causes unwanted vibration, and being magnetic, interferes with the partnering cartridge being used in close proximity above, out from underneath the platter.

In my experience, it is imperative to get that done FIRST, before any bearing or platter upgrades, in order to remove a major source of interference, causing significant sonic degradation, thus allowing one not only to hear more of what the T/T is capable of, but also realise the full potential of later upgrades to the bearing and platter.

Furthermore, the above advice presumes that the stock feet and rubber mat (both of which kill the sound and prevent the Technics from achieving genuine hi-fi performance) have been removed and replaced with something fit for purpose, such as Isonoes and an Achromat. If not, then forget about doing anything else until those areas have been attended to!

With all of the above done (tonearm upgrades aside, as there is never a wrong time to fit a better tonearm), then your next move would be fitting an MN bearing, followed by an ETP or Funk platter, all of which elevate the performance of the Technics to a degree whereby it can compete with some very serious recognised 'audiophile' designs.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your journey to nirvana! :)

Marco.

[CageyH]

Thanks Marco.
I actually have done most of what you have listed, except the tonearm, which is in transit.
I have Isonoe feet with Techniboots, an Achromat, MCRU PSU. I have also disabled the strobe light and pitch sliders.

I have been in touch with David @ MCRU about a MN bearing as this seems the recommended way forward.

[Marco]

No worries, Kevin. In that case, go right ahead and get that MN bearing, and prepare to be stunned by the results! :trust:

Marco.

[CageyH]

Thanks for the sound advice.
I am looking forwards to the next couple of upgrades. I am hoping they really lift the performance of the deck, not that it is a slouch. My brother recently visited and used my deck and I think he is now regretting his choice of a Planar 3.

[Marco]

Lol... I'm not surprised. In comparison, low-mass belt-drive T/Ts, powered by puny motors, just can't compete!

Marco.