Kab sl1200 spindle thrust plate

[bighead1707]

http://kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/thrustplate.htm

Did anyone try this mod?

[CageyH]

No. I have a sapphire thrust plate in my bearing.

[worrasf]

http://kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/thrustplate.htm

Did anyone try this mod?

Yes, I used it long with the KAB support wax a few years ago before moving to a MN bearing. It firmed up the bass and improved stereo imaging and focus.
Steve

[bighead1707]

MN is much better, isn’t?

[CageyH]

Yes, or one of the alternative after market bearings.
The cost is much more though as well.

[bighead1707]

Seems a good stuff but up to now no review found.

"The newly designed KAB SL-1200 thrust plate, arrives just in time as the stock unit's thrust pads are beginning to show signs of wearing out.

This new thrust plate is made from Teflon filled Delrin - AF . This material has a very low coefficient of friction and our tests show it compares with sapphire. We performed platter run down tests with Stock New, Delrin-AF and Sapphire thrust plates. The Delrin-AF and the Sapphire both recorded 1 minute 55 seconds while the stock thrust plate timed in at 1 minute. (Tests performed with platter magnet removed)

This new thrust plate features a thicker profile and an oil well for better retention of lubrication. Our new thrust plate will fit all SL-1200's and many other models in the Technics line.

This is a maintenance part that every SL1200 owner should have. Even if you don't install it now, you will need to eventually because the thin pad of the stock design is going to wear out.

Price:USD $46.95"

http://kabusa.com/GIF/bearing2.jpg

http://kabusa.com/GIF/bearing3.jpg

[CageyH]

Platter run down tests are not the best method for comparing, but as with all KAB products, it seems a sensible product at a reasonable price.

[bighead1707]

Platter run down tests are not the best method for comparing

Why? Why not smoother is better? What’s the best way then? thanks

[indy]

I've ordered this KAB Delrin-AF spindle thrust plate some time ago. When I'll receive it I will report about effectiveness of this mod (in comparison with stock spindle plate) right here.

[CageyH]

Why? Why not smoother is better? What’s the best way then? thanks

You don't listen to records as the platter spins down. You also have to contemplate the effect of the bearing on the drive/control system.

[worrasf]

Seems a good stuff but up to now no review found.

"The newly designed KAB SL-1200 thrust plate, arrives just in time as the stock unit's thrust pads are beginning to show signs of wearing out.

This new thrust plate is made from Teflon filled Delrin - AF . This material has a very low coefficient of friction and our tests show it compares with sapphire. We performed platter run down tests with Stock New, Delrin-AF and Sapphire thrust plates. The Delrin-AF and the Sapphire both recorded 1 minute 55 seconds while the stock thrust plate timed in at 1 minute. (Tests performed with platter magnet removed)

This new thrust plate features a thicker profile and an oil well for better retention of lubrication. Our new thrust plate will fit all SL-1200's and many other models in the Technics line.

This is a maintenance part that every SL1200 owner should have. Even if you don't install it now, you will need to eventually because the thin pad of the stock design is going to wear out.

Price:USD $46.95"

http://kabusa.com/GIF/bearing2.jpg

http://kabusa.com/GIF/bearing3.jpg

FWIW and having been down this road if you think you won't be going for a MN/Funk/Ian Mac bearing etc any time soon then the KAB solution is a definite audible improvement over stock at a very reasonable price. If however you view this as a "stepping stone" IMO go straight for a MN/Funk/Ian Mac etc as the sonic improvement is much greater but of course so is the cost.

Steve

[bighead1707]

FWIW and having been down this road if you think you won't be going for a MN/Funk/Ian Mac bearing etc any time soon then the KAB solution is a definite audible improvement over stock at a very reasonable price. If however you view this as a "stepping stone" IMO go straight for a MN/Funk/Ian Mac etc as the sonic improvement is much greater but of course so is the cost.

Steve

Thanks I'm afraid now only bearings from Funkfirm and soundhifi are available. BTW, is there anyone using soundhifi bearing? Any comment?

[bighead1707]

Images from ebay seller.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/39787174865_501c0803ed_z.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4796/25811271947_b30cc8aa34_z.jpg

[indy]

Asi I've promised earlier here's some thoughts about installed KAB Delrin-AF Thrust Plate on my Technics SL-1210Mk2. Some days ago I've installed it and listen what it is... First and main thing is the massive bottom end appears in a tight and deep bass. Also I hear clearer and crisper highs now. And I think the volume now is louder than before... Here it is.

[Gagaryn]

I bought one of these from the UK eBay seller. Fitted it with the wax earlier in the week and am very pleased with it. Biggest change I noticed is that the stereo spread seems much wider now. It's very reasonably priced - important fro me as I'm doing this on a budget!

[chris@panteg]

Seems a good stuff but up to now no review found.

"The newly designed KAB SL-1200 thrust plate, arrives just in time as the stock unit's thrust pads are beginning to show signs of wearing out.

This new thrust plate is made from Teflon filled Delrin - AF . This material has a very low coefficient of friction and our tests show it compares with sapphire. We performed platter run down tests with Stock New, Delrin-AF and Sapphire thrust plates. The Delrin-AF and the Sapphire both recorded 1 minute 55 seconds while the stock thrust plate timed in at 1 minute. (Tests performed with platter magnet removed)

This new thrust plate features a thicker profile and an oil well for better retention of lubrication. Our new thrust plate will fit all SL-1200's and many other models in the Technics line.

This is a maintenance part that every SL1200 owner should have. Even if you don't install it now, you will need to eventually because the thin pad of the stock design is going to wear out.

Price:USD $46.95"

http://kabusa.com/GIF/bearing2.jpg

http://kabusa.com/GIF/bearing3.jpg

The stock design will wear out?

While I don't doubt that this will improve the performance! I have something similar myself, but I must question that statement, because I've seen an original early 80s thrust plate and I still have the stock thrust plate from my SL-QL1 (1982) which got upgraded and both are still well within tolerance.

[cyto]

I bought one of these from the UK eBay seller. Fitted it with the wax earlier in the week and am very pleased with it. Biggest change I noticed is that the stereo spread seems much wider now. It's very reasonably priced - important fro me as I'm doing this on a budget!

I am planning to get one when I return from vacation in a couple of weeks.

I was thinking of trying plumbers putty under the bearing instead of wax. It is easily removable if it doesn't work.

Thoughts?

[Gagaryn]

I am planning to get one when I return from vacation in a couple of weeks.

I was thinking of trying plumbers putty under the bearing instead of wax. It is easily removable if it doesn't work.

Thoughts?

Dunno, I used the wax because it came with it. Can't imagine much difference using the putty.

[RickeyM]

I was thinking of trying plumbers putty under the bearing instead of wax. It is easily removable if it doesn't work.

Thoughts?

Does the plumbers putty give a rigid connection between the bearing and the chassis? I would think a solid connection that the wax gives is what gives the improvement.

[Dubster68]

I have been using one of these for a few weeks now and all seems good. I tried it with and without the wax and to be honest I dont really know if it made a difference. Sound wise with the thrust plate it appears to have enhanced the bass levels and added a sort of depth to the music. I like the idea of the deep plate as it has an oil well so it wont run dry over time.

It has done something and for the price not a bad little mod.

[kambo_z]

I have also bought it from a bay seller and it only took 10 min. to install it. The bass is very prominent and i can hear things which was not there before. Highly recommended this upgrade. Just curious to know how it compare to the other spindle bearing which are nearly four times dearer.

[CageyH]

There will be a difference, but I expect it to be subtle.