Will a well-modded Technics 1210 see off a Michell Orbe?

[nickbaba]

OK I know it's a bit apples and oranges, one is belt drive and one is direct... but I'm curious about your opinions whether a fully (ish) modded Technics 1210 will equal (or outdo) a Michell Orbe.

I started the upgrade path for my 1210 back in 2012... adding a bit here and there over the years. Currently have it fitted with a Jelco 750 + Yannis silver re-wire/ Oyaide carbon-fibre headshell with Denon 103 / Funk Firm 'Audiophile' platter / Mike New bearing / Paul Hynes SR-5 external PSU / Isonoe feet. And it's sounding very lovely.

How is that going to stack up against a Michell Orbe, do you think? It wouldn't be with a SME arm (out of my budget) but probably a Tecnoarm A.
What might be the differences in sound? My understanding is that the Techie is punchy and precise, but the Orbe may be more 'musical'?

Asking as I've been tempted to try a Michell deck. I mostly listen to electronica/rock/reggae/dance/ambient type of stuff. Worth a go?

[Cycleallday]

I sold my Orbe with SME V and kept a lightly modded 1210.

I didn’t notice £3000 + worth of difference so decided I would prefer the cash. Did use some of the cash on an Audiomods arm for the Techie ( which I like better than the SME)

Mel

[nickbaba]

Interesting! And with an SME V arm, too...! thank you for commenting on your experience, that's exactly the kind of thing I'm interested to hear.

[Jac Hawk]

I sold my Orbe with SME V and kept a lightly modded 1210.

I didn’t notice £3000 + worth of difference so decided I would prefer the cash. Did use some of the cash on an Audiomods arm for the Techie ( which I like better than the SME)

Mel

Which audiomods arm did you go for Mel?

[montesquieu]

Never heard any of the Gyro/Orbe family that didn't have a perceptible speed wobble. Depends whether this bothers you but it upsets me no end.

But then again I even heard it on my Voyd 'The Voyd' 3-motor deck - however sophisticated the PSU, very few belt drives can really pull off the speed stability of a DD or idler and the ones that do weight as much as a traction engine.

[nickbaba]

Yes Tom that would certainly bother me! Good to know.

Techie 2
Michell 0

[RobbieGong]

Of course thats the Techies strength - lock tight speed equating to great rythm and timing.

Even the slightest speed waver would bother me. That said the only belt drive ive heard in many many years was our own Smangus's Nottingham Analogue Interspace Mahogany and as well as sounding really good I detected no speed wobble.

[tlscapital]

Never heard any of the Gyro/Orbe family that didn't have a perceptible speed wobble. Depends whether this bothers you but it upsets me no end.

But then again I even heard it on my Voyd 'The Voyd' 3-motor deck - however sophisticated the PSU, very few belt drives can really pull off the speed stability of a DD or idler and the ones that do weight as much as a traction engine.

Long timer user of the SL-1200 & Co. I was on day lend a Thorens TD146 fitted with an SME3009 'Improved SII and fell in love with it's "open" and "airy" sound. Started tweaks on the tonearm mainly and gradually gained in clarity and so speed accuracy and constancy issues became a real issue to me.

My answer to that was to save some money and acquire a Phoenix Eng. 'Eagle' & 'RoadRunner' PSU & tachometer combo. Manage to buy it to just before it went out of business. Full satisfaction on both speed accuracy and constancy ! Measured variations at 45 rpm are oscillating at maximum 0,005 rpm !

My dream to acquire turntable was a grease bearing Garrard 301 fitted with a first generation SME3012. Out of my budget, I decided to see how I could improve that Thorens and SME. Learned to venture in such tech tweaks along the way and got to appreciate their evolutive potential not to desire anything else anymore.

The issue I have since with the SL-1200 & Co. is that in comparison they sound over dampened. Which is somehow inherent to their build. And where I keep on tweaking and seeking to improve and upgrade both the Thorens turntable and SME tonearm, I pay a lot of attention never to lose both the tonearm "open" and turntable "airy" sound.

[Audio Al]

Never heard any of the Gyro/Orbe family that didn't have a perceptible speed wobble. Depends whether this bothers you but it upsets me no end.

But then again I even heard it on my Voyd 'The Voyd' 3-motor deck - however sophisticated the PSU, very few belt drives can really pull off the speed stability of a DD or idler and the ones that do weight as much as a traction engine.

I have a Pro-Ject 10.1 TT , belt drive and can't say I have heard any speed wobble , it is fitted with the upgraded speed box
It's a tiny belt running around the outer radious of the huge platter :)

[montesquieu]

I have a Pro-Ject 10.1 TT , belt drive and can't say I have heard any speed wobble , it is fitted with the upgraded speed box
It's a tiny belt running around the outer radious of the huge platter :)


Many people can’t hear it and if you can’t, you are lucky.

As a musician with perfect pitch it drives me bananas.

For a period I owned a Voyd - 3 motors and 3 belts - next to a TD124 and while the Voyd was probably better at air and detail etc, the wobble was obvious. I had the same experience recently with a top spec (current) LP12 sitting alongside a Garrard 401. No contest for the Garrard. (It’s why I sold my own LP12 years ago).

The trouble is the more you get used to the stability of a DD or idler the less acceptable belt drive wobble becomes!

[mikeyb]

Many people can’t hear it and if you can’t, you are lucky.

As a musician with perfect pitch it drives me bananas.


I hear it too which is maybe why I like my Techie 1210 albeit heavily modded [emoji6]

[Vrajbasi]

I personally never got on with the 1200 and 1210 while very solid it me they were a bit clinical I do like the sp10mk2 with say a fidelity research fr64 and a spu you have a great value turntable with serious performance. As far as the orbe is concerned I like michell as a company they offer excellent support and are great to deal with. I overall find the orbe while quite musical lacking in sheer drive and scale but what to do get with michell is great peace of mind that they will be there to support the product in years to come.

[mikeyb]

I personally never got on with the 1200 and 1210 while very solid it me they were a bit clinical I do like the sp10mk2 with say a fidelity research fr64 and a spu you have a great value turntable with serious performance. As far as the orbe is concerned I like michell as a company they offer excellent support and are great to deal with. I overall find the orbe while quite musical lacking in sheer drive and scale but what to do get with michell is great peace of mind that they will be there to support the product in years to come.I have an FR 64fx on mine which isn't going anywhere [emoji6]

[montesquieu]

I have an FR 64fx on mine which isn't going anywhere [emoji6]

The SP10 vs extensively modded 1200/1210 debate is an old one but personally my money would be on the SP10.

[Beobloke]

I have a room half full of direct drive turntables and value them for their pitch accuracy and stability. That said, I also have a Michell Gyro SE which is as steady as I could wish for and also has superb bass.

Consequently, if we're talking the original SL-1200 (up to the Mk5), much as I'm a big fan of it, my vote would go to the Orbe.

[Vrajbasi]

The sp10 is has so much more weight and authority and less dry than the rather crude 1200 for me I would live with the orbe over the 1200 but not with a techno arm just too agressive I heard the orbe sound interesting with a sme m-9r that was enjoyable while certainly not the last word in stability also heard and audionote arm 3 on a orbe sound pleasant.

I still love my FR66 sadly does not get used very much.

[mikeyb]

The SP10 vs extensively modded 1200/1210 debate is an old one but personally my money would be on the SP10.Now behave, I'm spending no more on the vinyl side [emoji23]

[Vrajbasi]

:)The SP10 has so much more weight and authority and is less dry than the 1200 . I would live with the Orbe over the 1200 but not with a techno arm - it is just too aggressive. I have heard the Orbe sound, interesting, with a SME M-9R that was enjoyable while certainly not the last word in stability; also heard the Audionote arm 3 on a Orbe sound pleasant.

I still love my FR66 sadly does not get used very much. I know the FR66 has its following I overall would prefer an Ikeda 407 which is a great underated tonearm.

My micro sieki 8000 MK2 sounds has excellent pitch stable and solidity compared to my EMT 927, and yes it's a belt drive so it can be done sadly they are scarce these days. To my ears is so much more musical and enjoyable. The arm cartridge influence on a turntable has too me always factored in and takes alot of trial and error as can bee seen by all of toms efforts to achieve enjoyable vinyl replay. Its an expensive exercise and at the end of the day we all looking for different things.

[YNWaN]

As far as the orbe is concerned I like michell as a company they offer excellent support and are great to deal with. I overall find the orbe while quite musical lacking in sheer drive and scale but what to do get with michell is great peace of mind that they will be there to support the product in years to come.

I have to say that the above criticism of the Orbe reflects my own experience.

[Vrajbasi]

I have to say that the above criticism of the Orbe reflects my own experience.

That said there are many reasons to purchase one and never would knock anyone for owning one, as said they are a great firm and go out of there way to support the product, and compared to many offer great performance.

[martian sunrise]

i'd swap my modded techie for an orbe. i quite fancy having a go on a posh belter.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Never really been a fan of the rubber band brigade. Had a few thorens anspd the linn but always preferred idlers and dd.

[Chivas]

I used to have a slightly modded 1210 (with Timestep PSU, Isonoe feet, various mats, OL Encounter arm etc) and even though I enjoyed it, I've never looked back since buying an Origin Live Resolution. It is just so much more refined, airy, bigger soundstage and velvety, yet more detailed than the Techie. I know it's not a Michell, but my 2 pence nonetheless.

In saying that, looking at your taste in music I think the grip of the DD Techie will work better for you


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cycleallday]

Which audiomods arm did you go for Mel?

Its the Series V with micrometer VTA mounted in a custom board for the Techie and setup for the cartridges I use.

I had the Classic II prior to this.

Its an arm I will never sell or replace.

Jeff is a great guy to deal with and his skills are amazing.

Pictures here:

http://oi67.tinypic.com/2ni8pl1.jpg

http://oi64.tinypic.com/2b2kxi.jpg

http://oi65.tinypic.com/xnuhp5.jpg

Mel -

[Cycleallday]

Interesting! And with an SME V arm, too...! thank you for commenting on your experience, that's exactly the kind of thing I'm interested to hear.

Don't get me wrong - I am not saying the Techie is better than the Orbe/SME V/Kontra B

I owned the later for many years and sold it for much more than I paid for it - A Garrard 401 also went (for 4 times the price I paid) so you can get a feel for the TT's I have had when I say I like my present setup - not better than either but also no loss of personal music enjoyment.

The Orbe setup had a very detailed open and smooth sound and was partnered with a modern Quad Classic amp - its a sound you would be very happy to live with and not want for anything else.

The Techie has a different presentation which I can only describe as being more like listening to a live band than a polished studio recording (i.e. the Orbe).

The Techie came my way as a £100 well used DJ deck (judging by the remnants of curry, peeling paint and corrosion to the speed dots on the platter edge probably caused by beer and sweaty hands).

I have access to an engineering shop so it was completely stripped re dressed and powder coated and rebuilt at no cost other than my time. My plan was to sell it but after trying it with the Audiomods arm I just realized I could pocket a lot of money and not loose any of my listening enjoyment.

Mel

[Vrajbasi]

My advice would be to listen for yourself its so subjective we all have our personal tastes, the Michell orbe should not be too hard to get a dem on and you might even find a kind AOS member owns one and will allow you to have a listen. If I still owned one you would be most welcome.

[YNWaN]

Jolly nice arm that Audiomods design.

——-

My comment earlier regarding the Orbe was only with regard to the sound; Michell, as a company, I think are absolutely excellent.

[nickbaba]

Thanks guys for all your contributions, lots to think about here. I should say I'm not at all unhappy with my 1210, been listening to it all day today with great enjoyment as always, but I'm also accustomed to it - in 30 years I've never owned another TT so that's the sound I'm used to.
Having been offered a Michell deck at a decent price I just began to wonder if it might be worth trying something new. But I'm not sure its worth it to shell out the thick end of 3k (inc a new arm and cartridge) for what may be a sideways move, when I'm really not unhappy with my trusty Techie. And I don't think I would ever sell my 1210, I've put too much time and money into it over the years to ever let it go.
But its always the way, as soon as I get everything settled and sorted and sounding nice in my system, I want to look for an excuse to mess around with it a bit and try something else. That's part of the fun of this pursuit for me, and I'm sure for many others here too.

[Jac Hawk]

Its the Series V with micrometer VTA mounted in a custom board for the Techie and setup for the cartridges I use.

I had the Classic II prior to this.

Its an arm I will never sell or replace.

Jeff is a great guy to deal with and his skills are amazing.


Mel -

Very nice Mel, i've been told Jeff is a great guy to deal with by others who have bought arms from him and also that the series 5 can't be beaten unless you're prepared to spend SME V money and even then it's a close thing.

[Vrajbasi]

Very nice Mel, i've been told Jeff is a great guy to deal with by others who have bought arms from him and also that the series 5 can't be beaten unless you're prepared to spend SME V money and even then it's a close thing.

Audio mods a great arm comparing arms can be quite daunting as turntables and cartridges influence matters greatly I know many decks that work flawlessly with a Sme Tonearm and others that just dont also generally many Sme arms floating around seem to be old etc its hard to say, I find when I send my arms for service to sme they always come back sounding much much better.

[nickbaba]

This forum is really something - I've been researching lots of AoS "such-&-such TT v Technics 1210" threads over the last couple of nights, and every time I come up with a TT I think might be an interesting candidate, I find an AoS thread that at some point will say "A modded 1210 sounds better"...!
The Michell decks, Garrard 301/401, Linn LP12s, Brinkmann Bardo/Oasis... this is really the forum of the Technics lover! So I guess I'm in the right place... doesn't give me any excuse to scratch that itch for a new TT though... every time i think I've found a contender I get talked out of it.
Guess I'll just have to accept that I already have a great-sounding TT!

[Marco]

Short answer: YES! [In the areas where the Technics excels].

*But*, it'll sound like an SL-1210, with all the traits of a good direct-drive T/T, not an Orbe, which presents music quite differently and has its own enviable traits, which through design, NO Technics, however well-modded can emulate, let alone "see off".

Sorry to throw the cat back in among the pigeons, but things are never quite that simple!;)

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

Short answer: YES! [In the areas where the Technics excels].

*But*, it'll sound like an SL-1210, with all the traits of a good direct-drive T/T, not an Orbe, which presents music quite differently and has its own enviable traits, which through design, NO Technics, however well-modded can emulate, let alone "see off".

Sorry to throw the cat back in among the pigeons, but things are never quite that simple!;)

Marco.

Very well put ! :thumbsup:

[Marco]

Well.... One thing an Orbe does better than a Techy, no matter how well-modded, is soundstage width and depth, along with subtle levels of detail retrieval, which I find is only available from best belt-drive T/Ts, and simply not emulated by any D/D I've heard, as it tends to be masked by an overriding sonic 'muscularity'.

Therefore, if the former really matters, then an Orbe would be the way to go, as belt-drive T/Ts tend to reproduce music a little more subtly.

Me? Of course I care about that stuff, but other things to me matter more, such as rock-solid speed/pitch stability, together with an addictive heft/drive and 'boogie factor', in my experience only produced by D/Ds and idlers [it's mainly how their respective platters and high-torque motors work in unison, to 'push' music along].

In that respect, low-powered belt-drives sound rather 'weedy' and inept in comparison, and simply aren't as pitch accurate. Alternatively, if you're a big imaging/detail freak, there are better T/Ts out there than a Techy, no matter how well-modded. As they say, you pays yer money and takes yer choice!:)

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

Yep!

The detail aspect is a minor though - stick something like one of the Shibata Ortofons on and you'll be rewarded with untold detail retrieval.

Expanding the sound stage I found a bit harder.

Mine only really increased / improved noticeably once I'd fully modded it / the Techie.

[Marco]

Yup, same with mine. I'm pretty sure that the slightly over-damped rubberised plinth (designed when the T/T was sold to be used in dance clubs) is the cause of that, and so would only likely be cured if the motor unit was housed in a different style of plinth.

That's a step too far for me though (as it'd be a pretty big job), especially given that the soundstaging issue is only slight, and so not a major problem.

However, that's why the performance of SP10s is so plinth-dependent, and in that respect the 1210 is no different. In the final analysis, once you've successfully upgraded everything else on a 1200 or 1210, the sound will ultimately be governed by the limitations of the plinth.

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

Yup, same with mine. I'm pretty sure that the slightly over-damped rubberised plinth (designed when the T/T was used in dance clubs) is the cause of that, and so would only likely be cured if the motor unit was housed in a different style of plinth.

That's a step too far for me though (as it'd be a pretty big job), especially given that the soundstaging issue is only slight, and so not a major problem.

That's why though, the performance of SP10s is so plinth-dependent, and in that respect the 1210 is no different. In the final analysis, once you've successfully upgraded everything else on a 1200 or 1210, the sound will ultimately be governed by the limitations of the plinth.

Marco.

Defo on all counts.
Ive toyed with the idea of an SP10 on and off over the years and thats the area I sensed needs to be right.
There's a heck of a lot of torquey motor that needs to be housed with thought and care in order to strike the right balance of isolation, damping and sonic rightness in terms of material(s) used - not as easy to nail as one might think.

[Marco]

Defo not, which is why I'm leaving well alone!;)

Marco.

[Markiii]

Yup, same with mine. I'm pretty sure that the slightly over-damped rubberised plinth (designed when the T/T was used in dance clubs) is the cause of that, and so would only likely be cured if the motor unit was housed in a different style of plinth.

That's a step too far for me though (as it'd be a pretty big job), especially given that the soundstaging issue is only slight, and so not a major problem.

That's why though, the performance of SP10s is so plinth-dependent, and in that respect the 1210 is no different. In the final analysis, once you've successfully upgraded everything else on a 1200 or 1210, the sound will ultimately be governed by the limitations of the plinth.

Marco.


not saying you are wrong. But I'm curious as to why you think the plinth differences are responsible for the soundstage? If asked I'd have guessed arm and cartridge would make more difference. But I have no reason for that other than gut feel tbh

[Jac Hawk]

Short answer: YES! [In the areas where the Technics excels].

*But*, it'll sound like an SL-1210, with all the traits of a good direct-drive T/T, not an Orbe, which presents music quite differently and has its own enviable traits, which through design, NO Technics, however well-modded can emulate, let alone "see off".

Sorry to throw the cat back in among the pigeons, but things are never quite that simple!;)

Marco.

Well said mate, it's like trying to say what's better between apples and pears, they both are fruit but they taste different, it all depends what YOU like

[nickbaba]

Nice to hear you weighing-in on this subject Marco, as I know you are a big supporter of the modded Technics, and tbh I've followed a lot of your experience and advice on this forum about the upgrade path. So a little surprised to hear your even-handed view on the matter!! hehe just kidding, you make a very fair point. As I mentioned in the OP, I'm aware its comparing apples and oranges, so it's good to hear the relative merits of each laid out.
I absolutely agree about the muscular presentation of a Techie, that's my experience too, and works great for a lot of the music I listen too, electronica, rock, reggae and dance... I'm not someone who listens to a lot of classical or jazz or live music recordings, so I think a lot of the soundstage and detail that you mention would be lost on me. My priority is more the rock-solid pitch and timing.
But yes, absolutely agree, it comes down to individual taste and what someone's looking for from a TT and the way it presents music they listen to. Neither is better, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Not much more to say about it after that!

[Marco]

Hi Mark,


not saying you are wrong. But I'm curious as to why you think the plinth differences are responsible for the soundstage?

Just what my experience in these matters suggests is likely the cause. If you've ever heard how an SP10 responds to the use of different plinths, then you'd get what I mean. The effect on the whole turntable system is fundamental, and in that respect the 1210 would be no different.

I'd like to try one in a plinth utilising more of a 'sandwich' construction, consisting of, say, wood, metal and slate, and leave rubber out of the equation, which I suspect would open the sound out more, without compromising on damping.

Tonearms and cartridges are of course hugely influential in the overall sound, but certainly won't address any limitations in the plinth.

Marco.

[Marco]

Hi Nick,


Nice to hear you weighing-in on this subject Marco, as I know you are a big supporter of the modded Technics, and tbh I've followed a lot of your experience and advice on this forum about the upgrade path. So a little surprised to hear your even-handed view on the matter!!


Haha... Well, just because my T/T of choice is currently a modded Technics, doesn't mean I can't identify its limitations (after all, no turntable is perfect) and appreciate the advantages offered by others!

I do have pretty vast experience in this area of audio, so I guess why not impart it for the possible benefit of other members?:)


I absolutely agree about the muscular presentation of a Techie, that's my experience too, and works great for a lot of the music I listen too, electronica, rock, reggae and dance...


That's indeed where it excels, but it's none too shabby at the other stuff you mention too, particularly once judicious mods have been applied to the PSU regulation (a la Paul Hynes), which I found really moved my T/T into a different league.


But yes, absolutely agree, it comes down to individual taste and what someone's looking for from a TT and the way it presents music they listen to. Neither is better, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.


Yup, although I'm with you on the rock-solid pitch and timing - and extremely accurate speed stability. For me, before anything else, it's vital that the platter on a turntable constantly revolves at the correct speed, *under load*, which unfortunately is not always achieved by belt-drives!;)

Marco.

[Vrajbasi]

Marco is spot on its not so easy to say one deck sees off another, each design has its strengths and weaknesses I personally never got on with the technics but I have good friends who love it and so they should it does so many things well. I personally would find it almost impossible to live with one Turntable again as I have identify so many strengths and weaknesses in each design. I am currently looking at yet another turntable will I get rid of one of the others NO WAY. There are so many parameters to consider just the fact certain arms and cartridges suit certain designs.

[nickbaba]

Yes fair point Nari, it doesn't have to be one ring to rule them all, at some point I will probably own a belt-drive along with my DD just to be able to have the best of both worlds... not right now though as I don't have the space.
When I said would the modded 1210 "see off" the Orbe I rather should have said "hold its own against" as my meaning was more along the lines of "can a humble Technics, with proper mods, hold its own against a posh £6k deck like the Orbe"?
To which the answer id Yes in some ways and No in others. Fair enough - and has answered my question in the sense that there ARE some things a Techie will do better than a high-end belt deck, as discussed above.

[nickbaba]

That's indeed where it excels, but it's none too shabby at the other stuff you mention too, particularly once judicious mods have been applied to the PSU regulation (a la Paul Hynes), which I found really moved my T/T into a different league.

Yes Marco, I also have the Paul Hynes SR5, which imho is up there with the platter and tonearm mods in terms of the biggest changes to the 1210 presentation.

[rick76]

Hi,

I’m new here.. This is a cool discussion/thread. I’m more of an Idler drive guy, but I have owned a belt drive (TD160 Super), and DD - a high mass Denon. I grew up with a Technics deck - my uncle gifted it to my dad, and for years in the 80’s I made mix tapes with it. I kinda miss its ease of use and functionality TBH..

That’s great insight about the plinth contributing greatly to the end sonics, a point I agree with completely. I would go so far as to say that armboard material has a great influence too. I’m not a fan of MDF, at least for my old SME arm.. Id I had the money, maybe for an SP10 plinth, a CLD of high grade aluminum plates and Panzerholz would be something I would go for.

Regards

[rick76]

Yes Marco, I also have the Paul Hynes SR5, which imho is up there with the platter and tonearm mods in terms of the biggest changes to the 1210 presentation.

Hi Nick,

I apologize if I’m hijacking your thread, I’m just curious if Paul Hynes still makes the SR5? Can he still be contacted via his website? How much did it cost when you got yours? Thanks!

Regards

[nickbaba]

Hi Rick - I bought my SR5 directly from Paul Hynes back in 2012 and it was about £350.
I've no idea if they are still available or not but please see this thread in the Trade Impressions section which gives all the latest info:
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47690-Paul-Hynes-Audio-Ltd-is-closing

[Markiii]

Hi Mark,



Just what my experience in these matters suggests is likely the cause. If you've ever heard how an SP10 responds to the use of different plinths, then you'd get what I mean. The effect on the whole turntable system is fundamental, and in that respect the 1210 would be no different.

I'd like to try one in a plinth utilising more of a 'sandwich' construction, consisting of, say, wood, metal and slate, and leave rubber out of the equation, which I suspect would open the sound out more, without compromising on damping.

Tonearms and cartridges are of course hugely influential in the overall sound, but certainly won't address any limitations in the plinth.

Marco.

cheers,

I think you've found your next project then, I'd be really interested to see how a plinth transplant worked with your other mods

[rick76]

Hi Rick - I bought my SR5 directly from Paul Hynes back in 2012 and it was about £350.
I've no idea if they are still available or not but please see this thread in the Trade Impressions section which gives all the latest info:
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47690-Paul-Hynes-Audio-Ltd-is-closing


Hi Nick,

Thanks for the info and link! I hope Paul still builds ‘em..

Regards

[mayebaza]

Having listened to several incarnations of the above, I would say it's like comparing a carpenter to a chippy. Both work very skillfully with wood, but you wouldn't ask one to put up roof rafters and the other to build a chipendale cabinet. I am more an ornate kind of person, therfore I favour the Orb rather than the Disco Dance Master. That been said, when it comes to electronic music, the Techies leave most TTs standing.

[allthingsanalogue]

Never heard any of the Gyro/Orbe family that didn't have a perceptible speed wobble. Depends whether this bothers you but it upsets me no end.

But then again I even heard it on my Voyd 'The Voyd' 3-motor deck - however sophisticated the PSU, very few belt drives can really pull off the speed stability of a DD or idler and the ones that do weight as much as a traction engine.

I have owned an Orbe and a couple of years ago a Gyro SE and they both suffered from a marked speed wobble and not only that but the speed changed after it had warmed up, but I am very susceptible to speed fluctuations, even a record hold slightly off centre I find annoying.

[curry49]

Interesting thread. Never thought that the Orbe/Gyro would have been so prone to wobble. Even more so than a Linn, apparently. One would have thought the Orbe's massive platter would have helped to make it outstanding in that regard. Apparently not. Guess you can't tell by looking. :doh: Very interesting.

[chris@panteg]

I've owned some really good belt drive decks, Linn LP12 Voyd and Roksan but now I've got my 1210 sounding the way I want it, there is no going back to belt drive for me.
Last tweak was the Oyaide BR-12 mat and the icing on the cake sonically.
Never thought when I first got my 1210 mk2 it could sound this good, very happy chappy.