Me and the 1210 are gunna have us some me time....

[Wakefield Turntables]

Good lord where has the time gone. It's been a while since I updated this! Other AOSer's have been through multiple platter revisions, I stuck with one. With a little luck I may be trialling the new Mike New platter. Could this be the next upgrade for the 1210....?????

[Wakefield Turntables]

12025

OOOHHHHH!!!! Looking sexy in black. A new platter on loan from MCRU! Listening to Deep Purple at the mo, too early to tell if it's an improvement over the old lump that I normally use.

[Marco]

What are your thoughts on both MN platters then, Andrew? :)

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'm having great difficulty in making my mind up if the platter is going to be a worthwhile investment. In some respects its better than the old Cu/Al platter that I have sitting on the floor at the moment. I firmly believe it digs out more from the vinyl, that's for sure, microdetail in some records has improved and I've found myself staring at the deck and thinking, "that's new"! Both the Cu/Al and ETP platter lose nothing in bass, I would say the Cu/Al produces a larger more defined bass, but this is only marginal. The ETP seems to have "calmed" some aspects of my system, some recordings could appear strident, whilst this is still evident in some recordings it's not as bad and makes some recordings more enjoyable. I think I need more time to make my mind up. I think a session with the old platter could be a beneficial experiment and hopefully help make my mind up. Just out of interest what did the ETP platter do for your system?

[CageyH]

If it is a difficult decision, is it because the differences are very subtle?
If so, it seems to me that if you have an upgraded platter, then there is very little to be gained by trying a different one?

I'm trying to justify the cost of an upgraded platter in my head, and work out if the Funk would be sufficient for me.
It's cheaper. ;)

[Mike_New]

Hi Folks,
On the subject of Platters, I now basically only produce the ETP Platter. The reason for this is that copper and Alluminium have increased in price recently so the ETP Platter represents better value I believe, although the ETP material I use is expensive.
However I am willing to machine a Copper Bonded Alluminium Platter to special order.
I would also like to remind all those who may be considering one of my Platters: That they are fitted with an independant cetre metal boss which carries the locating taper. And they are fitted with two 8mm threaded holes for lifting the Platter on and off the Bearing.

[Wakefield Turntables]

And the winner of the platter wars is................... The original Mike New AL/CU platter. I have really have tried the new MN ETP in my system and whilst it does indeed slightly edge the original platter in a few areas I still feel the old beast (AL/CU platter) sounds better in my system. I mainly listen to prog and heavy metal/progressive metal in the 1210 system and I dont think the ETP platter reproduces these genre's as well as the heavier AL/CU platter. My second system, the valve system is mainly used for jazz, vocals, classical, and I think that it is in these areas that the newer platter has a slight edge, but there again, not by much. Additionally, the second system is powered by the Garrard 301 so the ETP platter wouldn't work very well on that. In some repects I'm extremely sad because I wanted the new platter to be a marked upgrade to the older platter but this was not to be. If anyone is reading this I WOULD HEARTILY RECOMMEND THE NEW ETP PLATTER! It's an excellent piece of kit for the money should bring significant improvements. On the side of the coin I happy now to have tried the platter and set my mind at rest that I'm happy with how my system sounds. ;)

[MartinT]

That's fair enough, Andy. I never had the Al/Cu bonded platter, mine was an early Al only one. For me, the key improvements in the ETP were exceptional midrange fine detail and a better sense of soundstage compared with the Al's slightly 'shouty' presentation.

[Wakefield Turntables]

That's fair enough, Andy. I never had the Al/Cu bonded platter, mine was an early Al only one. For me, the key improvements in the ETP were exceptional midrange fine detail and a better sense of soundstage compared with the Al's slightly 'shouty' presentation.


Thanks Martin, it's seems like you have a golden pair of ears! My old platter can seem snouty and strident with some recordings, this is quite rare but can sometimes sound quite jarring to the ears. The al/cu platt has fine midrange detail but I think your correct in that the ETP platter slightly edges it. With regards to soundstage, currently, my setup produces a wide soundstage and some recordings it extends beyound the speakers, so I'm not missing out in that respect. I think mike and Dave have a winning platter here, but as mentioned it didn't quite gel in my system.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I really really hate you lot on AOS, you make me spend all my money. I have just ordered the ebony tonearm board for the 1210. Here's hoping it helps the old beast get up the next rung of the sonic ladder.

[337alant]

Ah nice choice, Im sure a good hard wood is the way to go, metal must ring at certain frequencies ?
Was nice meeting you today Andrew and you have a fine sounding system ;)

Alan

[Andrei]

I really really hate you lot on AOS, you make me spend all my money. I have just ordered the ebony tonearm board for the 1210. Here's hoping it helps the old beast get up the next rung of the sonic ladder.
But not me, you don't really hate me do you? remember I gave you a cheaper option! Actually I have a sneaking suspicion that the ebony armboard will be an improvement even over your existing one: - keep us posted, I will be very interested to hear, and when back in funds may go down that route too.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ah nice choice, Im sure a good hard wood is the way to go, metal must ring at certain frequencies ?
Was nice meeting you today Andrew and you have a fine sounding system ;)

Alan

Thanks for that Alan, hope you enjoy the new deck?



But not me, you don't really hate me do you? remember I gave you a cheaper option! Actually I have a sneaking suspicion that the ebony armboard will be an improvement even over your existing one: - keep us posted, I will be very interested to hear, and when back in funds may go down that route too.

No course I dont hate you and I will keep you posted as things progress.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Opened up the wallet for one of these.

http://fosworld.wix.com/magna-audio#!Ebony-tonearm-boards/zoom/c1kzy/image7vg

:D

[Idlewithnodrive]

You'll be pleased; Steve does excellent work :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ebony arm board coming tomorrow hopefully, should give me some wood. :eek: Well get some pix posted if I get chance tomorrow.

[Tarzan]

:popcorn:

[337alant]

Opened up the wallet for one of these.

http://fosworld.wix.com/magna-audio#!Ebony-tonearm-boards/zoom/c1kzy/image7vg

:D
They look excellent, beautiful craftmanship

Alan

[Wakefield Turntables]

Well Steve worked his magic and I'll apologise for the pants photo but this is what it looks like installed.

1297512976

I have a problem in that the V dosen't quick work with the MN platter and Resomat so Steve is making me up a new spacer, so I have only listened to a couple of sides of vinyl and I think I'm already noticing more detail coming out of the vinyl. This was noticable on Dream theater where I noticed some additional drum solo detail that just seemed to get caught up in the mix. I'm still reserving judgement and will report back later when I have had chance to install the new spacer and listen to a wide variety of musical styles.

[YNWaN]

In what way doesn't the SME work with the platter and mat?

[Wakefield Turntables]

I dont have quite enough height with the resomat but it works fine with other mats.

[YNWaN]

You can't raise the arm pillar any higher?

[Wakefield Turntables]

NOPE! Already as high as it goes, the MN al/cu is a very chunky beast you know!

[YNWaN]

Hmm... I guess MN did that on purpose as most people were finding the standard platter height was too low for most aftermarket arms.

You need a thinner mat ;).

Or a spacer of course :).

[Wakefield Turntables]

I probably need a new cart as well! The cadenza black has 2mm clearence from the vinyl. The resomat is the best thing I've heard on my setup, previously I used the 5mm acromat. I think the spacer is the way forward. :D

[YNWaN]

The resomat is the best thing I've heard on my setup...

Ask Marco...

[Wakefield Turntables]

WHY?

[Marco]

WHY?

'cos I've found something, based around the same principle, that's MILES better! ;)

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

'cos I've found something, based around the same principle, that's MILES better! ;)

Marco.

Yeah I heard now hurry up and finish with it so I can have a go!

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ebony armboard & 7mm SME spacer fitted. Early listening would suggest greater detail being found in 'dem old grooves of my vinyl. Still too early to make any decision. I will be having a listening session and making some notes. I'll share when I've finished.

[Andrei]

Antici



pation

[Mike_New]

Rexton,
How have you attached the 7mm spacer to the main board??
It should be independantly secured to the arm board and not just by the bolts which hold the SME pillar assembly.
The one big thing about the SME V arm is that they have paid great attention to the illimination of resonance so the arm must be secured to a substantial connection with the main chassis.

[Wakefield Turntables]

The spacer is attached directly to the arm board by four 35mm bolts and then the new arm board is attached directly to the chassis of the 1210 via three larger Allen key locking nuts and bolts. It sounds pretty dead to me. I could decouple the spacer from the armboard with some rubber grommets and then go further still and decouple the armboard from the chassis using the same method, this would probably add several mm's to the arm height but this can also be lowered, what d'ya think?

[Wakefield Turntables]

I will have a think about how to isolate vibration from the armboard the arm etc, I have a little downtime so I can tweak and see what happens:eyebrows:

[YNWaN]

The spacer is attached directly to the arm board by four 35mm bolts and then the new arm board is attached directly to the chassis of the 1210 via three larger Allen key locking nuts and bolts. It sounds pretty dead to me. I could decouple the spacer from the armboard with some rubber grommets and then go further still and decouple the armboard from the chassis using the same method, this would probably add several mm's to the arm height but this can also be lowered, what d'ya think?

I wouldn't do this.

[Mike_New]

No don't do that!!
The whole essence of a stiff armboard is to ensure that it is indeed stiff and cannot be resonanced by spurious excitation.
The best way would have been to have a new arm board machined which is 7mm thicker.
every time you put surfaces together (to build up height) you are introducing oportunity for vibrational distortion.

[YNWaN]

Well, you are introducing an impedance mismatch - it depends what the spacer is made from. However, any break, even between same material surfaces, will modulate vibration passing through it to some extent.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ok guys what would you do?

[YNWaN]

I don't have sufficient details to make a recommendation.

What is the spacer made from?

Juxtaposing materials isn't inherently right or wrong, but it will alter the sound in the same way that changing the materials a musical instrument is made from changes the sound. In this case you have really made two changes at once, the armboard and the spacer - separating the sonic impact of the two will be difficult.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Mike,

got your reply thanks, I missed your message.

Mark,

both armboard and spacer are made from ebony

[YNWaN]

I wouldn't do anything then.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Just out of interest how would the additional resonance "colour" the presentation of what I hear? Any ideas?

[YNWaN]

There wouldn't be additional resonance as such.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Well I've just had my first "proper" hour with the new arm board and its bloody good. I intend getting a report up by the end of the week.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Need to scratch the modification itch again. Has anyone used any of this stuff :scratch:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dynamat-Xtreme-Speaker-Kit-2-Sound-Dampening-Sheets-/250882113395?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item3a69bd3f73

I'm thing for £11 it might be a hoot to try it out and see what happens.

Initially I thought maybe placing some

1) Under the tonearm board
2) Under the MN platter
3) Under the bearing pit

I'll probably take the deck apart and have a look at where it could be beneficial.

I've also got some ideas on improving the PCB and the PSU. I need to speak to Paul :eyebrows:

[Andrei]

I probably would not put it under the tonearm board - it is ebony right? That will have its own sound signature that I believe would be benign.

What I have done is plonked it on spare surfaces underneath the contraption - only the bearing bay and power supply bay are visible. Also taken the platter off and stuck some on most empty surfaces that do not look as if they will interfere with any moving parts. Attach it to metal surfaces only.

Now that I think about it, it would be most effective 'where the rubber meets the road', I may put some round the bearing itself - but I will have to check there is enough room.

The way I think about this is that all extrinsic vibration should be minimised. Ambient room vibration and the sound of the music will hit the chassis. Some of that will transfer to the cartridge. So anything than can be done to absorb that should be a good thing. My anti-vibration strategy is: Massive base (granite slab), isonoes with boots, play with lid off, generous damping of the chassis (with dynamat).

A mild warning of sorts: it is difficult to remove. But the only way this can fail is either it will make no difference or you accidentally swallow some.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I probably would not put it under the tonearm board - it is ebony right? That will have its own sound signature that I believe would be benign.

What I have done is plonked it on spare surfaces underneath the contraption - only the bearing bay and power supply bay are visible. Also taken the platter off and stuck some on most empty surfaces that do not look as if they will interfere with any moving parts. Attach it to metal surfaces only.

Now that I think about it, it would be most effective 'where the rubber meets the road', I may put some round the bearing itself - but I will have to check there is enough room.

The way I think about this is that all extrinsic vibration should be minimised. Ambient room vibration and the sound of the music will hit the chassis. Some of that will transfer to the cartridge. So anything than can be done to absorb that should be a good thing. My anti-vibration strategy is: Massive base (granite slab), isonoes with boots, play with lid off, generous damping of the chassis (with dynamat).

A mild warning of sorts: it is difficult to remove. But the only way this can fail is either it will make no difference or you accidentally swallow some.


Thanks for for the info Andrei

[Wakefield Turntables]

Time for another ?upgrade for the 1210. An internal armpod decoupled from the main chasis which in turn will be mounted on spikes for greater control of Tonearm fine tuning. The design is still being formalised. Pix to folow when it comes to fruition.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I've not posted on here for ages, but today, hopefully a slight change.

I decided to order one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/Analogue-Studio-Crystal-Glass-Turntable-Platter-Mat/291432791139?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&_trksid=p5197.c100068.m2280&_trkparms=ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140211125758%26meid%3Dc e366d1edb5e4f078ac331dec65bf0bf%26pid%3D100068%26c lkid%3D8993954028972806676&_qi=RTM2108002


Its a full £50 cheaper than the Nagaoka version. I decided nothing ventured, nothing gained. If it dosen't deliver the sonic goods on the 1210 it can go on the Garrard 301 I own. Should be here in a few days.

[Marco]

Should be good, Andy. Let us know what you think when you try it :)

Marco.

[Andrei]

Time for another ?upgrade for the 1210. An internal armpod decoupled from the main chasis which in turn will be mounted on spikes for greater control of Tonearm fine tuning. The design is still being formalised. Pix to folow when it comes to fruition.
Quite an ambitious project Andy. Very curious.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Andrei,

This mod never quite got off the ground. It's actually quite a simple thing to do. I'm more interested in the mat at the moment. I'd like to see how that works and then compare the changes with a decoupled arm pod.

Andy

[Wakefield Turntables]

New mat arrived today, big beast! I'm going to have a re-read of my old notes with regards the resomat and then compare the two.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Started to make some enquiries about the armpod.

[Marco]

New mat arrived today, big beast! I'm going to have a re-read of my old notes with regards the resomat and then compare the two.

Just listen to the bugger in its own context and see how the music sounds, compared with what you're currently used to (with whatever mat you've been using up until now), and let us know what you think! :)

Don't forget also to adjust VTA, if necessary.

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I bought the Analouge Studio Crystal Mat on a whim and have very little time to listen to it. Today I had my first proper listen and I'm glad to say that I'm very happy with it. I usually have a few tried and tested tracks that I use to assess the upgrades to my 1210. First impressions would indicate that the mat adds better definition and focus in the bass area. The soundstage appears to have a little more authority and has been brought slightly forward. I would also say that this mat has an ability to unravel complicated pieces of music, this is especially true with bands like Dream Theater. I also noticed additional little drums rolls in Deep Purple's "child in time" from there Made in Japan album. I think this could be a keeper! I'll probably write up more when I get more time and stop playing around with my Quad 405!

[Wakefield Turntables]

Quite an interesting night tonight. I decided to get my Stethoscope out that I borrowed from a friend and have a listen to the plinth on the 1210. I'm pleased to report that I could hear nothing through the plinth (unlike my 301 :(). I really wanted to hear some bearing rumble just to give me the excuse to tweak the plinth. This leads me believe that I don't have to start worrying about adding additional dampening to the plinth and may explain why my deck sounds shit when I start to experiment with the Sorbothane footers (even though some people like them). Additional dampening material probably over dampens the deck. Using a stethoscope is very subjective and unlike reports on the net, you WILL NOT hear complete silence but instead a low grade noise as the diaphragm of the stethoscope scrapes and comes into contact with an objects surface. I spent a good 10 minutes trying to get used to the listening through the stethoscope on various objects including being my 80kg (a piece) tannoy speakers, my 1210 and my 301. The 1210 demonstrated no abnormal noises whilst I tested the top and sides of the plinth.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Hopefully I'll get my review of the new Crystal Glass mat posted here over the day or so with some new pic's.

[Mike_New]

Andrew,
You might like to try positively 'connecting' the glass matt to the ETP Platter with some vaseline.
I suspect that if you just lay the rigid (I presume it's rigid) glass matt onto the Platter you may not get the optimum result.
The majority of these matts I believe are designed for the lessor sonic quality platters.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Andrew,
You might like to try positively 'connecting' the glass matt to the ETP Platter with some vaseline.
I suspect that if you just lay the rigid (I presume it's rigid) glass matt onto the Platter you may not get the optimum result.
The majority of these matts I believe are designed for the lessor sonic quality platters.

Thats going to be very difficult Mike as I don't own the ETP platter :eek: i own the original alum/Cu platter which I thought to be better than your ETP variant. I'm happy with the results of the mat on the Cu top in so far as it has ousted every other mat I've tried including Achromat (5mm 1210) version, resomat, and numerous others. Your probably correct with your thoughts and assumptions with regards my setup, I'm sure things could be done better but I'm more than happy with what I'm hearing currently ;)! I'll be writing some words about it later this weekend with a little luck.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Just a quick photo of my 1210 with my latest reference mat.

15481

This has to be the best upgrade I've had in quite some time.

[Mike_New]

How much does the matt weigh? lt looks to be about 5mm thick!!

[allthingsanalogue]

How much does the matt weigh? lt looks to be about 6mm thick!!

Hi Mike

Sorry to hijack the thread.

Do you need a clamp with your ETP or not, i was thinking of the michell clamp.

http://www.simister.com/public/clamp.jpg

I was just going to use your ETP without a mat.

Still deciding on the bearing bass plate, i'll let you know asap.

[Mike_New]

Hi Andrew.
The use of a clamp is purely optional if you think it improves the sonics then use one. I personally use one and I believe it must improve the reproduction. If only by dint that it firmly clamps the record to the platter.
I personally would not use the type of matt that is mentioned here. but a soft one which allows the record to bed down
and take up any slight discontinuities in flatness. Try the patter on it's own with a clamp first.

[allthingsanalogue]

Well i have a linn felt mat but i think i like the idea of just using the ETP on its own, after all thats what the label recess is for, a mat defeats this in opinion.

[Wakefield Turntables]

DONT BLOODY THREAD CRAP :steam:

Mike,

yes the the mat is 5mm thick, not quite sure of the weight.

andy

[allthingsanalogue]

DONT BLOODY THREAD CRAP :steam:

andy

Oh dear! :sofa:

Sorry Andy

Regards

Andrew

[Wakefield Turntables]

How much does the matt weigh? lt looks to be about 5mm thick!!

Its 5mm thick and weight ~3KG

[Wakefield Turntables]

I decided to buy a Tachometer to test the accuracy of my 301 and 1210 platter speed. You can buy one from ebay simply by searching in the sound and vision section and typing "tachometer" they range in price from £10-30. I think I paid £25 I could have got it cheaper but decided I wanted one sooner rather than six weeks later from China. I'd always had a nagging doubt that the speed of the 1210 wasn't upto scratch especially with the heavy Mike New Cu+Al platter and a 3Kg glass platter mat. Well after a little faffing the platter span at exactly 33.3 and 45 rpm. :cool:The Tachometer did rely on a reflective strip and the tachometer has to be LEVEL when taking a reading other than that I would heartily recommend spending the £25.

[dmckean]

The Mike New Cu+Al platter should work just fine with with Techie. The SP-25 platter is almost as heavy and it uses the exact same motor and circuitry as the SL-1200Mk2. All the ramblings otherwise are just FUD.

[Wakefield Turntables]

There was some question about the ability of my deck to get upto speed. This simple tachometer has given me piece of mind that everything is AOK.

[Mike_New]

If the motor could not get to controlled speed then I am sure you would hear it, as the speed would "hunt" and produce some horrible sonics!!
as the servo system fights to gain control.

[Wakefield Turntables]

TBH Mike I had faith in the deck but its nice to see that all's well.

[jostber]

Do you have some input on which two upgrades that gave the most effect?

[Wakefield Turntables]

Do you have some input on which two upgrades that gave the most effect?

Looks like you'be modified quite extensively. You don't say which tonearm you own. I'd find it difficult to say which mods gave the best effect, but i'd say the bearing, decent power supply and internal regs gave me the best boosts. I notice you've not internally regulated your PCB, perhaps this could be the way to go?

[jostber]

Looks like you'be modified quite extensively. You don't say which tonearm you own. I'd find it difficult to say which mods gave the best effect, but i'd say the bearing, decent power supply and internal regs gave me the best boosts. I notice you've not internally regulated your PCB, perhaps this could be the way to go?

I have done several upgrades that I am happy with like the Mike New bearing, Oyaide mat, PSU, Isonoe feet which I am happy with. I have the stock arm with some damping upgrades (Herbie damper, Marigo dots) and it sounds fine to me. I have not checked in on the PCB route. Might do that later. :)

[CageyH]

Having not done the PCB regulation mods, my biggest upgrades were the arm and cartridge.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I have done several upgrades that I am happy with like the Mike New bearing, Oyaide mat, PSU, Isonoe feet which I am happy with. I have the stock arm with some damping upgrades (Herbie damper, Marigo dots) and it sounds fine to me. I have not checked in on the PCB route. Might do that later. :)

I think you would benefit from a new arm. The stock technics arm is a fine piece of workmanship but it can be bettered. Lots of people have gone done the Jelco route, some the Rega route ( I could not get on with Rega's). I had the SME V from my Linn days so I brought it over onto the 1210 and have never looked back, some find the SME too analytical so be careful!


Having not done the PCB regulation mods, my biggest upgrades were the arm and cartridge.

The regulation mods give a bigger, better, solid more cohesive sound stage, it's not subtle and was more than happy when I had it done.

[CageyH]

I have always wondered how the regulation mods could do that, as the only thing they will alter is the speed and stability of the motor, which is already pretty good.

I am tempted to get a spare PCB, so I may look into getting this done.

[British high fidelity]

All this awesome talk of the 1210 is tempting me to buy one and start the upgrading process, I been thinking about it for a while, and as I just finished a complete overhaul of my thorens TD125 mk2 I'm now feeling empty and eager to scratch the itch

[Wakefield Turntables]

I have always wondered how the regulation mods could do that, as the only thing they will alter is the speed and stability of the motor, which is already pretty good.

I am tempted to get a spare PCB, so I may look into getting this done.

Paul no longer does this so you might want to email him and see who he recommends.



All this awesome talk of the 1210 is tempting me to buy one and start the upgrading process, I been thinking about it for a while, and as I just finished a complete overhaul of my thorens TD125 mk2 I'm now feeling empty and eager to scratch the itch

Get your wallet out its costly.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I might try using the 1.5mm Gimp mat between the Analpg studio crystal mat and Cu/Al platter. Could be interesting, I just hope it doesn't sound too dampened. Could be interesting it cost £12 and was meant as a nice little upgrade for the 301.

[Paul Hynes]

Hi Andy,

I still provide the DIY regulator modules (both external and internal) for the SL1200/SL1210 and the SR3-21, SR5-21/27 and SR7EHD-21/27 are also still available. The retail prices for the SR3, SR5 and SR7 and their respective DC leads have changed but the regulator modules are still the same price. The 10% discount for the SL1200/SL1210 power supplies for Art of Sound forum members still applies.

For those who are interested in power supply and module details see :-

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?16655-Paul-Hynes-Power-Supplies.

For those who are not into DIY I can arrange for Paul Hynes Audio Ltd on the UK mainland to provide the power supply upgrades.

Regards
Paul

[Wakefield Turntables]

MASSIVE APOLOGY PAUL . I thought that you'd stopped doing to the regulator mods yourself and had someone on the mainland doing it for you, or was this whilst you had your period of illness?

[Paul Hynes]

No need to apologise Andy. I have been rather quiet on the Forum of late, which may have given you the impression that I am no longer active in the industry.

Aside from design consultancy work and providing technical backup and sales liaison to PHA Ltd, I just provide the built and tested regulator modules nowadays. This is usually for DIY enthusiasts but if customers without DIY skills want the modules installed in their SL1200/SL1210, I send the modules to PHA Ltd, and they install them for customers. PHA also provide the SR3, SR5 and SR7 power supplies for a wide variety of audio applications in high end HiFi and Pro Audio.

Whilst I, and family members, have had a few health issues to deal with along the way, the transfer of power supply production to PHA Ltd was not specifically for this reason. It has mainly been done to release me from production and administration duties, so I can return to R&D and preparation of the many designs I have had to set aside over the last 8 years, due to lack of time caused by an overflowing order book. I will post details of each design release in the PHD and PHA AoS forum trade threads as they occur.

Regards
Paul

[Wakefield Turntables]

No need to apologise Andy. I have been rather quiet on the Forum of late, which may have given you the impression that I am no longer active in the industry.

Aside from design consultancy work and providing technical backup and sales liaison to PHA Ltd, I just provide the built and tested regulator modules nowadays. This is usually for DIY enthusiasts but if customers without DIY skills want the modules installed in their SL1200/SL1210, I send the modules to PHA Ltd, and they install them for customers. PHA also provide the SR3, SR5 and SR7 power supplies for a wide variety of audio applications in high end HiFi and Pro Audio.

Whilst I, and family members, have had a few health issues to deal with along the way, the transfer of power supply production to PHA Ltd was not specifically for this reason. It has mainly been done to release me from production and administration duties, so I can return to R&D and preparation of the many designs I have had to set aside over the last 8 years, due to lack of time caused by an overflowing order book. I will post details of each design release in the PHD and PHA AoS forum trade threads as they occur.

Regards
Paul


Thats great news Paul and thanks for the clarification, it would be nice to see some more of your designs for the 1210.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Resurrection from the past! I've not done much with the 1210 in over a year but I've ordered a bloody big bamboo IKEA chopping board for my Lenco 75 on the strength of how it increased the microdynamics of virtually every slab of vinyl I tried. So, I'm going to be doing some experimenting with the 1210 when I get a little time over the next few weeks. Watch this space!

[Wakefield Turntables]

Is it worth encasing the bearing in marine resin to reduce vibration? Certianly something to think about.

[Mike_New]

Are you refering to my Bearing Andrew??

[Wakefield Turntables]

Who else, mikey!

[Mike_New]

Andrew you are a man of taste!!
I really honestly do not think that embedding the Bearing in marine resin is going to improve the sonics by any measurable or realisable amount.
Especially if you have my Bearing Base Plate epoxied to the chassis.
Also this would be a one-way process.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I've been listening to the subtle differences of chopping boards sitting under my 1210 and I have to say that I'm hearing some nice subtle improvements for a potential £30 upgrade. I hope to do some more listening over the next few days to confirm my findings.

[Mike_New]

Try inserting an inner tube for a bicycle between your chopping board and the support
then vary the amount you pump it up.
By the way, what has happened to Marco my emails get bounced back to me saying invalid address,

[Spectral Morn]

Try inserting an inner tube for a bicycle between your chopping board and the support
then vary the amount you pump it up.
By the way, what has happened to Marco my emails get bounced back to me saying invalid address,

Send him a pm on here Mike.

[Marco]

By the way, what has happened to Marco my emails get bounced back to me saying invalid address,

Hi Mike,

No idea what's happening there, mate. Same address, and I've had no problem getting emails from anyone else.

Marco.

[Mike_New]

Hi MArco,
I sent 3 emails and they all got bounced back as being an invalid address.
I thought that perhaps you had retired to your chateau in the south of France.

[Marco]

Lol... Sadly not. Must be a problem at your end mate, as I've not had anyone else tell me of such issues. I'll send you an email and you can respond to that :)

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

OK, to get this thread back on track :rolleyes:. The 1210 now has a new tweak in the form of the Ikea

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/cookware/knives-chopping-boards/aptitlig-butchers-block-bamboo-art-00233429/?cid=gb%7Cps%7Cpla%7C%7C%7C%7C

I've had several days evaluating now and I'm pleased to say that it provides a very nice upgrade for the cost and I would suggest it offers true SPPVFM.

Just a quick pciture of the deck as it now stands in Feb 2017. I have also written a small review which can be found here.



19242

The board is a perfect fit for the footprint of the 1210. Now I have a very nice reference tonearm cable from Yannis Tome to review and assess on the 1210, the 420 litz. :eyebrows:

[RobbieGong]

OK, to get this thread back on track :rolleyes:. The 1210 now has a new tweak in the form of the Ikea

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/cookware/knives-chopping-boards/aptitlig-butchers-block-bamboo-art-00233429/?cid=gb%7Cps%7Cpla%7C%7C%7C%7C

I've had several days evaluating now and I'm pleased to say that it provides a very nice upgrade for the cost and I would suggest it offers true SPPVFM.

Just a quick pciture of the deck as it now stands in Feb 2017. I have also written a small review which can be found here.



19242

The board is a perfect fit for the footprint of the 1210. Now I have a very nice reference tonearm cable from Yannis Tome to review and assess on the 1210, the 420 litz. :eyebrows:

Yes, I'm looking forward to your review of the 420 Litz Andy. Yannis's own overview of it here http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?44416-Yannis-Tome-420-5-Litz-Tonearm-cable/page2 gives the foundation of what looks like a seriously good tonearm cable.
The 423.5 is a corker so if the 420.5 is significantly 'better' then it will be awesome. ;)
Btw - remind us of what one costs ?

[Wakefield Turntables]

I did originally intend to write that review but never got chance. :o The 420 has been sitting on my 301 for the last ?year maybe producing lovely sounds so I guess it's time to swap them over and have a listen. I think the cost was about £700.

[Mikeandvan]

OK, to get this thread back on track :rolleyes:. The 1210 now has a new tweak in the form of the Ikea

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/cookware/knives-chopping-boards/aptitlig-butchers-block-bamboo-art-00233429/?cid=gb%7Cps%7Cpla%7C%7C%7C%7C

I've had several days evaluating now and I'm pleased to say that it provides a very nice upgrade for the cost and I would suggest it offers true SPPVFM.

Just a quick pciture of the deck as it now stands in Feb 2017. I have also written a small review which can be found here.



19242

The board is a perfect fit for the footprint of the 1210. Now I have a very nice reference tonearm cable from Yannis Tome to review and assess on the 1210, the 420 litz. :eyebrows:

Worth a punt, suppose if other 1210 users can't notice any difference with the block underneath, they could always use it for chopping vegetables.

[dimkasta]

I like IKEA for its wide range of easy to use parts, but sometimes you just have to look a bit further for a much nicer option.

A couple of years back I bought a rough plank of wenge wood that was 3cm thick, 45cm wide and 3meters long for about 100 euros from a local wood trader.
Mahogany and Maple were about the same price for 50mm thick planks but it was a bit difficult to find a nice piece that was wide enough.

There were also cheaper and more expensive woods to choose from, and the planks were up to ~60mm thick.

And I guess a bigger country may offer a wider wood variety for better prices.

A local carpenter should be able to procure, plane and square an infinitely more beautiful board for not much more than the IKEA one.
OK the IKEA has vertical wood pieces glued in a sandwich, but its effectiveness is debatable.

If you have a few tools (circular saw and power plane) to do it yourself, then it will be even cheaper.
You will have to pay for the extra bulk wood though, but you will have enough to build nice platforms for your other devices too :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

I like IKEA for its wide range of easy to use parts, but sometimes you just have to look a bit further for a much nicer option.

A couple of years back I bought a rough plank of wenge wood that was 3cm thick, 45cm wide and 3meters long for about 100 euros from a local wood trader.
Mahogany and Maple were about the same price for 50mm thick planks but it was a bit difficult to find a nice piece that was wide enough.

There were also cheaper and more expensive woods to choose from, and the planks were up to ~60mm thick.

And I guess a bigger country may offer a wider wood variety for better prices.

A local carpenter should be able to procure, plane and square an infinitely more beautiful board for not much more than the IKEA one.
OK the IKEA has vertical wood pieces glued in a sandwich, but its effectiveness is debatable.

If you have a few tools (circular saw and power plane) to do it yourself, then it will be even cheaper.
You will have to pay for the extra bulk wood though, but you will have enough to build nice platforms for your other devices too :)

Hi, Dimitris. Thanks for the commnets. The IKEA board is very cheap at approx 13 Euros and is already made. I'm sure that better boards exist and probably give better results, but, I'm more than happy in the knowledge I don't have to find a carpenter, store the wood off cuts or pay 100Euros for a large piece of wood. I'm extremely happy with the small but beneficial improvement that the IKEA board has given to my 1210.

[dimkasta]

Yeah it's hard to beat IKEA if you just want something that works :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'll be messing around with some new spiked feet under the old IKEA chopping board. I'm hoping to get a nice subtle improvement for the small outlay. Stay tuned!

[Dubster68]

This is the one I use. A nice solid bit of Bamboo. Works well and definitely changed the sound for the better with spikes.

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/2809467

[Wakefield Turntables]

A slight upgrade to the isolation block I'm using and bloody hell what a massive improvement. Expect a review soon.

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/SPUNKGOBBLER/DSCN3011_zpsejl4yz4i.jpg (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/SPUNKGOBBLER/media/DSCN3011_zpsejl4yz4i.jpg.html)

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q388/SPUNKGOBBLER/DSCN3010_zpsvg5n4bxw.jpg (http://s349.photobucket.com/user/SPUNKGOBBLER/media/DSCN3010_zpsvg5n4bxw.jpg.html)

I've only added 4 spiked feet but my-oh-my what a difference.

[brian2957]

These look nice . Got a link to these feet Andy . I may try them on mine as there's no way of adjusting the GL75 .

[Dubster68]

i have a nice set in the for sale section fellas:D.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Mick1B/IMG_4485.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/Mick1B/media/IMG_4485.jpg.html)

[Wakefield Turntables]

Hi, did you swap over to spiked feet from the Isonoe feet?

[Dubster68]

Hi, did you swap over to spiked feet from the Isonoe feet?

Yes Andy


I noticed a massive difference going to spikes but it was mainly when it was mounted on the bamboo board. Everything became very pin point. Instruments were very individual and the music was just so different for the better than the isonoes. Since the platter upgrade I felt it sounded better with isonoes back on as the bass with the spikes was very over exaggerated. Obviously with the MN platter been a more solid material than the standard one it was transferring sound differently.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Yes Andy


I noticed a massive difference going to spikes but it was mainly when it was mounted on the bamboo board. Everything became very pin point. Instruments were very individual and the music was just so different for the better than the isonoes. Since the platter upgrade I felt it sounded better with isonoes back on as the bass with the spikes was very over exaggerated. Obviously with the MN platter been a more solid material than the standard one it was transferring sound differently.

Your findings mirror my own, nice! Perhaps I should try some spikes under the 1210 and see if two lots of spikes works better than one set of isonoe's and the bamboo board ?!?

[Wakefield Turntables]

8 months since my last update to the 1210 development. My word, time flies. The 1210 has been in a state of stasis and rightly so! I think the deck sounds bloody great but I think that I may have stumbled upon a very simple and effective way of getting a little but more from the platter mat that I use. I've already documented the tweak elsewhere on the forum but I shall be comparing a few tunes and writing up a mini report in this thread as it's the decks main blog.

[Wakefield Turntables]

It's been a little while since I concentrated on the 1210. So, I thought I'd share a couple of very cheap tweaks which lifted the performance of this deck even further. Firstly I decided to make a set of ebony footers for my isonoe feet :wowzer: what a difference. I'd tried the recommended Sorbothane under the Isonoe's before and noted a complete lifeless sucky music effect. I had a little time on my hands early in December and had made a set of four with the intention of experimenting over the Xmas holidays. All I can say is that these coupled alongside the SPH SSS mat have improved the 1210's performance to a higher level.
The ebony footers (in my system) are a no brainer, I have now noted an improvement every time that I have used Ebony, be it with my 1210 or in the tonearm mount that I made for my Lenco L75. The effects of the SPH SSS have already been documented elsewhere as a separate review.

2495224953

[JohnG]

Hats off to the inquisitive mind, and willingness to experiment.
On further investigation, it is not a big outlay to follow on with this concept.

The wood in the link, is off a decent dimension to create a similar foot to the one produced.
It may be able to be cut into two pieces to make two feet, or why stop there, as it could be used as a Sandwiched Material, allowing for further investigations into the effect it can have on a Decks replay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FSC-100-African-blackwood-short-carving-blanks-100-120mm-L-70-80mm-W-17-20mm-T/292793747366?hash=item442bde07a6:m:mxG_FioXkQqf2gZ JrHK0Wow:rk:4:pf:0

[Wakefield Turntables]

Well it had to happen. The Cadenza black is going for a holiday to Holland!

[RobbieGong]

Well it had to happen. The Cadenza black is going for a holiday to Holland!

Wise move Andy and a no brainer at the cost and for what you get.

Takes vinyl replay to a whole next level - you'll love it, the forensic insight, everything, no stone left un-turned in terms of vinyl groove, recorded music extraction, presented, revealed and laid bare :D

Take special care with set-up though, like the Shibata profile the FGS requires you pay extra good attention to set-up, but it'll be more than worth it ;)

Let me know / pm when it lands. Happy to share a few 'tips' in regard to said set-up :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'm pretty much hamstrung Rob as I'll be using the SME V so geometry is fixed head. I have had to buy a new set of mounting tools to get the arm properly aligned.

[RobbieGong]

I'm pretty much hamstrung Rob as I'll be using the SME V so geometry is fixed head. I have had to buy a new set of mounting tools to get the arm properly aligned.

Ah, ok Andy, do what you have to, shout when ya feel :thumbsup:

[Wakefield Turntables]

The Cadenza Black is now being modded as we speak, should be back in 10 days.

[RobbieGong]

The Cadenza Black is now being modded as we speak, should be back in 10 days.

Hey hey hey !! :thumbsup:

[Wakefield Turntables]

Yep should be fun. My Cadenza black is 8 years old! It's never been retipped so should sound excellent. Apparently the cart was in excellent condition.

[RobbieGong]

Yep should be fun. My Cadenza black is 8 years old! It's never been retipped so should sound excellent. Apparently the cart was in excellent condition.

Thats good, how often did you use it ? I know you have other carts. I always only use/have one cart.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Well less and less over the last year or two TBH. I got into idlers, jazz, valves, Tannoy speakers, SPU's and weird Jap carts! I knew something was wrong when I heard more detail from my Shure M55e+JICO neoSAS stylus combo than the Cadenza Black :eek:.

[RobbieGong]

Well less and less over the last year or two TBH. I got into idlers, jazz, valves, Tannoy speakers, SPU's and weird Jap carts! I knew something was wrong when I heard more detail from my Shure M55e+JICO neoSAS stylus combo than the Cadenza Black :eek:.

Ha ha ! :) The Cadenza B with its Shibata is a very detailed cart in my experience, you sure you had it set up optimally ? ie: in that sweet-spot I know these and all carts with more sophisticated profiles, Shibata, Micro Line, Replicant, Fritz Gyger S tend to have, again in my experience...

[Wakefield Turntables]

Yep it was as good as I could get it. You have to remember that the tip was knackered, it was 8 years old!

[Wakefield Turntables]

The Ortofon Cadenza black has been modded and passed all its test. It's got a new FGS profile diamond, had a bloody good clean and an upgraded damping system, the very same used in Ortofons most expensive carts. It should be home in 10 days. Lonely 1210 can't wait for it's mate.

https://i.ibb.co/GdVkQ2t/WP-20200519-001.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QY3g2Zk/WP-20200519-002.jpg

[RobbieGong]

We'll chat when you have it on board and get some time with it ;) :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

We'll chat when you have it on board and get some time with it ;) :)

OK!

[Wakefield Turntables]

Right! The 1210 has had some more trials and tribulations. I managed to snap a cartridge tag which I also managed to repair, very lucky! The Cadenza Black is back with the Fritz Geiger diamond fitted and it's very good indeed. It's ruthless and has to be extremely well setup. I fell into the trap of having the SME V VTA set a little too high only to be greeted with fantastic imaging and the best ever detail retrieval I've experienced but at a loss of bass attack and impact :doh:. The FGS is very sensitive to surface noise so records have to be extremely clean to limit surface noise. I've been experimenting today with VTA and bass attack and impact has returned which was a big relief. So far it's been a no brainer. Speed, attack, soundstage, data retrieval have all moved up a notch. I'd say I'm about 80-90% their with correct setup. Still tweaking with anti-skate and tracking force values. The deck is performing better than it ever has but I think their is more to come. I'm still in the break in period so I'll hopefully see "more" of everything at the 50-100 hour period, so far less than 6 hours on the cartridge!

[Wakefield Turntables]

Here's my regular half decade update for the 1210. The deck still does stirling service despite being put into use for the last 15 years. Tonight's update came about due to some experimentation with JR149 speakers and Fosi Audio v3 monoblocks. The 1210 has always been partnered with active ATC50 speakers, well not tonight. As a little experiment I decided to hook the 1210 up with the Fosi's and the JR149's. I've not really fully experienced the JR149's in full flow, I hooked up my TEAC VRDS 25X but I always got the sense the speakers weren't really expressing every detail. So, step forward the old 1210 war horse with oodles more detail and basically a zillion % more of everything that a CD player can't convey. These little speakers are amazing considering their age. The 1210 has had a few little tweaks since I last wrote. The first thing that I upgraded was the equipment rack. The 1210 now sits on a 25mm bamboo shelf. The second thing I added was a Townshend Seismic Platform. The main reasoning behind these additions was to isolate the 1210 and improve on the Isonoe feet that I installed many years ago.

Just a couple of pictures, first, just to show that I still own the 1210 and it's not a mythical beast! As you can see all the old bits of kit are still present.

https://i.ibb.co/57CHrs3/IMG-1817.jpg

Now, just a second picture to show how the isolation of the 1210 has been improved.

https://i.ibb.co/XkGTspWD/IMG-1813.jpg

Things sound amazing through the JR149's. I never intended to ever sell the JR149's and now I'm even more determined to never part with them. So, an unexpected experiment today has lead to a thread update from half a decade ago and just like the JR149's the 1210 is goiing nowhere.

Stay Tuned.....

[Barry]

So not only an update on your Technics deck (partnered with the superb SME V), but on the JR149 speakers as well.

Don't leave it so long next time for an update! :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

It's been 10 months since I last wrote anything about the 1210 and in some respects nothing has changed. It still sits on the same Bamboo shelf and the Townshend isolation stand, but then some things have changed. I managed to borrow a £1700 pair of silver interconnects and have had these plumbed into the 1210 system and it's been amusing to say the least when I compared them with my usual Yannis Tome IC's. Thankfully it's quite easy to see how the changes in the system and even in the cables affect the presentation of what I'm hearing. I'll have a listen again tomorrow and hopefully post some thoughts.

[Wakefield Turntables]

1210 Blog - Pt (God knows)! I - Some observations.....

Firstly don't expect this blog to be updated too often and that's quite a good thing, the 1210 has been an excellent machine over the last 15.5 years that I have been using it. I think that's testimony to the design and the fact that all the tweaking, messing around, debating, experimenting has paid off. The deck has not been changed in years. I had a chance to review a pair of £1700 cables and can report back that Yannis still rules :rfl:. This thread is so old that it will be taking it's GCSE's next year, it's nearly 16 years old! I've never really discussed the impact of the Townshend Siesmic Isolation platform on the 1210, to be honest I never really made any notes, it just felt "right". I know my system so well that I can instantly tell, usually within a few minutes if something is going to work. I've always been a big fan of keeping things minimal in a system, mainly because it's easy to see how an individual component cam impact a system. Recently I have been spending some time on my Garrard 301 system with a new SME 3009 arm project (more in the other thread). I have been suffering from a hum problem and this inspired me to optimise the earthing on the 1210. The earthing on the 1210 has always been good but it just got a little better, slightly quieter in the background. I noticed the Cadenza black seems a little quieter with respects to surface noise. Anyone owning a Cadenza black will appreciate what I'm talking about, you get amazing clarity and detail but they are not that good with surface noise.

The 3009 project also also made me question if a damping fluid on the 1210's SME V would be of any benefit? I've learned in the past to never over damp a 1210, in fact I have no damping on my 1210 at all and I rely on many levels of turntable isolation such as the Isonoe feet, Townshend platform and bamboo shelve on the rack.... Interesting times.... stay tuned.....