PSU for SL-1210 with pics

[MartinT]

Finishing the build:







I am aborting this implementation for the SL-1210 because I soon realised that the Superteddy runs out of regulation using a 9-0-9V transformer. I was getting 20.6V out for 23.5V in and ran out of adjustment range (i.e. adjusting the pot further gave no increase in voltage under load). I did try it out for sound against the TimeStep and it didn't sound as good - the dynamics were somewhat softened. Interestingly, the start-up speed was faster than the TimeStep indicating that there is no lack of raw current.

So I've now readjusted it to 15V (plenty of regulation now) and will continue this project as a Caiman PSU once I make up an adapter lead. I have good hopes for it in this application due to the ultra low noise and many forum reports of success with DACs. I'll start a new thread once I've had a proper listen tomorrow.

Oh, and well done Sound Hi-Fi. The TimeStep has so far beaten my own PSU and been the equal of Shuggie's Paul Hynes PSU in my system.

[Marco]

Hi Martin,

Good stuff - at least you've found a use for it in the end

Oh, and well done Sound Hi-Fi. The TimeStep has so far beaten my own PSU and been the equal of Shuggie's Paul Hynes PSU in my system.

Yes you mentioned that to me, and it's very interesting. In my system (and the one we set up at Scalford Hall), using my SL-1210, the Paul Hynes was clearly superior to my Time Step PSU, but as is always the case with these things, results vary from system to system and/or possibly T/T to T/T, depending on what arm and cartridge are used.

What it clearly shows is that no matter anyone's opinion, there is no PSU universally 'the best' in all applications, so perhaps Dave C should've been more confident in allowing me to audition an HE PSU when they became available, as no matter what I found best in my system, others and you might have obtained different results and preferred something else........

At the end of the day, no one person's opinion on a piece of equipment is ever definitive

I'll look forward to Paul sending me one of his PSUs so I can audition it at length at home. I also believe that Anthony TD is going to produce a PSU design of his own for the Technics and throw it into the ring too for assessment, so that should also be very interesting

Marco.

[MartinT]

Excellent stuff. At least I am resting easy about PSUs now as I've tried three and I'm guessing the TimeStep is near the upper part of the performance curve for my deck. Of course, the new platter could shake all that up again.

[Marco]

Indeed - when the new platter and HE PSU are available, we need to do some in-depth comparisons with both our T/Ts using the new platter and various PSU combinations.

Hopefully by then I'll have a sample of Paul's PSU and also Anthony's design to bring with me chez-toi. I think Hugo and Snoops should sit in on that one too, as it has the makings of an excellent sesh - with the results very interesting for everyone concerned, not least of whom the Techy fans here!

Marco.

[leo]

I guess theres no details for the HE yet?

[MartinT]

I guess theres no details for the HE yet?

None yet - all I could glean from Dave is that he is going to put a much larger energy store (i.e. reservoir capacitor) in it.

[Marco]

Do you know if that was originally planned, Martin, or something Dave has decided to implement recently?

Marco.

[MartinT]

I've no idea, Marco, all I can tell you is that he is ramping up for production using some local assemblers.

[DSJR]

Can I ask a very cheeky question (Marco, please delete if you feel it best...)

WHY do we need a new platter on the Techie? The rubber lining underneath and the Herbies mat seem to do a good job as they are, especially with the MN bearing and carefully regulated power supply. Is the extra mass needed to increase isolation from the surroundings perhaps?

I mean, the traditional performance of the 1200 motor unit is close to state-of-the-art as it is, except for isolation, where it shows its one remaining weakness compared to the heavyweights or sprung belt drives - and this can be well sorted with decent feet..

[Marco]

Hi Dave,

That's not cheeky at all, mate. I guess the answer is *if* I consider that it makes a significant sonic improvement over the stock item in conjunction with one of the new PSUs.

I asked Mike New the question before here:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...?t=5903&page=3

What sonic benefits do you foresee will be brought about with the forthcoming (much thicker) platter upgrade and what, in your opinion, are the technical/engineering reasons behind its design?

To which he answered:

Marco,

My objective is to produce a platter that really complements the potential of the direct drive system, and has far greater sonic qualities than the very inadequate standard offering.

I am machining the platters from quality aerospace aluminium, which in itself is not imune from ringing, however because the platter is machined from a solid blank It is expected that the resonant energy will be low. Also there are five brass inserts which are a shrink fit into the platter, these are designed to absorb and counteract resonance. There will be a groove machine under the main 300mm dia, of the platter for lifting purposes.

I have attempted to get some weight below the spindle support but this is controlled by the existing components on the circuit board which would appear to vary between models.
The new platter presumes the use of an external PS, the exisiting transformer and wiring will need to be removed and the top cover can no longer be used as it obstucts the lower part of the platter.
I guess this platter represents something of a radical departure from the norm. Dave will shortly be getting the first production unit for sonic evaluation using his test equipment.

The key bit is in bold. If that's the case, then I'll be having one

Martin,

I've no idea, Marco, all I can tell you is that he is ramping up for production using some local assemblers.

Interesting... Perhaps recent events have caused him to 'up the ante', as it were?

If so, then Paul and Anthony providing healthy competition, by chucking their designs into the ring for me to assess, will have been a good thing.... As far as I'm concerned the HE PSU is still in the equation, but I will only settle on it *if* I consider it sonically superior in my system compared to all other options.

I suggest that you also remain similarly open-minded on the matter

Marco.