Mike New platter, Oyaide MJ-12 mat & STB-MS stabiliser arrive at Marco Towers...

[Marco]

Hi Martin,

Nice pics, Marco, well done for finally obtaining a decent digital camera

Cheers, mate - it's been long overdue... My MN platter will be the next thing to be photographed tomorrow

Then the mat/platter listening tests will begin in ernest! Meanwhile, here's a pic of that naughty valve amp you heard chez-toi earlier in the year:





Marco.

[Rare Bird]

It looks like a Harley Davidson V-Rod brake disc

Nice, but my brain tells me a copper mat should be better due to it's softer nature & more natural damping. Annealed copper should improve things still further but only time will tell

I think i mentioned it before a thick copper mat with a series of holes would be the ticketo. I'd have thought anozising the copper mat would serve the obvious purposes aswell give it a slightly harder finish!

[Marco]

Hi dude,

I don't disagree, apart from perhaps anodising the copper mat on the MN platter, as Mike thought it may adversely alter its sonic characteristics, so I chose to not take the risk and leave it 'as is'

However, initial listening tests indicate that the ultimate solution is likely to be my customised Mike New platter and annealed copper mat, with an Oyaide mat and record weight on top!!

I suspect that may be the case, because the sound with the copper and Oyaide mat together, and Oyaide weight, (with the stock platter) is awesome and arguably the best solution so far....

The above smiley is because it's also the most bloody expensive! An MN platter, Oyaide and record weight is, erm, let's not go there, but you could buy a decent whole new T/T for what it costs!!

AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHH...... Sorry, it's just the sound of my Amex expressing its severe displeasure.

Incidentally, I meant to say earlier, my thanks go to David Brook from Mains Cables R Us for sourcing me the Oyaide mat and record weight. David is a genuine enthusiast first and foremost, and all-round top bloke (just the sort of trade people we like here), whom I suspect will have a very bright future on AoS!

I would encourage you all to get to know him, his company, and the excellent products he sells

Marco.

[colinB]

Glad to see David here on AOS. Read his posts in the past on another forum and as you say Marco , a genuine enthusiast and will look forward to his input on AOS.

[Marco]

Well, the Mike New platter has just arrived, safe and sound... Looks FAB!

Now to fit it, and let the fun begin!!

Pics later, chaps!

Marco.

[chris@panteg]

Is it easy to fit it then Marco ' just a straight swap ! no need for the stiffening plate ?

[Marco]

Hi Chris,

I'm trying it without the "stiffening plate" (bearing base plate) first to see what the platter (and T/T) sounds like without it. I will then get the plate later, once I know what the platter itself is doing, so I can analyse the sonic effect of the plate in isolation.

Gotta be thorough, ya know, in case anyone asks me what effect the bearing base plate has on its own!

Here are the instructions for fitting the platter. I might give Mike a ring later at a decent hour his time, just to make sure I've done everything ok.

Installation Instructions for Alluminium Platter

Date: 18-7-19
Author:- Mike New mhnew@bigpond.net.au

Alluminium is a very soft metal and this platter should be handled carefully to avoid any dents to the surface or edges.

Screwed into the three holes inside the counter bored recess on the underside of the Platter, are three button head socket screws, these are for the securing of the magnet assembly to the platter. Use only these screws.

The installation of this new platter assumes that you are currently using an external power supply and have installed my new High Precision bearing.

Tools required: Phillips screwdriver and Allen key to fit 4mm socket head screws.

Two 8mm holes are provided in the top surface of the platter to facilitate lifting the platter on and off the spindle. Ordinary 8mm hex bolts or socket heads of about 40mmm length is all that is required to secure a firm grip.
Two 8mm bolts are supplied.

a) Switch off the power supply to the SL1200 and remove the Technics platter in the normal way by lifting off from the taper.

b) Now remove the top plastic cover and the old power supply components if these are still installed.

c) Note: The top plastic cover must not be re-fitted to the Turn Table as it will fowl the new platter.

d) Take the Technics platter and place upside-down onto a flat surface covered by a soft cloth or towel. Obtain the correct size Phillips screwdriver and carefully remove the three screws securing the magnet assembly to the centre of the old platter. These may be very tight as they were installed by power driven tools.

e) Now put the old platter to one side and place the new platter onto the flat surface underside up. You will notice that there is a red spot engraved on the inner ring of the platter.

f) Remove the three dome headed screws with the correct size Allen Key.

g) Take the magnet assembly and place into the central bore of the platter so that the larger of the four holes in the plate aligns with the red spot. The three securing holes form a triangle, the forth hole is the one which should align with the red spot.

h) Now secure the magnet assembly in place using the three button head socket screws supplied, use the correct size Allen key.

i) Tighten the three screws progressively for even clamping of the Magnet assembly.

j) Carefully turn over the platter so that the top side is now exposed. Insert the two lifting bolts and tighten by hand only. Do not use a spanner!!

k) Top up the oil in the top of the bearing with four drops of the oil supplied and place a coating of Vaseline or silicone grease onto the tapered part of the spindle.

l) Holding the two lifting bolts, carefully lower the platter onto the spindle taper. To ensure correct alignment place one eye over the hole in the platter and site the taper as you lower the platter. Gently push the platter down with a finger in all directions.

m) Now spin the platter by hand and check for any vertical miss-alignment. If any miss-alignment is obvious then gently lift platter off taper and re-seat it. Due to the now greatly increased weight of the platter it is not always possible, first time, to get the platter to seat squarely onto the relatively small taper. This is why the grease on the taper is recommended! It also allows easier removal.

n) Now switch on the unit and test for correct operation.

o) Note: You may require to increase the braking current by adjusting the brake Potentiometer by about ¼ turn.

p) Any type of Mat may be used with this platter, although existing users tell me that the Larry Denham copper mat produces fantastic results. This combination can be further improved with the use of a softer neoprene or silicon top mat, such as those advertised.

Happy Listening.

Seems pretty straightforward, though. I shall report back with initial impressions on a separate thread later tonight (moving a few off-topic posts from here in the process)!

Marco.

[MartinT]

The platter installation process is straightforward and swapping the circular magnet assembly is probably the trickiest step, so it shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour.

The base plate installation is something else and not for the faint of heart. I documented it in another thread hereabouts. Ah yes, see here, post #60:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...e+Plate&page=6

[Marco]

Platter successfully fitted... I'm now off for a good listen - I may be a wee while!

Marco.

[Barry]

Platter successfully fitted... I'm now off for a good listen - I may be a wee while!

Marco.

I can recommend a cartridge you could listen to Marco!

Regards