The Funk Firm Technics Platter

[Marco]

Technically, the Funk platter won't need an external PSU, as its mass is identical to that of the stock Techy platter. However, like Martin says, in terms of the optimal order of modifying the Techy, adding a quality external PSU comes first!

Incidentally, as promised, I will be reviewing the Funk Firm platter in detail (and a few other things I've pencilled in) ASAP. I had intended to this at the end of last year, but a family bereavement put paid to that. However, the Funk Firm platter is so special that I simply cannot omit acknowledging how fundamentally it transforms the Techy into a world-class music reproduction machine.

Marco.

[jostber]

It may not require an external PSU, Jostein, but more to the point why would you want to? You really need to perform the external PSU upgrade first as otherwise you won't get the best from the platter.

Does the PSU upgrade involve a bit of work? Have not really checked out that.

[MartinT]

Does the PSU upgrade involve a bit of work? Have not really checked out that.

Yes, it's a little work but not too difficult. Essentially, it involves:
1. Remove the internal transformer and power supply PCB
2. Install a power cable with a solder connection to the PCB and a solder tag to the earth post
3. Add the external PSU of your choice.

Much more info and steps here:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8118

[jostber]

Yes, it's a little work but not too difficult. Essentially, it involves:
1. Remove the internal transformer and power supply PCB
2. Install a power cable with a solder connection to the PCB and a solder tag to the earth post
3. Add the external PSU of your choice.

Much more info and steps here:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8118

Thanks for the link, I will check out the details in this.

[MCRU]

Just a quick one before I go for a coffee and left over xmas cake and cheese, the existing power supply does not need to be removed to fit an external power supply, as long as it is dis-connected, so do not worry, I have plenty of customers who could not or did not want to take the existing PSU out and use an external one and it works very well indeed.

My new PSU which is now ready is designed for either with or without the existing PSU in place, not everyone feels able to remove the old one and to be fair is it really neccessary as sound quality does not seem to suffer leaving it in place on all the decks I have heard with it still in place and an external one in use, plus if you ever decide to sell the tech on you don't have to mess about putting the old PSU back in do you?

The best of both worlds, hope that helps someone.

[Spectral Morn]

Just a quick one before I go for a coffee and left over xmas cake and cheese, the existing power supply does not need to be removed to fit an external power supply, as long as it is dis-connected, so do not worry, I have plenty of customers who could not or did not want to take the existing PSU out and use an external one and it works very well indeed.

My new PSU which is now ready is designed for either with or without the existing PSU in place, not everyone feels able to remove the old one and to be fair is it really neccessary as sound quality does not seem to suffer leaving it in place on all the decks I have heard with it still in place and an external one in use, plus if you ever decide to sell the tech on you don't have to mess about putting the old PSU back in do you?

The best of both worlds, hope that helps someone.

Hi David a number of people, including myself, have heard an improvement in sound quality by removing the old transformer. If you were using a metal platter mat, Oyaide or copper one the effect might be less but using the Funk Mat/platter or other non metal mat on the standard platter would, I feel, allow the old transformer to affect the sound, if left in place.


Regards D S D L

[Reid Malenfant]

Hi David a number of people, including myself, have heard an improvement in sound quality by removing the old transformer. If you were using a metal platter mat, Oyaide or copper one the effect might be less but using the Funk Mat/platter or other non metal mat on the standard platter would, I feel, allow the old transformer to affect the sound, if left in place.


Regards D S D L

Even if the transformer is no longer in use & bypassed? IE an external supply fitted

Just asking.

[Spectral Morn]

Even if the transformer is no longer in use & bypassed? IE an external supply fitted

Just asking.

Yes Mark, that is indeed the case.

I think that if one is using a metal platter mat, then that shields the cart from the transformers effect but if you are not then leaving it in has a subtle effects on the cartridge. Its not a massive one but enough of one I feel to warrant removing it from inside the deck.


Regards D S D L

[Reid Malenfant]

Interesting, cheers Neil

[Spectral Morn]

Interesting, cheers Neil

It may also be cart dependent too.

Years ago I fitted a Grado cart to a mk1 Avid Diva and placing the motor where it was supposed to go resulted in a hum. Even switching the motor off resulted in a slight hum if you tuned the volume up full. Moving the motor to another possible position under the deck cured this but the very presence of the motor was an issue with the Grado's.

I asked Conrad at the time as to why the motor was not shielded in some way and I never got a satisfactory answer, cost I guess + most carts are not effected. Here's the question though even if you can't hear an effect in an obvious way like pick up of hum/noise is the cart still effected but at a very low level and my gut feeling is yes, it is. I think this is the case with leaving the transformer in place; so even if there is no obvious issue there may well be a very low level one.

As the transformer is no longer needed I would whip it out and put it away safely.


Regards D S D L