The Funk Firm Technics Platter

[Reid Malenfant]

So effectively it's like some kind of antenna, I think I can go with this as it is a massive coil of wire with a response peaking at low frequencies due to it's inductance (which will be high).

If I run any of my oscilloscopes with no input I tend to see a massacred 50Hz waveform from free air, makes me think you are probably quite right

[MartinT]

I too would always remove the transformer.

[Marco]

+1, although I appreciate why David posted what he did.

For some, the convenience of adding a quality off-board PSU, without having to remove the stock internal one, will outweigh the (arguably small) sonic benefits achieved by the latter

Marco.

[lurcher]

Though it does pose the question as to how far away the unconnected transformer would have to be moved from the turntable to cease having a effect :-).

What effect would removing the mass of the transformer have on the damping (mechanical) of the plinth, and would it alter the levelling of the turntable? I don;t know=, just asking.

[Marco]

Hi Neil,

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.

As an aside, unless I've missed it written on your website somewhere, I never did get to read your thoughts on the modified Techies you've now had extensive experience of using. It must be well over a year now that you've been playing with them, so you must've formed a reasonably conclusive opinion on them?

I.E, what are your thoughts on the subject of how modded Techies fair in comparison to 'proper' audiophile T/Ts of a similar price, and crucially, how in your opinion have they compared with established 'hi-end' T/Ts in your collection, such as the SME20, or other such designs you've reviewed?

I'm sure that your thoughts on the matter would be the subject of much interest... Even if they aren't yet conclusive, a snapshot of your views so far would be appreciated

Marco.

[Marco]

Hi Nick,

Though it does pose the question as to how far away the unconnected transformer would have to be moved from the turntable to cease having a effect :-).

Indeed, and that's why sufficiently long DC leads are supplied with most off-board PSUs, such as the one you fitted to my Paul Hynes unit... Consequently, my SR7EHD is about 2m away from the T/T!

What effect would removing the mass of the transformer have on the damping (mechanical) of the plinth, and would it alter the levelling of the turntable? I don't know, just asking.

It's a no on the levelling of the T/T, as this can easily be achieved without the stock transformer in place. As for damping of the plinth, although I haven't tested it objectively (I doubt anyone has), subjectively I can detect no adverse effect in that area, once the transformer has been removed.

I've found that the most influential things to attend to in that area (and in turn isolate the T/T most from the effects of feedback) is swapping the dreadful stock feet, for something like Isonoes, fitting a super-thick solid ebony armboard (the common aluminium ones are not as good in that respect) for use with your tonearm of choice, and swapping the (equally dreadful as the stock feet) stock platter for a Funk Firm one, which is as near to acoustically dead as possible.

Doing all of that goes some way to fundamentally fixing what holds the SL-1200/1200 back from being a genuinely top-class T/T

Marco.

[MartinT]

One trick to use in determining a deck's isolation characteristics is to rest the stylus on a stationary record and (very) gently tap around the support shelf and the turntable itself while listening through the system. Quite educational.

[Marco]

Indeed, and it's a notorious issue for many direct-drive T/Ts, where one can sometimes 'play the drums' on the plinth....

In terms of education, I recommend you revisit that test after your new ebony armboard has been fitted and report the outcome

Marco.

[MartinT]

Don't worry - I will

[MCRU]

+1, although I appreciate why David posted what he did.

For some, the convenience of adding a quality off-board PSU, without having to remove the stock internal one, will outweigh the (arguably small) sonic benefits achieved by the latter

Marco.

My point exactly

Don't forget we are in a very, very small minority, people who are reading our posts and are thinking off going down the modding route don't want to be put off by facing what they may consider the daunting task of removing the PSU etc, etc. I personally think leaving it in does not alter the sound one bit, others may dis-agree, I just wanted to point out that my new PSU works with tech PSU in or removed so gives the customer both options.

Thanks.