The Mike New Technics Bearing

[Mike_New]

The problem is Biff, lots off well meaning people see a potential to supply/offer an improvement/upgrade for a particular product or application, without fully understanding the engineering physics applicable to the intended improvement.

My Bearing is I believe the best designed and engineered bearing that it is ever possible to produce within the constraints of the volumetric envelope that is available within the SL1200 motor mechanism. In other words I just cannot make it any larger!

I have received numerous emails from people enquiring if I can design and manufacture a less costly bearing. Yes I can, but it would be no more than what other people are already offering. I set out to design the best bearing possible for my own application, it was more by accident than commercial intent, that my bearing was taken up by the SL1200 audio fraternity as being the only one to have if one is serious about really improving the sonics of the SL1200.

For my part I am comfortable with people buying the less costly options and being convinced (and telling everyone who will listen) that they produce the best sonics possible, after all not everyone can have the best.

What people do not understand is that the very flimsy die-cast alloy housing is about the weakest part of the bearing structurally speaking. And yet others offer some sort of a super duper insert into this housing, which in one instance that I am aware of would actually reduce the rigidity of the whole assembly. The mind boggles.

[WOStantonCS100]

What people do not understand is that the very flimsy die-cast alloy housing is about the weakest part of the bearing structurally speaking. And yet others offer some sort of a super duper insert into this housing, which in one instance that I am aware of would actually reduce the rigidity of the whole assembly. The mind boggles.

I had not thought about that. If the insert is less structurally rigid than what was there originally, theoretically, unwanted "side to side" motion could increase leading to speed deviation, more wow and flutter. Am I on the right track?

Too bad there's no MN option for the SL-1500MK2.

[Mike_New]

I had not thought about that. If the insert is less structurally rigid than what was there originally, theoretically, unwanted "side to side" motion could increase leading to speed deviation, more wow and flutter. Am I on the right track?

Too bad there's no MN option for the SL-1500MK2.

Yes you are correct in your observation Biff

On the subject of my bearing fitting the SL1500.
I originally owned a SL1500 which I purchased new in the UK when I was working there back in 1977. It is certainly possible to fit my bearing to the
SL1500 by making up a new base plate to replace the large arrangement that the SL1500 uses.

However I did not proceed with this as I figured that the SL1500 control electronics was not as refined as the SL1200 and people would not want to spend the money trying to upgrade it when the SL1200 represented a much better option sonically.

If there are enough people out there who want to use my bearing on the SL1500 then I could re-visit the option.

[Mike_New]

Hi Folks.
I now only have two of my SL1200 High Precision Bearings available from the last batch of 25, which I manufactured during the middle part of last year.

Sales have been a bit slow up to this month, when suddenly I received orders for 4 in the past two weeks.

As I did with the last batch, I will take orders and deposits of A$250.00 for a maximum of 12 bearings; before commencing manufacture and committing thousands of dollars up front to my toolmakers who make the precision spindles and carry out the honing. In this way I can reduce my exposure to the very variable sales climate, which I believe all suppliers of quality sound products are now experiencing, and at the same time retain the same pricing as three years ago.

[Mike_New]

Come on folks do it!!!
I now have 6 deposits for my next batch of 25 Bearings.
However in the last five weeks I have recieved seven enquiries asking about estimated delivery, sadly none of these people have followed up with their deposits. Otherwise we would only be 7 short of the target.

[kininigin]

I should be able to transfer some wonga,at the end of the week

[Marco]

Hi Mike,

Why not offer a little incentive? Say, as soon as you get all the deposits you need, you'll put everyone's name into a hat, and whoever's name is drawn out, will receive 15% off (or whatever) the balance owed for their bearing?

Just an idea, mate. In my experience, there's nothing like the offer of a bargain to get folk to part with their dosh!

Marco.

[kininigin]

I personally thought his original offer was great,hence my enquiry,but if he was to go with your suggestion marco,i wouldn't complain

All i would say though,is round it up to 20% it's easier for me to work out

[MCRU]

Hi Mike,

Why not offer a little incentive? Say, as soon as you get all the deposits you need, you'll put everyone's name into a hat, and whoever's name is drawn out, will receive 15% off (or whatever) the balance owed for their bearing?

Just an idea, mate. In my experience, there's nothing like the offer of a bargain to get folk to part with their dosh!

Marco.

or if so many order one gets it for free?

[Marco]

Lol... Well, that'd be up to Mike, but I think that the discount idea has 'legs'

Marco.