The Funk Firm Technics Platter

[Marco]

Hi Chris,

No worries, mate. You're entitled to your opinion. Mine is rather different.

IMO, the stock platter is merely 'adequate for purpose', and no more. The Oyaide mat and record weight, however, transform it, albeit at some cost.

Aside from anything else, the sonic signature of the stock platter is not something you could live with, once you've identified it after hearing something better, which makes it a fatally flawed item for anyone with serious notions of turning the Techy into a genuine high-end T/T.

As for the Vantage mods, I'm sure that they're similarly effective, but let's face it, if the stock platter were indeed "a serious bit of engineering", those modifications wouldn't have such a dramatic effect, would they?

For me, the ONLY really serious bit of engineering on the Techy (in its stock form) is the superb quality motor unit, which is now at last being given the recognition it deserves, by for example its use as the base of the new Inspire Monarch T/T.

Marco.

[MartinT]

For me, the ONLY really serious bit of engineering on the Techy (in its stock form) is the superb quality motor unit, which is now at last being given the recognition it deserves, by for example its use as the base of the new Inspire Monarch T/T.

I would add to that the three-part sandwich plinth, which I think is excellently engineered and much underrated.

[chris@panteg]

Hi Chris,

No worries, mate. You're entitled to your opinion. Mine is rather different.

IMO, the stock platter is merely 'adequate for purpose', and no more. The Oyaide mat and record weight, however, transform it, albeit at some cost.

Aside from anything else, the sonic signature of the stock platter is not something you could live with, once you've identified it after hearing something better, which makes it a fatally flawed item for anyone with serious notions of turning the Techy into a genuine high-end T/T.

As for the Vantage mods, I'm sure that they're similarly effective, but let's face it, if the stock platter were indeed "a serious bit of engineering", those modifications wouldn't have such a dramatic effect, would they?

For me, the ONLY really serious bit of engineering on the Techy (in its stock form) is the superb quality motor unit, which is now at last being given the recognition it deserves, by for example its use as the base of the new Inspire Monarch T/T.

Marco.

Hi Marco

With respect it was a serious bit of engineering back in 1978 , Panasonic could have made it better but it was never intended to be , just a good solid semi pro deck .

Oh and i have heard the Funk platter at Whittlebury , very good but I must reserve judgment as it was with a TS bearing and psu of which i am no longer a fan

[chris@panteg]

I would add to that the three-part sandwich plinth, which I think is excellently engineered and much underrated.

I think so too Martin , in fact quite a lot of the original design has my respect

[DSJR]

One day, someone with some respect and money on here, is going to buy an SP10 and do serious upgrades to it. I still think it's the better deck potentially and ripe for further refinement

[Marco]

We'll just have to agree to disagree about the platter, Chris

Now this is when Panasonic made decent platters for the Techy (when it was originally an out-and-out 'audiophile' T/T). Note also the rather different stock tonearm:








Compare that platter to the pish (in comparison) which was supplied later with SL-1200/1210s... Observe the lovely wooden armboard, as standard, too!

Agreed about the plinth, although I suspect that this could also be bettered, which is why it's one of the areas Inspire have targeted with the Monarch.

Marco.

[DSJR]

It still rings Marco, but at least it's a fairly simple casting as the motor is fully enclosed

[Marco]

Yup, but the platter used on the SL-120 is still a rather more substantial affair than what was used later on the SL-1200.

If you examine the colour picture (above) of the SL-120 and compare it to a modern SL-1200, lack of Quartz controlled motor aside, it's not difficult to see exactly where the cost cutting took place when the latter was later adapted for DJ use!

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

Yep, The sonic signature of the stock platter becomes apparent as you go along the upgrade path for sure, as it is the one thing that wont go until ?!!?... I think (but not certain) that it contributes to the slightly shouty presentation the otherwise great Techie can have. I've upgraded the feet (Isonoes) added the KAB Fluid damper to help with any arm related resonances and have a damn good cart on board. With all these mods combined my MK5g has transformed and draws great levels of detail and a nice sense of realism from the vinyl. That said the one thing that remains is likely the platters 'signature', hence I'd love to try the Funk or any platter for that matter that is deemed to 'definately' get rid of this shouty signature. (I'm not convinced that the arm in my system is a big contributory factor to the shoutiness as there is just too much detail that the arm is allowing the cart to protray - well that's my theory lol). Anyway, a genuine 'upgrade' platter that doesn't cost the sort of money that everyday folk like myself just dont have readily available (Priorities = Mortgage, Wife kids, bills bills bills...) will sell by the cart load amongst us Techie audio nuts

[Marco]

You're completely correct, Robert. It's precisely that "shouty", unrefined, sonic signature you describe (of the stock platter) which so badly infects the sound of a standard SL-1200 or 1210.

Unfortunately, the stock tonearm is similarly afflicted, although not to such a noticeable extent, if one sticks to using MM, or (budget) high-output MC cartridges.

Marco.