New Composite Platter for SL1200s from Mike New

[Mike_New]

Ok you've got me.
I have ordered two black blanks and will machine one with no inserts, and post it to Martin.
I have one question, the Platters can be machined to be much thicker, as I indicated in my original post. The one shown sits approx 12mm above the top of the chassis. What height above the chassis do you require? to accomodate VTA.

[MartinT]

I'll measure it tonight, Mike. Remember I have the base plate which makes it sit slightly higher.

[WOStantonCS100]

In the image shown, the platter surface is 17mm above the top of the
chassis...

That's right about where I measure the surface of my record mat (Technics heavy mat) with the MN bearing installed. I don't have a base plate, though.

[Marco]

I'll measure it tonight, Mike. Remember I have the base plate which makes it sit slightly higher.

Remember that I don't!

It's not so bad, in terms of VTA, now that I've got a deeply recessed armboard, as there is plenty of adjustment with my arm and cartridge. But it wasn't always so, and most people will be using 'normal' armboards, therefore that needs to be accounted for.

However, I reckon something around 2 inches thicker than the Funk platter would be good, so I'd measure what that is and then add on a couple of inches

Mike,

Are the inserts not there for a sonic purpose? If not, then removing them is fine.

In terms of the exact colour of black for the platter, please match it with the colour of the black Funk Achromat. What you want is for the mat and your platter to blend into one, just like it does on my T/T currently, as both Martin and I will be sticking a black Achromat on top of your platter.

If you get the colour right, it will also match perfectly with the black top plate of the SL-1210.

Oh, and in terms of platter thickness, make sure that there's sufficient spindle length (on one of your bearings) to accommodate the platter, a 5mm Achromat, a thick 180g record, if necessary, and a record clamp or weight.

Looking at this picture:





There appears to be precious little spindle clearance, even without a mat or record on top.

In fact, thinking about it, for that to happen your platter must already be quite a bit thicker than the Funk one is...?

Mmm... In that case, as I'd definitely want to try your platter in conjunction with an Achromat (as I suspect Martin will), you'll probably have to make the black one you're sending us thinner, to accommodate that and also a thick record and weight or clamp.

Nice one - it should be interesting!

Marco.

[Mike_New]

With this material the inserts would not produce any sonic change, they were purely for aesthetic purposes.
I have no control over the colour, this is determined by the manufacturers.
The platter is shown mounted onto a standard bearing not my Bearing which has a longer spindle. I will put one of my bearings into the MK3 and re-issue the iamge.

The platter you see was machined from a blank which was initially 30mm (1.2") thick

What you must remember is that different types of platter will demand different mats to extract the optimum sonic performance. An Alluminium/Copper platter would respond differently to a non-metalic platter when combined with the various mats available I am sure.

I have used the same principle of using a Brass central boss machined with the spindle taper, as I believe that the very fine taper if machined into non-metalic materials could cause the taper to stretch over time.

[Marco]

Hi Mike,

With this material the inserts would not produce any sonic change, they were purely for aesthetic purposes.

Cool, no worries.

I have no control over the colour, this is determined by the manufacturers.

Ok, but perhaps you could send the manufacturers your Achromat (I believe that you have one) and ask them to match the platter to the same colour?

Either that or send them a nice quality colour picture of an SL-1210 and tell them you'd like the platter to match the top-plate (or ask them to look at one on-line and match the colour there as closely as possible)?

I know I'm a fussy bugger, but one of the reasons why the black Funk platter works on the SL-1210 is because, aesthetically, it looks so bloody good!

The platter is shown mounted onto a standard bearing not my Bearing which has a longer spindle. I will put one of my bearings into the MK3 and re-issue the iamge.

That would be good, as I would definitely need sufficient room to accommodate a 5mm Achromat, 180g record (if necessary) and a record weight on top.

What you must remember is that different types of platter will demand different mats to extract the optimum sonic performance. An Alluminium/Copper platter would respond differently to a non-metalic platter when combined with the various mats available I am sure.

Indeed, and we will try it with records directly on top of the platter, and see what happens. But if possible, I would definitely like provision in place, in terms of available spindle length, to also try it with an Achromat, together with all the other bits I mentioned.

Marco.

[Artifolk]

Could this be the platter to end all platters for the Techy?
I don't know but with so many options this surely is moving in the right direction.

For review purposes would it not be to our advantages to start with Mikes Standard version to fit his Bearing? Then if it gets rave reviews( Marco/Martin) move on to the custom stages and see what can really be achieved ?

We all could be onto a winner here, taking the Techy to even greater heights.


I'll get me coat!

[Wakefield Turntables]

Could this be the platter to end all platters for the Techy?

Prolly not.

[john diamond]

Hey Marco, it seems to me that your playing favouritism, where is the funk firm platter review? and your going to review mike new's platter?

You should be less political in your position, or are you in cahoots?


How would mike new like it if his bearing was reproduced but out of aluminium - that's a different material isn't it? I bet he would be cheesed off?

Rexton - another point to consider is a company like mike new sells direct, getting double bubble, and a company like the funk firm and other Hi-Fi design companies have dealers and there margins and do not sell direct........

So my question, is it that mike new's products are too much money or is it that the funk firm and other Hi-Fi companies, are to cheap?

And before I'm blinded with science about how precisely engineered your tolerances are, and how exotic the materials are, please do not underestimate my understanding of buying metals, ceramics, woods and plastics and machining them, whether it be by hand, or on the latest computerised numerical controlled machine.

[Marco]

Hey Marco, it seems to me that your playing favouritism, where is the funk firm platter review? and your going to review mike new's platter?

You should be less political in your position, or are you in cahoots?

Lol! To be honest, I shouldn't be laughing, but that's bloody ridiculous!!

Mike's platter will be listened to and commented on here, informally, like Arthur's has, but whether it will be properly reviewed is another matter entirely. Doing that properly takes time - time which many of us currently don't have.

I have to laugh at people who just sit back and wait for others to do all the work for them.... We've got lives to lead, too, and don't get paid to do reviews!

If you want a review of a particular platter, buy one and do your own, or back off and have the patience to wait

Marco.