Gromit's music centre...

[Gromit]

Aint it just !!

Absolutely - even though it sounded very good at Scalford, despite being set in the headshell for the 1210, I've spent 15 mins or so lining it up spot-on this afternoon and it's now singing its little heart out. Soundstage (which is usually way down my list of priorities tbh) is just massive, slightly leaner in the bass perhaps than the 1210 but oh so fast...it grooves like a b*stard this one.

[Danijel]

Absolutely - even though it sounded very good at Scalford, despite being set in the headshell for the 1210, I've spent 15 mins or so lining it up spot-on this afternoon and it's now singing its little heart out. Soundstage (which is usually way down my list of priorities tbh) is just massive, slightly leaner in the bass perhaps than the 1210 but oh so fast...it grooves like a b*stard this one.

Hi Richard,

the PS-6750 T/T is a real beauty, don't you think . I hope that you'll sort out the problems with yours quickly, so that you can enjoy it, just like I enjoy mine .

What do you think of the 2M Black cartridge in combination with the PS-6750? I have the Denon DL-103R at the moment, and I love it (with some extra weight on the original Sony SH-150H headshell, and additional counter-weight).
I'm waiting right now for the aluminium body for the DL-103R and for the Nagaoka magnesium headshell which is heavier than Sony's HS, so I'll try that combination really soon.

If you are interested, you can find pictures of my T/T and my system(s) in this thread:http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18333

Enjoy and best regards,
Danijel

[Gromit]

Some more 'Jap Crap' has just arrived courtesy of an X303ES CD player...



I just love this Sony ES stuff - to think that I'd poo-poo'd anything that was designed and built east of Lowestoft for years and years (especially amplifiers) and only really had respect for Aiwa & Nakamichi cassette decks...

[hoopsontoast]

Looking good! Was tempted by another 770ES or 808ES but decided to go down another route!
The Sony ES stuff really is still a bargain in the UK, not so much over in Germany.

[Gromit]

The Sony ES stuff really is still a bargain in the UK, not so much over in Germany.

Certainly seems that way Rob - a few ES items have gone for good money on eBay recently, notably 'our' 670ES, but there are still some absolute crackers available for very little money. For the sonics on offer, they do represent serious bargains. Can't believe I got my amp, the matching 570ES tuner, and now the 303ES CD player for about 200 quid.

Now, if I could only find a PS-8750 turntable I'd be one very happy chap.

[hoopsontoast]

Bargain!

[DSJR]

I doubt many PS 8750's were sold in the UK, sadly. T'was one heck of a nice turntable, compared favourably with an Lp12/Grace 707 back then and I'd love to hear one today with modern cartridges and supports....

[Gromit]

I doubt many PS 8750's were sold in the UK, sadly. T'was one heck of a nice turntable, compared favourably with an Lp12/Grace 707 back then and I'd love to hear one today with modern cartridges and supports....

Indeed Dave - I've only ever seen one for sale in the UK, and it sold for something itro £450 if I remember correctly. If I hadn't needed the cash I'd still have my PS-6750 (along with the Royds) which was a gorgeous thing. I'd got my 1210 singing quite nicely, just where I wanted it in fact - to have really given it a leap in performance would've meant serious outlay - but the Sony was demonstrably superior. An outcome attested to by the 3 chaps in my room at Scalford.

Come the spring - when I'll be a lot more flush - I'm hoping to go TT shopping and will be seeking out something similar, possibly even going to the lengths of importing a big Pioneer from Japan if it comes to it.

Talking of Sonys though - any views/experience of the PS-X7? It certainly borrows quite heavily from the 6/8750 in terms of motor unit but is a full auto. I was <this> close to going for a very nice one on eBay a couple of weeks ago but couldn't quite press the BiN button. TVK certainly sings its praises.

[hoopsontoast]

Richard, how you getting on with the Kolts, managed to plug them in yet?

[Marco]

Hi Richard,

I'd got my 1210 singing quite nicely, just where I wanted it in fact - to have really given it a leap in performance would've meant serious outlay - but the Sony was demonstrably superior. An outcome attested to by the 3 chaps in my room at Scalford.

I think we've been here before, and I don't doubt what you heard: I'd have probably heard the same thing myself!

However, in the interests of balance, and also for the benefit of those reading, who are not so experienced in these matters, and who may jump to the wrong conclusions after reading what you've written, I think it's important that we put your observations into a proper (and indeed, fair) context.

The PS-8750 would've been built at the time as a 'no compromise' audiophile design, and in its day, correct me if I'm wrong, was also rather more expensive than an SL-1200/1210. Therefore, much like the Pioneer PL-71, it already had the foundation ('DNA'), call it what you will, to be a better turntable than the Technics. There is only one part of an SL-1200/1210 which could be considered as a 'no compromise' design, or at least extremely high quality, given the engineering prowess of the turntable overall, and that's the motor unit. Everything else supplied as standard on an SL-1200/1210 was 'built to a price', although I'd argue that the plinth is also of high quality and very well thought out.

Therefore, I'm not surprised that even your (partially) modified Technics was still outclassed by the Sony. I can't remember also if the same cartridge was used on both T/Ts, or whether there were any other variables, liable to have given the Sony a slight advantage, when the comparison took place? I seem to remember that there was something... Anyway, as the Sony was fundamentally better engineered than the Techy that you had, the only way the playing field would've been levelled (or more likely the Technics gaining a possible advantage) would've been if your Techy had been fitted with a higher quality bearing (Mike New) and a better platter (either Mike New or Funk Firm).

It's been said time and time again, and quite correctly, that both those items are fundamental in allowing the Technics to 'grow up' and become a genuine high-end turntable. If you look at the Sony, it's quite obvious that it has a better platter than the stock Technics one, and I'd bet if you looked under the hood, the bearing (and also that used on the Pioneer PL-71) would have been engineered to a higher standard than that found on a stock SL-1200 or 1210. Therefore, in my opinion, it was for those two reasons, mainly, why the Sony outperformed your Technics.

I stand by my view, however, and it's backed up by considerable experience, that when you take the Techy 'all the way' (as Martin and I, and others have done), albeit granted at some cost, then it leaves behind most other direct-drive T/Ts (certainly the ones I've heard), and I include the SP10 (in stock form) in that, and certainly a Pioneer PL-71. The only direct-drive turntable I've heard which rivals my modded Techy, and that arguably outperforms it, is the Kenwood L-07D.

On that score, I need to visit my friend again, who owns one of the latter, and do the comparison, now that my Techy has been taken to the highest level of modification possible (save re-capping the PCB, the sonic benefits of which are yet unknown). It's all about gaining the necessary knowledge through the practical experience of listening; one cannot be qualified to judge such matters otherwise, and I love testing my T/T against the best!

As I've said before too, but it's worth reiterating, the ONLY reason that the Techy is chosen for modification ahead of other very well engineered direct-drive T/Ts of the day, is because much more of them were made. Therefore, it was a case of availability, and also the fact that up until recently you could obtain new ones, rather than taking the chance of buying a 30+ year old Jap D/D T/T, where any manner of things could go wrong, or perhaps were already wrong. Remember that not everyone is comfortable messing about with electronics or doing DIY....

Factor in the above and also that there is now a significant infrastructure in place for modifying an SL-1200 or 1210, to the hilt, and it becomes a no-brainer why it's Techies people are mostly buying, and not PL-71s or any other quality Japanese D/D turntable from the 70s. Therefore, contrary to what some may think (and you know who you are), there is no 'fanboyism' here, merely inevitable practicality!

Returning to the Sony and your intention of importing an 'uber' Jap T/T (possibly a Pioneer Exclusive P3a, if that's what you're hinting at?) I would urge you to do so, as I think that it would be a phenomenal turntable, most certainly one that I'd love to hear for myself, and above all, give us all something interesting and new to talk about, instead of 'chuntering on' about our beloved Techies!! My advice, just DO IT, brovva

Marco.