The Mike New Technics Bearing

[Marco]

I really don't see how the chassis/bearing interface flexes enough under normal use to warrant a bonded on structural upgrade - the key words being normal use. There are very minor forces acting on the bearing when playing vinyl. These forces are comfortably within the operating limits of the materials and fasteners used.

Well, as they say, the 'proof of the pudding is in the listening'.... In that respect, the cumulative effect, sonically, of fitting a BBP to an MN bearing is far from subtle.

I understand the whole concept of rigidity, and I understand that the BBP will help this, but you need to ensure that it is bonded squarely to the chassis.

Indeed, and that issue is tackled very clearly in the fitting instructions and addressed by the supplied Whit bolts.

As for the armboard, I would need to talk to Speedy Steve about a version standard Technics arm, and then have the fun of stripping everything down to fit the board, and reassembling it, all for what is probably a subtle upgrade?

Well, for me the upgrade produced by fitting one of Steve's beautifully crafted ebony armboards was about as 'subtle' as upgrading the stock tonearm cable on my Ortofon arm for one from Yannis!

However, the improvement, musically, was of a rather different nature.

Marco.

[Marco]

Has it been fitted with Hylomar Blue?

No, Jazzbones used that. I used the strongest available type of Araldite.

Marco.

[CageyH]

It's just as well you like it then.

[Marco]

Indeed... Frankly, I couldn't see how it would've made things worse (furthermore, I had heard Martin T's modded Techy umpteen times, which sounded fantastic, despite or because of the BBP), so decided to give it a go - and I'm delighted that I did!!

The results of the 'before & after' listening tests, conducted at Anthony's place (where afterwards no variables other than the BBP had entered the equation), also proved that fitting one was a no brainer.

Marco.

[YNWaN]

I admire what Qwin has done, and I'm sure it sounds great. However, for me, it's a 'bridge too far', particularly when I like the design principles (and sonic signature) of the stock plinth.

All I'm planning to do now is have the pitch control (and associated buttons) removed from the top-plate, and replace the top-plate itself with a black carbon-fibre one (like Floyddroid's), in order for the T/T to look 'cleaner', aesthetically.

I'm really surprised you feel like that as you have already changed every component other than the plinth and the motor. If I was looking to mod the Technics the first thing I would do is rebuild the plinth! Personally, I wouldn't make it from concrete, or veneer it, but many roads lead to paradise.

I'm also surprised you say you like the sonic signature of the standard plinth - how do you know without trying any alternatives to it? Perhaps you would feel differently if one of your preferred manufactures of Techie mods produced one...

[Marco]

Perhaps, especially if if the modification was offered as being reversible!

Also, if someone else whose modded Techincs and system I knew well (say Martin T or DarrenHW) were to go down that route, and I liked what I heard when comparing their T/Ts to mine, in their systems (or in my own), I'd be much more inclined to modify the plinth, as the process and sonic results achievable would be less of an unknown factor. Otherwise, it's simply not something I'd be willing to take a punt on.

I also happen to think that the stock plinth is well thought out and executed, and once free from being influenced by restrictive factors elsewhere within the design of the T/T, is significantly responsible for producing a sound that I like.

Essentially, the plinth certainly doesn't seem to be doing anything wrong, to my ears, or indeed significantly holding back its performance such that it is unable to compete with some of today's top T/T designs, in some cases which cost many thousands of pounds more than I've spent on my T/T....

Marco.

[YNWaN]

I'm not keen on the big rubber boot element of the plinth - but who knows, without experimenting, it may actually be ideal. The plinth is a reasonably simple construct - in terms of concept rather than realisation - a die-cast aluminium top with a large rubberised base screwed to it. It would be interesting to see if removing the rubber base sounded different/better/worse.

I would have thought any plinth would be a reversible mod as it all screws and bolts to the plinth - not so much if bits of it are now glued I suppose.

[costerdock]

Perhaps, especially if if the modification was offered as being reversible!

Also, if someone else whose modded Techincs and system I knew well (say Martin T or DarrenHW) were to go down that route, and I liked what I heard when comparing their T/Ts to mine, in their systems (or in my own), I'd be much more inclined to modify the plinth, as the process and sonic results achievable would be less of an unknown factor. Otherwise, it's simply not something I'd be willing to take a punt on.

I also happen to think that the stock plinth is well thought out and executed, and once free from being influenced by restrictive factors elsewhere within the design of the T/T, is significantly responsible for producing a sound that I like.

Essentially, the plinth certainly doesn't seem to be doing anything wrong, to my ears, or indeed significantly holding back its performance such that it is unable to compete with some of today's top T/T designs, in some cases which cost many thousands of pounds more than I've spent on my T/T....

Marco.

Not to mention the M5G is a very beautiful table on its own - so doing it to make it look more woodsy - doesn't make a whole lot of sense - besides that I cannot see the plinth really holding it back soundwise.

[YNWaN]

There's no logic there TBH, the plinth isn't holding it back but literally everything else is.

[Marco]

Well, the motor unit certainly isn't, that's for sure!

We'll have to agree to disagree, Mark, about the plinth. I've got quite a few years experience now of modding the Technics, and so have a good handle on its strengths and weaknesses, and IMO, the plinth doesn't qualify as being one of the latter.

However, the bottom line for me, however you cut it, is that plinth included, and especially after the BBP has been fitted, this Techy is capable of competing with the very best.

That was the case beforehand (based on the evidence produced by various comparisons), but even more so now. I'd honestly love to take it round some high-end dealers, and put it up against the best T/Ts that they had (I wouldn't care what they were or how much they cost), just to see what would happen!!

Incidentally, the other thing I should mention is that the Denon DL-S1 cartridge has been an utter revelation......

Marco.