Technics Bearing Mod

[StanleyB]

Looking at the technical design construction of that new bearing, I would expect it to be at least a few decibels more detailed than the standard cast bearing. I wouldn't mind trying one with an oil filled mat. -85dB SNR or better looks a distinct possibility. That's Red Book CD territory, but without the missing bits.

[Themis]

Which missing bits ? The ones dropped at the remaster ?

[StanleyB]

Which missing bits ? The ones dropped at the remaster ?

In the A to D conversion process. If you listen to an Ampex tape, a vinyl cut, and a CD pressed from it, a complex orchestral piece can sound wildly different.
This bearing could be a Caiman beater.

[Themis]

Hmmm... I'm sure Dave all-amplifiers-sound-the-same Clark would think different...

(all this reminds me once more how good tapes sound )

[MartinT]

Mike New bearing now ordered. Can't wait to test it out!

[DSJR]

Mr Cawley sir, I cannot get the link to load. Every time I try it, I get the "Internet explorer cannot display the webpage...). What am I doing wrongly??????

[Marco]

Hi Dave,

As StanleyB always says "I let my customers do the talking"

But yes have auditioned all three on the same deck in the space of 90 minutes. On my bearing the bass is even more solid in a dry, articulate and faster sort of way, as you may expect; the timing/smearing is slightly improved and long piano notes are even smoother. This all comes about because of the better bearing, and especially because there is about twice the surface area, so the platter only does what it should. Mikes bearing is arguably better than the SP-10 and it shows, it is like mine only even more so, relentless electric music from Kraftwerk has metronome timing and classical music on direct cut Sheffield Labs is sublime, musical notes hold their own as if you were in the front row.

Well done - this is excellent and the first time I've seen you write that way! I think you should include that information on your website (or at least an edited version of it)

It's important to remember, Dave, that the majority of your target customers are primarily interested in the audible sonic effects you detect with your modifications through any comparisons carried out; the fact that they're subjective doesn't matter. People will still be able to relate to what you're describing, and it's this which piques their interest.

I expect customers to comment soon?

I await Martin's report with great interest!

Marco.

[MartinT]

I await Martin's report with great interest!

Admission time: the GCPH is no longer doing it for me. It's not the sound quality, which is very good. The problem is that it hums and I cannot do anything to reduce a low level but still annoying hum when playing at my normal playback volume. The hum changes with gain and volume control setting and seems intrinsic to the circuit design. No amount of cable swapping and repositioning makes a damned difference to that hum, which now that I'm aware of it I cannot stop from irritating me.

What I want to do, therefore, is sort my phono stage before I receive the new bearing so that I can make the best possible before-and-after comparison. I'm in discussion with Dave C about a possible swap to the Whest PS.30R.

I'll let you know how that goes and will report on the new bearing in due course.

[Ammonite Audio]

Admission time: the GCPH is no longer doing it for me. It's not the sound quality, which is very good. The problem is that it hums and I cannot do anything to reduce a low level but still annoying hum when playing at my normal playback volume. The hum changes with gain and volume control setting and seems intrinsic to the circuit design. No amount of cable swapping and repositioning makes a damned difference to that hum, which now that I'm aware of it I cannot stop from irritating me....................

That's interesting. My GCPH is as quiet as a tomb; much better than the Trichord Dino/Dino+ that it replaced.

[REM]

I was on the blower to Dave ordering my MN bearing last night as MartinT was posting here about ordering his, looks like anyone considering this had better get their order in quick.