Technics Bearing Mod

[Dave Cawley]

Hi Marco

As you know 'bang for my buck' does not work for me. If I had the money I would have a £100K Continuum or Goldman right away. What does work for me is "the best I can sensibly afford"

The SP-10 will always be a holistically better deck, the chassis and platter are already so good, and you can get a 12" arm to work. But there is no 'bang for buck' it's a lot of money for a small improvement.

I suggest we start a SP-10 thread? And move posts 47 onwards to it?

Regards

Dave

[Marco]

Hi Dave,

Interesting... Yes, we do differ when it comes to SPPV. I too value superb engineering and genuine innovation, and will pay for it, but only when it directly translates into a level of audio performance which is far and away superior to that available elsewhere. I don't buy hi-fi equipment as an ornament.

Each to his or her own and all that

Anyway, the bearing thing is one to ponder. In terms of my SP10 situation, I'll have to weigh things up and decide what to do

Marco.

[DSJR]

Of all the highest end turntables, for me it's the Continuum which promises the most, especially for the novel arm design. They can sing for £100K though, especially when the standard of the bits of black plastic most often played is taken into consideration. We don't all like many of the direct cut's that were made, despite them proving once and for all how good vinyl *could* be - in my opinion....

[MartinT]

We don't all like many of the direct cut's that were made

Not to mention half-speed masters. I have a so-called Audiophile half-speed master of Supertramp's Breakfast in America which sounds truly awful.

[DSJR]

Half speed masters improve the treble - or should, but bass suffers, as it does with DMM cuts, which have everything below 40Hz removed to stop mod-noise on the cutter.

Some of the best "commercial" vinyl cuts were many of the 1980's 12" singles cut at 45rpm. Quite often, the limiters were switched off and the wider, deeper grooves could handle the extra bass. Some of the better 33rpm "singles" are pretty good too IMO, as long as they don't go much over the 15 minute mark per side.

[Marco]

Of all the highest end turntables, for me it's the Continuum which promises the most, especially for the novel arm design.

I agree. Of all the 'stupid money' turntables, it's the one which appears to have some genuinely innovative engineering inherent in its design, instead of simply being jerk-off jewellery for badge snobs.

As for buying it though at £100k... Well let's put it this way: if it outperformed an SP10 (with SP10 Time Step PSU) to the same degree as said SP10 outperformed, say, a Rega P3, then I might consider selling one of the houses I own outright to raise the necessary capital

However, as the laws of diminishing returns are likely to put paid to any notions of that, I think my assets are safe for the time being!

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

Some of the best "commercial" vinyl cuts were many of the 1980's 12" singles cut at 45rpm.

Absolutely agree - I've got a lot of 80s 12" singles and in the main they are exquisite - I'm surprised my German copy The Cure - A Forest isn't worn through it gets played so much (what a track - I'm even planning a 30th Birthday party for it next March!)

[Dave Cawley]

Hi Marco

I agree. Of all the 'stupid money' turntables, it's the one which appears to have some genuinely innovative engineering inherent in its design, instead of simply being jerk-off jewellery for badge snobs. I'm glad you agree with me!

As for buying it though at £100k... Well let's put it this way: if it outperformed an SP10 (with SP10 Time Step PSU) to the same degree as said SP10 outperformed, say, a Rega P3, then I might consider selling one of the houses I own outright to raise the necessary capital Go see your estate agent tomorrow, honest!

Dave

[Marco]

Hi Dave,

Have you done a direct comparison with your SP10?

Marco.

[Dave Cawley]

Within a day yes! Have you heard one? You really should.

I don't buy hi-fi equipment as an ornament.

Each to his or her own and all that

Did I say that I did?????? Where did this come from?


Dave