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Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2017 2:26 pm
by Wolfe
Technics is also bringing back a version of the SP-10.

https://news.panasonic.co.uk/technics-a ... le-sp-10r/

Original SP-10's have long had a place with collectors of vintage discs. But they aren't getting any younger, the speed control electronics are apt to go on the fritz with some of them.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:52 pm
by Wolfe
WDC wrote:
Wolfe wrote:Seems to resemble closely the current Stanton ST-150. They're made in the same factory, I believe. The original Stanton ST-150 was all metal, and weighed over 40 pounds. The current model (MK 2) is about half that. They may retain the same high torque motor. High torque is best for spinnin' 78's.
Just checked detailed photo of the ST-150 and yes, it's very close and surely made at the same factory. The S-tonearm is exactly the one I have and fortunately has the similar geometry to the SL-1210. That makes switching pickups quite easy. Also the maximum torque is ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 kg/cm, exactly the same.

It is quite interesting, that both the SL-1210 MK2 and later turntables have the same specs at 0,025% WRMS and -78 dB rumble as the new SL-1200GR. The original Technics design for the upper torque drive had expired, which is the reason for the other brands that are now on the market. Only the torque is higher at 2.2 kg/cm compared to 1.5 kg/cm. So, the main reason for the new upper torque design was likely a new patent protection for Panasonic.
I bought an ST-150 (S- arm) last week, a lightly used original model that has the steel upper part of the base / plinth. Been playing with it for a week. It's quite nice. Very solid, heavy, 42 pounds. 3 speed, 8 / 25 / 50 % pitch control. Adjustable tonearm height, interchangeable headshell, etc. It sounds very good, too. I'm pleased. Would recommend highly for the price range. Should be in range of 600 dollars or less, used. Does not come with a dustcover. I was able to kipe one off another old TT I had that happened to fit.

Can't speak the for the new MK2 150's. They appear to be the same, though. Except for replacing the steel with aluminum.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:48 pm
by WDC
Wolfe wrote:Should be in range of 600 dollars or less, used.
It's quite remarkable how the prices for these turntables went up over the last few years. I paid €389 for my RP-6000 about four years ago.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 11:47 am
by Phototone
At the heavier tracking weights (over 2 grams) that you would normally play back older records, anti-skate just isn't needed.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 7:06 am
by WDC
I wouldn't fully agree to that as the skating force increases with additional weight. A normal 78rpm record in good condition will normally play fine indeed, but as soon as you have a record with problems or less grip (Pathé anyone?), you will be thankful to have anti-skating available.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 2:26 pm
by Wolfe
I've found the common Shure M78S stylus the most successful at playing vertically cut Pathé discs of anything I own. I think it's the compliant cantilever on the thing.

I know I could just buy an 8.0 mil stylus or whatever, but it's something I would use infrequently.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 3:32 pm
by Wolfe
WDC wrote:The SL-1200GR is a great quality piece. But since I already have my SL-1210 M3D for vinyl, few years before they re-introduced the Technics, I got myself the Reloop RP-6000: http://www.reloop.com/reloop-rp-6000-mk6-ltd

It has a load of interesting features. What got me hooked was the +/- 50% pitch control, which allows me to natively play anything from 16 ⅔ to 117 rpm. This was quite helpful with a set of 5" Berliner records. I use the reverse feature quite rarely but it comes in handy with nasty scratches that tend let the needle skip over the groove. Usually then, a record can be played back in reverse without any issues. I also modified the turntable by putting the transformer into an external box, which improved it further and I am quite happy with it. The switches have an excellent quality, not flimsy at all and the top part of the case is all metal.
Technics have a couple of new 'tables out : https://www.technics.com/us/news/20190107-sl-1200mk7/

The SL-1200MK7 is 78 rpm capable, with 16 % pitch adjustment, and will be below the price of the GR. Since the GR is around 1700 dollars, the MK 7 may represent a more real world option for some who desire a high quality unit to play 78's.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 11:55 am
by WDC
Very interesting indeed, the specs reveal some hints where they further reduced production costs. The MK7 platter has a weight of 1.8kg instead of 2.5kg (GR) and the MK7 starting torque is 0.18N・m / 1.8kg・cm instead of 2.2kg. Otherwise, the specs for WRMS are at the usual 0.025%, like the whole SL series (which is good news).

According to a different website 78rpm will require to be set via the main unit switch, which is usually underneath the platter. It could mean that you either have to select 45 or 78rpm. Apparently, they had to avoid any additional buttons so that they could use the very same aluminum bedplate. Maybe the MK7 has a different (cheaper) microcontroller that allows fewer features. The rumor of the MK7 price point is € 900, but hasn't been confirmed yet.

I see no reason why the MK7 should not make a fantastic turntable as well, still outperform most of other wobbly belt-drive luxury models. Last year I also upgraded to the SL-1200GR and have no regrets, a top-class turntable for any record that fits on it. I also have kept my SL-1210 M3D, can't really part with it.

I bet that Panasonic lost a great margin over the years mostly to Hanpin.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:54 pm
by Wolfe
Probably 1200 dollars for the MK7.

https://www.pocket-lint.com/speakers/ne ... -turntable

78 ability is activated by flicking a dip switch beneath the platter.

Re: My First Modern Turntable - Brunswick Charleston Video

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 11:11 pm
by drh
Wolfe wrote:Technics is also bringing back a version of the SP-10.

https://news.panasonic.co.uk/technics-a ... le-sp-10r/

Original SP-10's have long had a place with collectors of vintage discs. But they aren't getting any younger, the speed control electronics are apt to go on the fritz with some of them.
Apparently it will sell for around $10,000. An upscale version will be double that. https://www.stereophile.com/content/tec ... turntables

Looks as if they continue the practice of displaying deviations from "standard" speed as a figure in per cent, not an absolute value, meaning if you want to set, say, 84 RPM, you need to do some math. I'm not quite sure why manufacturers take this approach, but most seem to.