emt 950, technics sp10 - direct drive sound

Dear Curio: As you point out the cartridge alignment was different for those two set-up ( big difference ) but not only that two different tonearms too and two same cartridges ( that believe me are a little different between them. ) and I can asume two different platter TT mat.

IMHO all those " different " everything preclude a precise, absolute and " honest /fair " comparison for either TT and makes comments on it useless at least for Lohan who between other things are asking about/against the SP-10.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Lohan: From the point of view of quality performance on DD TTs IMHO I think that some models like the ones you name it are very good performers along other units out there.
I can say that the Technics SP-10 ( either MK2 or 3 ), Denon DP-80/75/100, EMT 950 ( there are other EMT models. ), Yamaha's, Kenwood, Rockport, Monaco and the like are a very good alternative as is too very good alternative the BD systems. Btw, very difficult to say which is better, IMHO I like to think on it like a " different " alternatives " where each one has its own trade-offs.

Now, what makes a difference between the quality performance in those DD units including the ones you ask are not only the tonearm/cartridge combination but the plynth ( in the case of SP-10s different plinth different performance even in my cas I don't use a plinth. ), Mat and how deal the TT against its own and outside vibrations/resonances.

I think that every single DD owner ( any model ) has its own ( different ) opinion that is person/system dependent.

Try to find other EMT owners to find out how to achieve the best on an EMT TT, IMHO I think that could be the best you can make because a comparison against other no EMT TT's are useless when your unit is not even " running ".

I think that you have to give time to your EMT " put on target " work then the set-up with your tonearm/cartridge choose then understand what is happening then try to enjoy it and latter to think if the SP-10 or other DD could beat it in your own environment: well at least this is what I will make it in your place.

Good luck with your EMT task.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Just checking in to see how your EMT950 restoration went and whether a new thread has been started on the subject elsewhere. I just found this thread by accident, but all things EMT are of great interest to me. I own a 950 and a 930st (incidentally, I also have an SP10mkII, but to me the main interest here is the EMT side of the discussion, and not the comparisons to other brands). I have done some restoration work on my 950, with some (remote) help from Hans-Michael, and perhaps some of my experience could be of interest to others. I have some pictures I took during the process as well.

Well - this is my Taj Mahal - and it's a bit like the black one that was not built.

Simply put - I got an emt 929 arm, and then I got the iron plinth stripped.

GEtting the plinth stripped is a BAD BAD BAD move. what happened was becasue it is cast iron - as soon as it is was stripped the surface - by reason of being in a slightly moist atmosphere at the strippers - oxidised on the surface.

I have located an iron worker specialist - and they reckon they'll be able to strip and put on an undercoat - the problem with this is that they are on leave until August!

I am currently in the process of a house move - so it's all a bit tedious.

My wife, in her infinite wisdom chucked away some of my dismantling notes - I must say they were like hyrogliphics - but I am a bit annoyed, because i may well have to make a call to hans fabritius while i carry out the works.

So all is not well.

But I am very hopeful, becasue hans fabritius did sort out the electrics - so onwards and upwards.

In addition to this I am gonna have sufficient house space soon!

Well - I said I will do an update!
After getting the paint stripped off, it formed a fine layer of rust. I have just applied some liberon rust remover, and with some elbow grease - dremel and a wire brush - it is now showing the steely bare metal.