New Turntable Advice

To bring my most recent info full circle. 

The M-S DDX 1500 comfortably sits in the $3K for a Deck Only used item market

Not too long ago on this Forum where some posters in this Thread contributed to a Thread about the DDX 1500.

The OP was a 1500 user and also claimed to own a immaculate Nak' CT Dragon.

The OP although enjoying using the Dragon was more keen to keep the 1500 as the most used TT.

I have introduced the forum again to a Vinyl Source enthusiast who's experiences of equipment and knowledge of equipments function is not easy to surpass.

This person suggests Parity between the SR 510 and DDX 1500.

Another was not giving the Nak' CT Dragon a place over the DDX 1500.

I would suggest enough is on the table to generate a spark of interest, which in my world of solving great equations is exponential as the alternative of creating a spark of doubt. 

Hopefully Inquisitivness and Venturism is being stimulated. 

 

@badbruno I am one of the demographic you have discouraged from posting, as Subjective Analysis is my thing, as for some reason I am recognised having a discerning ear and a system that pretty much reveals the nuances as each layer of the Onion is revealed.

I know lots of Techie' Info, but am not at liberty to discuss it publicly it is not my IP.

Other who you encourage to partake, are in the larger volume with a business interest and can only be limited with their IP, how far that extends beyond Manufacturers Published Data and investigation of those performance measurements I can't forecast.

I don't see much more evolving as there are lookers in, that like to steal ideas for their own remuneration purposes.

I can be easily wrong though, back to my Earl Grey and Cucumber Sandwich.      

 

The maximum industry standard for the Tolerance of an LP Pressing to allow  for an Off Centre Spindle is 0.2mm.

Do LP Pressing creep in excess of 0.2mm? With the maximum being  0.2mm, the liklihood is not overly concerning. 

Do LP Pressings have a dimension less than 0.2mm? The lilihood seems favourable to have pressing within the Industry Tolerance. 

I will leave the explaining of a negative impact of a eccentric rotation of 0.2mm or less to those who really do know its impact on a Stylus / Modulation Interface and the  produced End Sound. 

The GT 2000 is an interesting Japanese Vintage DD as it has off board electronics, which the Module containing electronics are able to be found rebuilt / redesigned as a modern Spec'. 

I have made quite a few purchases of JVDD TT's, some are Punt Purchases and have not had a Bad Experience with Imported from Japan Models where the electronics are a concern when investigated. 

I have experienced Transit Damage or been duped by Ad Info and bought a TT with a damage, where Ad Info showed an intact TT. 

As I by duplicate TT's to be used as a Donor Model, I don't get too put off, if a TT is with a aesthetic issue, discovered after delivery. 

In relation to the GT 2000, I have a SP10 MKII, produced as a Kaneta Design, this has New Electronics and as a desig shares similar design traits to the GT 2000. 

The Options really are Olden Technology with years of unknown usage vs New with a full knowledge of usage. 

My own experience with certain TT models is that Olden Technology, coupled to modern used materials for Mechanical and Electrical Interfaces is able to produce a TT that is a formidable performer, that can stand strong in any company for much less monies than a TOTR Modern Design. 

I have wrote about the impact of demo's given of my go to JVDD TT and owned Phon's in other Threads. The outcome has had profound impact on those who had the encounter. 

I'm also confident Steve Dobb's has produced  / is still producing a Kaneta Variant as well, this as a design puts the SP10 Mk II into a price range that is up with Branded New Designs that come with a price tag 3-4 x the Op's budget. 

My usually used TT Source - TT and Tonearm are in use in the US, if by chance these designs were local to the OP, I would like to think there was a Demo' that could be offered. 

From recollection one Set Up was spoken about as using a rebuilt Ortofon Cartridge and being in the Washington area, but the Down Stream System is unknown. 

With the Op's budget, a very nice TT source will be put to use. 

 

Belt Drive or Idler Drives in my experiences have an End Sound that can't be returned to where one remains contented after having been demo'd the TT's in use with a Standalone Dedicated Speed Controller. 

The issue is Standalone Speed Controller Models can easily head North of £1500.

In context I can purchase 5 x JVDD  TT's for the cost of one Standalone Speed Controller and even a working but poorly model of DD will hold its own in Speed Control against a Standalone Speed Controller costing approx' 5 x the DD TT's cost. 

Additionally there are Speed Controllers that can be used with both Belt Drive Motors and Idler Drive Motors.

Improved VFM can be had from a certain design of Standalone Speed Controller if a Belt Drive Standalone Motor is used with an ID TT that has a flat finish side wall to a Platter.

A Belt can be added and a ID TT can become a BD TT, where both drives have a very accurate Speed Control. 

I have also witnessed a DD TT, with a Platter Coupled to another Platter using a Belt. 

Was the DD's Speed Accurcy transferred  to the Coupled TT? 

It does seem like a VFM method to get another Platter rotating to a point where Speed Accuracy is quite attractive. 

If the OP really wants to experience a very satisfactory JVDD TT, the Aurex SR 520 will give them  great initial experience for a very small outlay. This TT has a huge hunk of Copper for the Stator and has substantial material used for the Stator Bowl and Bearing Housing.

There are much much more expensive Brands Model of similar vintage that are a design failure in the Stator Interface and are not offering and rigidity when torque is applied.

When the Stator Bowl has flexion from torque energies being transferred, does one think a 0.2mm pressing tolerance is a concern 🤔😂, stop kidding oneself.

Another thing of interest is that the Aurex Spindle Interface with Bushes is extremely accurate, zero play can be detected.

A few modern materials brought in to be used with the Aurex and there is a substantial DD TT being put to use, leaving the Offer Topped Up.

I own a Quad of these TT's all imported and all arrived over a period of time, inclusive of Taxes, for not much more than £600, all in.

One of these will be offered with an SME IV to my Wife, for her SS systemwhen the home is renovated.

I would not sell her short in any way she has a great ear and owns more than half the Album Collection. 

I'll 'Beat the Drum' about the Aurex SR 510 not 520 as mistakenly referred to.  

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/n1190564152/

The SR 510 was made known to me via another forum. 

The Forum Member 'Shakti' is possibly one of a handful of individuals who has encountered an unusual wealth of Analogue Sources, that are supported by a Downstream System costing much more than a $100K.

Their having experienced an extensive range of Vintage and Modern TT's where TT's are exceeding $50K and Tonearms where these have approached $50K, along with Cartridges experienced, 

that must be up in the hundreds and ranging from $1K - $20K.

When an individual explains as a stock item inclusive of Tonearm the set up was very comfortably seated along side vintage models costing 30-40+ x more as a purchase. It would be foolish not to create similar, especially as it is very affordable. 

The same individual stated that with an improved Tonearm, they expected the TT set up to be a substantial performer. 

A man with no dog in the fight sharing their impression of a TT in relation to their vast experience, can't put a negative comment, apart from suggesting a change of Tonearm will be creating something quite special. 

This TT as stated, is rigid as a structure, which has substantial benefits for the mechanical operation of the TT.

Not all JVDD TT's have such a rigid structure and this is a much unwanted condition for a mechanical operation.

A non-rigid structure when speed checked using a Standalone Strobe, will show Speed fluctuations immediately. 

Combine non-rigid structure with a Spindle that is not a perfect fitting to bushes, especially if movement is detectable (very likely), and speed fluctuation detected will be very concerning. 

Let the Doubting Thomas Types express their doubt.

Being uncertain only steers others to believing not enough experience has been had to state with conviction, what is left is mere surmise.

@badbruno I expressed interest in this Thread when you was to make the statement "  I'm worried about WoW and Flutter " and " Isn’t album runout a big deal? "

To assist with this I informed you and others of the following: 

  " The maximum industry standard for the Tolerance of an LP Pressing to allow  for an Off Centre Spindle is 0.2mm.

Do LP Pressing creep in excess of 0.2mm? With the maximum being  0.2mm, the liklihood is not overly concerning. 

Do LP Pressings have a dimension less than 0.2mm? The likelihood seems favourable to have pressing within the Industry Tolerance. "

The following will assist with my info supplied, especially as no one chimed in to help readers of the Thread get a extended learning.

______________________________________________________________ 

Playback and the Centre Hole

Even after successful pressing, the centre hole’s size continues to play a role during playback. Record players do not have a standardised pin size; most adopt a slightly smaller diameter of approximately 7.14 mm, allowing for easier record placement and removal. However, some high-end manufacturers deliberately choose diameters at the upper end of the tolerance range to ensure a snug fit.

If a record’s centre hole is on the larger side of the tolerance range and the player’s pin is on the smaller side, the record may sit slightly off-centre. This phenomenon can introduce minor pitch variations, particularly noticeable during sustained notes or slow passages. The standard limit for eccentricity (misalignment or off-centre placement of the record) is 0.127 mm in the older British standard and 0.2 mm in the European and German standards. In extreme cases, eccentricity can cause the stylus to track incorrectly, leading to unnecessary wear and potential distortion during playback.

_____________________________________________________________

As Runoff was your concern I informed on the importance of a Rigid Structure and no flexion occurring as a result of Torque producing energy that is Transferred.

Torque creating energy when transferred is able to Flex the Stator Bowl and impact on the Bearing Housing to the place where the Platter Spindle is not rotating true. The Platter Spindle Bearing Housing might be Anchored with Fastening but the flexion of the Stator Bowl is causing the Bearing Housing to Teeter.

I also informed that certain JVDD TT's and other TT's of any design and era of production can have a Platter Spindle that does not fit with no noticeable movement when in the Bearing Housing, 

Older TT's with unknown usage and Bearing Condition are candidates to have Spindles that rattles in when in their bearing housing, in some cases the rattle can be created to be audible.

A spindle that has Slop will not be ubiquitous, the spacing created by the wear or shoddy fitting of the interface are to be broad in their dimensions.

When a Teetering Bearing Housing is occurring and a Spindle is rotating that has Slop, the impact on the End Sound is dire, I know this condition well and also know it very well as a corrected condition.

The impression the End Sound is able to make when corrected makes a TT with the problem seem abysmal. The unwanted noise and mechanical energy that is picked up by the Stylus simply ruins the replay. This becomes very discernible if  if a comparison is being done with TT's having a Stator / Bearing Housing with corrections used,  that does not Teeter or Rotate off axis and have a Spindle that does not bang about on the Bushes as it rotates..

Which condition would one prefer the tragic mechanical design, that over time and through neglect has degraded to an unknown condition, or a TT that is with a rigidly secure stator bowl, a steady Bearing Housing with a Spindle on Axis as a Rotation, with a Tight Tolerance between Spindle / Bush, where the outcome is a a Quiet Spindle during rotations.

On the latter TT of which I own versions with modification to create this condition, I feel very content that an LP might have a 0.2mm Off Centre Hole and Worse Case this condition in conjunction with an Oversized Centre Hole of 0.09mm,

I really do know I ' Dodged a Bullet ' when it comes to selection for an engineering face making choices I have.  

 _____________________________________________________________

Standard Specifications and Tolerances

The centre hole size is one of the few standardised measurements in vinyl record manufacturing but it does allow for some tolerance. The European IEC standard from 1987 specifies the hole diameter as 7.24 mm, with a tolerance of +/- 0.09 mm. Earlier standards, such as the British BS1928 (1965) and the German DIN 45547 (1981), use slightly different measurements. These older standards were based on American RIAA guidelines, which set the hole size at 0.286 inches, allowing for a slight variation of +0.001 or -0.002 inches — equivalent to 7.21 mm to 7.285 mm.

While these variations might seem negligible, they can significantly affect the pressing process. The centre hole is formed during pressing when a steel pin punches through the hot vinyl cake under approximately 100 tonnes of pressure. These pins are not precision-engineered components like watch parts but are crafted with a tolerance level that allows for some deviation. Over time, these pins wear down, impacting the precision of the centre hole size. This wear and tear is inevitable, yet it emphasises why accurate and regular maintenance of pressing plant equipment is crucial.

_____________________________________________________________

I then chose to inform of a JVDD TT that from my experiences of Four Models has from that assessment can offer every thing I am suggesting is valuable as a basic mechanical interface, which is why I am sure another gave such high appraisal, the engine is with substance and very rigid set in place, where the Bearing Housing is well thought out on how the Spindle should interface within it.

I can assure the OP, I own Japanese DD TT's from a Brand that has a Platter that is as secure as a Plate Spinners slowest spinning and a Bearing that has a Spindle that Taps when hand force is applied. I can assure the OP is have seen this TT model with a sought after Tonearm for £8K.

The OP can have a great introduction to the experiencing of JVDD TT's with a likelihood a mechanically sound TT will be imported and they will still have $4.8K in their coffer. 

Ah but what do I know, another who is not afraid of an adventure might be more convincing:

 https://www.analog-forum.de/wbboard/index.php?thread/142596-shakti-vorstellung-toshiba-aurex-sr-510c-plattenspieler/&pageNo=1

@lewm I have supplied proper sources of where info is to be found to verity the info I passing on along with a forum Monika .

All that I have stated is able to be found that there is substantiation to what is shared.

I will not be giving guidance to lazy researchers, I done my footwork and kept bookmarks for times like this. 

During my exchanges the demographic I am looking to give something of value to is not even considering regular posters in the Analog Section of the Gon, that sound like bloody had work.

badbruno being a very infrequent forum contributor over 9 years is a great place to offer assistance, especially when attempting to assist with showing their is a good experience to be had and keeping $4.8K in their Coffer.

I would like to think my info is now in the hands of few hundred who was not with such a awareness of the SR 510.

I would really like to think that after reading the info in the Link and learning a little more about the forum member, the SR 510 is on a list of a couple of those who are recently aware of it. Mine are not for sale, no dog on this fight as already stated, but the Link and follow up investigation and private mail is the cause of my now owning 4 x SR 510's and one which will be my wife's 'already stated' is not selling her short ' already stated'.

For the record the person who put me onto the SR 510 has not at any time referenced the Nak' CT Dragon as a comparison, but Tech Das might have been briefly referred to as they own a TOTR Model.

@badbruno I have re-read your OP and a selection of replies.

I have seen your initial inquiry and subsequent posts have been adequately supplied content to assist with raised queries. 

Your latest Post is not in any way associated to the OP and other Posts. 

This latest request for Technical Discussion and your being interested in other areas that are connected to audio electronics,, is extending beyond creating  a system and being a listener of recorded music., is one that has quite a limited interest from the broader audio community.

To myself it looks like your last post is a New Thread Request where Off Topic contribution can be dismissed. 

This Thread is full of ’ Off Topic’ when considering  what is asked for in your last post.

The Breakfast Club ’might not meet’, if a New Thread is produced, only way one to find out.

Again, I may be wrong, Is it getting near the recess to have my afternoon Tea and Cake 🍵🍰

The TT Brand which has a sought after model produced in the 80's off which I own Three, where all have Bearing Housing Spindle Rattle and a Platter that  Rocks when seated on its Spindle Mount.

Which has been seen fot £8Kish is a Sony Model.

I have one as a Hospital Job Overhaul, where the Bearing Housing Spindle / Bush - Spindle / Thrust Pad - Bearing Housing Sump Seal is a complete redesign.

There is a plan to produce a perfect fit part to insert into the Platter to create a rigid coupling for the Platter. 

These models are not able to be produced as  Kaneta variant so has been a rested work on more than one occasion. 

I am not the first to have the bearing overhaul. The owner of 2 x Same Model Sony's as my own, who has done A/B comparisons with their TT's in Panzerholz Plinths can't help but inform the OEM TT that was so impressive, is now totally unwanted when the modified version is the other option.

My own design being produced has added knowledge and design tolerances incorporated, which will tidy the mechanical interfaces further and enhance the End Sound further, especially with the Platter addressed as well. 

Caveat Emptor is always ones best friend when considering Sony. DD TT's.

I always wondered with the Sony knowledge of CD being launched, did Sony  reduce analogue investment much earlier than other Brands, as the concern shown for mechanical interfaces is extremely poor. 

@mylogic Your post is very interesting and I can assure you that if you was to be using a Standalone Strobe to check rotational speed, and not a inbuilt to the TT strobe, the suspected fluctuation would have been discovered with immediacy.

With the modern world of the TT and certain experts adopting for the use of $3K -- $5K cart's used  Vintage TT models, of which there is an un-serviced TT in use and the idea of improving is Garlic to a Vampire. Why would this type come forward and say they were using a TT that was as a Bearing Assembly Mechanical Awful.

Would that not suggest they might as well have a $50-$100 MM Cart' in use.

Putting all that Banging and Clanging from the Bearing Housing ( think stylus ) through the Platter and into the stylus to become very very very adulterated sent energy for conversion, might as well be converted by the Cheap MM to electrical signal for sending for Amplification/Gain.

It is easy to understand the Blocker for the type of individual I am referring to, as why would MM Signal be wanted to be sent to a $10K Phonostage.

The idea in many minds is the Phon' is the fixer of all things unwanted, where as the reality is the Phon' adds Gain to all that is received, albeit unadulterated energy extracted from stylus / groove modulation - Adulterated from stylus / groove modulation, along with Ambient Kinetic Energy Transferral, hence all that is received by the Phon' from the latter interface of the Stylus in contact with Groove Modulation is adulteration of the Fidelity. Simply put what arrives at the Phonostage is the Electronics used for Audio Equivalent of Sodom and Gomorrah 

I started out in the 90's showing a concern for the quality of a Bearing Assembly and had my first rebuild done back then on a Garrard 401.

At that time I was a fledgling with the audio interest, I was changing from owning off the shelf audio equipment bought from High Street Dealerships. This was the time the Cornerstone was laid for what has been built as a Learning and System over the past 30ish years.

As a speedy put together guestimate, I would suggest that from my Garrard 401, through to the current time, I have been privy to being demonstrated close to 30ish redesigns for TT's Bearing Housing Assemblies, add to that Serviced Nearing Housing assemblies and it gets nearer 50ish.

In a few cases of demonstrations, same model TT's > Tonearm > Cart' was used to show an untouched vintage TT, Serviced Bearing Housing on a vintage TT, Redesigned and Rebuilt Bearing Housing on a vintage TT.

It is an indelible experience, when demonstrations are capable to not only present a substantially improved End Sound, but also the quality extends into the body, it is physically felt that something is very very right. One is left with certainty in their knowing that a typical Bearing Housing Assembly in a untreated condition is extremely unattractive to experience, when comparisons are carried out with a short period of time between demonstrations.

I know that there are numerous TT's from BD - ID - DD that have a Bearing Housing which Teeters as a result of energies being transferred, when occurring is creating noise to be transferred to the stylus and Off Axis Spindle rotation, which is readable as a Run-Out on the Platter peripheral. Speed Fluctuation will be discovered as well.

Add to Teeter a poor interface for the Platter Spindle / Bush where Bearing Slop is evident and this will add to the noise in conjunction with the teeter being transferred to the Stylus, as well as show an increased Off Axis Rotation, the Speed Fluctuation will be easily measurable as well.

Certain designs of TT's have their own failures at maintaining accurate speed, combining this concern with the above issues impacting on speed and there is something not far from attractive in place.

Add to this the industry standard tolerance allowance for an eccentric rotation and oversized hole, with the above conditions being present, which they are on many many TT models, and the outcome becomes the Stylus in contact with the Groove Modulation has a far from optimised interface, and sent data will be corrupted to the point of being very low value.

Not a Cart' of any value, Cart' alignment tool of any value or Phonostage of any value is a fix, one might as well invest as little as possible in the ancillaries, when the mechanical interfaces are not functioning to a very high standard.

             

@badbruno I am not attempting at deterring a TT Purchase in any way, why would I, as there is a decent TT collection in my possession as I like to have at hand the TT of interest and duplicates.

I have learnt from long past experiences and those more recent, that a TT in original condition is able to be impressive, but when certain areas of the TT's mechanical design is redesigned the Model of TT with the overhaul is always selected to supersede in use the original Spec' Model.

The TT I have referred to is not a conjecture or an ' I Think ' when it comes to being accurate in the report that has been shared about mechanical interfaces. I have strong suspicion the Stator Bowl moves and have supplied design info to rigidly secure the stator bowl. I have experienced the Bearing Slop on all owned models as well as the wobbly platter. I have had it confirmed from others about the Bearing Slop, as options to correct this has been under discussion.

I have seen the TT referred to with a Tonearm in the current market can be for sale near £4K, for this reason I will refrain from making the Model Known directly.

The PS X9 was a limited number production as an attempt to gain access into Recording Studios and Radio Stations.

The Model referred to by myself is the consumer version of the PS X9. Investigation will show if? there are parts shared on both models. If? the Stator Bowl - Bearing Housing and Assembly - Platter Spindle / Platter Connection are the same, then one needs to know, all things shared by myself are likely to be discovered. 

FYI, I am all for individuals listening to their Vinyl Albums on any Analogue Source Set Up they choose to use, I am a total advocate and have had great experiences listening to LP's on Analogue Sources costing between approx' £300ish - £25Kish where the Sources are used on systems I am familiar with.

If further experiences of Analogue Sources are recollected on systems unknown, I could easily state, the Analogue Sources listened to can be close to £100K in value at the higher cost end. 

My interest that runs parallel with my interest in listening to recorded music from Vinyl, is the mechanical interfaces that can be created for a TT > Tonearm>Cart' to have an optimised interface.

Subjective evaluation is what I use, what those do, who carry out the work is not inquired about. l compare old version with new version and make my own decisions about what becomes the go to TT.      

  

 

Do Note: The PS - X9 was solely introduced to be a Radio Station /Recording Studio designed TT.

It is so limited in no's as it was up against the Technics SP 10 MkII Models produced in the same era for competitive use.

The SP10 MkII had both the Industry Support and a Vast Consumer Support, the PS - X9 never got a look in.

Sony attempted to capitalise by increasing sales with a version that was the Consumer Market version.

As said, my experiences of the Sony Consumer Market Version when being compared to the SP10 MkII of which I am the owner of many models,  some UK and many Japanese Imports.

Leads to one conclusion, the Sony Model is inferior as a Mechanical Design in many many concerning ways, especially if Speed Control is wanted to be accurate and eccentric rotation is being deemed the cause of the unstable Speed Control.

The conditions witnessed on the Sony is not only going to impact on the Speed Consistency, the Stylus in contact with Groove Modulation can't be protected from unwanted energies being transferred to the Stylus when such poor mechanical interfaces are present.

The Platter being so important to Speed Control on the Sony Model is also a major concern as the thing is fragile. During at least Ten Years I have never discovered a Sony Platter only for sale, but have bought many SP10 MkII Platters and kept them, gifted them and even have one in SS to be used to compare to a Phosphor Bronze Platter that can also be used on the Mk II. The Sony is strictly a one platter only design.  

Never have I been concerned about unwanted movement of a Bearing Housing on a SP10 MkII, only the Spindle / Bush Interface and Spindle / Thrust Pad Interface are the consideration and improvement work undertaken.

The latest used design for the SP10 MkII as the Kaneta Version, removes any concern for movement of the Bearing Housing, as it is a interference fit into the Panzerholz Chassis/Plinth.

As stated previously, the Kaneta Version opens up a whole new thinking for the Bearing Design and a Stator Bowl is already a Donor to be modified to enable the change of Bearing design to become realised.

I can strongly recommend the SP10 MkII to the OP, but know how much of a great experience is on offer from the SR 510, for such low monies, I will keep to this as the route of investigation for them, especially as it is not a Platter with a magnetic film used to control speed, and when scratched is unusable.

The PS - X9 and Consumer Model I have referred to both have Platters with peripheral coatings of Barium Ferrite as the Magnetic Speed Control, when this has incurred a minor damage, it is Kaput, Toast, Pancaked TT, or can be used as an Ornament.       

As stated, a Spare Platter not discovered in approx' 10 Years of regular searches.

I have even picked up a selected of DP 80 Platters in this same Timeline, even a Phosphor Bronze design.  

Very Very Subjective about the MkII and MkIII, the individual based in the UK who is renowned for their work on the Technics TT's and who has designed the improved speed control for the MkII, is not convinced the MkIII is offering much as a betterment.

I stand by their evaluation, one can spend $5K to $7K on a MkIII in todays money and for $1K +/- $300 have a MkII that will be quite a attractive TT. 

Add to the MkII the bespoke design speed control and the MkIII is not too different, if any different.   

As for the Mk III, I have never encountered one in use in a System I am familiar with. The SP 10R is different, where during certain periods of a year, the SP10 R is experienced in use with a Valve Phon' sharing close design to my own, along with Valve Amp's and ESL's on more occasions in this system than my own MkII used with Valve Amp's and ESL's in the home system. 

I know the SP10 R very very well as a TT, and can only say good thing about it. 

I suggest if a properly attended to MkII with bespoke designed speed control and mounted in a Densified Wood Plinth and a SP10 R were side by side in comparison. Using a same TA and Cart', It would be a lot of swapping out of the TT's, to discover where there is a valuable difference to be discovered. I don't see that occurring with any easy outcome as a subjective evaluation.

I do know the Kaneta design that is loaned and is regularly used in another system where it used with a Tonearm Identical to my own, but has replaced a MkII finished to the same Spec' as my own, inclusive of a P'holz Plinth. The Kaneta used in the system, now has the system owner making it known the Kaneta design has won their preference, when they use their MkII, there seems something is amiss. 

I need to make my TT and Tonearm available, so that both the Kaneta and MkII, can be heard with identical TA's and the Two Kontrapunkt B's that are owned within the audio group and kept with low hours usage for such occasions. This is the session yet to be done, that will help discern the differences from the variation of the designs for the TT's. 

The Kaneta lends itself to both Platter redesign and Bearing redesign, the whole shebang will still be considerably less of a cost to create than the cost of a Mk III which may have had a very very hard and uncared for usage life prior to being purchased.

Note: A used sale item that is a Vintage Era TT, typically comes with no service history or knowledge of how may rotations have been carried out. How used a TT is remains a mystery? How abused a TT has had to endure remains a mystery?  

Using the assessment of a Technics TT Specialist renowned in the UK for the work undertaken and for knowing the additional adaptations that are able to be done to the Mk II, the Mk III is not a TT that creates any real interest.

The Mk III, in the current market is for my usual budgeting, too expensive to purchase and then donate it to be toyed with and too expensive to acquire duplicates to compare design changes. 

VFM is to be found with the Mk II, as I would id searching prudently, be able to acquire approx' 7 - 10 Models imported and duties paid for the cost of 1 x Mk III     

   

 

In my time of working with JVDD TT's, I have taken Barium Ferrite and other Coatings that are an equivalent, becoming damaged as a serious consideration. As said, I have bought into having spare Platters to be available where possible.

Note: Platters show occasionally not monthly, maybe yearly if searches are maintained, but not for Sony Models I own. 

 The SP10 MkII Platter purchases are nothing to do with Peripheral Magnet Coatings, most bought are probably due to me being a hoarder, and having friends with their own designs for the MkII Platter hence the gifting of platters. 

If I knew what I did today, I would own Yamaha and Micro Seiki over Sony and Denon as a multiple unit purchase, even though finding the cheaper sale models will have been over a longer period of purchasing. Reason being each are not using a Platter with a Periphery Magnet and each have models with the Electronics that are Off Board from the TT itself. These base designs will prove to be very easy to create the Kaneta Design, incorporating a Resin Impregnated Densified Wood Chassis/Plinth.

Hind Sight is always a good manager, but after having heard the Kaneta Version of the SP10 MkII and getting the core instinct the design is eking more than is already offered from a modified MkII. Stimulates the idea that a TT that is able to be produced as a Kaneta Design using Resin Impregnated Densified Wood Chassis/Plinth, is to be easily discovered as an improvement over the original design for the TT. Add to this other Treatments for the Mechanical Interfaces to add modern materials and remove the metal on metal contact that does occur and the possibilities become a whole new area of interest.   

The SR 510 is also suitable for redesign for the Platter and is to be investigated to be used as a Kaneta Design, a Bearing Housing / Stator Bowl and with Electrical Lead Outs is purchased and to be learnt if the already produced electronics are able to create Spindle Rotation, Speed Control will be the challenge for this design change..

With what I know about Platter availability for certain Sony Models, and the cost I have seen models command, the idea that one minor damage puts the TT out of service is not a good condition to have running parallel with a very expensive purchase.

Does a Vendor actually inform that the Magnetic Coating in intact and no evidence of a damage to the coating is able to be seen??? 

If we were talking near $500ish, I would not say too much, one pays their monies and takes their chance. The TT is not too different from a sacrificial Cart', being after 'X' amount of hours in service it is spent.

The OP is into going up to $5K without an arm, I am not directing the OP towards any TT, that can have a really short lifespan due to being obsolete as a model and not known to have support readily available to correct a Barium Ferrite Damage.

If different is known to my experience of investigating Periphery Magnet Damage Repairs, I am all ears to learn what is known   

As for the statement " not known to have support to correct a Barium Ferrite Damage.

I have too many years of looking for the fix, which has never been found.

I once found a TT which had a Platter Fixed that had a magnetic sensor design, where disc magnets were used as an alternative, the TT is not remembered as my PC crashed and the Bookmark went down the swanny. 

A repair has never been discovered by myself that was a duplicate of the one lost  or any other methodology as the repair.

There is the odd report seen where a TT owner is to claim they are able to use a TT with a Periphery Magnet Coating Damage, but these are very uncommon as report.    

After doing many searches in many Countries, what is known and seen in a fair amount of forums, is that Magnetic Coated Periphery Rims on TT Platters get damaged from simple user mistakes, no different on simplicity to the simple user mistake made that trashes a Cart'.

Magnetic Coated Peripherals are Very Very Fragile - Non Repairable? - Spare Parts are Very Very Rare!! - Found on Very Very Expensive TT Models!! - Act in Haste - Repent at Leisure - Learn to Enjoy what might become a TT Ornament .       

Porter - Dobbin - Galibrier all recognised for their Plinths and adopted methods for improving mechanical interfaces. All potentially got their early information from Lenco Heaven. From their starting out designs changed and in some cases, TT Models worked with have been expanded on.

There is very little that these Bespoke Services do that can’t be found on Lenco Heaven. 

More than enough info is Public and enabling for another to use to produce their version with a successful  finish. 

Even High End TT manufacturers have adopted the materials discussed on LH that have been used to great effect when ovrrhauling a Lenco TT’s Bearing Assembly. 

Rigidly coupling a Bearing Housing on a Lenco TT has been seen carried out as a design for numerous years. 

My own endeavours commenced before LH was a Forum, but the detailing of the used designs that are shown on LH are a fast track to intensive learning and successes with one’s own adaptations being realised. 

I can easily add an ID TT for the OP, I’m sure they would really enjoy the experience, I myself have a long period behind me of enjoying the experience. 

The OP should be let know that their concerns about Speed Fluctuation, when considering a ID or BD TT is usually best improved by a Off Board Purpose Produced Device. 

Certain devices that are recommended can comfortably be costing more than a JVDD TT, that if functioning without issues, is far more reliable for Speed Control. 

When this Costing for Speed Control becomes known, the JVDD TT, does become an attraction. 

Commonly available Vintage ID TT’s can easily cost $3Kish+, versions with a modernisation, can be double the cost.   

and Vintage BD TT’s can easily match and surpass the costs for ID TT’s. 

Each of the above will be likely to need a Off Board Speed Controller to give their optimised control of speed. Such Off Board Devices can easily cost $1.5K and ascending in cost. 

A JVDD TT Model - Aurex SR 510, is able to be everything the above drives can be for 40 - 50 x less as the purchase price. For 30 x less cost other JVDD TT’s can be a slight betterment for Speed Control over the 510.

Note: Much of what is discovered on Lenco Heaven to improve mechanical interfaces, is totally transferreble to the DD TT.

Add to this the use of a Resin Impregnated Densified Wood Board as the Plinth Material, and this will surpass any historical Plinths used and be a competitor in it’s performance  for any Plinths produced by so called Plinth Guru’s offerings where $2K get one on a waiting list, and enabled to dicuss the final asking price.