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SP10 Mk II vs Mk III

A couple of guys here were planning to do listening comparisons of the Technics SP10 Mk II vs the Mk III, in their own homes and systems. Has anyone actually completed such a comparison? I am wondering whether the "upgrade" to the Mk III is actually worth it in terms of audible differences between the two tables. Possibly mounting either table in a well done wooden or slate plinth mitigates any sonic differences that would otherwise be heard. I am thinking of Albert Porter and Mike Lavigne in particular, who were going to do the comparison. Thanks for any response.
lewm

Showing 3 responses by peter_s

peter_s
1,348 posts
 
Hi All,

I've got 2 mkii's and one chassis ala Albert Porter. I've replaced all the caps in my PS, but none on the table's boards. Relative to the PS, how critical are the caps on these boards? Also, how difficult/easy is it to access these boards, get them out of the chassis, and replace the caps? Finally, how many caps are there on the internal board(s)?

Another unrelated question... my second chassis is pretty darn ugly. If I wanted to give it a facelift, perhaps make it black, what method would you suggest, within the "reasonable cost" category.

Thanks, Peter S.
peter_s
1,348 posts
 
OK - so I'll go to Mouser and purchase the replacement caps for the boards. I did a quick count from the replacement parts list in the service manual and it looks like there are about 30 electolytic caps on the boards. One thing I just don't get: the specs for these caps are strange. I'm used to seeing capacitance followed by minimum voltage. Why does the service manual show a variety of units for the spec following the capacitance. I see a number of units, examples include: 50WV,50W, but no 50V. What gives???

Also, regarding restoring the deck - I don't think I'm so perfectionist to pay 500 pounds to restore the surface of the deck. I was thinking of something on the order of an auto body place - something where I could tape up everything except the top and side surfaces and have them do a nice job. I know it would be a departure from the original, but this is a second deck - and it wouldn't bother me, as long as it looks good!
peter_s
1,348 posts
 
Thanks John,

I've tallied up all (23) of the electrolytic caps for the boards inside the table directly out of the service manual. My list is below. Again, I assume that the "WV" and "W" ratings are all meant to be volts. If I am wrong, someone please let me know before I order them!!! Also, I assume there are no concerns requiring replacing other caps, such as polyester, styrol, etc).

Thanks, Peter

ELECTROLYTIC CAPS FOR TECHNICS SP10-2 CIRCUIT BOARDS (23)

DRIVE CIRCUIT BOARD
C7,8,12,13,14,15,16,17 (8x) 1 uF 50WV
C20 (1x) 2.2 uF, 50WV
C2,4,6,18 (4x) 10 uF, 50WV

LOGIC CIRCUIT BOARD
C201 (1x) 1 pF, 50WV
C230 (1x) 2.2 uF, 50WV
C202, 218, 225 (3x) 10 uF, 16WV
C227 (1x) 100 uF, 16WV
C204 (1x) 330 uF, 10WV

CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD
C106 (1x) 1 uF, 50W
C103 (1x) 100 uF, 50W

CONNECTIONAL BOARD
C301 (1x) 10uF, 50W
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