Need advice on Technics SP-10mk2 / SME Series III combo

[clarke68]

Hey Gang,

I have an opportunity to pick up a Technics SP-10mk2 with an SME Series III tonearm for $475 total.

This set-up was rescued out of the surplus closet of a popular radio station. It's mounted in a chunk of formica countertop, bolted to a steel rack with a wood & plexiglass dustcover that looks hand-built. Doesn't look bad, but has something of an institutional vibe to it.

Anything in particular to look out for/inspect in considering either of these pieces on the used market? I know parts for the SP-10 don't exist...do these machines have a consistent failure point that can be inspected easily?

The tonearm seemed a bit fiddly to me compared to a Technics arm or an RB-300 or something (note this is a "Series III" not a "3009 Series III"...I believe the cheapest arm SME ever produced)...anybody ever owned one? Like it/don't like it?

Thanks so much!

[cactuscowboy]

I'd check for proper speed, function of pitch control, etc. Balance the tonearm to 'zero balance' so it's floating in mid air. Now check for smooth and easy movement and tight bearings. If there are any flaws or repairs needed, negotiate price accordingly. That is an excellent turntable. I would buy it even if it did have minor issues. I own a SP-15, which is similar and has 78 rpm speed.

[LousyTourist]

Crap, I'd stay clear of that radio station!

Which one did you say it was? And the address?

[junkaudio]

sp 10 mk II and sme it does not get better for 500 dollar if ever:D

[hifi_nut]

Welcometo Ak, Carke68, haven´t heard from you in almost a year.:wave:

Are the Linkwitz Orions still your favourite speakers?

[Budsker]

I have that exact combination mated with a Shure V15 IV. It's the best sound I have ever heard for a turntable. There is no pitch control on the table and I'm sure you will want to build a custom plinth of your own.

The SME is a low mass arm and I find it very light and delicate. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to keep it but I change my mind every time a spin a disc so there you go.

Great combo. Check the speed with a strobe disc and ask if the power supply has been recapped as you may want to do that.

Can't argue with the price for sure!

[BeEvil]

I had the exact same combo from a radio station as well. The arm is a unipivot, so no bearings to check. Just make sure it moves freely. Excellent combo.

Before you start it make sure it has been oiled. You can easily do this. Remove the platter mat, then take a large blade screw driver and remove the three screws holding the platter. Don't loose these. Then remove the platter. You will see a small hole to add oil to. It is actually labeled "oil".

Before you buy, power it up with the external power supply and look at the strobe just in front of the platter. It should be rock solid on speed. Try all 3 speeds. You'll see that it takes less than a second to come up to speed and stop. Tonnes of torque. You'll need a solid plinth, with lots of weight. For $450 it's a steal.

See my post of the plinth project I just finished for my SP-10 MK2A.

Andrew

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

Make sure you have the Power Supply and it is recapped before using it. Also, make sure your platter bearing doesn't have play. If it has play in it, avoid the turntable. Make sure your SME tonearm bearings have no slop or play and operate smoothly. Check and make sure speed is stable and good. If all conditions are met, you have a machine which is among the best ever made of all. A reliable workhorse of the highest quality. :tresbon:

[Phantom]

Seriously, jump on that. With both feet. NOW!

[Holst]

I want it!!!!!!

[clarke68]

Wow...look at all the friendly, helpful posts! Is AK the nicest audio site on the web or what? :thmbsp:

I got a pretty good look at the setup on Friday. The platter got up to speed (and changed speeds) in an instant. I tried "slowing it down" with my finger and it has plenty of torque. Can I trust the on-board strobe for a speed check? I didn't see any obvious deviations, but I didn't sit and watch it for long.

I doubt very seriously that the power supply been recapped. Are there instructions how to do this online, or does anyone know someone who does this type of thing for $$$?


Crap, I'd stay clear of that radio station!

Which one did you say it was? And the address?LOL...it was KGO. Allegedly they got rid of this 'table 10 years ago when they switched to digital. The guy I'm buying it from has had it all that time. He's moved it around in his van several times without the shipping plate installed...I don't know how big an issue that is.

Welcometo Ak, Carke68, haven´t heard from you in almost a year.

Are the Linkwitz Orions still your favourite speakers?Hey there...long time no talk! As a matter of fact, they are...although I'm only slightly closer to owning them than I was the last time we chatted. I've got the Hawthorne Audio Sterling Duets in for review right now...they're giving the Orions a good run for their money, at least from a cost:performance perspective. The review should turn up in the November enjoythemusic.com.


I have that exact combination mated with a Shure V15 IV. It's the best sound I have ever heard for a turntable. There is no pitch control on the table and I'm sure you will want to build a custom plinth of your own.

The SME is a low mass arm and I find it very light and delicate. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to keep it but I change my mind every time a spin a disc so there you go.Thanks...very encouraging. It does seem that the Series III is a bit controversial, but it's unclear to me what I could replace it with for the money I could get selling in on the used market (around $250-$300).


Before you start it make sure it has been oiled. You can easily do this. Remove the platter mat, then take a large blade screw driver and remove the three screws holding the platter. Don't loose these. Then remove the platter. You will see a small hole to add oil to. It is actually labeled "oil".

See my post of the plinth project I just finished for my SP-10 MK2A.What kind of oil should be used for this? I've heard it can be quite particular. I definitely saw your plinth project...very nice work!


Also, make sure your platter bearing doesn't have play. If it has play in it, avoid the turntable.Play? Is that an uneven wobble when the platter spins, or a loose, up & down motion when I try to lift the platter without unbolting it, or ? It seemed solid to me when I saw it, but I didn't specifically check for these kinds of problems.


Right now I'm trying to coordinate my schedule with the seller's, I should be able to make a final round of inspection, and pick it up, late this week. Thanks for all your help, everyone!

[BeEvil]

I use a light oil. I add about 2 drops every 6 months. BTW I never re-capped my power supply and have never had a problem. My 2 cents. :smoke:

Andrew

[terryfox3]

Whats a series III?I own a sme series III.In fact my owners booklet calls it a shure series III.If thats what you have count yourself lucky.Guys like to poo poo this arm because its not medium weight.They say it limits you to certain carts.Ive personaly found out its ok to carts with a compliance of 15 cu.There are a whole lot of very good carts from 15 cu on up.
You have a very good combo there.Jump on it and enjoy.Lots of guys ran that type of combo in the 80's early 90's.Its tried and true.

[clarke68]

Whats a series III?I own a sme series III.In fact my owners booklet calls it a shure series III.If thats what you have count yourself lucky.Oh believe me, I do!


Guys like to poo poo this arm because its not medium weight.They say it limits you to certain carts.Ive personaly found out its ok to carts with a compliance of 15 cu.There are a whole lot of very good carts from 15 cu on up.This jibes with most everything I've read about it this weekend. Seems like it would be an appropriate match for any of the less expensive over-achievers I've been thinking about...AT 440mla, Stanton 681EEEmk2, etc.. I read somewhere that it's a good match for Grado carts, which would be nice. I've got a Grado Green that has hummed on every 'table I've tried it on. Somehow I suspect the SP-10 has better motor shielding than anything else I've owned... ;-)

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

I am referring to up/down play in the platter bearing. If it has any noticeable play, that is a reliable sign of abuse. Sounds like your example is likely OK. A loose, up and down motion when not in play indicates a knackered platter bearing/motor unit. For oil, the Technics oil for the 1200 works here also. You can still buy it from them.

[Garrard201]

I have this exact setup, but with a Sumiko Blue Point in a stock Technics obsidian plinth. Love it! Me, you and Budsker should start a club! If you do decide to replace the arm, a Rega RB300 (with Grado cart) is apparently a popular choice, AND you could get the arm for what you sell the SME for. Let us know what you decide.

[terryfox3]

Im pretty sure a grado will hum on a technics.

[clarke68]

Let us know what you decide.I'm sure I'll be sticking with the SME, at least until 1.) it breaks, 2.) it drives me nuts, or 3.) another impossible to resist deal comes along.

I'd really like to try one of those "Shure V15-built-in-to-a-Series III-tonearm" things, the MV30HE. Seems like a cool design if I can just find someone willing to part with theirs.

I slated to pick up the 'table this weekend...I'm getting excited!

[Mordecai]

I want it!!!!!!
Hi, Holst.
If you are serious, it's available now. I will entertain all offers. I'm going mobile and can't take it along. AK member clarke68 has been asking advice on in this forum and has spent at least four hours checking this TT and cart combo. He says he would prefer that he not take on a "project", but there's little now he's found to challenge a serious audio hobbyist here. Locating a couple of weights to balance the arm, a new cart, a setscrew, some minor lube on the start/stop switch (it sticks slightly intermittently) and that's about it, I think. You can check with him.

[clarke68]

Update: Decided to pass on the SP-10.

Great 'table, but the tonearm needed a bit of attention and I just had no room (physical or otherwise) in my life for another project. Someday I'll probably be kicking myself for passing this up, but too bad.

So what to do instead?

I'm having an SL-1700mkII refurbished & painted by Scottrt. Went over to his place for a little listening demo...his enthusiasm for these decks is intense! I'll start another thread after I pick it up.

[Stanton681EEES]

Update: Decided to pass on the SP-10.

Great 'table, but the tonearm needed a bit of attention and I just had no room (physical or otherwise) in my life for another project. Someday I'll probably be kicking myself for passing this up, but too bad.

So what to do instead?

I'm having an SL-1700mkII refurbished & painted by Scottrt. Went over to his place for a little listening demo...his enthusiasm for these decks is intense! I'll start another thread after I pick it up.

His a great guy gave me lots of help and advice on my two Technics Sl1700MKII and my SL1600MKII. But i guess you already knew that lol.:D
Are you having him do all the mods?
Thanks.

[clarke68]

Are you having him do all the mods?I'm not sure...what are all the mods?

I'm probably not...I asked him to put together something of a "budget package". He's doing the Cardas tonearm rewire and replacing the interconnects for sure...I'm having him pass on the stuff I could do later myself, like upgrade the headshell leads and get a new dustcover. Initially I wasn't going to do paint, but thought I'd eventually regret it if I didn't.

What cartridges have you tried on yours...or can I guess from your screen name? :-)

[Stanton681EEES]

I'm not sure...what are all the mods?

I'm probably not...I asked him to put together something of a "budget package". He's doing the Cardas tonearm rewire and replacing the interconnects for sure...I'm having him pass on the stuff I could do later myself, like upgrade the headshell leads and get a new dustcover. Initially I wasn't going to do paint, but thought I'd eventually regret it if I didn't.

What cartridges have you tried on yours...or can I guess from your screen name? :-)

Being that I own the following Technics tables.
Sl1600MKII it's in storage as of the moment and will get a refab sometime this winter.
SL1700MKII it's in the process of getting some upgrades.
Sl1800MKII I own two of them the one I'm using now has the following upgrades.
Repainted plinth in gloss black main board hads an upgraded capacitor and transistor. Replaced the IC's with some Belden 1505 cable I purchased from member hakaplan as well as he installed some nice RCA plugs. I've used it with the following cartridges
1 AT110E sounds wondefull really made this cartridge sing.
AT 130E same as above only better.
plus everything from ADCXLMMKII to Empire 2000EI with and EII stylus.
Shure M91ED and of coarse Stantons as well.
Best advice I can tell anyone with these series of tables is upgrade to a good quality cable. I can't express enough what a vast improvement it made in my 1800MKII. Plus it's has cardas arm wire.
But the best sounding cartridge I've found for the table(1800MKII) is an older version of a Grado Gold. I use to have a hum issue with the Grados since I've replaced the IC"s I can say it's gone unless i crank the volume to full open and no one listens at the level, well i hope they don't lol. :DThe second 1800MKII I'm installing a 1210M5G arm and gonna try some Monster cables I have. When i got it i had thought of using it as a parts unit only, because the bottom was in pieces but found a near mint 1700MKII that had been fried by a major lightning strike and what parts were still good were in MINT condition so it became my parts unit for the other 1700MKII and this 1800MKII.

[clarke68]

Cool, thanks!

With the cable changes Scott is making (Cardas on the tonearm and Petra for the interconnects), he says the total capacitance from headshell leads to RCA plugs is 90pf...not too shabby.

He's installing a low-mileage M97xe he has laying around just to get me going. Thanks for the tips on the AT & Grado carts...I have a Grado Green at home I can try, so far it's hummed on every 'table I've put it on.

Here's a photo, I may be able to pick it up this weekend:
http://www.clarkerobinson.com/audio/images/technics/Technics1600.jpg

[Stanton681EEES]

Cool, thanks!

With the cable changes Scott is making (Cardas on the tonearm and Petra for the interconnects), he says the total capacitance from headshell leads to RCA plugs is 90pf...not too shabby.

He's installing a low-mileage M97xe he has laying around just to get me going. Thanks for the tips on the AT & Grado carts...I have a Grado Green at home I can try, so far it's hummed on every 'table I've put it on.

Here's a photo, I may be able to pick it up this weekend:
http://www.clarkerobinson.com/audio/images/technics/Technics1600.jpg

Oh yours is the White one? He does nice work.