Artisan Fidelity Technics SP10 MK II

catastrofe

Member
Feb 17, 2012
106
0
16
Saint Louis
I've had my "next generation" SP10 MK II since late last year, and thought I'd share my story. I've posted pics in a couple of other threads, but never really shared how I got here.

I decided on an SP10 build because I've always been a fan of direct drive, harking back to the '80s when I had a Denon DP755A with an Infinity Black Widow. I never should have sold that table, but I fell for the promise of "perfect sound forever". As part of my search, I considered other current production DD tables, primarily the Brinkmann Bardo, but ultimately determined that the Technics would best fit my needs/budget. I spoke with the other well known SP10 designers, and ended up selecting Artisan Fidelity based on their passion and focus.

My table was the first of Chris' new generation of MKII builds, eliminating the standard SP10 plinth/chassis and placing the controller electronics in a separate enclosure. Given that this was a ground up design, Chris and I collaborated on the form factor to arrive at this aesthetic. Personally, I think it's a killer design, but of course, I'm biased.

Chris' work is top notch, and his designs are tailored to meet his clients' needs. Want dual arm compatibility?. . .check. Want 12" capability?. . .check. Want your table in puce with magenta stripes?. . .check. I went with a single arm design The base of the deck is constructed primarily of Panzerholz in a constrained layer configuration. Weight of the table and standard platter is close to 80 pounds. I decided on Audi Daytona Gray as my color of choice, along with a Kuzma 4Point arm. Current cartridge is a Van Den Hul Frog Gold, with partial duty served by an Air Tight PC-1.

So how does the result of this collaboration sound? In a word. . .fantastic. The combo communicates both music and emotion. What's on the vinyl is what you hear. . .there's no homogenization which seems to be inherent in lesser tables. Backgrounds are silent and black. Obviously the arm and cartridge play a significant factor, but the 4Point exhibits excellent synergy with the table.

Chris recently developed a custom copper/gunmetal/aluminum platter for the SP10, and I was fortunate enough to end up with the first unit. The new platter is approximately twice the weight of the standard SP10 dish (Chris assures me the bearing will not wear prematurely with the additional weight). It not only contributes additional mass, but the copper's damping characteristics are noticeable. With the standard platter, the addition of a Stillpoints LPI made a not-subtle difference in musical coherence. With the new platter in place, the LPI is redundant, and I've switched back to my Kuzma Strobi. I'm still contrasting sonics of the bare platter to a Gem Dandy cork mat.

I can't speak highly enough of Chris' work. I would encourage anyone looking for an SP10, Garrard, or Lenco to touch base with him. . .you won't be disappointed.

IMG_5858.jpg IMG_5859.jpg IMG_5854.jpg IMG_5856.jpg
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
1,425
1,820
Manila, Philippines
Absolutely stunning workmanship, Catastrofe. Great arm too. The Kuzma 4-point doesn't get nearly enough press as it deserves.
 

MylesBAstor

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2010
11,236
81
1,725
New York City
Sweet looking!
 

Peter Breuninger

[Industry Expert] Member Sponsor
Jul 20, 2010
1,231
4
0
That is amazing. The best SP10 build I've ever seen. BTW, I have the Kuzma 4point review in the can and will publish it after Munich. It's the most detailed arm I've heard to date.

Oh my gosh, I just went on their site. Pure turntable porn. To me, turntables are about art. For they all sound good.
 

Christopher T

Industry Expert
Dec 4, 2012
75
13
315
www.artisanfidelity.com
This design appears familiar.... :) As mentioned above, Bob's turntable features my recently developed precision CNC Copper Gunmetal / Aluminum alloy platter and direct coupled Panzerholz plinth & bearing drain, which has enabled our Mk2's to achieve the lowest noise floor we've yet to experience in the case of this particular Technics model. Furthermore, in addition to the silence between notes, focus and resolution were improved and easily distinguishable during playback with the improved platter. Bob, may have even more to share with his recent direct experiences in regards to the perceived audible differences when using the stock Technics platter vs. the Copper hybrid Mk2 platter, in which case I'll leave him to express his own thoughts on the contrasting platter types.

The following data may also prove useful, for those interested.

Technics Sp10Mk2 factory platter weight - 6.4lbs
Technics Sp10Mk2 factory rubber mat weight - 1.2lbs
Micro Seiki CU-180 Copper platter mat weight - 3.1lbs
Outer periphery ring weights (common/avg.) - 1.1 - 3.2lbs
Record clamps (common/avg.) - 12oz - 3.2lbs +
Oyaide MJ-12 AL record mat - 1.5lbs
Artisan Fidelity Copper / Aluminum alloy Technics Sp10Mk2 platter weight - 12lbs.
 

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