This is one of the nicest Technics SP15 tables I have ever had the privilege to come across. The cosmetics of this table are superb, there are no dings or major scratches to the finish. Going over it with a fine tooth comb, I can find one tiny tiny pinprick in the paint just next to the stop start button, so small it cannot be seen in the photograph. Under the platter there are two small rub marks that have marred the finish, but of course these cannot be seen when the platter is in place. But no irrepariable dents, this table looks like it came out of a dealers showroom.
All functions work properly and all three speeds are stable. The SP15 does 78, which both the SP25 or SL1200 do not. The buttons are in wonderful shape, function properly, show no wear, and neither does the silkscreen lettering for them. Quite simply, you are not going to find a nicer condition SP15 out there,
This table has two significant upgrades which dramatically improve the performance of the SP`15. First off is the bearing. The stock bearing is actually has a somewhat crude finish, and is the primary factor that limits this table. I just installed a custom upgraded bearing package for this table, which makes a very noticeable improvement by lowering the noise floor of the table, and providing a more concise and focused presentation of performers. The stock bearing cap is replaced with brass that is twice as thick as the standard one, and a thrust plate is made of Delrin, which is a low friction material that many high end bearing assemblies are built with. The spindle shaft has been given a crosshatch polishing at a 60% angle, and a 10 micron finish. The spindle bearing is polished to below a micron finish, and each piece contributes to a ultra low friction bearing assembly. The Delrin and stainless ball bearing are far more durable than the gemstone bearings or thrust plates, and provide comparable performance without the risk of being damaged anything less than white glove handling.
The second upgrade is the Applied Fidelity Delrin mat that is permanently installed to the platter. The Delrin is a $190 option, plus the cost of shipping the platter both ways to have it installed. The material dampens the platter, and negates vibration from the motor assembly from reaching the stylus. When using a good record weight, the vinyl achieves a solid mechanical bond with the Delrin mat, and reduces unwanted energy from reaching the stylus. The other advantage of the new bearing assembly is that it can easily support a 1 pound record weight, which is something the stock bearing could not do. Heck the cost of the Applied Fidelity mat and the bearing assembly can easily account for 90% of the selling price of this drive unit.
This sale is for the drive unit only. Shipping weight in only an estimate as I will properly pack it, as if it were going to me. If you need to see additional feedback on me, check Audiogon under the
user name Neonknight. With the upgrades, the SP15 could realistically be considered the poor mans SP10, as the only specifications the 10 outperformed the 15 in was rumble. But with the bearing and platter upgrades, I feel that this table is going to be very close in overall performance..
