Library / Technics

Technics SP10

Professional Direct Drive Turntable Motor Unit

Description

The SP10 started life in 1970 as a servo-controlled motor unit designed for studio use.

In 1975 the much improved SP10 mkII (1975-81) was introduced with Quartz-locked speed control and external power supply; this is the version which found its way into many studios, replacing ageing Garrard 401s and the like.

The unit was also made available to the public as the high-end SL1000 mkII system which included the SH-10B3 Obsidian base and EPA100, and later the EPA500 tonearm.

For serious professional use the SP10 mkIIP version (as used by the BBC) provided full, wired remote control of start/stop and speed functions and added a stepped pitch control.

The mkIIA (1983-87) was a minor update to the original mkII, with simplified circuitry.

The final version was the SP10 mk3 (1981-87) - this behemoth sported a 10kg platter and sophisticated power supply with digital readout of pitch, and an even heavier SH10B7 Obsidian plinth (also made available for the mkII).

The mk3 version is rarely seen outside of Japan and commands very high prices on the used market.

Power supplies for the mk2 versions of the deck are external. The correct versions for each model are as follows: mkII - SH10-E, mkIIa - SH-10EA, mkIIp - SH-10EP

Technics all new SP-10 mk2 represents a standard of accuracy and quality in disc reproduction that has never been attained before; this truly outstanding three speed package unquestionably constitutes a new reference against which professional systems will have to be measured for years to come.

Just glance at some of these amazing features: almost total absence of speed drift; immeasurably small wow and flutter; extreme quietness; enormously high torque; and practically instantaneous starting and stopping.

Other features include modular circuit construction for ease of servicing and a specially designed rubber mat on the underside of the platter for vibration damping.

Specifications

SP-10 mk1

Platter: 300mm 6lb aluminium diecast

Motor: 20-poles, 60-slots, ultra low speed electronic commutator motor (15V, 85mA)

Speeds: 33 and 45rpm

Speed change method: electrical change

Fine speed control: +-2% by variable resistor

Wow and flutter: less than 0.03% WRMS

Rumble: better than -60dB

Build up time: within 1/2 rotation at 33 rpm

Dimensions: 14" X 14" x 4"

Weight: 20lb

SP-10 mk2

Motor: brushless DC motor, electronic rectification, quartz-controlled phase-locked servo circuit

Plater: 320mm 2.9kg aluminium

Speeds: 33, 45 and 78rpm

Pitch control: 10% (mk2P)

Starting torque: 6kg-cm

Build up time: 0.25s to 33rpm

Braking time: 0.3s from 33rpm

Speed fluctuation by load changes: 0% within 5kg-cm

Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS

Rumble: -73dB

Dimensions: 102.5 x 368.5 x 368.5mm

Weight: 9.5kg

SP-10 mk3

Motor: brushless DC motor, electronic rectification, quartz-controlled phase-locked servo circuit

Plater: 320mm, 10kg copper/aluminium

Speeds: 33, 45 and 78rpm

Pitch control: 20%

Starting torque: 16kg-cm

Build up time: 0.25s to 33rpm

Braking time: 0.3s from 33rpm

Speed fluctuation by load changes: 0% within 10kg-cm

Wow and flutter: 0.015% WRMS

Rumble: -90dB

Dimensions: 369 x 113 x 369mm

Weight: 18kg

Review

The Technics SP10 Mk II has a superb technical specification which it meets on all counts. The craftsmanship and design skills lavished on it have me reaching for all the superlatives; As a test bed for my own evaluation work, I have no hesitation in choosing this new turntable without reservation - Gramaphone March 1977

Downloads

mk3 service manual (en)

mkII (euro) service manual (en)

mkII 1983 advert (en)

mkII instruction/owners manual (en)

mkII service manual (en)

mkII service manual intro (en)

mkII drive circuit (en)

mkII logic circuit (en)

mkII power circuit (en)

mkII control circuit (en)

mkIIP (RP 2/9) service manual (en)

mkII brochure (en)

mk3 brochure (en)

mkIIP (RP 2/9) HFW upgrade (en)

mkII diy corian plinth (en)

mkII motor clamping plate (en)

mk2A service manual (en)

mk1 schematics (en)

mk1 service manual (en)

Please login or register to download files

To view PDF files acrobat reader 8 or newer is required.

Technics SP10 / SP-10 owners manual, service manuals and schematics are for reference only and the Vinyl Engine bears no responsibility for errors or other inaccuracies. The PDF files are copyright the Vinyl Engine and provided under strict licence. Reproduction for financial gain is strictly prohibited. This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by Technics.