Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?

However, the same chip was used in the SL1500, 1600, 1700 series, and some of those are so cheap that it is not a problem to buy a whole tt and cannabalize it for that part, in order to keep an SP10 in service. If you need specifics, I can try to find out exactly what models to buy.

Lewm, I would be very grateful if you could find out which specific models to buy, thank!

Rockport came the closest with its Sirius III

Hi Halco, just wonder whether you have any measurement figures on the Rockport Sirius III, with Timeline or otherwise. I am really interested to see how the Sirius III compares to vintage Japanese DD turntables.

Thanks!

Hi Halco,

I was also blown away the first time I auditioned the Sirius III at the dealer over 10 years ago! However, I didn't notice any lack of mid-bass to lower-bass definition and power, maybe due to the different setup. Not sure about the air-supply in the Sirius III, but the stock air-supply for my Rockport 6000 arm is certainly inadequate, and major improvement can be had with a Jun Air compressor with integral surge tanks and multilevel of air regulations. With this upgrade, I don't feel the tangential arm is lacking in bass definition and power. If pressed, I may admit that the bass quantity maybe so very slightly less than arms like the FR64S, but the soundstage depth and width is something to die for.

But then, I must agree the performance of these flagship vintage DD turntables are shocking. It would be interesting if a direct comparison with the Sirius III could be arranged!

I have just managed to get hold of a Technics SP10MK3 from Japan, so will have some fun setting it up in coming weeks!

Cheers

I wish I have a Sirius III, but no such luck yet! My Rockport 6000 arm is a simplified version of the Sirius III arm, and it is on a Capella II TT.

However, I am also in the process of setting up a Sirius II, so it would be interesting nevertheless to compare it to the SP10MK3 and Exclusive P3A in coming months :-)

No, the P3a was from a friend in Hong Kong, and the SP10MK3 from Yahoo Japan. Actually, a local Sony PS X9 slipped through my fingers just a couple on months ago!

The DP100 direct drive had a lack of focus, shallow soundstage, mild attack, overly delicate transients and compressed dynamic range compared to the Final.

Hi Dover, if that is true, and the DP100M is in the same league as the SP10MK3, P3a etc., then the Final must be one very special turntable!

I have never auditioned the DP100M, but have done so with the SP10MK3 and P3a, “lack of focus, shallow soundstage, mild attack, overly delicate transients and compressed dynamic range” are probably the last things I would say about these turntables, at least when auditioned on their own and not comparing to the Final.

Would love to audition the Final one day!