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Technics SL1000 MK3 (SP10 MK3) performance/value VS modern turntables?

I have a Technics SL1000 MK3 in beautiful condition and in it's lifetime has seen very little use.
I am ready to send it off for complete electronics restoration/upgrade, upgrade the speed control processor module and have the Krebs mods done.  Will cost about $2500.00 to have all this done.

I was wondering how this would compare to what is out there for modern turntables after all the work is done? 
Or, would I be better off selling it, and adding what I was going to spend for the upgrades to a new turntable?
I believe these should sell in untouched condition for at least $5K?  So that would put me in the $7.5K range for a modern table?

For tonearms, I already have:
New, unmounted Moerch DP8
Fidelity Research FR64S, in beautiful condition that I sent off to Ikeda/Japan and they re-wired (better silver wiring, I still have original wires) and completely tore it down and rebuilt/re-lubed.... it's just like a new FR64S.

I think this table would be hard to beat at the $7500.00 price point, but would appreciate others opinion.

Rick

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richardkrebs
418 posts
 
@au_lait

Good idea, I wish I had thought of pre and post recording. Unfortunately this hasn't been done. 

cheers. 
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Late to this, sorry for  not noticing but looks like good answers have been provided for all the questions.
I will add that I have a SP10 MK3 (you can see in my system here at Audiogon) and it has Krebs mod as well as complete mechanical and electrical rebuild.
Short answer is it's the best turntable I've owned and I've had a lot including the Walker Black Diamond Proscenium which the MK3 replaced.
I do not own the new Technics SP10R nor have I had it in my system but I imagine it's wonderful. It’s certainly handsome in both fit and finish. 

As for question about tonearms, the Fidelity Research mentioned is world famous for it's performance but so is the new Kuzma 4 Point 14" which is available new and can be ordered with your choice of wire and connectors.
I‘ve owned several dozen tonearms, both modern and classic.  There are several top flight and depending on match up with your favorite cartridge superb results can be had.
ferrari275
71 posts
 
rich121

I was wondering how this would compare to what is out there for modern turntables after all the work is done? 

Any well sorted, restored and serviced Technics Sp10Mk3, in the proper plinth, will very favorably compete with and in many (if not most) instances readily beat modern turntables at this price. 

Or, would I be better off selling it, and adding what I was going to spend for the upgrades to a new turntable?

For $7.5k brand new, I doubt any brand new turntable which retails at this level could compare favorably.  If investing say $13k - $15k on something used you can likely find other decks offering different "flavors" but in certain areas the Mk3 may still prove rather difficult to beat.  If you do keep the Technics, then a properly implemented plinth is mandatory, as the stock SH series obsidian plinth simply does not allow this direct drive design to perform as well as it is capable of.    

Fidelity Research FR64S, in beautiful condition that I sent off to Ikeda/Japan and they re-wired (better silver wiring, I still have original wires) and completely tore it down and rebuilt/re-lubed.... it's just like a new FR64S.


The FR64s is a legendary tonearm design, you should be very happy with this choice.  The Moerch DP8........well, that one is an entirely another story.  IMO, for €4,2k you can certainly do much better. 


ferrari275
71 posts
 
dover

If Technics SP10 owners are contemplating the krebsupgrade they should be aware that there are legal exclusions of liability for any breakages incurred during the modification and that the modifications are irreversible. I also see that no measurements or objective tests have been provided to support the krebsupgrade claims.
Over the past decade, I’ve owned differently implemented Technics Sp10Mk3’s from completely stock form, to one with a cld Panzerholz plinth to a Dobbins direct mount and Artisan Fidelity NGS and none have had this specific modification done. The permanent nature of this procedure involving oil(y) substances applied to the internals meant a firm no-go for me.  I listened to a for all intents and purposes stock Sp10Mk3 as well before and after this mod at a friends place as well which did not change or alter my opinion on the matter. 
ferrari275
71 posts
 
Chakster
Or you can send to our JP Jones for inspection if you want to make sure about condition of the electronics.

Not sure why do you think you need Kreb’s mod for mk3? It’s amazing turntable without any mods!

One of the best turntables ever. Even if you will spend up to $60k I doubt it will be any better.

As for the new one you have to check Technics SP-10R (and its retail).

Agreed with this posters sentiments.  Btw, a new Technics Sp10R runs about $11k without a plinth. 
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