Technics SP-10R-FLC Turntable

Technics SP-10R-FLC turntable is the top-of-the-range model from Technics, supplied without tonearm leaving the choice up to you – e.g. Ortofon, and we can offer advice on suitable tonearm and cartridge matching.

A state-of the-art direct drive motor is used. This has a double-sided 12 pole, 18-coil drive construction. This ensures very precise speed, with no cogging.

The heavy 7.9 kg platter has a high mass, that also resists speed variations. The power supply and control unit is in a separate casing, this keeps any noise away from the sensitive cartridge wiring. Finally, this is a three-speed unit, making it useful for transcribing 78RPM records.

Precision direct drive motor

A coreless reference standard motor is used for the SP-10R-FLC. This has a double-sided rotor that features 12 poles and 18 coils. The result is a speed accuracy, with wow and flutter below measurable limits, in fact it is 0.015%.

A heavy duty motor is needed as the platter weighs 7.9kg. The weigh and mass also help to eliminate any speed variations. The thrust bearing is specially designed to have a smooth rotation with a high weight load. There are two stainless steel weights in the chassis, these lower the centre of gravity, for even more vibration suppression.

Three-layer heavy platter construction

The plater used for the SP-10R-FLC turntable, weighs 7.9kg, and features a three-layer construction. The centre is made of 10mm thick brass. This is sandwiched between diecast aluminium plates. The result is a high mass construction that has a good vibration damping factor, and enough mass to resist any speed variations.

Additionally, even more weight is added using tungsten weights. These are also used to balance the platter, so there should be no platter wobble whatsoever.

Digital display, speed control

Very precise control of speed is achieved by the separate PSU and control unit. To drive the heavy platter a high power, power supply was needed. Hence, the PSU supplied is a switch mode unit. These are highly efficient but can generate high frequency noise. As a result, technics developed a noise reduction circuit that eliminates any noise on the output. The actual connection to the main unit is also noise optimised. Finally, the whole PSU is mounted in a shielded enclosure.

The speed can be adjusted by a digital up/down selector, along with a digital OLED display, that is accurate to two decimal places.

Cartridge and tonearm types

The SP-10R-FLC does not come with a tonearm, however upto three tonearms can be fitted at the same time, around the core unit. Tonearms are available from manufactures such as Ortofon and SME. Whatever arm is used a deck of this calibre demands only the best cartridge. This would probably be a moving coil type. MC cartridges provide the best tracking ability and high frequency response.

There is also a choice of stylus tip designs. Moving coil (MC) cartridges have a pair of tiny coils mounted onto the end of the cantilever. This reduces the mass. As a result, the stylus can track the record with more accuracy. The high frequency output is also increased. Finally, every attempt is made to reduce the mass of the cartridge body, by using exotic materials.

On the other hand, moving, moving magnet (MM) cartridges are less expensive to produce, although there are some excellent higher end options. These have magnets mounted onto the cantilever. Some of the cheaper types only have one magnet. This can reduce channel separation. However, the output is higher at around 5mV.

A choice of phono stage

High end turntables such as the SP-10R-FLC, benefit from using the best phono stage possible - especially with the low output provided by an MC cartridge. The best preamps usually have a separate power supply. This removes any noise from proximity with the high gain circuits. They are also designed to be kept powered up, to prevent any temperature drift, causing frequency response errors. There are also phono stages are built around a valve design for that warm tube sound. Some high end phono stages also have selectable resistor values so that you can precisely match the characteristics of the cartridge used. However, it is also possible to use an integrated amplifier with a built-in preamp. Some of these have an MC/MM switch.

Tonearm and cartridge advice

We can offer suitable tonearm matching and phono cartridge advice. Please contact us and one of our team will be happy to discuss the options with you – along with our usual 0% finance and generous trade in options, should you wish to part exchange some of your older equipment.