Technics SP-15 Turntable w/New Sumiko Starling Cartridge and EPA-B500 Arm!

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General:
The Technics SP-15 was made for studio use and was built to the highest standards that the brand could offer. The model designation SP-15 technically only describes the Drive Unit as these technics turntables were sold in parts to professionals.

This listing features: 
Drive: SP-15
Base: SH-15B3
Armboard: EPA-B500

It's also worth noting this 'table has one of the coolest looking counterweights I have ever seen!  Construction and operation of the EPA-B500 is delightful.  

This 'table will be paired with a brand new Sumiko Starling Phono Cartridge perfectly calibrated to the rest of the build. While the Starling is an expensive pick, this turntable is worthy of a cartridge of this level. 

The calibration included is our "12 Step Premium Turntable/Cartridge Calibration"

From Technics:
The new Technics SP-15 offers you high professional standards of performance plus the flexibility and convenience that are important for home use.

Features include quartz synthesiser pitch control (as in the original sl-1300 mk2 series), full cycle detection FG, extremely high torque for fast starts and load stability, heavy duty construction, highly effective damping, a pulsed power supply, and a special lock mechanism to prevent accidental misoperation.

The quartz phase locked pitch control is a major feature of the SP-15 because it gives precise variation in 0.1% increments above or below any of the three standard speeds (33, 45 and 78rpm) up to a maximum of 9.9%.

With this precision system you can match the pitch of a record to that of a musical instrument, or expand and compress playing times to fit a given broadcasting time slot.

The amount of pitch variation you select is clearly shown by a bright digital display above the pitch control buttons.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Model List:
Drive: SP-15
Base: SH-15B3
Arm: EPA-B500

Brand Background:
At Technics we understand that the listening experience is not purely about technology but the magical and emotional relationship between people and music. We want people to experience music as it was originally intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact that enthuses and delights them. With a combination of our love of music and the vast high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music lovers.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
Phono RCA outputs, Ground Connection

General Sound:
Neutral sound with little to no coloration

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
Type: quartz synthesizer pitch control
Drive method: direct drive
Motor: brushless DC motor
Drive control method: quartz-phase-locked control
Platter: 33.9cm 2.7kg aluminium die-cast
Speeds: 33.33, 45 and 78.26rpm
Pitch control: +-9.9%
Braking system: electronic and mechanical
Speed drift: within 0.002%
Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS
Rumble: -78dB (weighted)

Dimensions:
20.7 x 15.7 x 6.7"

Weight:
30 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1985

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracing Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.