I am in the process of upgrading my Mk2 turntable and I was wondering if I can change out the orginal motor for an LP12 motor. I have already installed the Hercules II power supply. I did note the LP12 motor has more connection wires than the three used for the Axis motor.
Can anyone advise me if this is possible.
Just checked in and noticed this. I performed exactly this upgrade (Hercules II that is, not LP12 motor) and it really improved the sound quality no end.
The LP 12 motor is basically the same one, and the original wiring diagram I got with the Herc was for the LP12. I had to email Gordon at Stamford Audio to get the proper Axis instructions.
So it would work electrically. But I'm not sure how it's supposed to work mechanically. The motor is anchored to the Power Supply PCB that is attached to the bottom of the turntable body. Looks like some potentially hazardous surgery there, and if my motor ever went I'd be shopping for a complete unit being sold by somebody who didn't realise it's just the caps that have gone.
If it's maintaining speed once it's got there, I'd leave well alone. If I ever get impatient at my Axis reaching speed, I just give the platter a flick with my finger to encourage it. The real difference I noticed from the Herc wasn't any gross change in 'wowing' it was a rock solid focussed soundstage. If you get that too, then it's all good.
BTW the second best upgrade I got after the Herc PSU was to treat the Basik Plus to a Hana SH cartridge. Bliss.