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technics 1200?

post #1 of 80
2/7/08 at 1:14pm
Thread Starter 
I am thinking about getting one in the near future. What needs to be upgraded on this thing out of the box? I have read about the cartridge not being that good. Adding an electro-static mat improves the sound quality. What else would I possibly need to factor into the initial cost of this bad mother?
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post #2 of 80
2/7/08 at 2:35pm
As far as initial cost, I'd factor in at least $80 for a cartridge, carbon fiber record brush ($12), bubble level ($5), alignment protractor if you don't want to use a cardboard one ($20), small brush for your cartridge ($15), Shure Stylus Force Gauge ($25). Most of this can be had at Turntable Basics.

I've read through countless posts on Audio Asylum on the subject of upgrading the 1200 if you want to go that route, so although I don't have any direct experience with the table, at least I can pass the info along to you. Many people recommend replacing the cartridge first and foremost. I've also read about someone changing the headshell with good results. A number of posters recommend replacing the tonearm altogether, including SSsportsclay here on Headfi, with the Rega 250 Tonearm. This arm runs $250-300 and the kit for the conversion runs $50-60 IIRC. I've also seen a number of recommendations on swapping the feet with something more substantial. Finally, there are all the KAB USA mods listed here: KAB Electro Acoustics http://www.kabusa.com
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post #3 of 80
2/7/08 at 4:05pm
Excellent post by HiGHFLYiN9!

I have been considering getting a fully modified SL-1200 in the future and my research is basically summed up above.
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post #4 of 80
2/7/08 at 4:13pm
Thread Starter 
wow...that is a great post. thanks HiGHFLYiN9. i love asking questions around here, you get f'n wonderful answers.
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post #5 of 80
2/7/08 at 4:29pm
I am thinking of getting one myself.
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post #6 of 80
2/7/08 at 5:15pm
The 1200 is one of the best turntables to start with, and one you are likely to upgrade rather than replace for something "better". I still regret not holding on to the limited edition gold version that they were also made in. I had the Technics EPA-501H arm fitted to it, of which I still have two of them as it happens. Not that I am recommending that you should go and get the same arm. It is almost impossible to find suitable cartridges for that arm, and even more impossible to find one of those arm. The 1200 gets a 10/10 from me for value and performance once you add a good cartridge and arm.
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post #7 of 80
2/7/08 at 5:15pm
I have 1210MKII with KAB's tonearm fluid dampener and pretty soon will upgrade to external power supply. For now, I have no desire to upgrade to "better" tonearm. I am using Denon DL160 high output MC cart. with Sumicko headshell and I absolutely love it. I got mine on eBay with a killer price of $200 practically brand new with travel case I could not resist that low price even I had two other TTs...which i will both sell soon
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post #8 of 80
2/7/08 at 5:25pm
Thread Starter 
what does upgrading the tonearm do for the TT? i am sure that it improves the sound, or folks wouldn;t be doing it. but i mean how does it differ all that much from one to the other? and what does that fluid dampener do for the tonearm?

yes, your answers are going to lead to more questions for a while. i appreciate all of the help.
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post #9 of 80
2/7/08 at 7:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blmelon View Post
I am thinking about getting one in the near future. What needs to be upgraded on this thing out of the box? I have read about the cartridge not being that good. Adding an electro-static mat improves the sound quality. What else would I possibly need to factor into the initial cost of this bad mother?
The Technics 1200/1210 MK2 is basically a high end audiophile turntable with a run of the mill tonearm.All one has to do to upgrade this turntable to a $2000 level is to install a tonearm on it as good as the typical $2000 turntable will have.The stock turntable does not come with a cartridge but it is furnished with a nice plastic head shell gauge.For people who want to use the stock tonearm,get a Denon DL110 or DL160 and mount it on the head shell with the supplied gauge.No protractor is necessary but a Shure stylus force gauge will come in handy.KABUSA offers upgrades for the Technics $65 stock tonearm and I have little doubt these upgrades will take this inexpensive tonearm about as far as it can go.For those who want to get even more out of the Technics 1200/1210 MK2, installing a new tonearm is the very best way to go.Origin Live and Sound Supports make armboards for Rega and Origin Live tonearms and Sound Supports now makes armboards for SME tonearms.All one has to do is loosen and tighten many socket head cap screws.Most of the greater apes should be able to handle this simple job.
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post #10 of 80
2/10/08 at 8:12pm
I just noticed that HollywoodDJ has the Technics 1200MK2 on sale for $375 and you can also get a Stanton 500E MKII cartridge with an elliptical stylus for $27.99. This outfit isn't exactly a Scout beater but for a newbee who wants to spin vinyl for the first time this deal cannot be beat.
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post #11 of 80
2/11/08 at 2:22pm
Thread Starter 
not a bad deal. what is an eliptical stylus? better yet is it better to have an eliptical vs. one that isn't?
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post #12 of 80
2/11/08 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blmelon View Post
not a bad deal. what is an eliptical stylus? better yet is it better to have an eliptical vs. one that isn't?
The Stanton 500 series is mostly known as a DJ cartridge with a conical stylus.The Stanton 500E MKII is basically the same cartridge with a better elliptical stylus for home use.I have no personal experience with this model but is considered a good bang for the buck.Its a good cartridge for the beginner because of the low cost if you mess it up.Replacement styli are also cheap.I would personally go with an Audio Technica AT120E/T from Garage 'A Records for $69.95.This is an excellent cartridge that I do have experience with and own.It will work good enough on the Technics tonearm that it's well worth the investment.A new and better tonearm should probably be considered for the Technics 1200 for any cartridges beyond the AT120E/T.
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post #13 of 80
2/12/08 at 8:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ssportclay View Post
A new and better tonearm should probably be considered for the Technics 1200 for any cartridges beyond the AT120E/T.
The Denon DL-103 MC is probably the most commonly recommended "audiophile" cart for the stock tonearm, as it's an older design itself so works well with the extra damping the old fashioned Technics arm provides. See here Technics SL-1200 MkII turntable - [English]
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post #14 of 80
2/12/08 at 4:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ssportclay View Post
The Stanton 500 series is mostly known as a DJ cartridge with a conical stylus.
And boy, do they wear out your records quicker. The heavier tracking weight is a worry for me.
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post #15 of 80
2/13/08 at 12:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Herandu View Post
And boy, do they wear out your records quicker. The heavier tracking weight is a worry for me.
The Stanton 500E MKII I recommended actually has an elliptical stylus with a force rating of 1 to 2 grams.It has actually been discontinued and many on other forums are sad from the loss although replacement styli should never be a problem.The Stanton 500AL with the conical stylus has a force rating of 2-5 grams.Record wear should really not be an issue with this one either.
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