Technics Turntables Owners Thread

[Stepping3D]

Hi everyone, just thought I’d share some photos and update of a recent project I’ve been working, putting a switch mode power supply into a 1200mk5g. I was very lucky to pickup a fine example of a table which was already working, so this has just been for improvement and enjoyment purposes. I have also recapped the board with Wima poly and Nichicon muse electrolytic caps wherever I could. Looking forward to powering up in the next few days.  love the thread, it’s been really informative!

[stevoz]

Query concerning Achromat's for Technics TT's.

 

Is it really necessary to buy the 'SL1200 APM' model of Funk Firm Achromat for SL1200 TT's.....in my case, the SL1200GR2.....at $330 per mat, or can one use the normal 5mm Achromat at $180 less.....and what is the difference between them?

Edited October 15, 2024 by stevoz

[April Snow]

8 hours ago, stevoz said:

Query concerning Archomat's for Technics TT's.

 

Is it really necessary to buy the 'SL1200 APM' model of Funk Firm Achromat for SL1200 TT's.....in my case, the SL1200GR2.....at $330 per mat, or can one use the normal 5mm Archomat at $180 less.....and what is the difference between them?

 

I believe it is to do with the different matt  thicknesses and the Technics VTA. From my study of  the achromat for Technics a couple of years ago this is what I came up with anyway.  They are more expensive due to the extra thickness - the Technics being the thicker to allow for the VTA etc. 

 

Others may like to chime in with their own experiences or preferences.

 

I decided to use the stock Technics rubber mat anyway in the end after reading varying reviews / opinions on the different mats & notice most Technics users are more than happy with that mat as it is thick and has good weight and I think helps minimise vibrations anyway.  That was my decision and I am happy with it & put the money towards more records 

 

 

 

Edited October 14, 2024 by April Snow

[stevoz]

13 hours ago, April Snow said:

 

I believe it is to do with the different matt  thicknesses and the Technics VTA. From my study of  the achromat for Technics a couple of years ago this is what I came up with anyway.  They are more expensive due to the extra thickness - the Technics being the thicker to allow for the VTA etc. 

 

Others may like to chime in with their own experiences or preferences.

 

I decided to use the stock Technics rubber mat anyway in the end after reading varying reviews / opinions on the different mats & notice most Technics users are more than happy with that mat as it is thick and has good weight and I think helps minimise vibrations anyway.  That was my decision and I am happy with it & put the money towards more records 

 

 

 

 

I must say I am also very happy with the SQ coming from the GR2 using the stock mat. 

 

I have seen that some users of SL1200's have found that even with the 1200's adjustable VTA they couldn't use certain carts due to their 'profile/size'....but the GR2 comes with a headshell shim to cater for this complaint. Maybe this would make a normal Achromat fine for the SL1200?

Am I even assessing that situation right? Now I'm getting confused.

 

Anyway, despite my initially stated intention, I'm now certainly not going to rush into an Achromat purchase.

Edited October 15, 2024 by stevoz

[kffern]

I have both mats. The APM has a glass like backing and fits neatly into the SP10 platter lip. I think it sounds better than the 5mm achromat on its own. I was using the APM with a thin rubber mat on my Lenco which sounded good. Using Warrens platter top now so going nude. The Lenco is sold.

Edited October 15, 2024 by kffern

[cafe67]

I have the achromat 3mm version on my sl1210gae , works fine 

Edited October 15, 2024 by cafe67

[cafe67]

https://zikra-audio.com/turntables-mc-transformers/turntables

[cafe67]

new review of the gr2
 

https://www.hifinews.com/content/technics-sl-1200gr2
 

 

[stevoz]

12 hours ago, cafe67 said:

new review of the gr2
 

https://www.hifinews.com/content/technlow controlled bass, rhythmically ics-sl-1200gr2
 

 

 

This review popped up on my phone so I did read it....and it confirms what I have experienced in the nearly two months I have had my 1200GR2....."low controlled bass, rhythmically secure, rock solid performance, a superb deck" and "without a doubt, one of the very best vinyl spinners on the scene".

Edited November 3, 2024 by stevoz

[billstevenson]

I am new to this forum and have not read all of the posts in this thread.  I thought I would add to the discussion anyway, FWIW.  I have GAE bought new when they were introduced and love the thing.  It is one of two in daily use, the other is a VPI HW40 Anniversary.  The GAE gets more use probably because I listen to mostly old jazz and it is setup for mono, has greater versatility due to the interchangeable headshell, and I use more than one cartridge.  Anyway, I have tried several different mats for it and find the best one is the new Origin Live, although their older one is also quite good.  With that said, the OEM mat is not bad.  It lacks the sparkle of some of the expensive after market ones, but unless your system is very high end the difference might be so subtle as to be not worth the scratch.

[cafe67]

Interesting comparison of the 3 models 

 

 

Edited January 3 by cafe67

[cafe67]

https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-92-technics-sl-1300g-record-player
 

 

[44maloo]

Here is some photos of my 2 Technics Turntables. On is a SP10 MK2 Warren Jones’s modded. The other is a modded Technics SL1200 MK2. 
 

The SL1200 Is rebuilt new caps lid , slider Mike New Bearing and SME 309 tone arm.

I really enjoyed listening to both of these Turntables they both exhibited excellent sound and only want to keep one, not sure which one i will keep at this moment.

 

Edited January 5 by 44maloo

[andyr]

2 minutes ago, 44maloo said:

I really enjoyed listening to both of these Turntables they both exhibited excellent sound and only want to keep one, not sure which one i will keep at this moment.

 

Unless they both have the same cart fitted - so you can do an exact sonic comparison - I suspect that will be a difficult choice.  

 

[44maloo]

56 minutes ago, andyr said:

 

Unless they both have the same cart fitted - so you can do an exact sonic comparison - I suspect that will be a difficult choice.  

 

I agree, thats why i have 2 SME309 Arms so i can swap the headshells to compare.

[andyr]

9 minutes ago, 44maloo said:

I agree, that's why i have 2 SME309 Arms so i can swap the headshells to compare.

 

Excellente!  

 

[April Snow]

Has anyone got a coin for @44maloo to toss?

It may come to that .................a tough choice indeed. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 5 by April Snow

[blownaway]

On 03/01/2025 at 6:05 PM, cafe67 said:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-92-technics-sl-1300g-record-player
 

 

how does it compare to the 1200G

[metal beat]

On 05/01/2025 at 5:29 PM, 44maloo said:

Here is some photos of my 2 Technics Turntables. On is a SP10 MK2 Warren Jones’s modded. The other is a modded Technics SL1200 MK2. 
 

The SL1200 Is rebuilt new caps lid , slider Mike New Bearing and SME 309 tone arm.

I really enjoyed listening to both of these Turntables they both exhibited excellent sound and only want to keep one, not sure which one i will keep at this moment.

 

 

Wow.   That a 1200 is keeping up with the SP10 MK2 is very interesting. 

  The SP10 should be the superior table.

    That both have been modified adds some intrigue into the equation. 

[plexxx]

I recently purchased a 1210GR2, my first experience with Technics beyond using them in record stores. I'm very pleased with the sound and build quality.  However, I'm encountering a couple of minor challenges that this community might be able to assist with:

 

Tonearm Lock: I'm having difficulty securing the tonearm lock in the designated position. The manual advises using "some force," but I haven't been able to fully lock it as shown in the manual. I've tried applying significant pressure. Currently, the lock is only halfway engaged. Is it normal and should I really just push harder?

 

Tonearm Lifter: The tonearm lifter requires full upward extension to barely clear the record. I've attempted to adjust the lifter, but finding the optimal position has proven somewhat challenging. Ideally, I'd like the tonearm to lift off the record when the lifter is raised to approximately the halfway point. I'm used to Rega lifters which have always just worked out of the box.

 

I would appreciate any insights or solutions from fellow 1200 owners.

Edited January 13 by plexxx

[cafe67]

https://hifiplus.com/articles/technics-sl-1200gr2/?utm_source=Default+hi-fi%2B+List&utm_campaign=4bf5418b40-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_01_29_01_54&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-4bf5418b40-163384889&goal=0_ff6dfd0295-4bf5418b40-163384889&mc_cid=4bf5418b40&mc_eid=ccf1d258ae&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2gTK4lp0-MjWmzBWXrMZfiFdwUcvouWkh2NadlvkMBhLuhw0rhGiAAQe0_aem_IeAuR-r5af7Ns3Che1-ZTA

[cafe67]

On 13/1/2025 at 7:11 PM, plexxx said:

I recently purchased a 1210GR2, my first experience with Technics beyond using them in record stores. I'm very pleased with the sound and build quality.  However, I'm encountering a couple of minor challenges that this community might be able to assist with:

 

Tonearm Lock: I'm having difficulty securing the tonearm lock in the designated position. The manual advises using "some force," but I haven't been able to fully lock it as shown in the manual. I've tried applying significant pressure. Currently, the lock is only halfway engaged. Is it normal and should I really just push harder?

 

Tonearm Lifter: The tonearm lifter requires full upward extension to barely clear the record. I've attempted to adjust the lifter, but finding the optimal position has proven somewhat challenging. Ideally, I'd like the tonearm to lift off the record when the lifter is raised to approximately the halfway point. I'm used to Rega lifters which have always just worked out of the box.

 

I would appreciate any insights or solutions from fellow 1200 owners.

Hiya 

 

I had a look around for you and there’s a fair bit on the tone arm  lock in this thread - but it seems once there is no more movement , you’re good, ie don’t force it 

 

Re the arm lifter I guess you are following this - so I guess trial and error until you are happy? 

https://help.na.panasonic.com/answers/how-do-i-adjust-the-armlift-height-on-the-sl-1200gae-or-sl-1210grp

 

 

 

Edited January 30 by cafe67

[DAMO 1147]

Still very happy with my stock 1200gr - rock solid no issues.

I probably only use my deck 1/4 of my listening time.

still great deck for a turntable nuffy like me.

[plexxx]

17 hours ago, cafe67 said:

Hiya 

 

I had a look around for you and there’s a fair bit on the tone arm  lock in this thread - but it seems once there is no more movement , you’re good, ie don’t force it 

 

Re the arm lifter I guess you are following this - so I guess trial and error until you are happy? 

https://help.na.panasonic.com/answers/how-do-i-adjust-the-armlift-height-on-the-sl-1200gae-or-sl-1210grp

 

 

 

Thanks. I made further adjustments, to the lift, at one point turning too much resulting in the screw coming out (OOPS) but managed to work it out and while it's not perfect like my Rega was, it's pretty good.

 

I've done what I can for the lift lock. it's not moving at all so satisfied with it as is. 

 

[hugo_wilco]

This review just in from Michael Fremer. 
 

Wish someone would buy my SL-1500c so I have reason to buy a 1300g

 

 

https://trackingangle.com/equipment