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Posted

No that is for a stock 1200 with the standard arm I believe?

I

Am sure it will work for the stock arm but the stock overhang adjuster is far simpler to use.

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Posted

Put your thumb in the centre, it should provide counterweight against the tt lifting up.

I tried that but platter won't come off. I don't want to apply a lot of force and damage it either.

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Posted

Get a small rubber mallet and lightly tap the spindle whilst lifting

That would probably work but if he breaks something he will have to use the mallet on his cranium :unsure:

Posted

They are built tough and very hard to break. Ideally you have two people, one lifting the platter and the other tapping the spindle. Could also try putting some oil or wd40 in there but that can get messy

Posted

Thanks guys. I will give it an attempt sometime. For the moment I have it on a step down transformer and it works. Next I need to finish mounting the cartridge and listening to a record. Then .....

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Posted

Can I ask a complete newbie question (because someone's giving me an SL1200Mk2...)

 

What do you run for a cartridge? I'm ridiculously new to vinyl, I'm not sure whether spending $100 or $300 is worthwhile. I've been told it needs a new cartridge (seeking it), and to get a copy of Kind of Blue (check). The owner's suggested an Ortofon 2M Blue 'will bring some life back to it' (not sure what this means), that I need the alignment tool you've mentioned upthread... etc...

 

i'm happy in the digital world and eager to try vinyl, the last time I heard a SL1200 it sounded smooth if dark (relative to what I'm used to). 

 

@@amdan, how does it sound - what kind of character? What's the cart/pre you're running?

 

(Apologies if the above is extremely newb...)

Posted

Congratulations on your present. Lucky you!!

I am using a Denon DL103 which I gather from other forums is a good match for the turntable and arm. I have also seen the Denon DL110 and DL DL 160 recommended. I use the 103 as I already owned it. It sounds fantastic. Do a Google search for 'cartridge for Technics SL-1200'.

I have only had this TT setup for a couple of days and and may change my mind after the initial impression has passed but am currently extremely happy. It is exactly the sound I have been looking for for the past 12 years since starting the audiophile journey. The music is engaging the way I remember it being in the eighties. Of course this could be due to the cartridge and not so much the TT. I haven't tested this theory this yet but will do so when I get another headshell.

As for how it sounds, this is difficult to say as we all have different reference points for how we perceive music. That's why I find product reviews of limited use. I can say this, my other TT is a Michell Orbe/Tecnoarm/Dynavector DV-XX2 which costs 10 times more. If I had to choose between them I would pick the Technics. This is based on my classic rock albums. I haven't listened to any jazz or orchestral music on the Technics. I am currently listening to 'In through the out door' by Led Zeppelin and it sounds great. It sounds anaemic on the Michell.

Listening to the Technics has made me realise that the bass from the Michell/DV is muddy. The Technics produces a much clearer bass line in a much darker background without losing any top end energy. However the top end is not as detailed and accurate as the Michell/DV. The Technics/ Denon also sounds more dynamic to me.

My current phono stage is an Eastern Electric Minimax.

The alignment tool is available on eBay but from overseas only so order it now. Hopefully it will arrive before your TT. The alternative is to use an alignment protractor. I used the one from the HIFI News test record.

BTW I would follow the owner's advice and get a new cartridge. I presume he has experience with the TT.

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Posted

There must be other Technics SL-1200 owners out there. Please chime in!

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Posted

The Japanese model of the M5G is fixed at 100V. Their international models were user selectable for the US and Europe. So there won't be a voltage selector under the platter. You can usually confirm this through the label on the back - if user selectable it will refer to both voltages. If fixed, it will only state 100V. I assume it is 50Hz or 60Hz auto sensing...?

Excellent deck - enjoy the music!

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Posted (edited)

Congratulations on your present. Lucky you!!

I am using a Denon DL103 which I gather from other forums is a good match for the turntable and arm. I have also seen the Denon DL110 and DL DL 160 recommended. I use the 103 as I already owned it. It sounds fantastic. Do a Google search for 'cartridge for Technics SL-1200'.

I have only had this TT setup for a couple of days and and may change my mind after the initial impression has passed but am currently extremely happy. It is exactly the sound I have been looking for for the past 12 years since starting the audiophile journey. The music is engaging the way I remember it being in the eighties. Of course this could be due to the cartridge and not so much the TT. I haven't tested this theory this yet but will do so when I get another headshell.

As for how it sounds, this is difficult to say as we all have different reference points for how we perceive music. That's why I find product reviews of limited use. I can say this, my other TT is a Michell Orbe/Tecnoarm/Dynavector DV-XX2 which costs 10 times more. If I had to choose between them I would pick the Technics. This is based on my classic rock albums. I haven't listened to any jazz or orchestral music on the Technics. I am currently listening to 'In through the out door' by Led Zeppelin and it sounds great. It sounds anaemic on the Michell.

Listening to the Technics has made me realise that the bass from the Michell/DV is muddy. The Technics produces a much clearer bass line in a much darker background without losing any top end energy. However the top end is not as detailed and accurate as the Michell/DV. The Technics/ Denon also sounds more dynamic to me.

My current phono stage is an Eastern Electric Minimax.

The alignment tool is available on eBay but from overseas only so order it now. Hopefully it will arrive before your TT. The alternative is to use an alignment protractor. I used the one from the HIFI News test record.

BTW I would follow the owner's advice and get a new cartridge. I presume he has experience with the TT.

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I bought a brand new SL1210 M5G back in 2004 for use in a second system.

Main system had an Avid Sequel turntable with Rega RB1000 arm.

After about 6 months I got around to comparing the two .

I bought a Zupreme headshell for the technics and mounted the Lyra Argo i from the Avid onto it.

Much to my surprise the Technics was better in every way , particularly with tightness of bass and subtle detail in the low frequencies .....no more belt drive blur and bye bye Avid.

.

Edited by MarkT
  • Like 3
Posted

Interesting experience MarkT. I will be mounting my DV on the 1200 and doing a comparison soon.

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Posted

The Japanese model of the M5G is fixed at 100V. Their international models were user selectable for the US and Europe. So there won't be a voltage selector under the platter. You can usually confirm this through the label on the back - if user selectable it will refer to both voltages. If fixed, it will only state 100V. I assume it is 50Hz or 60Hz auto sensing...?

Excellent deck - enjoy the music!

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Thanks Hensa. I checked the label. It only mentions 100V 50/60.

Amy idea why the MK5G headshell comes with a 4 gram weight? Mine is missing and I wondered if I need it. Sounds fine without.

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Posted

I'd always assumed it was to enable you to use very light cartridges without the sub-weight being had up against the pillar as some light carts still need a decent amount of vtf. Happy to corrected on that assumption though.

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Posted

Particularly heartened at the character trait, it should be something completely different to my current sources. 

 

Mine's actually an early MkII which I'told has voltage/freq adjust under the platter.

 

The DL103 gets rave reviews though my Minister of Finance will shoot me if I go that far (I've got to find a pre for this thing too), so prob the 2M Blue then.

 

The headshell comments are interesting - I've read much on an increased mass headshell being suitable, and my friend lost the weight that came with the original some time ago... I can't find the Zupreme mentioned on eBay; is there a place anyone could recommend?

 

Sincerest thanks all... I'm getting more and more excited about this. I spend most of my time making digital sound analogue, this is going to be a fun departure. 

Posted

I tried that but platter won't come off. I don't want to apply a lot of force and damage it either.

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Congrats on your TT purchase. 

 

Anyone planning to play with a SL1200 should have a good look around the KAB USA website. Here is Kevins tips on removing the platter.

 

I picked up a SL1200 Mk 5 about 3 years ago. Since then my vinyl set-up has come to consist of the Mk5 with a Jelco 750D tonearm, Dynavector 10x5 cart and Dynavector P75 Mk3 phonostage. I use a Funk Firm Achromat and have had some custom feet made from delrin with some Herbies isolation washers and dots for dampening. Here is an old photo with a Denon 110 cart which is a good budget option.

 

post-112167-0-32246000-1453838516_thumb.

 

The feet were made more to get more accurate adjustment on levelling the TT as I had some issues with the original feet. The Jelco arm was chosen for the silicon dampening (and reasonable price). Note that arm changes will require a new armboard like these.

 

Previously I've used the free Technics alignment protractor on Vinyl Engine, then the Accutrak scaled accurately on photo print paper. 

 

I learnt a lot about TTs going through the modding / tweaking process which was one of my objectives. I think the SL1200 is a solid performer with a robust build and user friendly operation which suits me well.

 

Hope you enjoy yours. I'm no expert but if I can help I'm happy to share my experiences with the S1200.

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Posted

I just wish I had kept one of the six I owned when I was a sound guy.

Bummer.

Posted

There must be other Technics SL-1200 owners out there. Please chime in!

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Extremely happy with mine.  It took over from an ARXB that was lovely but needing some attention and getting a new 1210 (in 2009) seemed an easier path.  I bought it in good faith and hoped it would sound good as I could't really afford the Michell I was drooling over at the time. Was extremely pleasantly surprised at just how well the stock machine sounded when I first tried it.  Timing, tracking and the excellent base response were outstanding though overall I found the presentation slightly dark and 2D compared with the XB.  Have made lots of mods since starting with a Mike New bearing and there are few if any shortcomings left so I wouldn't swap it for any other TT.  So simple to use and once set up properly, no adjustments or fiddling needed. :thumb:

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Posted

Congrats on your TT purchase.

Anyone planning to play with a SL1200 should have a good look around the KAB USA website. Here is Kevins tips on removing the platter.

I picked up a SL1200 Mk 5 about 3 years ago. Since then my vinyl set-up has come to consist of the Mk5 with a Jelco 750D tonearm, Dynavector 10x5 cart and Dynavector P75 Mk3 phonostage. I use a Funk Firm Achromat and have had some custom feet made from delrin with some Herbies isolation washers and dots for dampening. Here is an old photo with a Denon 110 cart which is a good budget option.

attachicon.gifDSC03526.JPG

The feet were made more to get more accurate adjustment on levelling the TT as I had some issues with the original feet. The Jelco arm was chosen for the silicon dampening (and reasonable price). Note that arm changes will require a new armboard like these.

Previously I've used the free Technics alignment protractor on Vinyl Engine, then the Accutrak scaled accurately on photo print paper.

I learnt a lot about TTs going through the modding / tweaking process which was one of my objectives. I think the SL1200 is a solid performer with a robust build and user friendly operation which suits me well.

Hope you enjoy yours. I'm no expert but if I can help I'm happy to share my experiences with the S1200.

Hi adamg. This information is gold! ExActly the sort of thing I was looking for. Thanks for the tips.

  • Like 1
Posted

I bought a brand new SL1210 M5G back in 2004 for use in a second system.

Main system had an Avid Sequel turntable with Rega RB1000 arm.

After about 6 months I got around to comparing the two .

I bought a Zupreme headshell for the technics and mounted the Lyra Argo i from the Avid onto it.

Much to my surprise the Technics was better in every way , particularly with tightness of bass and subtle detail in the low frequencies .....no more belt drive blur and bye bye Avid.

.

 

After comparing my M5G (KAB Modded with a Applied Fidelity bearing) with a RP6, I preferred my Technics, similar outcome to your Avid.  The only negative aspect of the Technics is that it has a slightly closed in sound as a stock table.  A brighter cart (An Audio Technica is good value) helps as well as some KAB mods and a bearing upgrade.  The 2 mods that had the biggest impact for me were the KAB fluid damper and the Applied Fidelity bearing along with a precision cart alignment and cleaning my records.  Have fun with the Techie, it's a great table.

Posted

After comparing my M5G (KAB Modded with a Applied Fidelity bearing) with a RP6, I preferred my Technics, similar outcome to your Avid. The only negative aspect of the Technics is that it has a slightly closed in sound as a stock table. A brighter cart (An Audio Technica is good value) helps as well as some KAB mods and a bearing upgrade. The 2 mods that had the biggest impact for me were the KAB fluid damper and the Applied Fidelity bearing along with a precision cart alignment and cleaning my records. Have fun with the Techie, it's a great table.

I bought a Technics SL1000MK2 not long after buying the SL1210M5G .

Then went about modifying the SL1210M5G to see if I could get it up the the SL1000MK2 level.

I put a mike new bearing , kab fluid damper ,sound hifi power supply and isonoe feet on it.

All offered an improvement , with the exception of the outboard power supply which i thought added nothing.

It was a great table by that point... but I felt it still wasn't as good as the SL1000MK2 , so I sold it.

Still have a stock SL1210mk2 and SL1200mk2 in the collection though.....bought new in 2007 and 2008 , glad I grabbed them when I did.

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