Technics Mk5G tonearm upgrade

[ravingdave]

Hi all,

I use a Technics 1210Mk5G. I am interested in ideas to improve this deck. I use it exclusively at home with a Denon DL-160 HOMC Cart or a AT-95E. From what I have read a tonearm upgrade is the way to go. Which arm would work best? I would not be able to mount a new arm myself confidently. Does anyone know of a reputable business in Sydney who could do this for me? Or would I just be better off selling this deck and getting a Rega/Project/Music Hall deck for around $1000? Your input would be appreciated

Dave

[ophool]

Rather than replace the arm, which is well suited to the cartridges you are using, I would suggest a better quality headshell, such as this one, the KAB damper trough and a different mat, I would recommend the Funk Achromat, but many like the Herbies mat for Technics. You might then consider an external PSU and perhaps a set of Isonoe feet.

It is also possible to replace the armtube with one rewired with Cardas wire (also available from KAB) and the external wiring.

Although the 5G has better quality wiring than the stock MkII and any improvement would be marginal at best.

Most improvement for least outlay will be the headshell and mat followed by the damper trough.

I have tried an RB250 on my Techie and was not that impressed, despite that many feel it an improvement over the stock arm, many of those changing the arms on Technics are intending to use more demanding cartridges than you are using.

Depending on the rest of your system, you might get more from a phono stage upgrade after the mat, headshell and damper.

Fitting the damper is not particularly difficult, but, depending on you location in Sydney, it might be possible for me to do that for you.

None of the belt drive tables will give you the same degree of pitch stability of the Technics if you happen to be particularly sensitive to that, my Rega P2 sounds better than my Technics but the modifications to that have taken its total cost way past $1K.

Others will feel differently naturally, but I would not think any of the other options you suggest to be an upgrade rather than a change.

[djb]

Very good suggestions and worth considering if [and onlyif] if pitch control is the issue

i am always wary of upgrade paths that may empty your pockets imperceptably slowly but empty them just the same

go with mat and head shell they r easily reversed if u choose to sell

add up total cost of all the kab add ons add the total to the resale value of your tt and look at what u could buy second hand for this price

i have a mark2 that i have never thought worth the effort -it is after alla dj tt not an audiophile one

[ravingdave]

Thanks guys. I have a decent tube phono stage and a Herbies mat already but the KAB feet and your suddested headshell sound like good cheap options. Any suggestions as to a good (under $250) MM cart to play around with? I do love this deck and plan to keep even if I suddenly become obscenely wealthy

[ravingdave]

oops "suggested"

[cheekyboy]

oops "suggested"

You can edit your own post Dave after it is posted.

Cheers,

Keith