2. analog
  3. 1204087493

Technics SL1200MK2 Cartridge Discussion

Hi,

I'd like to have a thread on cartridges that work with the Technics SL1200MK series tables.

I want to buy a Technics SL1210MK2 (the new black version from Musicians Friend) and need a cartridge recommendation. I am using a Musical Fidelity A308CR preamp that has MM/MC capability. My amps are Bryston 7B ST's and I have a pair of B&W Signature 800's on the way to replace my N801's. The MF Preamp is rolled off on top and the system is very listenable for long lengths of time. I'd describe it as detailed, but not too bright.

I really want to try the Technics table as it is relaible and inexpensive ($400 shipped or less for a used table if I go the ebay route). Please do not try to talk me into a different table. I had a VPI Scout and Dynavector 20x (High output) that I sold because I just wasn't using it. I'd like to keep this cheap so that I have decent TT available when and if I want to use it.

What can you recommed for a cart? I'd like to keep $160 to $200 as a max and stay lower if possible. Here is what I am considering:

Denon 103 (not the R)
Denon 110
Denon 160

Audio Technica 440 MLa

Shure M97xe

I do not know what carts work well with the Technics tonearm. I know that it is light and some threads recommend a Sumiko headshell for the Denons. What do I need to know here before buying a table and cart.

Thanks.
tigerwoodkhorns
tvad
9,467 posts
 
You'll notice the Audiogon analog Big Guns never get involved in these Technics discussion threads...

:)
perfectionist
197 posts
 

Being a hardware tech I would like to agree with much of what Les_creative_edge has to say as far as build quality and engineering. In a world of over priced, esoteric TT's, I think it is a thing of beauty. The textile feel of the controls is amazing and so easy to use, especially after a few cocktails. And on the fly VTA is crucial. Can it be improved upon with mods, yes. But I agree that changing the arm on this deck would be a crying shame. This table has a lot of history, and Technics has R&D'd the hell out of it. I also love the hockey puck base, and would like to add something fun here...

I am one of the best detail guys I know (auto/motorcycle). There is a product by Mothers called "Back-to-Black" that is just out of this world (anything "mothers" is great). I highly recommend treating the rubber base with this product. It will make the base look very, very rich. Especially next to the metalflake of the M5G. But I also did my 1210MK5 (charcoal) and it looks fantastic. I know that it would really bring out the contrast on the champaigne silver 1200MK5. One application will last indefinitely. I would not use Armor all or Sun of a Gun as they are very oily. Back-to-Black is not.

Try it, you will like it...
les_creative_edge
170 posts
 
Perfectionist,

Mine has no fluid damper yet, only Cardas rewire. I will spring for the damper down the road. But having owned an RB250 and now the Technics. I see nowhere does it fall short of the RB-250. Both are very nice arms for the money. IMO I think there is no real reason to swap it out for the RB250 or RB300. Maybe higher end Regas but who knows. But hey it's anyone's money to spend. But I think it is simply ridiculous for anyone to think the Technics arm is poor construction. I agree many cottage industry arms are no better but owners of them want to think so given how much they may have spent.

I'm not saying the arm on the SL12xx series is as good as it gets. But for the price of it all it delivers in spades.
cmk
397 posts
 
I hear you guys on the arm. Personally I kinda like VTA on the fly, so keeping the arm is probably the best. As for the arm mods, the KAB Cardas rewire is only to an RCA plate? Don't they have something that goes straight to RCAs or even XLRs?

If I were to do up a no-holds-barred Technics, I supposed it would look like:

KAB SL1210 M5G with:
Outboard PS
Threaded record clamp
SDS Isoplatmat
Isonoe feet
Cardas tonearm rewire into XLRs
Sumiko HS12 headshell
Fluid damper
Denon 103R w Soundsmith OLC retip
Aqvox Phono 2 MkII

Now that would be sweet!
les_creative_edge
170 posts
 
Cmk,

Yes it is to a nice quality plate with Gold plated plug ins and a nice grounding post. I do not think they do a complete one piece run through but you may want to email Kevin at KAB about this.

This said I have no fear in the gold plated termination and so because it allows me to easily swap other cables if I want.
More to discover