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Would a Technics SL-1200 MK2 be an upgrade from a Denon DP-31L?

Hi all,

just wondering if this Technics turntable is superior to my current Denon for home audio use? The Denon is my first and only turntable, and it sounds great so I have no complaints, but I wasn't sure if the Technics would be even better. Especially considering the Technics is a DJ TT, which I don't have a clue if that makes a difference for my usage in a home audio setting.
Price isn't a factor because I'll only pick it up if I can work out some kind of trade for it (although the asking price is $400 in good working order with a new self grounding RCA board installed)

any my advice would be greatly appreciated!

thanks
hockey4496
hockey4496 OP
104 posts
 
Thanks Tim for the feedback, good to hear too regarding the weight. I'll check out the butyl tape as well. Are you saying to put it directly on the metal platter and then the rubber mat on top of the butyl tape?
timlub
1,649 posts
 
Hi hockey4496,  sorry for the confusion,  no, not on top, on the underside and you'll need to make sure that you have clearance for your platter to spin.  You don't want the butyl to rub on anything and affect the speed of your platter by rubbing. 
timlub
1,649 posts
 
Here you go:  butyl tape....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/440-Butyl-Tape-Seal-RV-Windows-Ducting-Great-seal-for-many-applications-/272...
vinny55
162 posts
 
@hockey4496 if you can barely afford 400$ then a Technics 1200 isnt good for you. Unless your willing to spend the money. Look for a revolver or dual.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
Dear Raul, I don't challenge your facts so much as I am surprised to read your post stating that the Denon servo mechanism (as used in the DP31L?) is "bi-directional".  Can you cite evidence for that?  JVC claimed publicly that the TT101 (and maybe the TT81) had bi-directional servo correction, but I don't know of any other manufacturer who used that term, specifically.  Then JP told me that the JVC mechanism is not truly bi-directional in the literal sense, but rather that it operates in six phases instead of three phases. (JP, if you're around, please do correct me.)  To be sure, the top line of the vintage Denons, the DP80 and DP75, and of course the DP100, used 3-phase AC synchronous motors and an ingenious method of continuous speed correction, but I don't know if that qualifies as bi-directional.  And would you think that the DP31L would have had as good a drive system as the 75, 80, and 100 models?

In my opinion, the difference between the SL1200 Mk2 and the DP31L is not worth worrying about, but if I knew more about the DP31L, I might think differently.  It's not much discussed and wasn't one of their stand-outs.  I would also point out that for a bit more money, one could probably own a DP75 or 80, which in my house in my system outperforms an SP10 Mk2, let alone an SL1200.
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